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

Should you visit Lucerne or Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart. 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 scenic, active, and cultural 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, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a diverse, dynamic, and modern city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Stuttgart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Stuttgart?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Stuttgart. While Stuttgart is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Stuttgart attracts visitors for its food and big city activities. Lucerne is more touristy than Stuttgart and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Stuttgart is famous for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Stuttgart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Lucerne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

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

Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

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 Stuttgart Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Lucerne and Stuttgart.

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.

Stuttgart has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

Is Lucerne or Stuttgart Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

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.

Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Stuttgart?

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

Stuttgart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

Is Lucerne or Stuttgart Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Stuttgart are nice 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.

Stuttgart is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Lucerne or Stuttgart Better for Couples?

Lucerne is a very popular place for couples. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Lucerne or Stuttgart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

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 Stuttgart Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Stuttgart. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

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

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

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

Is Lucerne or Stuttgart a more walkable city?

Lucerne and Stuttgart are nice 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.

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Stuttgart or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Stuttgart?

It's fun to spend time in either Lucerne or Stuttgart. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Stuttgart due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Stuttgart.

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

One day in Lucerne or Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Stuttgart?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic 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 Stuttgart 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stuttgart has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Stuttgart?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic 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.

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Stuttgart. 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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Stuttgart?

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

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 Stuttgart in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Stuttgart. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Stuttgart for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Stuttgart in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stuttgart this time of the year. In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 238 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Stuttgart in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Stuttgart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 122 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Stuttgart. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Stuttgart in the Winter?

Both Stuttgart and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Stuttgart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Stuttgart can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Stuttgart. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Stuttgart fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Stuttgart during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Stuttgart in the Spring?

Both Stuttgart and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 154 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Stuttgart. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Stuttgart and Lucerne