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

Should you visit Zurich or Prague?

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 Prague. 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 Zurich is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping. See Zurich travel costs.

Prague

Prague is a historical, beautiful, and festive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. You'll find world class beauty in Prague as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Prague travel costs.

Zurich and Prague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Prague?

You'll generally find more things to do in Prague than Zurich. Prague is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Prague is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zurich is more popular for its food and shopping. Prague is more touristy than Zurich and is known for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. Also, Prague is famous for The Prague Castle. 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 Prague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Prague 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 Prague are among the most recognizable in the world. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum. Throughout the Old Town you'll see the spires of the many churches which define the city's skyline. The Prague Castle is not to be missed as it's the largest castle complex in the world.

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Zurich or Prague Better for Nightlife?

Prague 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.

Prague is a world class party destination. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

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 Prague Better for Music?

Prague 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 Prague The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well. Many visitors specifically come just to experience the world class music scene.

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 Prague Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Prague has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world. It truly feels like something out of a fairytale. Most of the tourists spend the majority of their time exploring the old town, and after a full day of wandering, you can cozy up with a strudel and a drink in one of the many cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Prague?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy. You'll find tons of souvenir and trinket shops throughout the area.

Is Zurich or Prague More Beautiful?

Prague is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Prague as well. The city is filled with beautiful historic architecture and stunning landmarks. It's a truly historic and impressive city.

With stunning beauty, Zurich attracts visitors from all around. With Lake Zurich and the mountains as a backdrop, this is a truly beautiful city.

Is Zurich or Prague Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Prague 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 Prague. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Zurich or Prague Better for Couples?

Prague 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.

Prague is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

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 Prague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Prague is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Prague. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

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 Prague Better for Students?

Zurich and Prague 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 Prague. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

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

Prague 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.

Prague has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new 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 Prague a more walkable city?

Prague 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 Prague on foot. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

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 Prague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Prague or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Prague?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague 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 Prague.

One day in Zurich or Prague?

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.

Prague is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Prague?

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.

Prague 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 Prague?

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 Prague. 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 Prague?

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.

Prague is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Prague?

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

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 Prague in the Summer?

Both Prague and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Prague this time of year.

Zurich is a little warmer than Prague in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Prague fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Prague. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Prague during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Prague. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Prague in the Autumn?

Both Prague and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Prague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zurich is a little warmer than Prague. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Prague averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Prague. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 124 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in October than Prague. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Prague in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Prague. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Prague in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Prague can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In January, Zurich is generally much warmer than Prague. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Prague fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Prague during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Prague. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Prague in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Prague. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Prague for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Zurich is a little warmer than Prague in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Prague fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Prague. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 145 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Prague. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Prague and Zurich