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

Should you visit Lucerne or Nice?

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 Nice. 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. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Lucerne and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Nice?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Nice. While Nice is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Nice is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Lucerne and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. 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 Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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 Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Lucerne is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Lucerne is not a resort destination.

Is Lucerne or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lucerne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Lucerne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lucerne or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Lucerne and Nice.

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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Nice?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Nice both offer plenty of very good 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.

Nice is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Lucerne or Nice Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Nice are good 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.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Lucerne or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is very popular for couples. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Nice 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 Nice. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Lucerne or Nice a more walkable city?

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

Nice is a very easy seaside destination to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Nice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Nice, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Lucerne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Lucerne or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Lucerne. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Nice?

The historic city of Lucerne offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Nice, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice 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 Nice.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Nice. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Nice. 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. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

Lucerne is cooler than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Nice. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Nice. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Lucerne is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Nice. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Lucerne