A Travel Price Comparison for Switzerland Zurich vs. Interlaken for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Zurich or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken. 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 liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Zurich and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

How is Zurich different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zurich or Interlaken Better for Food?

Both Zurich and Interlaken offer a number of unique 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.

Interlaken has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Zurich or Interlaken Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Interlaken are 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Is Zurich or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Zurich and Interlaken both fun 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.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Is Zurich or Interlaken Better for Public Transit?

Both Zurich and Interlaken offer public transit options.

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

The public transit in Interlaken can get you to most places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Zurich or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Zurich and Interlaken both are comparable 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is relatively walkable.

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Interlaken?

In either Zurich or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Zurich is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Interlaken is 2-5 days.

One day in Zurich or Interlaken?

With live music and food around the historic city of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. 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 Interlaken?

With food and shopping around the destination of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Five days in Zurich or Interlaken?

Zurich, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Interlaken?

Zurich is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the adventurous destination of Interlaken. This town 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.

When is the best time to visit Zurich or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken 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 Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Interlaken. Temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Interlaken stays around 21°C (70°F).

In Interlaken, 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 Interlaken. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Zurich or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Interlaken. 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 Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Interlaken in the autumn. The temperature in Zurich is usually 13°C (56°F) in October, and Interlaken stays around 13°C (56°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Interlaken. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Interlaken in the Winter?

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

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zurich is around the same temperature as Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January are around 3°C (37°F), and Interlaken is about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Interlaken. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken 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. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In April, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Interlaken. Temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Interlaken stays around 12°C (53°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Interlaken. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Zurich