A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Queenstown for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Zurich or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown. 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. Zurich is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping. See Zurich travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a bustling, active, and adventure-filled city. The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Queenstown travel costs.

Zurich and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich. Although Zurich and Queenstown are popular destinations, Zurich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zurich is very popular for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Queenstown attracts visitors for its skiing, food, and hiking. Zurich is famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster. Queenstown is famous for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery.

How is Zurich different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Zurich. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Zurich or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Zurich is not a skiing destination.

Queenstown is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Zurich is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zurich or Queenstown?

Zurich is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown 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 Queenstown, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Queenstown are excellent 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.

Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Zurich or Queenstown Better for Music?

Zurich is a well-known place for live music. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Queenstown Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Zurich is revered around 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.

Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Is Zurich or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Queenstown is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Queenstown?

Zurich is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Zurich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Zurich or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Zurich and Queenstown are somewhat similar when it comes to the excellent scenery.

The beauty of Zurich is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With Lake Zurich and the mountains as a backdrop, this is a truly beautiful city.

With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Is Zurich or Queenstown Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Queenstown 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 Queenstown. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Zurich or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown 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 Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Zurich is a world-class destination for students. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

Zurich is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Zurich is fairly effecient and thorough. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Zurich or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Zurich and Queenstown both are excellent 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.

Queenstown is a very walkable destination. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Queenstown?

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Queenstown?

With live music and food around the historic city of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Queenstown. 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 Queenstown?

With food and shopping around the destination of Zurich, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Queenstown 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 Queenstown?

Zurich, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Zurich is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Queenstown. This city 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, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Queenstown?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Queenstown, 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.