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

Should you visit Lucerne or Milan?

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 Milan. 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Lucerne attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Lucerne travel costs.

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come to Milan because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping. See Milan travel costs.

Lucerne and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Lucerne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lucerne is more touristy than Milan and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Lucerne different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Milan and Lucerne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Milan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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

Milan 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 Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

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

Milan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan Better for Music?

Milan is very popular for its music scene. However, Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Is Lucerne or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan 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.

Milan has a world-famous historical area. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

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 the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Milan?

Milan is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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.

Is Lucerne or Milan More Beautiful?

Milan is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Milan because of it's amazing beauty. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.

Lucerne is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From the historic bridge to the lake's blue waters, the city offers impressive views and a rich history.

Is Lucerne or Milan Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Milan are nice 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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Lucerne or Milan Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Milan 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.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Lucerne or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

Milan is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

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

Milan is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Milan a more walkable city?

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

Milan is a very easy city to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Milan?

In either Lucerne or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Lucerne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Milan?

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

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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 Milan?

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.

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Milan?

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.

Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural 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 Milan. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Milan. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Milan?

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

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 Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Milan. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In the autumn, Lucerne is cooler than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Milan. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Milan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Milan. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Lucerne is cooler than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Milan. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milan. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Lucerne