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

Should you visit Lucerne or Amalfi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Amalfi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a historic, vibrant, and scenic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a picturesque, stunning, and dramatic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Lucerne and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Lucerne and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Lucerne is known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Lucerne and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

How is Lucerne different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Amalfi 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 Amalfi, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

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 Lucerne or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Lucerne and Amalfi.

Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. 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.

Amalfi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Lucerne or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lucerne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Lucerne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lucerne or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

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

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Lucerne and Amalfi.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Lucerne or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is great for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Amalfi for the hiking trails. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Amalfi?

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

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

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Lucerne or Amalfi Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Amalfi are good family-friendly destinations.

Lucerne offers lots of family activities. 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.

Amalfi is a family-friendly place to visit. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Lucerne or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is very popular for couples. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Amalfi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Lucerne or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lucerne and Amalfi both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Lucerne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Amalfi has a few public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Lucerne or Amalfi a more walkable city?

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

Amalfi is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Lucerne Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Amalfi?

Both Lucerne and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Lucerne. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Lucerne or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi 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 Amalfi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. In Amalfi, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lucerne and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Amalfi?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Amalfi, 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 Lucerne or Amalfi?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lucerne or Amalfi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Amalfi. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Amalfi. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Amalfi in the Autumn?

Both Amalfi and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

Lucerne is cooler than Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Amalfi in the Winter?

Both Amalfi and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Amalfi. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Lucerne is generally cooler than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Lucerne