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

Should you visit Zurich or Hvar?

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 Hvar. 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 Zurich is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Zurich travel costs.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. The beauty of Hvar is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Hvar travel costs.

Zurich and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Hvar?

Both Hvar and Zurich have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Zurich is better known for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Hvar is more touristy than Zurich and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Zurich different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Both Zurich and Hvar offer a number of very good 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.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Zurich or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Hvar is a world class party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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.

Is Zurich or Hvar Better for Music?

Zurich is notable for its live music scene. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zurich or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a well-known place for the beach. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Zurich or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Hvar?

Zurich is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Zurich or Hvar More Beautiful?

Zurich and Hvar are somewhat similar when it comes to the very good scenery.

The beauty of Zurich is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With Lake Zurich and the mountains as a backdrop, this is a truly beautiful city.

With stunning beauty, Hvar attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful island with nice beaches and charming buildings.

Is Zurich or Hvar Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Hvar are very good 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 Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Zurich or Hvar Better for Couples?

Zurich and Hvar both very good 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.

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Zurich or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Zurich is renowned for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Zurich or Hvar a more walkable city?

Zurich is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Zurich or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zurich due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Hvar. 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 Hvar. 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 Hvar 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 Hvar.

One day in Zurich or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Zurich. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Hvar?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Five days in Zurich or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Zurich. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hvar?

The beautiful city of Zurich offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Hvar. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Hvar?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Zurich is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Hvar. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the autumn, Zurich is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Hvar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Hvar. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Hvar. Many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Zurich is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Zurich