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

Should you visit Lucerne or Auxerre?

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 Auxerre. 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 active, cultural, and historic 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Lucerne and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Auxerre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucerne. Although Lucerne and Auxerre are popular destinations, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its small town charm. Lucerne is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Lucerne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Both Lucerne and Auxerre offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Lucerne is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Lucerne or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Lucerne or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Auxerre?

Lucerne is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. 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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lucerne or Auxerre Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Auxerre are nice 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Lucerne or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Lucerne is great for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

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

Lucerne and Auxerre both offer nice 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.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Lucerne and Auxerre are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lucerne or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lucerne than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Auxerre?

In Lucerne, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

In Auxerre, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Lucerne or Auxerre?

In Lucerne, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucerne has to offer.

In Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. 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 Auxerre has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Auxerre?

Lucerne is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Auxerre 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.

A week in Lucerne or Auxerre?

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

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

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Auxerre?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Auxerre, 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 Auxerre?

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 Lucerne or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is a little warmer than Auxerre in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Auxerre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Auxerre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Auxerre averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Auxerre. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Auxerre. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Auxerre can be very cold. Lucerne can be very cold during winter. In January, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Auxerre. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

Lucerne is a little warmer than Auxerre in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Auxerre. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Lucerne