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

Should you visit Lucerne or Florence?

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 Florence. 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 cultural, historic, and vibrant 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than Lucerne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Lucerne is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Lucerne and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

How is Lucerne different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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.

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

Florence 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 Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage 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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Lucerne or Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

Florence has a world-famous historical area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Florence?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Florence both offer plenty of great 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.

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Lucerne or Florence Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Florence 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Lucerne or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is very popular for couples. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Florence is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Lucerne or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young 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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Florence is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

Lucerne and Florence both offer good 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.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Lucerne or Florence a more walkable city?

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

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Florence?

Both Lucerne and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Lucerne. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Florence?

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 Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence, 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 Florence has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Florence?

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.

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

A week in Lucerne or Florence?

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 Florence. In Florence, you'll find museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Florence, 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 Florence?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lucerne or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Lucerne is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Florence. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Lucerne is cooler than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Florence. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Florence. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Florence. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Florence. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

In April, Lucerne is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Florence. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Florence. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Lucerne