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

Should you visit Zurich or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro. 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, Zurich attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Zurich travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a multicultural, festive, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Zurich and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Zurich, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rio de Janeiro is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Zurich is known for its music and historical sights. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Zurich and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also home to Christ the Redeemer. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Zurich different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rio de Janeiro are among the most recognizable in the world. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

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.

Is the Food Better in Zurich or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Rio de Janeiro, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Zurich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a world class party destination. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Music?

Zurich is a great destination for its music scene. However, Rio de Janeiro is not a live music destination.

Zurich has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Rio de Janeiro is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Rio de Janeiro offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Rio de Janeiro Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Zurich is revered around 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.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Zurich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

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

Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Rio de Janeiro?

Both Zurich and Rio de Janeiro are fantastic 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 Rio de Janeiro specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Is Zurich or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro as well. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Zurich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Zurich and Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Zurich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Zurich is a world-class destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Both Zurich and Rio de Janeiro offer very good public transit options.

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

The public transit in Rio de Janeiro can get you to most places easily. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Zurich or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Zurich and Rio de Janeiro both are very good 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable destination. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Rio de Janeiro?

Zurich and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Zurich because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

Families should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Zurich. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rio de Janeiro, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Zurich or Rio de Janeiro?

In Zurich, you'll find nightlife and live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Rio de Janeiro is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Zurich. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 shopping and museums when visiting the multicultural big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zurich has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Zurich or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Zurich usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Rio de Janeiro. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In October, Zurich is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Should I visit Zurich or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. Zurich is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

Zurich usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Zurich