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

Should you visit Lucerne or Brussels?

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 Brussels. 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 vibrant, scenic, and active 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

Brussels is a historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Brussels?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Lucerne. Brussels is bigger than Lucerne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Lucerne is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Lucerne is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Lucerne different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Brussels 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.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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

Brussels 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.

Brussels has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

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 Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Lucerne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Lucerne or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Lucerne and Brussels.

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 Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Brussels?

Brussels 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 Brussels specifically to go shopping. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around 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 Brussels Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Brussels both excellent 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.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Is Lucerne or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

Brussels 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.

Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Lucerne or Brussels a more walkable city?

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

Brussels is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Brussels?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Brussels?

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.

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Brussels?

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.

Because Brussels 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Brussels?

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.

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Brussels?

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 Brussels. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

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 Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Brussels. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Brussels. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brussels. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. Lucerne is around the same temperature as Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Brussels. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Brussels. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Lucerne is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Brussels. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Lucerne