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

Should you visit Lucerne or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz. 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 scenic, active, and cultural 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Biarritz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lucerne. Although Lucerne and Biarritz are both popular with visitors, Lucerne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lucerne is more popular for its museums, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is known for its food, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also home to The Chapel Bridge. Biarritz is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Lucerne and Biarritz.

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.

Biarritz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Lucerne or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. However, Lucerne is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Biarritz to choose from. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Lucerne is not a resort destination.

Is Lucerne or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is great for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Biarritz?

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

Biarritz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Lucerne or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Biarritz both superb destinations for a couple.

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.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Lucerne or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Biarritz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lucerne and Biarritz 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.

Biarritz has a few public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Lucerne or Biarritz a more walkable city?

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

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Biarritz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Biarritz?

The beautiful city of Lucerne offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside 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 Biarritz?

Lucerne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lucerne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Lucerne or Biarritz?

Lucerne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Biarritz?

Lucerne is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Biarritz?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Biarritz. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Biarritz. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Biarritz. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Lucerne is cooler than Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In January, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Lucerne