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

Should you visit Zurich or Gjovik?

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 Gjovik. 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 historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gjovik

Gjovik is a friendly, relaxed, and accessible town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Gjovik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Zurich or Gjovik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich. Although Zurich and Gjovik are both popular with visitors, Zurich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zurich is more touristy than Gjovik and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Gjovik is popular for its beautiful surrounding countryside and nice landscape.

How is Zurich different from Gjovik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich
Gjovik

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Gjovik is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of sights and attractions near town such as the Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall and the Royal Palace.


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

Zurich
Gjovik

Both Zurich and Gjovik offer a number of high quality 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.

Gjovik has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many local restaurants that range from fine dining opportunities to local cafes. Dishes usually include local ingredients that are fresh and high quality.

Is Zurich or Gjovik Better for Nightlife?

Zurich
Gjovik

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Zurich has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Gjovik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find some bars and pubs around town as well as a couple of nightclubs.

Is Zurich or Gjovik Better for Music?

Zurich
Gjovik

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Gjovik is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Zurich has diverse options. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Gjovik is not a live music destination.


Is Zurich or Gjovik Better for its Old Town?

Zurich
Gjovik

Zurich is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Gjovik does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Zurich is revered around the world. 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.

Gjovik does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Gjovik?

Zurich
Gjovik

Zurich is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. 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.

Gjovik is a great destination for shopping. The town center has some nice retail shops with clothing and other interesting items.

Is Zurich or Gjovik Better for Families?

Zurich
Gjovik

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zurich. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Gjovik. You'll find a combination of museums and outdoor adventure activities. There are climbing parks, Olympic centers, and art galleries that the whole family can enjoy.


Is Zurich or Gjovik Better for Couples?

Zurich
Gjovik

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Gjovik is a nice destination for couples. You'll find romantic hotels and many great museums or outdoor parks that couples will appreciate.

Is Zurich or Gjovik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich
Gjovik

Both Zurich and Gjovik are good 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 Gjovik. There's at least one hostel around town, and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Zurich or Gjovik Better for Students?

Zurich
Gjovik

Zurich is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Gjovik is popular with students. The location offers access to much of what Norway has to offer, making it a nice place to base yourself while you're studying.


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

Zurich
Gjovik

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Zurich offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Gjovik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Zurich or Gjovik a more walkable city?

Zurich
Gjovik

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

Gjovik is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas as well as walking paths just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Gjovik or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Gjovik?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zurich and Gjovik. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than in Gjovik. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-3 days is enough time in Gjovik.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Gjovik. 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 Gjovik. 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 Gjovik 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.


  • How many days in Zurich or Gjovik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Zurich 2-5 
    Gjovik 1-3

One day in Zurich or Gjovik?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Gjovik. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Zurich or Gjovik?

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.

Gjovik 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 Gjovik?

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 Gjovik. 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 Gjovik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible destination of Gjovik. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Norway, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Gjovik 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 Gjovik is $75. 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 Gjovik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $170
    Gjovik $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $340
    Gjovik $94
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Gjovik

Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Gjovik? 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 Gjovik


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Gjovik $5.91
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:

  • Zurich:Transfer and Ticket to Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum: $109
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $108
  • One-Way Private Airport Transfer: $131
  • 1-Way Private Transfer from the airport to Zurich: $188
  • Zurich to Basel Private Direct Transfer: $205
  • Zurich Private Airport and Hotels Transfer with Round-Trip: $149
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Zurich City: $109
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Lucerne: $251
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Greater Zurich Area: $109
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer from Greater Zurich Area: $109
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Lucerne: $328

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Gjovik?

Prices for flights to both Gjovik 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
    Gjovik $23
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

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


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Gjovik $6.56

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • 007-Elegance: Exclusive Private Tour Schilthorn from Zürich: $627
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $224
  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $101
  • Adventure to Mount Pilatus Gold and Silver tour: $157
  • Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Zürich: $650
  • Alpine Majesty:Zürich to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $799
  • Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $129
  • Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $124
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $73
  • Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $87
  • Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $29
    Gjovik $5.91

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Gjovik?

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

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 Gjovik in the Summer?

Both Gjovik and Zurich during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gjovik in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is a little warmer than Gjovik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Gjovik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Gjovik, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zurich. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gjovik. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gjovik receives 246 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Gjovik. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Gjovik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Gjovik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Gjovik. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Gjovik for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Zurich is generally much warmer than Gjovik. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Gjovik fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Gjovik during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Gjovik receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Gjovik. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Gjovik 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Gjovik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Gjovik. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Gjovik because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Gjovik can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. Zurich is much warmer than Gjovik in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Gjovik fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Gjovik. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gjovik receives 40 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Gjovik. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Gjovik -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Gjovik in the Spring?

Both Gjovik and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is much warmer than Gjovik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Gjovik averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Gjovik during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Gjovik receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Gjovik. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Gjovik 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Gjovik and Zurich

Zurich Gjovik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)