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

Should you visit Zurich or Innsbruck?

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 Innsbruck. 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a scenic, youthful , and adventurous city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Zurich and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Innsbruck?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zurich than Innsbruck. Zurich is bigger than Innsbruck, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zurich is better known for its museums, music, and shopping, while Innsbruck is more popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is more touristy than Zurich and is known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. 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.

How is Zurich different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Innsbruck and Zurich. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Zurich or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Zurich is not a skiing destination.

People head to Innsbruck specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Zurich is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zurich or Innsbruck?

Zurich is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Zurich and Innsbruck offer a number of very good 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.

Innsbruck has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Is Zurich or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Innsbruck are very good 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.

Innsbruck has a large number of nightlife venues. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Is Zurich or Innsbruck Better for Music?

Zurich is notable for its live music scene. However, Innsbruck is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Innsbruck is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Zurich and Innsbruck.

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.

Innsbruck has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

Is Zurich or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

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

Innsbruck is a popular spot for hiking. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Innsbruck?

Zurich is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zurich or Innsbruck Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

Is Zurich or Innsbruck Better for Couples?

Zurich and Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

Is Zurich or Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Innsbruck is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Innsbruck is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Innsbruck Better for Students?

Zurich is very popular for students. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Many students visit Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

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

Both Zurich and Innsbruck offer very good public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

The public transit in Innsbruck can get you to most places easily. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

Is Zurich or Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Zurich and Innsbruck both are very good when exploring on foot.

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.

Innsbruck is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Zurich or Innsbruck. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zurich due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-4 days is enough time in Innsbruck.

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than Innsbruck. 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 Innsbruck than Zurich 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 Innsbruck.

One day in Zurich or Innsbruck?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Innsbruck. 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 Innsbruck?

You'll find live music and food around the beautiful destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic city of Zurich. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful destination of Innsbruck. This city 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Innsbruck?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Innsbruck, 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.