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

Should you visit Lucerne or Toulouse?

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 Toulouse. 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a vibrant, friendly, and relaxed city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Toulouse?

Both Toulouse and Lucerne have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its impressive beauty, while Toulouse attracts visitors for its food. Lucerne is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Lucerne different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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

Toulouse 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 Toulouse, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Is Lucerne or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Lucerne and Toulouse.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Toulouse?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Is Lucerne or Toulouse Better for Families?

Toulouse 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 Toulouse. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

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 Toulouse Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Toulouse both very good destinations for a couple.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Lucerne or Toulouse Better for Students?

Toulouse 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 Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Lucerne and Toulouse both offer nice 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.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Lucerne or Toulouse a more walkable city?

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

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore 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 Toulouse Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Lucerne or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Toulouse 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 Toulouse.

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Toulouse?

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 Toulouse, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Toulouse?

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 Toulouse, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulouse has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Toulouse?

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.

Toulouse 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 Toulouse?

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 Toulouse. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Toulouse?

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

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 Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Toulouse in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulouse. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In the autumn, Lucerne is cooler than Toulouse. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Toulouse averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Toulouse. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Toulouse. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Toulouse. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Toulouse in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Toulouse in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Toulouse. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Lucerne