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

Should you visit Zurich or Miami?

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 Miami. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami

Miami is a high energy, glamorous, and exciting beach 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 beaches.

Zurich and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Miami?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami. Although Zurich and Miami are about the same size, Miami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Miami is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Zurich attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Zurich and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also well known for South Beach. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Zurich different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami 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 Miami, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami Better for Nightlife?

Miami 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.

Miami is a world class party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami Better for Music?

Miami 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 Miami Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

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 Miami Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Miami for its luxury resorts. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Zurich or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Miami offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Miami Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Miami does not have a historic old town.

Zurich offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Miami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Miami?

Both Zurich and Miami are first-rate 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 Miami specifically to go shopping. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Is Zurich or Miami Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Miami are high quality 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 Miami. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Zurich or Miami Better for Couples?

Zurich and Miami both high quality 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.

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Is Zurich or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Miami are nice destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Zurich or Miami Better for Students?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Zurich. 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 Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Zurich is well known for its public transit. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Zurich or Miami a more walkable city?

Zurich and Miami both are high quality 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.

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Miami?

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

Families should spend more time in Miami than Zurich. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Miami, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

One day in Zurich or Miami?

In Zurich, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Miami 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 Miami?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Miami?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Miami, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Miami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe and Miami is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Miami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Miami 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 Miami.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Miami?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Miami. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zurich is generally cooler than Miami. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Zurich usually receives less rain than Miami. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Miami. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Zurich is much colder than Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Miami. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Zurich can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zurich is much colder than Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Miami during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Miami. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In April, Zurich is generally much colder than Miami. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Miami. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Miami and Zurich