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

Should you visit Lucerne or Stockholm?

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 Stockholm. 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. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a coastal, safe, and expensive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Lucerne and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Stockholm?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Lucerne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Stockholm is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also home to Gamla Stan (the old town).

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Lucerne different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Stockholm 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.

Stockholm offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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

Both Lucerne and Stockholm offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

Lucerne is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Stockholm offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Lucerne or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Lucerne and Stockholm.

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.

Stockholm has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Is Lucerne or Stockholm Better for Music?

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

Stockholm has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Is Lucerne or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm 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.

Stockholm has a world-famous historical area. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

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 Stockholm?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Stockholm both offer plenty of very good 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.

Stockholm is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Is Lucerne or Stockholm Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Stockholm is very family-friendly. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

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 Stockholm Better for Couples?

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

Stockholm is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

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 Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

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 Stockholm Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

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

Stockholm 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.

Stockholm has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

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

Is Lucerne or Stockholm a more walkable city?

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

Stockholm is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

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 Stockholm Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Stockholm?

Both Lucerne and Stockholm have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in Lucerne. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-7 days is enough time in Stockholm.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Stockholm?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucerne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Stockholm?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Stockholm 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. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Stockholm?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic city of Lucerne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Lucerne or Stockholm?

Lucerne is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Stockholm, 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 Stockholm?

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 Stockholm in the Summer?

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

In July, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stockholm. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Stockholm. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Stockholm in the Autumn?

Both Stockholm 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 Stockholm this time of year.

Lucerne is much warmer than Stockholm in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Stockholm fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Stockholm in the Winter?

Both Stockholm 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. Also, many travelers come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Stockholm. It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Stockholm averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Stockholm. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Stockholm in the Spring?

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

In April, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Stockholm during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Lucerne