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

Should you visit Zurich or Nice?

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 Nice. 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 beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Zurich and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Nice?

Both Nice and Zurich have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Zurich is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Zurich and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Zurich different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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 Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice 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.

Nice is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Music?

Zurich is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Nice is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich is very popular with diverse venues. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Nice is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Nice Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Zurich or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zurich or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a well-known place for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Nice?

Zurich is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its shopping areas.

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 visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Zurich or Nice Better for Families?

Zurich is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Zurich or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice 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.

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Nice are notable 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Zurich or Nice Better for Students?

Zurich is renowned for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Zurich is a very popular city for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Both Zurich and Nice offer very good public transit options.

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

The public transit in Nice can get you to most places easily. There are both buses and trams.

Is Zurich or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Nice?

In either Zurich or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Nice has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nice than Zurich. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

One day in Zurich or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. 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.

A weekend in Zurich or Nice?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice 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 Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. 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.

A week in Zurich or Nice?

The liberal city of Zurich offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glamourous destination of Nice. This seaside destination 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Nice?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Nice. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the autumn, Zurich is cooler than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Nice. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Nice. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Nice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Nice. Many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Zurich is cooler than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Nice. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Zurich