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

Should you visit Beijing or Lucerne?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Lucerne can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a massive, jam-packed, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Beijing travel costs.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a historic, vibrant, and scenic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Lucerne attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lucerne travel costs.

Beijing and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Lucerne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing than Lucerne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Beijing is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, and big city activities, while Lucerne attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Lucerne and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

How is Beijing different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beijing 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, Beijing has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing or Lucerne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing 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 Beijing, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Lucerne has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

The nightlife in Lucerne has something for everybody. 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 Beijing or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Lucerne?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lucerne and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Beijing or Lucerne More Beautiful?

Lucerne is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Lucerne attracts visitors from all around. From the historic bridge to the lake's blue waters, the city offers impressive views and a rich history.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Is Beijing or Lucerne Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Lucerne are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Lucerne offers lots of family activities. 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 Beijing or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Lucerne is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

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 Beijing or Lucerne Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

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

Beijing 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 Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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

Is Beijing or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Lucerne is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Lucerne?

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

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

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

One day in Beijing or Lucerne?

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city 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 Beijing or Lucerne?

Because Beijing 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Beijing or Lucerne?

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing 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 Beijing or Lucerne?

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

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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Beijing and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Lucerne?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing 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 Beijing or Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Beijing is a little warmer than Lucerne in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Lucerne. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Lucerne. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Beijing is around the same temperature as Lucerne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Lucerne averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Lucerne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Lucerne. Many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lucerne can be very cold during winter. Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Lucerne in the Spring?

Both Lucerne and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Beijing is a little warmer than Lucerne in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Beijing