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

Should you visit Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a active, young, 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 nightlife and food.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a vibrant, scenic, and active city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kaunas and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Lucerne?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Kaunas. While Kaunas is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Kaunas is famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Kaunas different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucerne is notable for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Kaunas and Lucerne.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kaunas area. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Lucerne. 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 Kaunas or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Lucerne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

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.

Kaunas is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Lucerne?

Lucerne is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Lucerne. 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Lucerne Better for Families?

Both Kaunas and Lucerne are nice family-friendly destinations.

Kaunas is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Lucerne is a family-friendly city. 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 Kaunas or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Lucerne is notable for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

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 Kaunas or Lucerne Better for Students?

Kaunas is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

It's common for students to visit Kaunas. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

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.

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

Both Kaunas and Lucerne offer nice public transit options.

Kaunas has a few public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

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

Is Kaunas or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Kaunas and Lucerne both are nice when exploring on foot.

Kaunas is a somewhat walkable city. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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 Kaunas Worth Visiting? and Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Lucerne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kaunas and Lucerne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lucerne than in Kaunas. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kaunas, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lucerne.

Families should spend more time in Lucerne than Kaunas. 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 Kaunas. 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.

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

One day in Kaunas or Lucerne?

In Kaunas, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Kaunas or Lucerne?

In Kaunas, you'll find food and nightlife. 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 Kaunas has to offer.

Lucerne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Kaunas or Lucerne?

Kaunas 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Lucerne?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Lucerne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Lucerne?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Lucerne. The summer months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

Kaunas is cooler than Lucerne in the summer. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, 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 Kaunas this time of the year. In the summer, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kaunas 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 the autumn, Kaunas is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kaunas in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Lucerne averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kaunas or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Kaunas during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kaunas for 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 Kaunas. In January, Kaunas is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around -5°C (23°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Lucerne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Lucerne. Many visitors come to Kaunas 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.

Kaunas is much colder than Lucerne in the spring. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during spring. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Kaunas