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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a historic, vibrant, and scenic 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Lucerne?

Both Lucerne and Heraklion have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is more popular for its food and beaches, while Lucerne is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

How is Heraklion different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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.

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

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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 Heraklion or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Lucerne.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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.

Is Heraklion or Lucerne Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its old town. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Lucerne?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Lucerne is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Lucerne Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Lucerne are good to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

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.

Is Heraklion or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Lucerne are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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

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

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

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 Heraklion or Lucerne a more walkable city?

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

Heraklion is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Lucerne?

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

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Lucerne?

In Heraklion, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Heraklion or Lucerne?

In Heraklion, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Heraklion has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic 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 Heraklion or Lucerne?

Heraklion 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.

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 Heraklion or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. 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 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 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 Heraklion and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Heraklion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heraklion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heraklion 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 Heraklion.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Lucerne?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Lucerne. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is a little warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Lucerne. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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 October, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lucerne. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lucerne can be very cold during winter. Heraklion is much warmer than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Lucerne. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Lucerne in the Spring?

Both Lucerne and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Heraklion is a little warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Heraklion