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

Should you visit Lucerne or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 active, cultural, and historic 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.

Kotor

Kotor is a charming, historic, and peaceful coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Lucerne and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lucerne than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lucerne is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Lucerne is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Lucerne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Lucerne or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Lucerne is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Lucerne is not a resort destination.

Is Lucerne or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Lucerne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lucerne or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a good destination for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor 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.

Kotor has a world-famous historical area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Lucerne or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is very popular for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Kotor?

Lucerne is well known for shopping. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lucerne or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Kotor are notable 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.

Kotor is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Lucerne or Kotor Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Kotor both high quality 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.

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Lucerne or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

Lucerne is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor 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 Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Lucerne or Kotor a more walkable city?

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

Kotor is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is best 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Kotor?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Kotor?

In Lucerne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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.

Kotor is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Lucerne or Kotor?

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.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant 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 Kotor. Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Kotor?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Lucerne is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Kotor. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor because of the cuisine.

Lucerne can be very cold during winter. Lucerne is much colder than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Kotor. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the spring, Lucerne is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Kotor. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Lucerne