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

Should you visit Lucerne or Salzburg?

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 Salzburg. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful, musical, and cultural city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Lucerne and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Salzburg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Salzburg. While Salzburg is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Salzburg attracts visitors for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Lucerne and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. 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.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Salzburg 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.

Salzburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

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 Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Lucerne offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Lucerne or Salzburg Better for Music?

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

Salzburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Is Lucerne or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Salzburg has a world-famous historical area. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Salzburg?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg specifically to go shopping. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg Better for Families?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg Better for Couples?

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

Salzburg is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Salzburg. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg Better for Students?

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

Salzburg is a very popular place to visit for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

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

Salzburg is great 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Salzburg. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Lucerne or Salzburg a more walkable city?

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

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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 Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Salzburg?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Salzburg?

The beautiful city of Lucerne offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Salzburg, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Salzburg?

Lucerne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lucerne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Salzburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Salzburg?

Lucerne is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Salzburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Salzburg has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Salzburg?

Lucerne is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Salzburg. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Salzburg?

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

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 Salzburg in the Summer?

Both Salzburg and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Salzburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Salzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Salzburg. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Salzburg. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Salzburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Salzburg. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lucerne is a little warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Salzburg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Salzburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Salzburg. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Salzburg in the winter. The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In January, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Salzburg. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Salzburg in the Spring?

Both Salzburg and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Salzburg for the natural beauty.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Salzburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Salzburg during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Lucerne