A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lucerne vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Lucerne and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lucerne. Although Lucerne and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Lucerne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lucerne is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Lucerne and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mont-Saint-Michel has many famous sights for visitors. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Lucerne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Is the Food Better in Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lucerne and Mont-Saint-Michel offer good 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Lucerne know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Lucerne is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Lucerne is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lucerne. 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for couples. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lucerne and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Mont-Saint-Michel is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lucerne than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

One day in Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This island 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Lucerne is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 710 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

Lucerne can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Mont-Saint-Michel. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In April, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Lucerne