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

Should you visit Auckland 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 Auckland and Lucerne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Auckland travel costs.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Lucerne is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Lucerne travel costs.

Auckland and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Lucerne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland than Lucerne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Auckland is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Lucerne is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Auckland is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower. Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

How is Auckland different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Auckland and Lucerne.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lucerne can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Auckland or Lucerne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland 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.

Auckland has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

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 Auckland or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Lucerne have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

The people in Lucerne know how to have a good time. 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 Auckland or Lucerne Better for Beaches?

Auckland is great for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Auckland 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.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Auckland or Lucerne Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a good destination for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Auckland offers some nice hiking trails. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Lucerne?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Auckland and Lucerne.

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Auckland or Lucerne More Beautiful?

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Lucerne is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. From the historic bridge to the lake's blue waters, the city offers impressive views and a rich history.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or Lucerne Better for Families?

Auckland 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 Auckland. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

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 Auckland or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and Lucerne are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Couples visit Lucerne frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Auckland or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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 Auckland or Lucerne Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Auckland. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Auckland and Lucerne.

Auckland has some public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

You'll find some public transit in Lucerne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Auckland or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Lucerne is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Lucerne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Auckland and Lucerne. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Auckland than Lucerne. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lucerne.

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

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

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

One day in Auckland or Lucerne?

Because Auckland is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Lucerne offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Lucerne?

Because Auckland 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. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auckland has to offer.

Lucerne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lucerne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Lucerne?

Auckland is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Lucerne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Auckland. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Lucerne is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, 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 Auckland and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Lucerne is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Lucerne?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Lucerne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Lucerne has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Lucerne. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Auckland is around the same temperature as Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Lucernein July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Lucerne. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, 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.

In April, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Lucernein October. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Lucernein October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Lucernein October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. Auckland is much warmer than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F)in January.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Lucernein January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Lucerne in the Spring?

Both Lucerne and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Auckland is a little warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F)in April.

In the spring, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Lucernein April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lucernein April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Auckland