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

Should you visit Lucerne or Paris?

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 Paris. 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 scenic, active, and cultural 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Lucerne and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Paris?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Lucerne. Paris is bigger than Lucerne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lucerne is more popular for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Lucerne and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Lucerne different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Lucerne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Is Lucerne or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is very popular for its shows and theatre. However, Lucerne is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Lucerne is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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 Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is very popular for its music scene. However, Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Is Lucerne or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Paris?

Paris is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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.

Is Lucerne or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Lucerne does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Lucerne does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Lucerne or Paris Better for Families?

Paris 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, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

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

Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

Paris 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.

Paris has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Lucerne or Paris a more walkable city?

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

Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored 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 Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Paris?

Both Lucerne and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Lucerne. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Paris?

In Lucerne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Paris 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. 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 Paris?

Lucerne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris 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 Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Lucerne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lucerne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lucerne 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Lucerne.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Paris. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Paris. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Paris in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Paris. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Paris can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. Lucerne is much colder than Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Paris. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Paris in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Paris. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Paris. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Paris averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Paris. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Paris. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Lucerne