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

Should you visit Lucerne or Reims?

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 Reims. 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.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Reims?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Reims. While Reims is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Reims attracts visitors for its food. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Reims is famous for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lucerne can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Reims 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 Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Lucerne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Lucerne or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Reims 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Reims?

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

Reims is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Is Lucerne or Reims Better for Families?

Lucerne is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lucerne. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Lucerne or Reims Better for Couples?

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

Reims is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

Lucerne and Reims both offer nice 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.

Reims has a few public transit options. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Lucerne or Reims a more walkable city?

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

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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 Reims Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reims or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Reims?

In either Lucerne or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Lucerne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Reims?

In Lucerne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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.

In Reims, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Reims?

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.

In Reims, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. 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 Reims has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Reims?

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.

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

A week in Lucerne or Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic 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 Reims. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

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

Lucerne is a little warmer than Reims in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Reims. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims 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 Reims because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lucerne is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Reims averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Reims. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims 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 Reims this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In January, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Reims. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Reims in the Spring?

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

Lucerne is a little warmer than Reims in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Reims during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Reims. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reims and Lucerne