A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Lucerne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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.

Athens

Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a vibrant, scenic, and active city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Lucerne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Lucerne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Lucerne attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Lucerne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Athens is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Lucerne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Athens or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Athens 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.

Athens has a world-famous historical area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

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 Athens or Lucerne?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. 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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Lucerne Better for Families?

Athens 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 Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Lucerne Better for Couples?

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

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Lucerne Better for Students?

Athens is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

Athens 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 Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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

Is Athens or Lucerne a more walkable city?

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

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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 Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Athens?

How long in Athens or Lucerne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Lucerne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Lucerne. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lucerne.

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

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

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

One day in Athens or Lucerne?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Athens or Lucerne?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Athens or Lucerne?

Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne than you might in Athens.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Lucerne?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Lucerne?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

Athens is a little warmer than Lucerne in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Lucerne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens 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 the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Lucerne averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Lucerne. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Lucerne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Lucerne. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Lucerne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Lucerne. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Athens is a little warmer than Lucerne in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Athens