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

Should you visit Lucerne or Rome?

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 Rome. 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. 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.

Rome

Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Lucerne and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Rome?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome than Lucerne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rome is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lucerne attracts visitors for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Lucerne and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

The Colosseum

How is Lucerne different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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, Rome has many famous sights for visitors. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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

Rome 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 Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

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

Rome is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

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

Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Is Lucerne or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Rome?

Rome 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 Rome specifically to go shopping. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rome. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Rome both very good destinations for a couple.

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.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Lucerne or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

A large number of backpackers visit Rome, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

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

Rome is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students 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 Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rome 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.

Rome has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Lucerne or Rome a more walkable city?

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

Rome is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Rome?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Rome?

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 Rome 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 Rome?

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 Rome 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 Rome?

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.

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

A week in Lucerne or Rome?

The active 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 Rome. Because Rome 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Rome?

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

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Rome. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is cooler than Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Rome. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In the autumn, Lucerne is cooler than Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Rome. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Rome. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rome. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Rome in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Rome. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Lucerne is cooler than Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Rome. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Lucerne