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

Should you visit Lucerne or Dingle?

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 Dingle. 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. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dingle

Dingle is a natural, scenic, and rustic peninsula. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Lucerne and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Dingle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucerne. Although Lucerne and Dingle are popular destinations, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Dingle attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Dingle is famous for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options 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.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

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

Both Lucerne and Dingle offer nice 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.

Dingle offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Lucerne or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Lucerne or Dingle Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Dingle for it's beautiful beaches. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Dingle Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucerne or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Dingle is great for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dingle for the hiking trails. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Dingle?

Lucerne is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lucerne or Dingle Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Dingle are nice 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.

Dingle is a family-friendly place to visit. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Lucerne or Dingle Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Dingle 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.

Dingle is a very popular place to visit for couples. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Is Lucerne or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

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

Lucerne is a popular place for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Lucerne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Lucerne or Dingle a more walkable city?

Lucerne is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Lucerne is a somewhat walkable city. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable city. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

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

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Dingle?

In either Lucerne or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle 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 Dingle.

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Dingle, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This peninsula 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 Dingle?

Lucerne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Dingle, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dingle has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Dingle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dingle is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dingle has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Lucerne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dingle. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Dingle. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Dingle?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Dingle, 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle in the Summer?

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

Lucerne is a little warmer than Dingle in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°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 Dingle. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Dingle. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Dingle in the Autumn?

Both Dingle 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 Dingle in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lucerne is a little warmer than Dingle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Dingle averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Dingle. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle 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 Dingle for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun.

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Dingle. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Dingle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Dingle. 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 Dingle because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Lucerne is a little warmer than Dingle in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Dingle fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

In April, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dingle. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Lucerne