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

Should you visit Zurich or Las Vegas?

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 Las Vegas. 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. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sinful, fun-filled, and entertaining entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Zurich and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Zurich or Las Vegas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas than Zurich. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Zurich attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Zurich and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Zurich different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich
Las Vegas

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

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.

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.


Is Zurich or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Zurich is not a theatre destination.

Las Vegas is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Zurich is not a theatre destination.

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

Zurich
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Zurich or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Las Vegas is a world class party destination. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.


Is Zurich or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Las Vegas There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Is Zurich or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zurich is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Las Vegas for its luxury resorts. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Zurich or Las Vegas Better for its Old Town?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Zurich is very popular for its historic old town. However, Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.

Zurich has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Las Vegas?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Both Zurich and Las Vegas are terrific shopping destinations.

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.

Many people travel to Las Vegas specifically to go shopping. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Is Zurich or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Zurich is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Zurich is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Zurich or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Las Vegas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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.


Is Zurich or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Zurich is a good destination for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

Is Zurich or Las Vegas Better for Students?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Zurich is very popular for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.

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.

Las Vegas is not popular with students.

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

Zurich
Las Vegas

Zurich is notable for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Zurich can move around easily with public transportation. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.


Is Zurich or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Zurich
Las Vegas

Zurich is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.

Zurich is very walkable. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Las Vegas?

Both Zurich and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Zurich. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas than Zurich. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zurich than Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Zurich 2-5 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Zurich or Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Las Vegas?

You'll find live music and food around the liberal 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.

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?

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 Las Vegas. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $170
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $340
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Las Vegas? 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 Las Vegas


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 and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Las Vegas $53
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 Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer From Hotel To Zurich Airport or Vice Versa: $56
  • Noumea Cruise Port to Noumea hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $71
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $76
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Business Car: $82
  • Private Transfer From Hotel in Zurich To Zurich Airport: $88
  • Private Transfer From Zurich Airport To Hotel in Zurich: $88
  • Private Zurich Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Van: $91
  • Departure Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila city hotels: $22
  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport Transfer Any Part of Manila: $23
  • Private Transfer: McCarran Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas City Center: $26
  • Private Transfer from Salomague Cruise Port to Laoag city hotels: $46
  • Private Transfer from Laoag city hotels to Salomague Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Salomague Port to Laoag Airport (LAO) : $46
  • Private Transfer from Subic Bay Cruise Port to Angeles City: $46
  • Private Transfer from Angeles City to Subic Bay Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Arrival Transfer: From Las Vegas Airport: $48
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $50
  • Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas to McCarran International Airport (LAS): $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas $80
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

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


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.

  • Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
  • Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $49
  • Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
  • Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
  • Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino: $78
  • Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
  • Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Las Vegas $78

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.49
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.34
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.39
  • Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.51
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Highlights Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $14
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $14

Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

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

  • Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Red Rock Canyon: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Self-Guided Red Rock Canyon Audio Driving Tour: $8.99
  • Las Vegas Strip: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Las Vegas’ Glitter Gulch, Ghosts and Gangsters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Dowtown Las Vegas: $10
  • Hoover Dam: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Sightseeing Highlights Digital Tour: $13
  • Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Audio-Guided Tour: $14
  • Las Vegas Natural History Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Red Rock Canyon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Las Vegas Strip Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour : $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $29
    Las Vegas $55

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
  • Informative wine tasting with Italian appetizers in the secure wine cellar: $156

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
  • Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Red Velvet Burlesque Show in Las Vegas: $55
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • Ticket for Black Girl Magic Burlesque: $67
  • Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
  • NIGHTOUT Vegas Bar Crawl: $70


When comparing the travel costs between Zurich and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Las Vegas, 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.