A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lucerne vs. Oslo for Families, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Lucerne or Oslo?

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 Oslo. 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green 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 Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Oslo?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Oslo. While Oslo is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo is more popular for its big city activities. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge. Oslo is well known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Both Lucerne and Oslo offer notable 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.

Oslo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Lucerne or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Lucerne or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a 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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Oslo?

Lucerne is notable for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Lucerne or Oslo Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oslo is very family-friendly. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo Better for Couples?

Lucerne is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Lucerne or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Oslo. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other 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 Oslo Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

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

Oslo is very popular 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.

Oslo has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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

Is Lucerne or Oslo a more walkable city?

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

Oslo is a very walkable destination. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun 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 Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Oslo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Oslo?

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.

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Oslo?

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.

Because Oslo 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Oslo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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.

Oslo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Oslo?

The scenic 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 Oslo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oslo. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Oslo. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Oslo. 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 Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Oslo. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Oslo. 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 Oslo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. Lucerne is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lucerne is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Oslo. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Lucerne