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

Should you visit Lucerne or Pisa?

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 Pisa. 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. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Lucerne and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Pisa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Pisa. While Pisa is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its big city activities, while Pisa is known for its food and beaches. 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. Pisa is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Pisa 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.

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Pisa is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pisa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Lucerne and Pisa.

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.

Pisa has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Lucerne or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a good destination for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Pisa offers a nice beach destination. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Lucerne and Pisa.

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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Pisa?

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

Pisa is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Lucerne or Pisa Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Pisa 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Lucerne or Pisa Better for Couples?

Lucerne is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Lucerne or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

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

Pisa is a very popular place to visit for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

Lucerne and Pisa both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Lucerne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Lucerne or Pisa a more walkable city?

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

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place 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 Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Pisa?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lucerne than Pisa. 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 Pisa 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 Pisa.

One day in Lucerne or Pisa?

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 Pisa, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Pisa?

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

Five days in Lucerne or Pisa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic 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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa 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 Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Pisa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Pisa. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Pisa. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Pisa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Pisa averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Pisa. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Pisa in the Spring?

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

In April, Lucerne is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Lucerne usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Lucerne