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

Should you visit Lausanne or Leipzig?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lausanne or Leipzig, 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 gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a dynamic, cultural, and historic city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lausanne and Leipzig: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Lausanne or Leipzig?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lausanne than Leipzig. While Leipzig is larger than Lausanne, Lausanne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lausanne is better known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Leipzig is more popular for its quaint atmosphere. Leipzig is more touristy than Lausanne and is popular for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner. Lausanne is well known for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters. Also, Lausanne is famous for The Olympic Museum.

How is Lausanne different from Leipzig?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lausanne
Leipzig

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

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 Leipzig. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.


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

Lausanne
Leipzig

Lausanne is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Is Lausanne or Leipzig Better for Nightlife?

Lausanne
Leipzig

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lausanne and Leipzig.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Leipzig has a few options to choose from. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

Is Lausanne or Leipzig Better for its Old Town?

Lausanne
Leipzig

Lausanne is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Leipzig does not have a historic old town.

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.

Leipzig does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Lausanne or Leipzig?

Lausanne
Leipzig

Shopping is a popular activity in both Leipzig 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 Leipzig. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

Is Lausanne or Leipzig Better for Families?

Lausanne
Leipzig

Lausanne and Leipzig are both notable 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.

Leipzig offers lots of family activities. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

Is Lausanne or Leipzig Better for Couples?

Lausanne
Leipzig

Lausanne and Leipzig are both notable to visit as a couple.

Lausanne is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Leipzig is a nice destination for couples. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.


Is Lausanne or Leipzig Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lausanne
Leipzig

Leipzig 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 Leipzig. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

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 Leipzig Better for Students?

Lausanne
Leipzig

Lausanne is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Leipzig is not popular with 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.

Leipzig is not popular with students.

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

Lausanne
Leipzig

Leipzig 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 Leipzig can get you to most places easily. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.

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 Leipzig a more walkable city?

Lausanne
Leipzig

Lausanne and Leipzig both are notable 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.

Leipzig is somewhat walkable. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Leipzig or Lausanne?

How long in Lausanne or Leipzig?

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

Families should spend more time in Lausanne than Leipzig. 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.

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

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


  • How many days in Lausanne or Leipzig? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lausanne 1-2 
    Leipzig 1-3

One day in Lausanne or Leipzig?

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 Leipzig 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 Leipzig?

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.

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


Five days in Lausanne or Leipzig?

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.

Leipzig 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 Leipzig?

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.

Leipzig 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Leipzig 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 Leipzig is $178. 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 Leipzig in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lausanne $136
    Leipzig $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lausanne $272
    Leipzig $194
Compare Hotels in Lausanne and Leipzig

Looking for a hotel in Lausanne or Leipzig? 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 Leipzig


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 Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lausanne $41
    Leipzig $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lausanne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lausanne:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

Also for Leipzig, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Lausanne or Leipzig?

Prices for flights to both Leipzig 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
    Leipzig $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

For Leipzig, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lausanne $38
    Leipzig $39

Tours and Activities in Lausanne

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

  • Évian-les-Bains Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $297
  • (KTL303) - Winter Tour Montreux and Chaplin's World from Lausanne: $157
  • Boat cruise from Lausanne to Evian: $43
  • Chaplin's World Entrance Ticket: $34
  • Christmas Charms of A Private Walking Tour: $724
  • Fascinating Charms of Vevey – Walking Tour for Couples: $180
  • From Glacier 3000 Experience Tour: $97
  • From Glacier 3000 experience and Montreux: $104
  • From Interlaken and Jungfrau Train Experience: $370
  • From Spectacular Schilthorn with 007 Experience: $257
  • From Swiss Riviera Tour: $152
  • Gems of Lausanne Revealed: A Private Walking Tour: $617

Tours and Activities in Leipzig

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Leipzig.

  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • Leipzig's Communist Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of the City's Communist Past: $6.99
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Sighteeing Tour: $12
  • Guided Crime-Themed Walking Tour: $13
  • Old Town Guided Tour: $13
  • 1.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour in German: $14
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour - Explore Your Way: $14
  • Guided Tour of the Southern Cemetery: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lausanne $27
    Leipzig $28

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Leipzig?

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