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

Should you visit Lucerne or Galway?

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 Galway. 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 historic, vibrant, and scenic 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively 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 Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Galway?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Galway. While Galway is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is more touristy than Galway 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. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Galway offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

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

Both Lucerne and Galway offer notable 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.

Galway offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Lucerne or Galway Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Lucerne and Galway.

Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. 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.

Galway has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

Is Lucerne or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is notable for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Galway?

Lucerne is notable for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Galway. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Lucerne or Galway Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Galway are notable 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.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Is Lucerne or Galway Better for Couples?

Lucerne is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Lucerne or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other 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 Galway Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

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

Lucerne and Galway both offer notable 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.

Galway has a few public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Lucerne or Galway a more walkable city?

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

Galway is a very walkable destination. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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 Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Galway?

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

Families should spend more time in Lucerne than Galway. 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 Galway. 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 Galway 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 Galway.

One day in Lucerne or Galway?

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 Galway, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Galway?

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 Galway, 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 Galway has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Galway?

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.

Galway 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 Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active 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 Galway. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Galway?

Galway has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Galway, 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 Galway?

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 Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Galway. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Galway. The autumn months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In October, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Galway. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Galway in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Galway. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. Lucerne is much colder than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Galway. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Galway. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Lucerne