Should I Visit Zermatt or Lucerne? Which is Better for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

Should you visit Zermatt or Lucerne?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Lucerne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zermatt and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Lucerne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Lucerne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Lucerne is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Lucerne and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Lucerne Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is very popular for skiing. However, Lucerne is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Lucerne is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zermatt or Lucerne?

Lucerne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Lucerne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Is the Food Better in Zermatt or Lucerne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zermatt is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Zermatt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Zermatt or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Both Zermatt and Lucerne are high quality when it comes to partying.

Zermatt offers plenty to do in the evening. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

Lucerne has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Is Zermatt or Lucerne Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is great for its luxury resorts. However, Lucerne is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zermatt to choose from. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Lucerne is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Lucerne Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is very popular for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Zermatt is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Lucerne?

Both Zermatt and Lucerne are high quality shopping destinations.

Zermatt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Lucerne is well-known for its shopping. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Is Zermatt or Lucerne Better for Families?

Zermatt is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zermatt. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Zermatt or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Zermatt is very popular for couples. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Zermatt is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

Is Zermatt or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Zermatt or Lucerne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Zermatt and Lucerne offer notable public transit options.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Lucerne has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Zermatt or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Zermatt is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Zermatt is a very easy town to get around on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

For even more information, also check out Is Zermatt Worth Visiting? and Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Lucerne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zermatt and Lucerne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zermatt than in Lucerne. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lucerne.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zermatt than Lucerne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zermatt that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt than Lucerne 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 Zermatt.

One day in Zermatt or Lucerne?

In Zermatt, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Lucerne, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Zermatt or Lucerne?

In Zermatt, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zermatt has to offer.

In Lucerne, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucerne has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Lucerne?

Zermatt is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zermatt has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Lucerne is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Zermatt or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Zermatt. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucerne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

When comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Lucerne, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Lucerne?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Lucerne, 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 Zermatt or Lucerne?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zermatt or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Lucerne. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 23°C (73°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zermatt this time of the year. In the summer, Zermatt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Lucerne. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Lucerne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Lucerne. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Zermatt during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. The weather in Zermatt can be very cold. In the winter, Zermatt is much warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zermatt in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lucerne. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Lucerne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Lucerne. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 13°C (55°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Lucerne. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Zermatt