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

Should you visit Lausanne or Koblenz?

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

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

Koblenz

Koblenz is a accessible, historic, and charming city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Lausanne and Koblenz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Lausanne or Koblenz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lausanne. Although Lausanne and Koblenz are about the same size, Lausanne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lausanne is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Koblenz is known for its small town charm. Koblenz is more touristy than Lausanne and is known for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, its popularity with river cruises, and its many nearby vineyards. Lausanne is popular for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters. It is also home to The Olympic Museum.

How is Lausanne different from Koblenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lausanne
Koblenz

Lausanne is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Koblenz. Most visitors head to the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached by chairlift. Also make sure you visit the Forum Confluentes, the State Museum, the Romanticum, and the Koblenz Sparkling Wine Museum.


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

Lausanne
Koblenz

Lausanne is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lausanne. 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.

Koblenz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is large enough to have a diversity of restaurants that serve everything from local German specialties to other European dishes. If you want to enjoy some regional cuisine, try the Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated beef), Döppekooche (potato cakes), or locally brewed beer.

Is Lausanne or Koblenz Better for Nightlife?

Lausanne
Koblenz

Lausanne is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Lausanne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Koblenz doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a smaller city, but there are still pubs around town that attract a crowd. Enjoy the local beer and chat with the locals on a relaxing night out.

Is Lausanne or Koblenz Better for its Old Town?

Lausanne
Koblenz

Lausanne and Koblenz both have good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Lausanne offers a nice historic old town area. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.

Koblenz is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is fun to explore with its beautiful churches and quaint ice cream shops.


Is the Shopping Better in Lausanne or Koblenz?

Lausanne
Koblenz

Lausanne is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Koblenz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of clothing shops in the old town where you can find a deal or splurge on a new outfit.

Is Lausanne or Koblenz Better for Families?

Lausanne
Koblenz

Lausanne is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Koblenz is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy the chairlift across the river that leads to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It's also fun to take a stroll along the river, grab ice cream in old town, and play at one of the parks around town.

Is Lausanne or Koblenz Better for Couples?

Lausanne
Koblenz

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

Couples visit Koblenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Seeped in romantic walks and historic buildings, couples will enjoy visiting this beautiful German town. Sip Reisling at one of the many restaurants or wander through the quaint old town.

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 Koblenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lausanne
Koblenz

Koblenz is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koblenz. There are a few affordable accommodation options around town. Food is reasonably priced as well so backpackers can enjoy a visit without breaking the bank.

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 Koblenz Better for Students?

Lausanne
Koblenz

Lausanne is well known for students. However, Koblenz is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Koblenz is not popular with students.

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

Lausanne
Koblenz

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

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 Koblenz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel the major routes around town. There's also a cable car that takes you up to the fortress.


Is Lausanne or Koblenz a more walkable city?

Lausanne
Koblenz

Lausanne and Koblenz both are good when exploring on foot.

Lausanne is a somewhat walkable city. Many parts of the city, including the historic sections, and relatively easy to explore on foot.

Koblenz is somewhat walkable. If you stay in the old town, you'll have no trouble walking around, but the train station is a good distance from the old town.

For even more information, also check out Is Lausanne Worth Visiting? and Is Koblenz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koblenz or Lausanne?

How long in Lausanne or Koblenz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lausanne or Koblenz to fill your time. In our opinion, Lausanne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lausanne than Koblenz. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Lausanne or Koblenz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lausanne 1-2 
    Koblenz 1-2

One day in Lausanne or Koblenz?

In Lausanne, 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.

The city of Koblenz 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.

A weekend in Lausanne or Koblenz?

In Lausanne, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Lausanne has to offer.

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


Five days in Lausanne or Koblenz?

Lausanne 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.

Koblenz 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 Koblenz?

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

Koblenz 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.


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 Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Koblenz or Lausanne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lausanne is $227, while the average daily cost in Koblenz is $134. 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 Lausanne and Koblenz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lausanne $136
    Koblenz $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lausanne $272
    Koblenz $146
Compare Hotels in Lausanne and Koblenz

Looking for a hotel in Lausanne or Koblenz? 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.

Hotels in Lausanne


Hotels in Koblenz


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lausanne Hotel Prices and Koblenz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lausanne $41
    Koblenz $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lausanne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lausanne:

  • Lausanne accommodation to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Évian-les-Bains: $160
  • Taxi, Airport Transfer and Limousine Service in Switzerland: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Lausanne or Koblenz?

Prices for flights to both Koblenz and Lausanne 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lausanne $62
    Koblenz $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lausanne $38
    Koblenz $33

Tours and Activities in Lausanne

Here are a few actual costs in Lausanne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Modern Medeival A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • Medieval A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Lausanne Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Lausanne Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided City Walking Tour: $15
  • Lausanne (Ouchy District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Lausanne (City Center) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Lausanne Ouchy District City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • The Olympic Museum Entry Ticket: $22

Tours and Activities in Koblenz

Here are a few actual costs in Koblenz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Old Town Sightseeing Cruise along the Rhine: $15
  • Cochem 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $15
  • Sightseeing Shippingtour around Koblenz: $16
  • Rhine Valley Castles and Palaces Boat Tour: $19
  • Panoramic Cruise on Moselle River to Winningen: $20
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine: $20
  • Historical Sparkling Wine Museum Guided Tour: $20
  • Christmas Boat Tour with Mulled Wine: $21
  • Cochem Evening Panorama Cruise : $27
  • Private city tour VW Bulli meets mining museum in Bochum: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lausanne $27
    Koblenz $8.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Lausanne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lausanne:

  • Swiss cheese and charcuterie wine tasting: $50

Sample the Local Flavors in Koblenz

Also in Koblenz, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private wine tasting meets Bulli in the Ruhr area: $75


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

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


Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Koblenz?

Lausanne has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Koblenz. When comparing the sizes of Lausanne and Koblenz, 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.