A Travel Price Comparison for Switzerland Lucerne vs. Basel for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Lucerne or Basel?

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 Basel. 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 cultural, historic, and vibrant 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Basel: Pros and Cons

How is Lucerne different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lucerne or Basel Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

You'll find a number of museums and attractions in both Basel and Lucerne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Basel offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

Is Lucerne or Basel Better for Food?

Both Lucerne and Basel offer good 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.

Basel offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Lucerne or Basel Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is comparable in Lucerne and Basel.

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 hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Lucerne or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the old town areas in both Lucerne and Basel.

Lucerne has an old town worth visiting. 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 Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is Lucerne or Basel Better for Shopping?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Basel both offer plenty of spots.

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.

Basel is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Lucerne or Basel Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Basel are family-friendly destinations.

Lucerne offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. 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.

Basel is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer.

Is Lucerne or Basel Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Basel both fun destinations for a couple.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant square, 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.

Basel is a nice destination for couples. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Lucerne or Basel Better for Public Transit?

Lucerne and Basel both offer 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.

Public transit in Basel is fairly effecient and thorough. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Lucerne or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is more walkable than Lucerne.

Basel is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Basel. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Lucerne is 1-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Basel is 1-3 days.

One day in Lucerne or Basel?

In Lucerne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Basel, 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.

A weekend in Lucerne or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Basel, 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 Basel has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Basel?

Lucerne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Basel 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.

A week in Lucerne or Basel?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Lucerne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. 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.

When is the best time to visit Lucerne or Basel?

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 Basel in the Summer?

Both Basel and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Basel. Temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Basel stays around 21°C (70°F).

In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Basel. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Basel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Basel. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Basel in the autumn. The temperature in Lucerne is usually 13°C (56°F) in October, and Basel stays around 13°C (56°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basel during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Basel. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Basel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Basel. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In the winter, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Basel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January are around 3°C (37°F), and Basel is about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Basel. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Basel in the Spring?

Both Basel and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty.

In April, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Basel. Temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Basel stays around 12°C (53°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basel during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Basel. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Lucerne