A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Gdansk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zurich or Gdansk?

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 Gdansk. 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.

Where Should I go: Zurich or Gdansk?

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Zurich?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $268, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is $54. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zurich and Gdansk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $170
    Gdansk $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $340
    Gdansk $54
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Gdansk

Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Gdansk? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Zurich


Hotels in Gdansk


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zurich Hotel Prices and Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Gdansk $8.53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes S Class 3pax: $179
  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes V-Class 6pax: $168
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $138
  • Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Private Car/Van: $95
  • Davos: Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $601
  • Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $138
  • Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $95
  • EnglishPrivate One Way Transfer Zurich Airport To Davos: $374
  • From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $78
  • From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $314
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • Gdańsk Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Elblag: $15
  • Gdańsk Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Ostróda: $23
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport (GDN) to Gdynia Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Gdynia Cruise Port to Gdansk Airport (GDN): $28
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Gdansk city: $33
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk city to Gdansk (GDN) Airport: $33
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Gdansk HTL-APT (GDN): $34
  • From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Sta: $36
  • Alle Taxi - Airport Transfer Gdansk: $36
  • Gdansk Airport: Private Transfer to Gdansk, Sopot, or Gdynia: $37
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Gdynia City: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Minivan: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Gdansk?

Prices for flights to both Gdansk and Zurich change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Zurich $62
    Gdansk $20
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $94
  • 4-hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • Private Food-Pairing Dinner Experience: $121
  • Gdansk foodpairing dinner: $124
  • Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Gdansk Food Tour Experience: $168
  • Gdańsk: World-Class Fine Dining Dinner on the Top Floor: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Gdansk $8.13

Tours and Activities in Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.47
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
  • Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $14

Tours and Activities in Gdansk

Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Gdańsk: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Gdańsk: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • Discover Gdansk! - €5 Walking Tour: $5.46
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $6.31
  • Gdańsk: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Gdansk Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Individual Sightseeing Tour with Audio Guide: $7.43
  • Gdańsk: Sightseeing Cruise around the Old Town of Gdansk: $14
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Gorgeous Gdansk Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Gdańsk : Catamaran River Cruise (group): $17
  • Gdańsk: Motlawa River Yacht Cruise: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $29
    Gdansk $4.74

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $31
  • eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich: $129

Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $25
  • Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Gdansk?

Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Gdansk, 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 Gdansk?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zurich or Gdansk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Gdansk. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is a little warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Gdansk averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gdansk this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Gdansk 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Gdansk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Gdansk. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Zurich is generally much warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in October than Gdansk. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Gdansk in the Winter?

Both Gdansk and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Gdansk in the winter. The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Zurich is much warmer than Gdansk in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Gdansk -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Gdansk in the Spring?

Both Gdansk and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In the spring, Zurich is much warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Gdansk averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Gdansk. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Gdansk. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Gdansk 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Gdansk and Zurich

Zurich Gdansk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -2°C (28°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (34°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)