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

Should you visit Lucerne or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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 vibrant, scenic, and active 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Lucerne and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Saint-Etienne?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking. Lucerne is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also home to The Chapel Bridge. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Lucerne is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Lucerne or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lucerne is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Lucerne has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Lucerne or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Lucerne or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucerne or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Saint-Etienne?

Lucerne is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Lucerne is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Lucerne or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Lucerne or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Lucerne is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Lucerne or Saint-Etienne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lucerne and Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Lucerne or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Lucerne and Saint-Etienne are good when it comes to walkability.

Lucerne is a somewhat walkable city. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

Saint-Etienne is somewhat walkable. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Lucerne Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lucerne or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lucerne than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Lucerne than Saint-Etienne. 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 Lucerne than Saint-Etienne. 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 Lucerne than Saint-Etienne 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 Lucerne.

One day in Lucerne or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Lucerne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Saint-Etienne has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Lucerne. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Saint-Etienne?

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

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

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

Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Saint-Etienne. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In the winter, Lucerne is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

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

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Lucerne