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

Should you visit Lucerne or Graz?

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 Graz. 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. 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.

Graz

Graz is a medieval, cultural, and historical city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Graz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Graz?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Graz. While Graz is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while Graz is known for its food and historical sights. Lucerne 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. Graz is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Graz 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.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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

Graz 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.

Graz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

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 Graz Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Lucerne and Graz.

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.

Graz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is Lucerne or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Graz 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.

Graz has a world-famous historical area. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

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 Graz?

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

Graz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Is Lucerne or Graz Better for Families?

Graz 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 Graz. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Graz 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.

Graz is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Is Lucerne or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

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 Graz Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Graz. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

Graz is great 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Graz. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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

Is Lucerne or Graz a more walkable city?

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

Graz is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore 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 Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Graz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Graz?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Graz, 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 Graz?

Lucerne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Graz, 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 Graz has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Graz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Lucerne. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Graz 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 Graz?

The active city of Lucerne offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Graz. 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Graz?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Graz, 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 Graz?

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 Graz in the Summer?

Both Graz and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Graz for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Graz. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Graz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Graz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Graz during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Graz. In July, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Graz. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Graz in the Autumn?

Both Graz and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Graz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Graz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Graz. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 139 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Graz. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Graz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Graz. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Graz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Graz can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much warmer than Graz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Graz averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Graz during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Graz. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Graz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Graz. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Graz because of the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Graz. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 158 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Graz. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Graz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Graz and Lucerne