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

Should you visit Lucerne or Naples?

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 Naples. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples than Lucerne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Naples is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Lucerne attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Lucerne is more touristy than Naples and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Lucerne different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Naples 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 Naples, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Naples has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Lucerne or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Lucerne and Naples.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Naples?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Naples 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Lucerne or Naples Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Naples 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.

Naples is a family-friendly place to visit. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Lucerne or Naples Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Naples 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.

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Lucerne or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Naples 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 Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples 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 Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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

Is Lucerne or Naples a more walkable city?

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

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Naples?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Naples?

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.

Because Naples 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Naples?

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.

Because Naples 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. 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 Naples has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Naples?

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.

Naples is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic 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 Naples. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Naples?

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

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Naples. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Naples. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Naples. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Naples. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Naples because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lucerne is cooler than Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Naples. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Naples this time of year.

The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Naples. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Naples. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Naples in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Naples. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the activities around the city.

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

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Naples during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Naples. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Lucerne