A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lucerne vs. Bonn for Families, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Lucerne or Bonn?

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 Bonn. 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Bonn?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is better known for its nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is more popular for its quaint atmosphere. Lucerne is more touristy than Bonn and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Bonn 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.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

Both Lucerne and Bonn offer notable 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.

Bonn offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Lucerne or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a great city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Lucerne has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Lucerne or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Lucerne and Bonn.

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 Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Bonn?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Bonn 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.

Bonn is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Lucerne or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

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

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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Lucerne or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

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 Bonn Better for Students?

Bonn is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Many students visit Bonn. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Bonn is great 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bonn. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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

Is Lucerne or Bonn a more walkable city?

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

Bonn is a very walkable destination. The compact old town is 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 Bonn Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Bonn. In our opinion, Bonn has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bonn than Lucerne. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lucerne than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn.

One day in Lucerne or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bonn, 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 Bonn?

Lucerne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bonn, 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 Bonn has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Lucerne. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bonn 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 Bonn?

The historic city of Lucerne offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

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

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 from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Bonn. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Bonn. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. Lucerne is around the same temperature as Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Bonn. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Bonn. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lucerne is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Bonn. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Lucerne