A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lucerne vs. Lisse for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lucerne or Lisse?

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 Lisse. 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.

Where Should I go: Lucerne or Lisse?

Lucerne

Lucerne is a relatively small city in the center of Switzerland. It is located across the lake from Altdorf and it has a thriving tourism industry. It's close proximity to many of the major sights in the country make it a great base for exploration. Many people use it as a jumping off point for exploring Mount Rigi and the Rutli Meadow.

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Lisse or Lucerne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, while the average daily cost in Lisse is $155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lucerne and Lisse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lucerne $137
    Lisse $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lucerne $274
    Lisse $170
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Lisse

Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Lisse? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lucerne


Hotels in Lisse


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lucerne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lucerne $13
    Lisse $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne

Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • INTERLAKEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $744
  • LAUTERBRUNNEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $722
  • Private transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne: $547
  • Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $300
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
  • Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
  • Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Lisse?

Prices for flights to both Lisse and Lucerne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lucerne $62
    Lisse $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucerne

For Lucerne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Swiss Alps: Traditional Swiss Fondue Cooking Class: $82
  • Lake Candlelight Dinner Cruise: $141
  • From Zurich: 2-Day Mt.Titlis including 4-course dinner: $547

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse

For Lisse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Haarlem's Food-steps: A self-guided Food Tour: $39
  • WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lucerne $34
    Lisse $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne

For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 1 Day Bicycle Rental
    $34
  • The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee
    $35

Tours and Activities in Lucerne

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.

  • A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $275
  • A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $534
  • Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Luzern: $563
  • Alpine Majesty:Luzern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $821
  • Basel: Swiss Alps Glacier Express Train Ride & Lucerne Tour: $760
  • Best of Lucerne Walking Photography Tour: $179
  • Burgenstock Private Tour: Mt. Rigis & Lake of Lucerne Cruise: $585
  • City tour plus Lucerne: $95
  • Day Trip from Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure: $174
  • Day Trip to Swiss Villages from Lucerne - Small Group tour by Car: $200
  • Early morning tour: $213
  • Exploring Lucerne with Friends: A Local Experience ❤: $159

Tours and Activities in Lisse

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lisse.

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $28
  • 2-Hour Private History and Highlights of Haarlem Walking Tour: $240
  • 90 minute Cheese and Wine Cruise through the Canals of Haarlem: $43
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $21
  • Amsterdam: Private Sightseeing Tour to Keukenhof: $225
  • Bloemendaal Highlights: Guided Bike Tour close to Amsterdam: $55
  • Cheese, Clogs, Flowers and Windmills Tour: $620
  • CuliWalk Haarlem,Historic + Cultural audiotour with a Culinary Twist (selfguided: $49
  • Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
  • Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • Escape Experience Haarlem The Escape of Kenau: $31
  • From Amsterdam: Private Keukenhof and Tulip Experience Tour: $313

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lucerne $22
    Lisse $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:

  • 3 Hour Unique Wine Tour - Half Day in Swiss Alps: $166
  • Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $273

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse

Also in Lisse, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22


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

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


Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Lisse?

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

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 Lisse in the Summer?

Both Lisse and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

In July, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Lisse. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Lisse fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisse. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Lisse during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Lisse receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Lisse. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F) 
    Lisse 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Lisse in the Autumn?

Both Lisse and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lucerne is a little warmer than Lisse in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Lisse fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Lisse. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisse receives 99 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lisse. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lucerne 13°C (56°F) 
    Lisse 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Lisse in the Winter?

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

Lisse can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is a little warmer than Lisse. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Lisse averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Lisse during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Lisse receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Lisse. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F) 
    Lisse 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Lisse in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Lisse. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Lisse. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Lisse fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Lisse. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisse receives 166 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Lisse. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F) 
    Lisse 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Lisse and Lucerne

Lucerne Lisse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)