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

Should you visit Lucerne or Berlin?

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 Berlin. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a historic, cultural, and artsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Lucerne and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Berlin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Lucerne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Lucerne is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Berlin is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate.

How is Lucerne different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin 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, Berlin has many famous sights for visitors. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Lucerne or Berlin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Berlin has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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 Berlin Better for Nightlife?

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

Berlin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Lucerne or Berlin Better for Music?

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

Berlin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Is Lucerne or Berlin Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a great city for its old town. However, Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lucerne to see the historical old town. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Berlin?

Berlin 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 Berlin specifically to go shopping. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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 Lucerne or Berlin Better for Families?

Berlin 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 Berlin. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Lucerne or Berlin Better for Couples?

Lucerne is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Lucerne or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

A large number of backpackers visit Berlin, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Lucerne or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Berlin is a very popular place to visit for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university 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 Lucerne or Berlin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Berlin 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.

Berlin has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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

Is Lucerne or Berlin a more walkable city?

Lucerne and Berlin are good 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.

Berlin is somewhat walkable. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Berlin?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Berlin?

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.

Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city 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 Berlin?

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.

Because Berlin 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Berlin?

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.

Berlin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Berlin?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Berlin, 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 Berlin?

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 Berlin in the Summer?

Both Berlin and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Berlin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Lucerne or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Lucerne is a little warmer than Berlin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Berlin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Berlin. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In the winter, Lucerne is much warmer than Berlin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Berlin averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Berlin. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Berlin. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city.

In April, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Berlin. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Lucerne