A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dover vs. Lausanne for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Dover or Lausanne?

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 Dover and Lausanne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a cultural, international, and diverse city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Lausanne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Dover or Lausanne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lausanne. Although Dover and Lausanne are popular destinations, Lausanne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lausanne is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Dover attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is more touristy than Lausanne and is known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Lausanne is famous for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters. It is also well known for The Olympic Museum.

How is Dover different from Lausanne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dover or Lausanne?

Dover
Lausanne

Lausanne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Lausanne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find many great museums around town that cover a range of topics. The Olympic Museum is very interesting. You should also check out the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Hermitage Foundation.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.


Is the Food Better in Dover or Lausanne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dover
Lausanne

Lausanne is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Lausanne is an experience not to be missed. The city is filled with delicious chocolate, cheese, and wine. Fondue is a favorite, but you'll also find cured meats on most menus. While food can be expensive, it's also high quality and usually locally produced.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Lausanne Better for Nightlife?

Dover
Lausanne

Lausanne is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lausanne. There are a surprising number of clubs around town and it's not hard to find somewhere to party. The large student population and the international vibe make this a fascinating place for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Lausanne Better for its Old Town?

Dover
Lausanne

Lausanne is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

Lausanne offers a nice historic old town area. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.

Dover does not have a historic old town.


Is Dover or Lausanne Better for Hiking?

Dover
Lausanne

Dover is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Lausanne?

Dover
Lausanne

Lausanne is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Lausanne. You'll find luxury Swiss watch brands, jewelry, chocolate, and many other interesting things to buy. Prices can be high, but so is the quality. It's fun to look, even if you're not planning to purchase.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Lausanne Better for Families?

Dover
Lausanne

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Lausanne.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Lausanne is a family-friendly town. There are kid-friendly museums, petting zoos, and other fun activities in town. You can also take a boat ride or let the kids run around one of the parks in town.


Is Dover or Lausanne Better for Couples?

Dover
Lausanne

Dover is well known for couples. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Dover frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Lausanne is a nice destination for couples. The medieval old city is fun to explore. The lakefront setting also offers fun activities like boating. There are also a number of museums in town to explore.

Is Dover or Lausanne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover
Lausanne

Dover is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Lausanne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular town for backpackers but there are some affordable hotels. It's also more reasonably priced than many Swiss cities.

Is Dover or Lausanne Better for Students?

Dover
Lausanne

Lausanne is a well-known place for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Lausanne is very popular with students. There are 11 institutes for higher learning in town, so students make up a significant percentage of the population. The city is also full of culture, making it a very livable city.

Dover is not popular with students.


Is Dover or Lausanne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dover
Lausanne

Lausanne is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Lausanne has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Lausanne a more walkable city?

Dover
Lausanne

Dover and Lausanne both are nice when exploring on foot.

Dover is a somewhat walkable town. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

Lausanne is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city, including the historic sections, and relatively easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Dover Worth Visiting? and Is Lausanne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lausanne or Dover?

How long in Dover or Lausanne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dover or Lausanne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dover than Lausanne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lausanne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lausanne than Dover 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 Lausanne.


  • How many days in Dover or Lausanne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dover 2-4 
    Lausanne 1-2

One day in Dover or Lausanne?

The beautiful town of Dover offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Lausanne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Dover or Lausanne?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lausanne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Lausanne?

Dover 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.

Lausanne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lausanne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Lausanne?

Dover is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the international destination of Lausanne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Lausanne or Dover?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dover is £124, while the average daily cost in Lausanne is £183. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dover and Lausanne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    Lausanne £110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    Lausanne £220
Compare Hotels in Dover and Lausanne

Looking for a hotel in Dover or Lausanne? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dover


Hotels in Lausanne


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dover Hotel Prices and Lausanne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    Lausanne £33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $254
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lausanne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lausanne:

  • Lausanne accommodation to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Évian-les-Bains: $160
  • Taxi, Airport Transfer and Limousine Service in Switzerland: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Dover or Lausanne?

Prices for flights to both Lausanne and Dover change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dover £38
    Lausanne £50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    Lausanne £30

Tours and Activities in Dover

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dover are as follows:

  • Pilgrims and Pit Stops: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Canterbury: $5.99
  • The Condensed Canterbury Tour: $13
  • The Canterbury Classic Tour: $16
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour: $19
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour: $19
  • Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury: $27
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury: $153
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177

Tours and Activities in Lausanne

Here are a few actual costs in Lausanne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Modern Medeival A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • Medieval A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Lausanne Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Lausanne Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided City Walking Tour: $15
  • Lausanne (Ouchy District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Lausanne (City Center) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Lausanne Ouchy District City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • The Olympic Museum Entry Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dover £7.71
    Lausanne £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dover:

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $178

Sample the Local Flavors in Lausanne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lausanne:

  • Swiss cheese and charcuterie wine tasting: $50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dover or Lausanne?

Lausanne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Lausanne, 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.