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

Should you visit Zurich or Villach?

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 Villach. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Villach

Villach is a historic, nature-filled, and outdoorsy town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Zurich and Villach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Villach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich than Villach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Villach is known for its hiking and small town charm. Zurich is more touristy than Villach and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Villach is popular for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

How is Zurich different from Villach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zurich is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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

Zurich is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

Dining out in Zurich is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Zurich or Villach Better for Nightlife?

Zurich is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Zurich has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Is Zurich or Villach Better for Music?

Zurich is notable for its music scene. However, Villach is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Villach is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Villach Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

Zurich has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Zurich or Villach Better for Hiking?

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

Villach is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Villach?

Zurich is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town 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.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Zurich or Villach Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Villach are superb family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. 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 family-friendly things to do in Villach. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Is Zurich or Villach Better for Couples?

Zurich and Villach 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.

Villach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Is Zurich or Villach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Villach is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Villach Better for Students?

Zurich is terrific for students. However, Villach is not popular with 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.

Villach is not popular with students.

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

Zurich is notable for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Zurich or Villach a more walkable city?

Zurich is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

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.

Villach is generally not a very walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Villach or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Villach?

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

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

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Villach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Villach?

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.

Villach 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 Villach?

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 Villach. 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 Villach?

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 nightlife and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Villach. This town 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 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 Villach, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Villach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Villach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Villach 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 Villach.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Villach?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Villach, 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 Villach?

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 Villach in the Summer?

Both Villach and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Villach for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is cooler than Villach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Villach averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Villach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Villach during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Villach. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Villach in the Autumn?

Both Villach and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Villach in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Villach. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Villach fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Villach. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Villach. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Villach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Villach. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Villach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. Zurich is much colder than Villach in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Villach fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Villach during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Villach. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Villach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Villach. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Villach because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Villach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Villach averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Villach. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in April than Villach. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Villach and Zurich