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

Should you visit Lucerne or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a cultural, beautiful, and overlooked 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. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Lucerne and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Lucerne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sarajevo is more popular for its food, historical sights, and hiking, while Lucerne is known for its nightlife. Lucerne is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Lucerne different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Lucerne has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Lucerne or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo has a world-famous historical area. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

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 Lucerne or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is very popular for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Sarajevo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Sarajevo?

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

Sarajevo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Lucerne or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Lucerne is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Lucerne is a family-friendly city. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Lucerne or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Lucerne makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Lucerne or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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

Is Lucerne or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Lucerne and Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

For even more information, also check out Is Lucerne Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Sarajevo?

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

Families should spend more time in Lucerne than Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo.

One day in Lucerne or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarajevo has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarajevo. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Sarajevo. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In July, Lucerne is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Sarajevo. 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. Additionally, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lucerne is cooler than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In January, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lucerne is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

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

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Lucerne