A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Zurich or New York City?

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 New York City. 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 live music, food, and shopping.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Zurich and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Zurich. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Zurich attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Zurich and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Zurich different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Is Zurich or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Zurich is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Zurich is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Zurich or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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 New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City 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.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

New York City 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 New York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

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 New York City Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, New York City does not have a historic old town.

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.

New York City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or New York City?

Both Zurich and New York City 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 New York City specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Is Zurich or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Zurich does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Zurich does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Zurich or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Zurich does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to New York City to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Zurich does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Zurich or New York City Better for Families?

Both Zurich and New York City are excellent 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 New York City. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Zurich or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City 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.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City 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.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City Better for Students?

Zurich and New York City are both terrific destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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

New York City is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Zurich or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or New York City?

Both Zurich and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Zurich. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Zurich or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Zurich. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the historic destination of Zurich. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Zurich much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe and New York City 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 Zurich would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zurich 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Zurich.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Zurich during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In July, Zurich is generally cooler than New York City. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in July than New York City. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and New York City. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Zurich is around the same temperature as New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than New York City. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or New York City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as New York City. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In the winter, Zurich is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

Zurich usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as New York City. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Zurich usually receives less rain than New York City. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Zurich