Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Lucerne, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Istanbul is a high-energy, historic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Lucerne is a cultural, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Lucerne. Istanbul is bigger than Lucerne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is more touristy than Lucerne and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucerne and Istanbul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Istanbul 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, Istanbul has many famous sights for visitors. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.
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.
Istanbul 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 Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.
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.
Evening events are great in both Istanbul and Lucerne.
Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.
Lucerne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.
Istanbul is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.
Istanbul has a world-famous historical area. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.
Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.
Both Istanbul and Lucerne are great shopping destinations.
Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.
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.
Istanbul is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Istanbul. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.
Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Istanbul and Lucerne are both great to visit as a couple.
Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.
Lucerne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.
Istanbul is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit Istanbul, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.
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.
Istanbul is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.
Many students visit Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.
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.
Istanbul is very popular 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.
Istanbul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.
Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.
Istanbul is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Istanbul is a very walkable destination. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.
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 Istanbul Worth Visiting? and Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Lucerne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Lucerne. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lucerne.
Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Lucerne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Istanbul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Istanbul than Lucerne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Istanbul that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.
Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
The beautiful city of Lucerne offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Because Istanbul 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Lucerne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lucerne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Lucerne 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
Lucerne is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $127, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is $218. 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 Istanbul and Lucerne in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Lucerne? 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.
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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Istanbul 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Lucerne Expensive?.
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Lucerne. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Lucerne and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Istanbul is a little warmer than Lucerne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lucerne. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Lucerne and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In the winter, Istanbul is much warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Lucerne. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Lucerne. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
In April, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Istanbul | Lucerne | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |