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

Should you visit Lucerne or Bregenz?

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 Bregenz. 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 active, cultural, and historic 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.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a vibrant, cultural, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Bregenz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Bregenz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucerne. Although Lucerne and Bregenz are popular destinations, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bregenz attracts visitors for its food. Lucerne is more touristy than Bregenz and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Bregenz is famous for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Bregenz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Lucerne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

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

Bregenz 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.

Bregenz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

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 Bregenz Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Bregenz. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Lucerne or Bregenz Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a great city for its historic old town charm. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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 go to Bregenz to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Bregenz?

Lucerne is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Bregenz is a great destination for shopping. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Is Lucerne or Bregenz Better for Families?

Bregenz 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 Bregenz. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

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 Bregenz Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Bregenz both high quality 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.

Bregenz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Is Lucerne or Bregenz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Lucerne and Bregenz both offer nice 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.

Bregenz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Is Lucerne or Bregenz a more walkable city?

Lucerne and Bregenz are nice 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.

Bregenz is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bregenz or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Bregenz?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lucerne than Bregenz. 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.

One day in Lucerne or Bregenz?

In Lucerne, 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.

In Bregenz, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Bregenz?

In Lucerne, 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 Lucerne has to offer.

In Bregenz, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Bregenz has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Bregenz?

Lucerne 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.

Bregenz is a great place to explore. 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 Bregenz?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bregenz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bregenz. 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 Music Tours in Austria, and The Best Budget Tours to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Bregenz?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bregenz. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Bregenz, 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.