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

Should you visit Zurich or Glencoe?

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 Glencoe. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a natural, serene, and beautiful village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Zurich and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Glencoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich. Although Zurich and Glencoe are both popular with visitors, Zurich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zurich is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Glencoe is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Glencoe and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Glencoe is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Zurich different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Zurich is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Zurich is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Zurich or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is well known for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Zurich is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Zurich or Glencoe Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for its music scene. However, Glencoe is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Glencoe is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Glencoe Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Is Zurich or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

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

Glencoe is a popular spot for hiking. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Glencoe?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Zurich is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zurich or Glencoe Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Glencoe are very good 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 Glencoe. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Is Zurich or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Zurich and Glencoe both very good 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.

Glencoe makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Zurich or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

Is Zurich or Glencoe Better for Students?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for students. However, Glencoe is not popular with students.

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

Glencoe is not popular with students.

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

Zurich is well known for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Zurich or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Zurich is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known 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.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Glencoe?

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

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

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Glencoe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Glencoe?

In Zurich, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer.

Glencoe 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 Glencoe?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Zurich. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the serene destination of Glencoe. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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