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

Should you visit Zurich or Houston?

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 Houston. 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. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Houston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Houston than Zurich. Houston is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Houston is better known for its big city activities, while Zurich is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Houston and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. Also, Houston is famous for The Space Center Houston.

How is Zurich different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Zurich and Houston.

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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

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

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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Zurich or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Houston are excellent when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Houston has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Zurich or Houston Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

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.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is Zurich or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Houston?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Zurich or Houston Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Houston 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 Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Zurich or Houston Better for Couples?

Zurich is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Zurich or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Zurich or Houston Better for Students?

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

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.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

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

Public transit in Zurich can get you to some places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Zurich or Houston a more walkable city?

Zurich is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Houston?

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

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

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.

Houston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Houston?

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.

Houston 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 Houston?

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 Houston. 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 Houston?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the southern big city of Houston. This city 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Zurich and Houston, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Zurich is in Europe and Houston is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Houston. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

Zurich is cooler than Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Zurich usually receives less rain than Houston. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Houston. 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 Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Zurich is much colder than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Houston. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

Zurich is much colder than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Houston. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Zurich