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

Should you visit Lisbon or Lucerne?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Lucerne? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a scenic, active, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Lucerne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Lucerne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

How is Lisbon different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lisbon or Lucerne?

Lisbon is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Lucerne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

Is the Food Better in Lisbon or Lucerne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Lisbon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lisbon or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Lisbon is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Lucerne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Is Lisbon or Lucerne Better for Music?

Lisbon is very popular for its music scene. However, Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Lucerne Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a good destination for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Lisbon offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Lisbon has a world-famous historical area. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Lucerne?

Lisbon is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Is Lisbon or Lucerne Better for Families?

Lisbon is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Lisbon or Lucerne Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Lucerne make for a superb place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Couples visit Lucerne frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

Is Lisbon or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Lisbon or Lucerne Better for Students?

Lisbon is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Many students visit Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

Is Lisbon or Lucerne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lisbon is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Lisbon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lisbon or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Lisbon is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Lisbon is a very easy city to get around on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Lucerne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Lucerne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Lucerne. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lucerne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Lucerne 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Lucerne?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Lucerne?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Lucerne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Lucerne?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Lucerne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne than you might in Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Lucerne?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Lucerne, 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.

When is the best time to visit Lisbon or Lucerne?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lisbon or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Lucerne. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Lucerne in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Lucerne. The autumn months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

In the autumn, Lisbon is a little warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Lucerne averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Lucerne. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Lucerne. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Lucerne in the Spring?

Both Lucerne and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Lucerne in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Lisbon