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

Should you visit Lucerne or Howth?

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 Howth. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a scenic, peaceful, and coastal fishing village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Lucerne and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Howth?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lucerne. Although Lucerne and Howth are both popular with visitors, Lucerne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lucerne is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Howth is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. 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. Howth is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Lucerne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

Both Lucerne and Howth offer good 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.

Howth offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Lucerne or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Lucerne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Lucerne or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is great for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Howth for it's beautiful beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Howth Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is well known for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucerne or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is great for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Howth?

Lucerne is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lucerne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lucerne or Howth Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Howth are good 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.

Howth is a family-friendly place to visit. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Lucerne or Howth Better for Couples?

Lucerne is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Lucerne or Howth Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lucerne and Howth 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.

Howth has a few public transit options. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Lucerne or Howth a more walkable city?

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

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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 Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lucerne or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lucerne than Howth 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 Howth.

Couples should spend more time in Lucerne than Howth. 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 Lucerne than Howth 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 Lucerne.

One day in Lucerne or Howth?

In Lucerne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Howth, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This fishing village 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 Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Howth, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Howth?

Lucerne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Howth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Lucerne or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Howth. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Howth. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Howth. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Howth. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Howth in the autumn for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

Lucerne is a little warmer than Howth in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Howth during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Howth. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Howth averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Howth. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Howth in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Howth. 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 Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Howth. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Howth. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Howth and Lucerne