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

Should you visit Zurich or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Zurich and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle than Zurich, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seattle is more popular for its theatre productions, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Zurich is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Zurich different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Zurich and Seattle.

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.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Zurich or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Zurich is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Zurich is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Zurich and Seattle offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

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.

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Zurich or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Seattle are great 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.

Seattle has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Zurich or Seattle Better for Music?

Both Zurich and Seattle offer great live music venues.

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.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Seattle while you're in town. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Zurich or Seattle Better for Beaches?

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

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Zurich or Seattle Better for Hiking?

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

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Seattle?

Zurich is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Zurich is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Zurich or Seattle Better for Families?

Zurich is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Zurich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Zurich or Seattle Better for Couples?

Zurich is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Zurich or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Seattle 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 Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Zurich or Seattle Better for Students?

Zurich is renowned for students. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Zurich is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Zurich offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Zurich or Seattle a more walkable city?

Zurich and Seattle both are great 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.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zurich and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than in Seattle. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Seattle. 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 Seattle. 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 Seattle 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 Seattle?

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

In Zurich, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seattle. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Zurich. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the progressive big city of Seattle. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Zurich is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Seattle. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Seattle. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Seattle. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Zurich is much colder than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Seattle. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Seattle. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Zurich