A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Saint-Etienne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Zurich or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Zurich and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Saint-Etienne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zurich than Saint-Etienne. Zurich is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zurich is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking. Zurich is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Zurich different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Zurich is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Zurich or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zurich is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Zurich has a huge number of terrific 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Zurich or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Zurich or Saint-Etienne Better for Music?

Zurich is great for its live music scene. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Zurich offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Zurich or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Saint-Etienne?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Zurich or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Zurich is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Zurich or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Zurich is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Zurich or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Zurich or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Is Zurich or Saint-Etienne 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, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Zurich or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Zurich is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zurich or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zurich than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Zurich than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Zurich. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the historic destination of Zurich. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Zurich. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Saint-Etienne?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

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

Zurich is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In January, Zurich is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Zurich