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

Should you visit Lausanne or Innsbruck?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lausanne or Innsbruck, 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 cultural, international, and diverse city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a outdoorsy, mountainous, and scenic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and skiing.

Lausanne and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lausanne or Innsbruck?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Innsbruck. Although Lausanne and Innsbruck are both popular with visitors, Innsbruck has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Innsbruck is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lausanne is known for its museums and shopping. Innsbruck is more touristy than Lausanne and is known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. It is also home to The Golden Roof in the old town. Lausanne is popular for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters.

The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Lausanne different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lausanne or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is well known for winter skiing. However, Lausanne is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Lausanne is not a skiing destination.

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

Lausanne is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Lausanne and Innsbruck both to be high quality 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 Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Is Lausanne or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

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

Innsbruck is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

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 Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

Innsbruck is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Innsbruck is revered around the world. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

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 Lausanne or Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Innsbruck. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lausanne or Innsbruck?

Lausanne is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lausanne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lausanne or Innsbruck Better for Families?

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

Innsbruck is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

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 Innsbruck Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Innsbruck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's 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 Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Innsbruck is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

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 Innsbruck Better for Students?

Lausanne and Innsbruck are high quality places to visit for students.

Lausanne is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

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

Innsbruck is well known for its public transit. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Innsbruck can get you to most places easily. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas 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 Innsbruck a more walkable city?

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

Innsbruck is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

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 Innsbruck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Lausanne?

How long in Lausanne or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Lausanne or Innsbruck. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Innsbruck due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lausanne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Innsbruck.

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

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

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

One day in Lausanne or Innsbruck?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Lausanne. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lausanne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Innsbruck offers skiing and nightlife. 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.

A weekend in Lausanne or Innsbruck?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the international destination of Lausanne. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Lausanne or Innsbruck?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international city of Lausanne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Innsbruck 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.

A week in Lausanne or Innsbruck?

Lausanne is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Innsbruck is a great place to explore. 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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Innsbruck?

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