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

Should you visit Lucerne or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming 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.

Lucerne and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Bordeaux?

Both Bordeaux and Lucerne have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Bordeaux is known for its food. Bordeaux is more touristy than Lucerne and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

How is Lucerne different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

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

Eat your way through Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Lucerne know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Lucerne or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Bordeaux?

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

Bordeaux is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Lucerne or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Bordeaux are good 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.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Lucerne or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Lucerne or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers 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 Bordeaux Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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

Is Lucerne or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

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

Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Bordeaux?

In either Lucerne or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Lucerne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

One day in Lucerne or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bordeaux has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bordeaux. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Bordeaux?

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

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Bordeaux. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Bordeaux. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Lucerne