A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Lausanne for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

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 Isle of Skye and Lausanne. 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.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a picturesque, stunning, and diverse island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a international, diverse, and vibrant city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Lausanne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lausanne than Isle of Skye, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lausanne is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Isle of Skye is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Lausanne and is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Lausanne is well known for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters. Also, Lausanne is famous for The Olympic Museum.

How is Isle of Skye different from Lausanne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Lausanne is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Lausanne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Lausanne.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lausanne. 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.

Is Isle of Skye or Lausanne Better for Nightlife?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Lausanne is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Lausanne Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Isle of Skye is well known for the beach. However, Lausanne is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Isle of Skye. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Lausanne is not a beach destination.


Is Isle of Skye or Lausanne Better for its Old Town?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Lausanne is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Lausanne is a good destination for visiting its old town. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Lausanne Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Isle of Skye is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Isle of Skye draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Lausanne is a very popular place for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Isle of Skye or Lausanne Better for Families?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Both Isle of Skye and Lausanne are notable family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lausanne. 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 Isle of Skye or Lausanne Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

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

Couples visit Isle of Skye frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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 Isle of Skye or Lausanne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Isle of Skye is well known for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Isle of Skye is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

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 Isle of Skye or Lausanne Better for Students?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Lausanne is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

Many students visit Lausanne. 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.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Lausanne is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Lausanne a more walkable city?

Isle of Skye
Lausanne

Lausanne is a good destination for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.


For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Lausanne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lausanne or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isle of Skye or Lausanne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Isle of Skye than Lausanne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lausanne.

Families should spend more time in Lausanne than Isle of Skye. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lausanne than Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Lausanne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Isle of Skye 2-5 
    Lausanne 1-2

One day in Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

The beautiful island of Isle of Skye offers 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 food and shopping that this cultural city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

Isle of Skye is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Isle of Skye, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Lausanne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

Isle of Skye is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Isle of Skye, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Lausanne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 island offers something for everyone.

Lausanne is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Lausanne or Isle of Skye?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Isle of Skye is £114, 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 Isle of Skye and Lausanne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isle of Skye £51
    Lausanne £110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isle of Skye £102
    Lausanne £220
Compare Hotels in Isle of Skye and Lausanne

Looking for a hotel in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye


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: Lausanne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isle of Skye £54
    Lausanne £33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isle of Skye

Also for Isle of Skye, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Isle of Skye to Inverness Direct transfer: $623

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lausanne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lausanne:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

Prices for flights to both Lausanne and Isle of Skye 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
    Isle of Skye £31
    Lausanne £50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isle of Skye £19
    Lausanne £30

Tours and Activities in Isle of Skye

For Isle of Skye, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Isle of Skye Private Tour from Portree: $228
  • Tour the highlights and hidden beauties.: $812

Tours and Activities in Lausanne

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

  • Évian-les-Bains Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $297
  • (KTL303) - Winter Tour Montreux and Chaplin's World from Lausanne: $157
  • Boat cruise from Lausanne to Evian: $43
  • Chaplin's World Entrance Ticket: $34
  • Christmas Charms of A Private Walking Tour: $724
  • Fascinating Charms of Vevey – Walking Tour for Couples: $180
  • From Glacier 3000 Experience Tour: $97
  • From Glacier 3000 experience and Montreux: $104
  • From Interlaken and Jungfrau Train Experience: $370
  • From Spectacular Schilthorn with 007 Experience: $257
  • From Swiss Riviera Tour: $152
  • Gems of Lausanne Revealed: A Private Walking Tour: $617

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isle of Skye £7.71
    Lausanne £21

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 Isle of Skye and Lausanne, we can see that Lausanne is more expensive. And not only is Isle of Skye much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Isle of Skye would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye.

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


Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Lausanne?

Lausanne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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.