A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Vienna for Music, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Zurich or Vienna?

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 Vienna. 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Vienna

Vienna is a classical, traditional, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Vienna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than Zurich. Vienna is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is better known for its music and impressive beauty, while Zurich is more popular for its nightlife. Vienna is more touristy than Zurich and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Zurich different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Vienna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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

Both Zurich and Vienna 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.

Vienna has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Zurich or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Zurich or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna 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 Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

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 Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Zurich and Vienna.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Vienna has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Vienna?

Both Zurich and Vienna are world-class 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 Vienna specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Is Zurich or Vienna Better for Families?

Zurich is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Zurich or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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.

Is Zurich or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Vienna 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 Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Zurich or Vienna Better for Students?

Zurich and Vienna are both world-class 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 Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Zurich or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Vienna?

In either Zurich or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Vienna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Vienna than Zurich. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Zurich or Vienna?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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.

A weekend in Zurich or Vienna?

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.

Vienna 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna. 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.

A week in Zurich or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful 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 nightlife and live music when visiting the artistic destination of Vienna. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Vienna, 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna and Zurich during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zurich. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vienna. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Vienna. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Vienna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Vienna. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Vienna. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Vienna. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vienna in the winter. The weather in Zurich can be very cold. In January, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Vienna. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Vienna in the Spring?

Both Vienna and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vienna for the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Vienna. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Vienna. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Zurich