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

Should you visit Lausanne or Biarritz?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lausanne or Biarritz, 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.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a international, diverse, and vibrant city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Lausanne and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lausanne or Biarritz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Biarritz. Although Lausanne and Biarritz are both popular with visitors, Biarritz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Biarritz is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm, while Lausanne is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Lausanne and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also home to Grande Plage. Lausanne is popular for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters.

How is Lausanne different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lausanne is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Lausanne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Foodies will find both Lausanne and Biarritz both to be very good destinations.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Lausanne or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

If you're looking for night time activities Lausanne has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Lausanne or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Lausanne is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Lausanne is not a resort destination.

Is Lausanne or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is well known for the beach. However, Lausanne is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Biarritz. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Lausanne is not a beach destination.

Is Lausanne or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Lausanne is a popular place for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Lausanne. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lausanne or Biarritz?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Biarritz and Lausanne.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Lausanne or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Biarritz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Lausanne offers lots of family activities. 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 Lausanne or Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better 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 Lausanne or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is well known for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Lausanne or Biarritz Better for Students?

Lausanne is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Lausanne is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Lausanne and Biarritz.

You'll find some public transit in Lausanne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.

While Biarritz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Lausanne or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Biarritz is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Lausanne Worth Visiting? and Is Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Lausanne?

How long in Lausanne or Biarritz?

Both Lausanne and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Lausanne. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lausanne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

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

One day in Lausanne or Biarritz?

The city of Lausanne offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The seaside town of Biarritz offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A weekend in Lausanne or Biarritz?

Lausanne 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lausanne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Lausanne or Biarritz?

Lausanne 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.

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Lausanne or Biarritz?

Lausanne is a great place to explore. 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.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. This seaside town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lausanne and Biarritz, we can see that Lausanne is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

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

Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Biarritz?

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