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

Should you visit Zurich or Pisa?

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 Pisa. 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Pisa

Pisa is a classic, charming, and iconic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Zurich and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Pisa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zurich than Pisa. Zurich is bigger than Pisa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zurich is better known for its music, historical sights, and shopping, while Pisa is more popular for its beaches. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Zurich different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Zurich and Pisa.

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.

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Both Zurich and Pisa offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. 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.

Pisa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Zurich or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Pisa are superb 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.

Pisa has a large number of nightlife venues. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Zurich or Pisa Better for Music?

Zurich is a great city for its live music scene. However, Pisa is not a live music destination.

Zurich has a thriving music scene. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Pisa is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a good destination for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Pisa offers a nice beach destination. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Zurich has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Pisa?

Zurich is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Zurich draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Zurich or Pisa Better for Families?

Zurich is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Zurich is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Zurich or Pisa Better for Couples?

Zurich is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Zurich is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Zurich or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa 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.

Pisa is a great city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Zurich and Pisa are both amazing 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 Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

Zurich is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Zurich or Pisa a more walkable city?

Zurich and Pisa both are superb 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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Pisa?

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

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

One day in Zurich or Pisa?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pisa. 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful 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 Pisa. 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 Pisa?

The beautiful 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 shopping and museums when visiting the classic destination of Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Pisa?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Pisa. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pisa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Pisa. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Pisa. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Pisa. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Pisa. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Zurich is cooler than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Zurich usually receives less rain than Pisa. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Zurich