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

Should you visit Lucerne or Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg. 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. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a charming, scenic, and character-filled town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Heidelberg?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Heidelberg. While Heidelberg is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. 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. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is a great city for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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 Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Lucerne and Heidelberg.

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.

Heidelberg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Is Lucerne or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg has a world-famous historical area. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

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 Heidelberg?

Lucerne is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Lucerne or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Heidelberg are nice 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.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Lucerne or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

Is Lucerne or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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 Heidelberg Better for Students?

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

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

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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

Is Lucerne or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

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

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly 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 Heidelberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Heidelberg. In our opinion, Heidelberg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Heidelberg than Lucerne. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Heidelberg?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lucerne, one day is sufficent for most.

In Heidelberg, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Heidelberg, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Heidelberg has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Heidelberg?

Lucerne, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg?

Lucerne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Heidelberg. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Heidelberg. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In January, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Heidelberg. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Heidelberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Heidelberg. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Lucerne