A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Fussen for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Zurich or Fussen?

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 Fussen. 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 beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fussen

Fussen is a charming, picturesque, and quintesential town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Zurich and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Fussen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zurich than Fussen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zurich is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Fussen is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Fussen is well known for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle.

How is Zurich different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fussen 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 Fussen?

Zurich is great for its historical sights. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fussen. Most people stopping in town are on their way to or from the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most famous castles in Germany as many people say it was the inspiration for the Disney Castle.

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

Zurich is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Zurich has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Fussen area. Many restaurants embrace the fairytale setting and offer their own storybook atmosphere. This is a well worn tourist path, so you'll find a number of restaurants serving traditional dishes specifically for the tourists.

Is Zurich or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is great for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Zurich for the nightlife scene. 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.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Zurich or Fussen Better for Music?

Zurich is great for its live music scene. However, Fussen is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich draws a good crowd. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Fussen is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the amazing old town areas in both Zurich and Fussen.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Fussen has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

Is Zurich or Fussen Better for Hiking?

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

Fussen is a popular spot for hiking. The countryside offers a number of beautiful trails that pass through forests and meadows. You'll also find waterfalls and nice viewpoints. The hikes are very well marked with excellent signage.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Fussen?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Zurich draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zurich or Fussen Better for Families?

Zurich is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Zurich is very family-friendly. 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.

Fussen is a family-friendly place to visit. Neuschwanstein Castle is not far away, and it's a big part of why some families may stay in this small town. Kids will also enjoy wandering around the old town and grabbing ice cream. Just outside of town is Lechfall, which is a manmade waterfall and a little further is the Treetop Walkway. The surrounding area also has a lot of natural beauty as well as giant alpine slides.

Is Zurich or Fussen Better for Couples?

Zurich and Fussen both superb 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.

Fussen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It sits at the end of Germany's Romantic Road and the small town does not disappoint. For many, it's a stopover while visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but the surrounding countryside is also beautiful and worth exploring.

Is Zurich or Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Fussen are notable 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 Fussen. For its small size, the town has a number of hostels to choose from. Prices are reasonable, so this is a nice option for backpackers passing through the area.

Is Zurich or Fussen Better for Students?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Fussen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Fussen is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Zurich can get you around easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Fussen has a few public transit options. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Is Zurich or Fussen a more walkable city?

Fussen is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Fussen on foot. It's easy to walk from one side of the old town to the other in half an hour.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Fussen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zurich and Fussen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than in Fussen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-3 days is enough time in Fussen.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Fussen. 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 Fussen. 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 Fussen 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 Fussen?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Fussen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Fussen?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Fussen 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 Fussen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fussen. 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 Fussen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Fussen is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Fussen, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Fussen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fussen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fussen 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 Fussen.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Fussen?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Fussen, 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.