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

Should you visit Zurich or Positano?

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 Positano. 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. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Zurich and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Positano?

Both Positano and Zurich have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Zurich is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Positano is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Zurich and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Zurich different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano 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 Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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 Positano Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Zurich for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Zurich or Positano Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Zurich draws a good crowd. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Positano is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Positano Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Zurich or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zurich or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

Positano offers a nice beach destination. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Zurich and Positano.

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.

Positano has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Zurich or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Positano is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Positano?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for shopping.

Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. 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.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Zurich or Positano Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zurich. 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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Zurich or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano 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.

Positano is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

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 Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Positano are good 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 Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Zurich or Positano Better for Students?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

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.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Zurich or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano 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 Positano on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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 Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Positano?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zurich than Positano 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 Zurich.

One day in Zurich or Positano?

The beautiful city of Zurich offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Positano?

Zurich is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano 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 Positano?

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Positano?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Zurich and Positano, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Positano?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Positano. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Positano. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Positano. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. Zurich is much colder than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Positano. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Positano. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Positano. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Zurich