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

Should you visit Lucerne or Dusseldorf?

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 Dusseldorf. 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.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a vibrant, historic, and fun-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Dusseldorf. While Dusseldorf is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dusseldorf is more popular for its food. Lucerne is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge. Dusseldorf is well known for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Dusseldorf offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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

Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

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 Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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 Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Is Lucerne or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Dusseldorf?

Lucerne is a great destination for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dusseldorf. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Is Lucerne or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

Is Lucerne or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

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

Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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

Is Lucerne or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

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

Dusseldorf is a very walkable destination. It's easy to explore most of the city 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 Dusseldorf Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Dusseldorf?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Dusseldorf. In our opinion, Dusseldorf has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dusseldorf than Lucerne. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dusseldorf.

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Dusseldorf?

With museums and nightlife around the scenic city of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lucerne, one day is sufficent for most.

In Dusseldorf, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Dusseldorf, 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 Dusseldorf has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Dusseldorf?

Lucerne, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf?

Lucerne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dusseldorf. 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 Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Lucerne and Dusseldorf, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Dusseldorf, 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 Dusseldorf?

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 Dusseldorf in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 19°C (66°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 Dusseldorf. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Dusseldorf. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

Both Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

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

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

In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Lucerne or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Lucerne is a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Lucerne