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

Should you visit Lucerne or Verona?

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 Verona. 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Verona

Verona is a stunning, romantic, and cultural city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Verona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Verona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Verona. While Verona is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Verona is known for its food. Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also home to The Chapel Bridge. Verona is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Verona 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.

Verona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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

Verona 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.

Verona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

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 Verona Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Lucerne has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Lucerne or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Lucerne and Verona.

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 Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Verona?

Lucerne is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Lucerne is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Lucerne or Verona Better for Families?

Lucerne is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Lucerne or Verona Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Verona both superb 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.

Verona is a very popular place to visit for couples. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

Is Lucerne or Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Verona. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

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 Verona Better for Students?

Verona 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 Verona. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations 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 Verona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lucerne and Verona both offer good 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.

Verona has a few public transit options. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Lucerne or Verona a more walkable city?

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

Verona is a very walkable destination. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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 Verona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Verona or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Verona?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Verona. In our opinion, Verona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Verona 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 Verona. 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.

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

One day in Lucerne or Verona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Verona, 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 Verona?

Lucerne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Verona, 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 Verona has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Verona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Verona 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 Verona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Lucerne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Verona. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Verona. 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 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Verona?

Verona has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Verona, 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 Verona?

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 Verona in the Summer?

Both Verona and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Verona for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally cooler than Verona. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Verona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Verona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Verona during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Lucerne or Verona in the Autumn?

Both Verona and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Verona in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Verona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Verona fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Verona. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 137 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Verona. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Verona receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Verona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Verona. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Verona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Verona can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is a little warmer than Verona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Verona averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Verona during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Verona. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Verona receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Verona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Verona. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Verona because of the natural beauty.

In April, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Verona. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Verona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Verona. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 169 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Verona. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Verona receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Verona and Lucerne