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

Should you visit Zurich or Lucerne?

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 Lucerne. 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, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a vibrant, scenic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Lucerne?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Zurich. While Zurich is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its big city activities, while Zurich is known for its food, music, historical sights, and shopping. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also home to The Chapel Bridge.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Zurich different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucerne 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 Lucerne?

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Zurich and Lucerne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Lucerne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Zurich 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.

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.

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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Lucerne are excellent 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.

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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Music?

Zurich is great for its music scene. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Zurich has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Lucerne?

Zurich is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. 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.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Families?

Zurich 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 Zurich. 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.

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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Zurich and Lucerne both excellent 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.

Lucerne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Students?

Zurich is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

Is Zurich or Lucerne 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, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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

Is Zurich or Lucerne a more walkable city?

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

Zurich is a very walkable destination. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Lucerne?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zurich 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 Zurich.

One day in Zurich or Lucerne?

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Lucerne?

In Zurich, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer.

Lucerne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or Lucerne?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Zurich. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Lucerne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Lucerne?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Lucerne. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Lucerne averages at about 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 Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lucerne. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lucerne. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. Zurich is around the same temperature as Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Zurich or Lucerne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Lucerne. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Zurich is around the same temperature as Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lucerne. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Zurich