Comparison · Munich vs Zurich · Germany / Switzerland
Munich vs Zurich
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Munich for Oktoberfest, Beer gardens and lower day-to-day costs; choose Zurich for Lake Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse. Munich is generally less expensive, and the two are about 242 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 242 km
- Less expensive
- Munich
- Best time for Munich
- May–July, September and December
- Best time for Zurich
- May–September
Side by side
| Munich | Zurich | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Switzerland |
| Known for | Oktoberfest, Beer gardens and Marienplatz | Lake Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse and Old Town (Altstadt) |
| Best time to visit | May–July, September and December | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$320 | $280–$450 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 24°C (75°F) | July, 24°C (75°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 6 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | MUC, FMM | ZRH |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Munich for…
Oktoberfest, Beer gardens and lower day-to-day costs. Bavaria's capital mixes royal grandeur with beer-hall tradition. The compact Altstadt around Marienplatz holds the Neues Rathaus, the twin-towered Frauenkirche and the Residenz palace, while the Englischer Garten, one of the largest city parks in Europe…
Choose Zurich for…
Lake Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich wraps around the northern tip of Lake Zurich, where the Limmat river flows out through a compact medieval Old Town. The twin towers of the Grossmünster and the Chagall windows of the Fraumünster face each other across the river, Bahnhofstrasse runs…
Top sights compared
| # | Munich | Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus | Niederdorf and the right-bank Old Town |
| 2 | Frauenkirche | Lindenhof hill |
| 3 | Munich Residenz | Grossmünster |
| 4 | Englischer Garten | Fraumünster |
| 5 | Viktualienmarkt | Bahnhofstrasse |
Food compared
| Munich | Zurich |
|---|---|
| White sausage | Zurich-style veal |
| Pretzel | Rösti |
| Roast pork knuckle | Cheese fondue |
| Roast pork with dumplings | Veal sausage |
Which is cheaper?
Munich is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 per person there, against $280–$450 in Zurich (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Munich on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Munich and Zurich are about 242 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Munich and 3 in Zurich.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Munich or Zurich cheaper?
Munich is usually less expensive: about $180–$320 a day mid-range against $280–$450 (estimates).
+Is Munich or Zurich better for a first trip?
Pick Munich for Oktoberfest, Beer gardens and lower day-to-day costs, or Zurich for Lake Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse.
+How far is Munich from Zurich?
About 242 km in a straight line.