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

Should you visit Lucerne or Hvar?

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 Hvar. 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 historic, vibrant, and scenic 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.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Lucerne and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lucerne. Although Lucerne and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Lucerne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lucerne is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar is known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Hvar is more touristy than Lucerne and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. 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.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar 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.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Hvar is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Lucerne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Lucerne or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lucerne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Lucerne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lucerne or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucerne or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Hvar?

Lucerne is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Lucerne or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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 Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Hvar both very good 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.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Lucerne or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Hvar, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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

Lucerne and Hvar 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.

Hvar has a few public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Lucerne or Hvar a more walkable city?

Lucerne and Hvar are good when it comes to walkability.

Lucerne is a somewhat walkable city. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

Hvar is somewhat walkable. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

For even more information, also check out Is Lucerne Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Lucerne or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Hvar?

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 Hvar, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This island 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hvar has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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.

Hvar 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 Hvar?

The vibrant 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 Hvar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Hvar. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Hvar?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Hvar. The autumn months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Lucerne is cooler than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Lucerne or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Hvar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Lucerne is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Hvar. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Lucerne