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

Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a undiscovered, cultural, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Lucerne?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is more touristy than Bucharest and 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. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Bucharest different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucerne is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucerne. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Bucharest and Lucerne.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bucharest. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Lucerne is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Bucharest or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Lucerne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Lucerne?

Lucerne is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Lucerne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Lucerne Better for Families?

Lucerne is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lucerne. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Lucerne is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

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

Bucharest 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 Bucharest. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

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

Is Bucharest or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Bucharest and Lucerne both are good when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Lucerne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bucharest and Lucerne. In our opinion, Lucerne has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lucerne than Bucharest. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lucerne than Bucharest. 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.

One day in Bucharest or Lucerne?

In Bucharest, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucerne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Lucerne?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Lucerne?

Bucharest is a great place to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic city of Lucerne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Lucerne?

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

Lucerne is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, 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 Bucharest and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Bucharest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bucharest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bucharest 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 Bucharest.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Lucerne?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bucharest 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.

In the summer, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Lucerne. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest 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, Bucharest is generally around the same temperature as Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Lucerne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Lucerne. Many travelers come to Bucharest 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. Bucharest is much colder than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Lucerne in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Bucharest