A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Zurich or Rome?

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 Rome. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Rome

Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Zurich, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zurich is known for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Zurich and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

The Colosseum

How is Zurich different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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 Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome 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.

Rome is a world class party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

Rome 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 Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

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 Rome Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Zurich offers plenty to see. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Rome?

Both Zurich and Rome are fantastic shopping destinations.

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 people travel to Rome specifically to go shopping. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Zurich or Rome Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Rome are very good 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 Rome. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Zurich or Rome Better for Couples?

Zurich and Rome both very good destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Zurich or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome 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 Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

Zurich and Rome are both fantastic 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 Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

Rome 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.

Rome has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Zurich or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Rome?

Both Zurich and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Zurich. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Rome?

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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Rome?

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.

Rome 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 Rome?

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 Rome. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Rome?

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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Rome. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is cooler than Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Rome averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Rome. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Rome. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Rome. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. Zurich is much colder than Rome in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Rome. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Rome. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Zurich