A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Flam for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Zurich or Flam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Flam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Zurich and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich. Although Zurich and Flam are popular destinations, Zurich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zurich is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Flam attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster. Flam is famous for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Zurich different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Flam and Zurich. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zurich or Flam?

Zurich is a great city for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

Is the Food Better in Zurich or Flam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zurich and Flam offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Flam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

Is Zurich or Flam Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a great city for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Zurich has something for everybody. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Zurich or Flam Better for Music?

Zurich is a great city for live music. However, Flam is not a live music destination.

Zurich has a thriving music scene. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Flam is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Zurich offers plenty to see. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Zurich or Flam Better for Hiking?

Flam is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Flam?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Zurich. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Zurich or Flam Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Flam are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Flam. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

Is Zurich or Flam Better for Couples?

Zurich and Flam both excellent destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Flam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Is Zurich or Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Flam are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Zurich or Flam Better for Students?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Flam is not popular with students.

Is Zurich or Flam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zurich is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its public transit.

Visitors to Zurich can move around easily with public transportation. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Zurich or Flam a more walkable city?

Zurich and Flam both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

Flam is a very walkable destination. There are many great walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Flam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flam or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zurich or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zurich than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Flam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zurich, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than Flam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zurich that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zurich than Flam if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Zurich.

One day in Zurich or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Flam might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Flam?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Flam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or Flam?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Zurich. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flam. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Flam?

The historic city of Zurich offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Flam is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Flam, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Flam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Flam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Flam and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Flam.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Flam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Flam?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 680 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Flam, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Zurich or Flam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zurich or Flam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Flam. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

In July, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Zurich usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Flam in the Autumn?

Both Flam and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Flam for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Zurich is a little warmer than Flam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Flam. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Flam in the Winter?

Both Flam and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Flam in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Flam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In the winter, Zurich is much warmer than Flam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Flam averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Flam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Flam. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Flam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Zurich is generally much warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Zurich usually receives less rain than Flam. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Flam and Zurich