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

Should you visit Lucerne or Siena?

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 Siena. 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 active, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucerne. Although Lucerne and Siena are roughly the same size, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Siena 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.

Siena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

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

Siena 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.

Siena has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

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 Siena Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is notable for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Siena. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around town.

Is Lucerne or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena 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.

Siena has a world-famous historical area. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

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 Siena?

Lucerne is notable for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Siena. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Is Lucerne or Siena Better for Families?

Lucerne is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Lucerne or Siena Better for Couples?

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

Siena is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

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 Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Siena. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

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 Siena Better for Students?

Siena is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Many students visit Siena. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

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

Lucerne and Siena both offer notable 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.

Siena has a few public transit options. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Lucerne or Siena a more walkable city?

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

Siena is a very walkable destination. The compact town center is best explored on foot.

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 Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lucerne or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lucerne than Siena 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 Siena.

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Siena?

In Lucerne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic 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 Siena, 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 Siena?

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 Siena, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Siena has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Siena?

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.

Siena 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 Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant 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 Siena. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Siena. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Siena?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Siena, 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 Siena?

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 Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Siena. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Siena. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Lucerne is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Siena. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Siena. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lucerne can be very cold during winter. Lucerne is much colder than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Siena. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Siena. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In the spring, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Siena. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Lucerne