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

Should you visit Lucerne or Killarney?

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 Killarney. 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney

Killarney is a local, natural, and peaceful town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Lucerne and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Killarney?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lucerne than Killarney, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lucerne is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Killarney is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge. Killarney is well known for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Killarney offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

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

Both Lucerne and Killarney offer notable 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.

Killarney offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find great local fish and chips shops as well as locally caught seafood and regional produce. There are cafes and other independent restaurants that provide a local taste of the area.

Is Lucerne or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is well known for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Killarney doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Is Lucerne or Killarney Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is well known for its historic old town. However, Killarney 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.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucerne or Killarney Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Killarney for the hiking trails. You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Killarney?

Lucerne is well known for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lucerne or Killarney Better for Families?

Killarney 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 Killarney. The area has many outdoor activities. You can explore Killarney National Park by horseback or head out on bikes. You can also take a boat ride or there's Kennedys Pet Farm for animal lovers.

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 Killarney Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Killarney 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.

Killarney is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Is Lucerne or Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Killarney. You'll find a surprising number of interesting hostels in the area so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to stay or meeting fellow backpackers.

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

Lucerne is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Lucerne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Killarney. There's a shuttle bus that travels between some of the tourist attractions.

Is Lucerne or Killarney a more walkable city?

Lucerne is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Killarney is not a very walkable city. While there are many great hikes in the area, you'll need a car to access most of them.

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

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Killarney?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lucerne than Killarney. 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 Killarney 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 Killarney?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucerne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Killarney, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Killarney?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Killarney, 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 Killarney has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Lucerne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Killarney is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Killarney?

Lucerne is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Killarney. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Killarney. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Killarney?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Killarney, 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 Killarney?

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 Killarney in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Killarney. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Killarney because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Killarney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Killarney averages at about 15°C (59°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 Killarney. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Killarney. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Killarney in the Autumn?

Both Killarney and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

In October, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Killarney. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Killarney in the Winter?

Both Killarney and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Killarney for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. Lucerne is much colder than Killarney in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Killarney. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Killarney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Killarney. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Killarney in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lucerne is a little warmer than Killarney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Killarney averages at about 9°C (48°F).

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

In April, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Killarney. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Killarney and Lucerne