Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Hamburg. 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 is a active, cultural, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hamburg attracts visitors for its music. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Hamburg is famous for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hamburg and Lucerne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Hamburg 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.
Hamburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.
Both Lucerne and Hamburg offer nice 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.
Hamburg offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).
The vibe at night is high quality in both Lucerne and Hamburg.
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.
Hamburg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.
Hamburg is very popular for its music scene. However, Lucerne is not a live music destination.
Hamburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.
Lucerne is not a live music destination.
Lucerne is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.
There is a nice variety of sights 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.
Hamburg does not have a historic old town.
If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Hamburg both offer plenty of high quality 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.
Hamburg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.
Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.
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.
Lucerne is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Couples visit Lucerne frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.
Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.
Hamburg is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.
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.
Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.
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.
Hamburg 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 Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.
Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.
Hamburg is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored 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 Hamburg Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Hamburg. In our opinion, Hamburg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hamburg than Lucerne. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Hamburg than Lucerne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hamburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Lucerne than Hamburg. 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg.
In Lucerne, you'll find nightlife 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.
In Hamburg, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
In Lucerne, 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 Lucerne has to offer.
In Hamburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer.
Lucerne 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.
Hamburg 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucerne. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Hamburg. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $218, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is $127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lucerne and Hamburg in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Hamburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:
Prices for flights to both Hamburg and Lucerne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Hamburg, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg 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 Hamburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Hamburg Expensive?.
Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Hamburg, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Hamburg. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Hamburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
Lucerne is a little warmer than Hamburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Hamburg. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Hamburg and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Lucerne is a little warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Hamburg averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Hamburg and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Hamburg can be very cold. Lucerne can be very cold during winter. In January, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).
In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Hamburg. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Hamburg. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.
Lucerne is much warmer than Hamburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Lucerne | Hamburg | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |