Comparison · Vienna vs Zurich · Austria / Switzerland
Vienna vs Zurich
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Superbass, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Choose Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee houses and lower day-to-day costs; choose Zurich for Lake Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse. Vienna is generally less expensive, and the two are about 592 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 592 km
- Less expensive
- Vienna
- Best time for Vienna
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Zurich
- May–September
Side by side
| Vienna | Zurich | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Austria | Switzerland |
| Known for | Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee houses and Klimt and Schiele | Lake Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse and Old Town (Altstadt) |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $280–$450 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 26°C (79°F) | July, 24°C (75°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | VIE, BTS | ZRH |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Vienna for…
Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee houses and lower day-to-day costs. The Habsburgs ruled from Vienna for more than six centuries, and their palaces, museums and churches still define the city. Inside the Ringstrasse, the old centre holds St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg and dozens of traditional coffee houses; just outside…
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
| # | Vienna | Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schönbrunn Palace | Niederdorf and the right-bank Old Town |
| 2 | Tiergarten Schönbrunn | Lindenhof hill |
| 3 | Hofburg Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum | Grossmünster |
| 4 | Spanish Riding School | Fraumünster |
| 5 | St Stephen's Cathedral | Bahnhofstrasse |
Food compared
| Vienna | Zurich |
|---|---|
| Wiener Schnitzel | Zurich-style veal |
| Tafelspitz | Rösti |
| Sachertorte | Cheese fondue |
| Apple strudel | Veal sausage |
Which is cheaper?
Vienna is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 per person there, against $280–$450 in Zurich (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Vienna on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Vienna and Zurich are about 592 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Vienna and 3 in Zurich.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Vienna or Zurich cheaper?
Vienna is usually less expensive: about $170–$300 a day mid-range against $280–$450 (estimates).
+Is Vienna or Zurich better for a first trip?
Pick Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee houses and lower day-to-day costs, or Zurich for Lake Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse.
+How far is Vienna from Zurich?
About 592 km in a straight line.