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

Should you visit Lucerne or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier. 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 vibrant, scenic, and active city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Lucerne and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Montpellier?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Montpellier. While Montpellier is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Montpellier attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Lucerne is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Montpellier 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Both Lucerne and Montpellier offer nice 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.

Montpellier offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Lucerne or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Lucerne or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is great for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier has a world-famous historical area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

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 Montpellier?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Montpellier both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. 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.

Montpellier is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Lucerne or Montpellier Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a family-friendly place to visit. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Lucerne or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Montpellier both excellent 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.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Lucerne or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of 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 Montpellier Better for Students?

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

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

Montpellier is great 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Lucerne or Montpellier a more walkable city?

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

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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 Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Lucerne. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Lucerne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Montpellier has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Montpellier?

The historic city of Lucerne offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucerne. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Montpellier. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lucerne is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Montpellier. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Montpellier. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Lucerne