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

Should you visit Lucerne or Villach?

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 Villach. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Villach

Villach is a nature-filled, outdoorsy, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Lucerne and Villach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Villach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucerne. Although Lucerne and Villach are popular destinations, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Villach attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Lucerne is more touristy than Villach and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Villach is famous for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Villach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucerne is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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

Lucerne is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Lucerne area. 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Lucerne or Villach Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

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 Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Is Lucerne or Villach Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Lucerne or Villach Better for Hiking?

Villach is great for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Villach for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Villach?

Lucerne is notable for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Lucerne or Villach Better for Families?

Villach 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 Villach. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

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 Villach Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Villach 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.

Villach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Is Lucerne or Villach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Villach. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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

Lucerne is a popular place for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Lucerne or Villach a more walkable city?

Lucerne is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

Lucerne is a somewhat walkable city. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

Villach is generally not a very walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Villach or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Villach?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Villach. In our opinion, Lucerne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lucerne than Villach. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Lucerne than Villach. 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 Lucerne than Villach 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 Lucerne.

One day in Lucerne or Villach?

In Lucerne, 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.

In Villach, you'll find nightlife and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Villach?

In Lucerne, 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 Lucerne has to offer.

In Villach, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Villach has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Villach?

Lucerne 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.

Villach is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Villach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucerne. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Villach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Villach?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Villach, 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 Villach?

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 Villach in the Summer?

Both Villach and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Villach for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is cooler than Villach in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Villach fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Villach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Villach. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 288 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Lucerne or Villach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Villach. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Villach in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lucerne is cooler than Villach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Villach averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Villach during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Lucerne or Villach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Villach. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Villach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Villach. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Villach fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Villach. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Villach. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Villach in the Spring?

Both Villach and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. 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 Villach because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Lucerne is cooler than Villach in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Villach fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Villach during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Villach. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Villach and Lucerne