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

Should you visit Lausanne or Nuremberg?

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

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

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a charming, beautiful, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lausanne and Nuremberg: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Lausanne or Nuremberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nuremberg than Lausanne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nuremberg is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Lausanne is known for its food. Nuremberg is more touristy than Lausanne and is known for its quaint old town, beautiful architecture, and festive Christmas markets. It is also home to Nuremberg Castle. Lausanne is popular for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters.

How is Lausanne different from Nuremberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lausanne
Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Nuremberg on the map. It's well established on the tourist circuit and it's easy to see why. The history and charm, combined with interesting sights make it a top place to visit in Germany. Make sure you check out Kaiserburg, the Nuremberg Trials Memorial, and Germanisches National Museum.

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.


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

Lausanne
Nuremberg

Lausanne is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Nuremberg 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.

Nuremberg is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is heavily influenced by Franconian cuisines and you'll find many sausages and lots of meat in the restaurants. In addition to Nuremberg sausage, you should definitely try the bretzel, leberkäsweggla (a meat and grain snack), and schäuferle (pig's shoulder meat).

Is Lausanne or Nuremberg Better for Nightlife?

Lausanne
Nuremberg

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

Nuremberg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse with clubs, bars, live music venues, and a number of festivals held in town. It's possible to have a relaxing night with a beer in a beer garden or a more lively evening at one of the many clubs around town.

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 Nuremberg Better for its Old Town?

Lausanne
Nuremberg

Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg is revered around the world. The city's old town is filled with charm and it's easy to explore on foot. It's also large enough that you'll leave wishing you had more time to see it all.

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 Nuremberg?

Lausanne
Nuremberg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg. In addition to its iconic Christmas markets, you'll find year round shopping areas, pedestrian shopping streets, and large shopping malls. Some of the best places to shop include Lorenzer Altstadt, Hauptmarkt, and Königstorpassage.

Is Lausanne or Nuremberg Better for Families?

Lausanne
Nuremberg

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

Nuremberg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has a nice zoo and several museums that are great for kids like the DB Railway Museum, the Toy Museum, and the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium. Also make sure you visit the Imperial Castle which is a highlight of a trip to Nuremberg for kids and adults alike.

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 Nuremberg Better for Couples?

Lausanne
Nuremberg

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

Couples visit Nuremberg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has history, beauty, charm, and personality. You'll find many romantic spots to walk hand in hand or enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy setting.

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 Nuremberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lausanne
Nuremberg

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

Nuremberg is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a favorite city of many travelers to Germany and backpackers are no exception. There are enough hostels to keep prices in check and wandering the old town is a free and rewarding experience.

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 Nuremberg Better for Students?

Lausanne
Nuremberg

Lausanne and Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg. It's a reasonably priced city with a number of activities and great transportation. Students appreciate the energy and large number of things to do.

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

Lausanne
Nuremberg

Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg can get you to most places easily. The city offers buses, trams, and an underground train system.

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 Nuremberg a more walkable city?

Lausanne
Nuremberg

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

Nuremberg is a very walkable destination. The old town in particular is very walkable and best explored 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 Nuremberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nuremberg or Lausanne?

How long in Lausanne or Nuremberg?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Lausanne or Nuremberg?

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 Nuremberg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Nuremberg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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.

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


Five days in Lausanne or Nuremberg?

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.

Nuremberg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Nuremberg?

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.

Nuremberg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg is $111. 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 Nuremberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lausanne $136
    Nuremberg $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lausanne $272
    Nuremberg $130
Compare Hotels in Lausanne and Nuremberg

Looking for a hotel in Lausanne or Nuremberg? 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 Nuremberg


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 Nuremberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lausanne $41
    Nuremberg $13

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nuremberg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nuremberg:

  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Prague with Beer Museum : $246
  • Nuremberg to Prague - Private Transfer with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $251
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Nuremberg to Munich with 4h of Sightseeing: $268
  • Private Transfer - Nuremberg from Harbor, Airport or Old Town: $76
  • Private Transfer - Nuremberg to Munich or Munich to Nuremberg: $191
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg Dock to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel: $215
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Munich with 2 hours for sightseeing: $268
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing: $257
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Prague with 3h stop in Karlovy Vary: $243
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Salzburg with 2h of Sightseeing: $290
  • Private Transfer-River Cruise Dock Nuremberg to Munich: Port / Harbor transport : $204
  • Private Transfer: River Cruise Dock Nuremberg to Prague: Port / Harbor transport: $268

Is it cheaper to fly into Lausanne or Nuremberg?

Prices for flights to both Nuremberg 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
    Nuremberg $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nuremberg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nuremberg.

  • 3-Hour St. Johannis Food Tour in German: $95
  • Classic North Side Food Tour in German: $95
  • Nürnberg City Tour with Traditional Dinner & Beer: $267

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lausanne $38
    Nuremberg $11

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 Nuremberg

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

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Southern Old Town": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Northern Old Town": $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Walking Tour Nuremberg: $3.28
  • Nuremberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.92
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Exploration Game & Guided Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Nuremberg through the Centuries: A Historical Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nuremberg through the Centuries: A Historical Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nuremberg:Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.49
  • Self-guided Tour former Nazi Party Rally Grounds: $8.45
  • Self-guided tour around the Kaiserburg: $9.52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lausanne $27
    Nuremberg $17

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 Nuremberg

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

  • Pub Crawl for Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties: $24
  • Nürnberg: Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


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

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


Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Nuremberg?

Nuremberg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lausanne. When comparing the sizes of Lausanne and Nuremberg, 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.