A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Verona for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Zurich or Verona?

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 Verona. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Verona

Verona is a romantic, cultural, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Verona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Verona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zurich than Verona. Zurich is bigger than Verona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Verona is well known for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.

How is Zurich different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Zurich and Verona.

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.

Verona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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

Both Zurich and Verona offer a number of superb 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.

Verona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

Is Zurich or Verona Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Zurich has something for everybody. 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 Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Zurich or Verona Better for Music?

Zurich is a great city for its live music scene. However, Verona is not a live music destination.

Zurich has a thriving music scene. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Verona is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Verona?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Many visitors go to Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Zurich or Verona Better for Families?

Zurich is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Zurich or Verona Better for Couples?

Zurich and Verona both superb 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.

Verona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

Is Zurich or Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Verona are notable 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 Verona. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Zurich or Verona Better for Students?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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

Verona is a good city to visit for students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

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

Zurich is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Verona has a few public transit options. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Zurich or Verona a more walkable city?

Zurich and Verona both are superb 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.

Verona is a very walkable destination. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

Should I spend more time in Verona or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Verona?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Verona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Verona?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Verona 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 Verona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Verona. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Verona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the stunning destination of Verona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Verona?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Verona. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Verona, 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 Verona?

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 Verona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Verona. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Verona for the family-friendly experiences.

Zurich is cooler than Verona in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Verona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Verona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Verona. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 286 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Verona. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Verona receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Verona in the Autumn?

Both Verona and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Verona in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Verona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Verona averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Verona during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Verona. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Verona receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Verona in the Winter?

Both Verona and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Verona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Verona can be very cold during winter. Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Verona. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Verona fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Verona. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 98 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Zurich or Verona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Verona. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Verona because of the natural beauty.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Verona in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Verona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Verona during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Verona. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Verona receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Verona and Zurich