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

Should you visit Lucerne or Nantes?

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 Nantes. 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 cultural, historic, and vibrant 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Nantes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Nantes. While Nantes is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Nantes attracts visitors for its food. Lucerne is more touristy than Nantes and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Nantes 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.

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Lucerne and Nantes.

Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. 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.

Nantes has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Is Lucerne or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lucerne to see the historical old town. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Nantes?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Nantes both offer plenty of great 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.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Lucerne or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Lucerne or Nantes Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Nantes both great 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.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Lucerne or Nantes Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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

Is Lucerne or Nantes a more walkable city?

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

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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 Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Lucerne. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city 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 Nantes?

Lucerne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Lucerne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Nantes. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Nantes. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Nantes. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Nantes. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Nantes. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Lucerne