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

Should you visit Zurich or Naples?

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 Naples. 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 historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful city. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Zurich, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Zurich is known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Naples and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Zurich different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Zurich and Naples.

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.

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Naples 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 Naples, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Naples are great 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.

Naples has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Zurich or Naples Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for its music scene. However, Naples is not a live music destination.

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.

Naples is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Naples?

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

Zurich is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Zurich or Naples Better for Families?

Zurich is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Zurich is known to be 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Zurich or Naples Better for Couples?

Zurich and Naples both great 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.

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Zurich or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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.

Naples is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

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

Zurich is a great destination 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 Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Both Zurich and Naples offer great public transit options.

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

The public transit in Naples can get you to most places easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Zurich or Naples a more walkable city?

Zurich and Naples both are great 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.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zurich and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than in Naples. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Naples. 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 Naples. 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 Naples 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 Naples.

One day in Zurich or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Naples is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Naples?

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

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Naples?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful destination of Zurich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic big city of Naples. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Naples?

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

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Naples. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Naples during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Naples. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Naples in the Autumn?

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

In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Naples. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Zurich is much colder than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Naples during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Naples. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Naples for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Naples. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Naples. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Zurich