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

Should you visit Lausanne or Budapest?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lausanne or Budapest, 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 vibrant, cultural, and international city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Lausanne and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lausanne or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Lausanne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lausanne is known for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Lausanne and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Lausanne is popular for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters.

How is Lausanne different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest 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 Budapest?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Lausanne or Budapest.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lausanne can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Lausanne is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Lausanne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Lausanne or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lausanne or Budapest?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Lausanne or Budapest Better for Families?

Lausanne and Budapest are both good destinations for the whole family.

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.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Lausanne or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a world-class destination for students. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

Budapest is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Lausanne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.

Is Lausanne or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Lausanne?

How long in Lausanne or Budapest?

In either Lausanne or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Lausanne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lausanne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

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

One day in Lausanne or Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 Budapest, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Lausanne or Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Budapest?

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