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

Should you visit Lucerne or Girona?

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 Girona. 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. 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a ancient, charming, and beautiful city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Lucerne and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Girona?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Girona. While Girona is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Girona is known for its food, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Lucerne is more touristy than Girona and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also home to The Chapel Bridge. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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

Girona 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.

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Lucerne offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Lucerne or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona 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.

Girona has a world-famous historical area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona?

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

Girona is an extremely popular place for shoppers. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Lucerne or Girona Better for Families?

Lucerne is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Lucerne or Girona Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Girona 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.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Lucerne or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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 Girona Better for Students?

Girona 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 Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Lucerne and Girona 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.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Lucerne or Girona a more walkable city?

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

Girona is a very easy city to get around on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lucerne or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lucerne than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Girona?

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

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 Girona, 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 Girona has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Girona?

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.

Girona 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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 Girona. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Girona. 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 Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Girona?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In July, Lucerne is generally cooler than Girona. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Girona. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Girona. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Girona. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Girona during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Girona. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Girona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Girona. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Girona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Girona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Girona averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Girona. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Girona. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Girona. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Girona during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Girona. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Girona and Lucerne