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

Should you visit Zurich or The Hague?

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 The Hague. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Zurich and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Zurich or The Hague?

Both The Hague and Zurich have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Zurich is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while The Hague attracts visitors for its big city activities. Zurich is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is Zurich different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich
The Hague

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Zurich
The Hague

Both Zurich and The Hague offer a number of high quality 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.

The Hague has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Is Zurich or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Zurich
The Hague

Both Zurich and The Hague are high quality 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.

The Hague has a large number of nightlife venues. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Is Zurich or The Hague Better for Music?

Zurich
The Hague

Both Zurich and The Hague offer high quality 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 The Hague while you're in town. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.


Is Zurich or The Hague Better for its Old Town?

Zurich
The Hague

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague 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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or The Hague?

Zurich
The Hague

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Zurich. 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.

The Hague is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Is Zurich or The Hague Better for Families?

Zurich
The Hague

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Zurich is a very family-friendly destination. 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 kid-friendly things to do in The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.


Is Zurich or The Hague Better for Couples?

Zurich
The Hague

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Zurich or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich
The Hague

Both Zurich and The Hague are nice 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 The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Zurich or The Hague Better for Students?

Zurich
The Hague

Zurich and The Hague are both first-rate 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 The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.


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

Zurich
The Hague

Both Zurich and The Hague offer high quality public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

The public transit in The Hague can get you to most places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Is Zurich or The Hague a more walkable city?

Zurich
The Hague

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Zurich is very walkable. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zurich and The Hague. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than in The Hague. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-3 days is enough time in The Hague.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague 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.


  • How many days in Zurich or The Hague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Zurich 2-5 
    The Hague 1-3

One day in Zurich or The Hague?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The Hague is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Zurich or The Hague?

You'll find live music and food around the beautiful destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The Hague 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 The Hague?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Zurich. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse big city of The Hague. 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague or Zurich?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $268, while the average daily cost in The Hague is $193. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zurich and The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $170
    The Hague $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $340
    The Hague $226
Compare Hotels in Zurich and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Zurich or The Hague? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Zurich


Hotels in The Hague


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zurich Hotel Prices and The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    The Hague $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Zurich:Transfer and Ticket to Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum: $109
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $108
  • One-Way Private Airport Transfer: $131
  • 1-Way Private Transfer from the airport to Zurich: $188
  • Zurich City to Zurich Airport one way Private Transfer : $104
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Zurich City: $109
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Lucerne: $252
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Greater Zurich Area: $109
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer from Greater Zurich Area: $109
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Lucerne: $328
  • Zurich Airport: Private Lucerne Transfer by Mercedes: $392

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.19
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $27
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $136
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $136
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $255
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $277

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague and Zurich change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Zurich $62
    The Hague $60
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.

  • Cairo Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show With Pickup Service: $8.75
  • Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner: $161

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • WALKING DINNER ZOETERMEER | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $36
    The Hague $37

Tours and Activities in Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • 007-Elegance: Exclusive Private Tour Schilthorn from Zürich: $627
  • 2 Days Private Tour in Giza Pyramids and Cairo: $170
  • 2-Day Tours From Cairo To Alexandria & The Red Sea: $202
  • 2Days Private Tour in Giza Pyramids and The Egyptian Museums: $224
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $224
  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $101
  • Adventure to Mount Pilatus Gold and Silver tour: $157
  • Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Zürich: $650
  • Alpine Majesty:Zürich to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $800
  • Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $129
  • Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $156
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $74

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.24
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.24
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.51
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.92
  • The Historical Heart of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.98
  • Gilde Den Haag: City Walking Tour NL-DEU-ENG: $8.51
  • Tour of the Tulip Fields in a Typical Ducth Tulip Farm: $8.62
  • The Hague Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.31
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $29
    The Hague $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $31
  • eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich: $129

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zurich or The Hague?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and The Hague, 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Zurich during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to The Hague in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zurich is generally a little warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zurich. In the summer, Zurich often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than The Hague. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Zurich or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and The Hague. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to The Hague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Zurich is a little warmer than The Hague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and The Hague fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hague. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Zurich or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as The Hague. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to The Hague because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in The Hague can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zurich is a little warmer than The Hague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and The Hague averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than The Hague. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Zurich or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

In April, Zurich is generally much warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as The Hague during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than The Hague. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Zurich

Zurich The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)