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

Should you visit Zurich or Kitzbuhel?

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 Kitzbuhel. 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Zurich travel costs.

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and world-class ski resort. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty in Kitzbuhel as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Kitzbuhel travel costs.

Zurich and Kitzbuhel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Kitzbuhel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kitzbuhel than Zurich, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kitzbuhel is better known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Zurich is more popular for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, and shopping. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Kitzbuhel is well known for its world renowned skiing, scenic natural beauty, and summer hiking opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is famous for The Kitzbüheler Horn.

How is Zurich different from Kitzbuhel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kitzbuhel and Zurich. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Zurich or Kitzbuhel Better for Skiing?

Kitzbuhel is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Zurich is not a skiing destination.

Kitzbuhel is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are four ski resorts near the village and 145 miles of slopes. Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse is world famous, but there are also 57 lifts that offer access to skiing for everyone from beginners to professionals. This is a world class ski area that is considered to be one of the best in the world. It attracts international skiers who come for the well maintained slopes and world class skiing.

Zurich is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zurich or Kitzbuhel?

Zurich is great for its historical sights. However, Kitzbuhel is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Kitzbuhel offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come for the skiing and outdoor adventures, not the museums and historical sights. But you can visit the St. Andreas Parish Church, Museum Kitzbühel, or the Liebfrauenkirche while you're in town.

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

Both Zurich and Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a diverse food scene with everything from rustic inns to award-winning fine dining experiences. You'll find both local dishes and international flavors around town as well.

Is Zurich or Kitzbuhel Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Kitzbuhel are superb 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.

Kitzbuhel has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene offers everything from wine bars to high end cocktail bars or local pubs with beer on tap. There are also dance clubs and other party areas where visitors dance until the early morning hours.

Is Zurich or Kitzbuhel Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Zurich draws a good crowd. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Kitzbuhel is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Kitzbuhel Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort 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 Kitzbuhel. The town center is compact and charming with restaurants, churches, and shopping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Is Zurich or Kitzbuhel Better for Hiking?

Kitzbuhel is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Kitzbuhel is well-known for its hiking and trekking. During the summer months the area is filled with miles of stunning hikes. There's the famous Kitzbüheler Horn, as well as more relaxing mountain strolls. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and serene mountain pastures.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Kitzbuhel?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort 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 Kitzbuhel to go shopping. The village offers a mix of international and local brands. There's everything from fashion and jewelry to sporting goods and local foods.

Is Zurich or Kitzbuhel More Beautiful?

Kitzbuhel is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Kitzbuhel as well. Surrounded by the dramatic Alps, this is a beautiful winter sport resort town that attracts international visitors for its ski slopes and beautiful setting.

With stunning beauty, Zurich attracts visitors from all around. With Lake Zurich and the mountains as a backdrop, this is a truly beautiful city.

Is Zurich or Kitzbuhel Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel. This is a family-friendly ski area that has child care available in several places as well as kids slopes and other family friendly things to do. During the summer months there's hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventure activities.

Is Zurich or Kitzbuhel Better for Couples?

Zurich and Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy skiing, winter sports, and other outdoor adventures will truly appreciate a visit. It makes for an adrenaline filled holiday that is both romantic and fun.

Is Zurich or Kitzbuhel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is a great ski resort to visit for backpackers. There are several hostels near town that cater to the budget crowd. There's also a large number of skiing and sport enthusiasts so its not hard to meet other likeminded travelers.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Students?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Kitzbuhel has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses that connect the town to other nearby villages. During the winter months are are ski buses that take skiers to the ski areas.

Is Zurich or Kitzbuhel a more walkable city?

Zurich and Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is a very walkable destination. The town is small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kitzbuhel or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Kitzbuhel?

Both Zurich and Kitzbuhel have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kitzbuhel than in Zurich. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 4-7 days is enough time in Kitzbuhel.

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

One day in Zurich or Kitzbuhel?

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.

Kitzbuhel might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Kitzbuhel?

You'll find live music and food around the liberal 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.

Kitzbuhel is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or Kitzbuhel?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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 Kitzbuhel. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Kitzbuhel?

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.

Kitzbuhel is a small town with plenty to do. This ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Kitzbuhel?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kitzbuhel. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Kitzbuhel, 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.