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

Should you visit Lucerne or Wurzburg?

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 Wurzburg. 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Wurzburg

Wurzburg is a impressive, historical, 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 Wurzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Wurzburg?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Wurzburg. While Wurzburg is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Wurzburg is more popular for its museums. Lucerne is more touristy than Wurzburg and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge. Wurzburg is well known for its wines, gardens, and charming old town.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Wurzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wurzburg is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Wurzburg has many famous sights for visitors. The Franconian city is known for its history and architecture. One of the most well know sights is the 18th-century Residenz palace. Other attractions in town include the Martin von Wagner Museum, the Würzburg Court Gardens, the Marienberg Fortress, and the Würzburg Cathedral & Museum.

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.

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

Both Lucerne and Wurzburg offer notable 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.

Wurzburg offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are local restaurants that serve up regional specialties like bratwurst, weisswurst (white sausage), and Bavarian cream. There are also fine dining restaurants and cafes that cater specifically to tourists.

Is Lucerne or Wurzburg Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Wurzburg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town is in the heart of the Franconian wine district, so you'll find many wine bars, cellars, and wineries around town. For something a bit more active, there are some lively clubs and bars to choose from as well.

Is Lucerne or Wurzburg Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Wurzburg. The old town is best explored on foot and there are walking tours available that take you through many of the historical and architectural landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Wurzburg?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Wurzburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping streets as well as some major department stores and local venues.

Is Lucerne or Wurzburg Better for Families?

Lucerne is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Wurzburg 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.

Wurzburg is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and cultural sights that can sometimes be challenging for young kids. To break up the history, head to some of the town's gardens and main square.

Is Lucerne or Wurzburg Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Wurzburg 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.

Wurzburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and beautiful gardens, there is lot for a couple to explore together. You can wander through the fortress or soak up the beautiful gardens.

Is Lucerne or Wurzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Wurzburg. There are a couple of hostels in town and it's easily accessible from Frankfurt by public transit. Many people also choose to visit Wurzbug as a day trip.

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

Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg. The system includes trams and buses, including five tram lines that make loops around the city.

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

Is Lucerne or Wurzburg a more walkable city?

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

Wurzburg is a very walkable destination. You can wander around town and take in many of the sights and attractions as part of a walking tour.

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 Wurzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wurzburg or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Wurzburg?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lucerne or Wurzburg to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lucerne than Wurzburg because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Wurzburg.

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Wurzburg?

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 Wurzburg, 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 museums. 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 Wurzburg?

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 Wurzburg, 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wurzburg has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Wurzburg?

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.

Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg?

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 Wurzburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wurzburg. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Walking Tours in Germany, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Wurzburg?

Wurzburg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Wurzburg, 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 Wurzburg?

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 Wurzburg in the Summer?

Both Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Wurzburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Wurzburg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Wurzburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Wurzburg during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Wurzburg receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Wurzburg. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Wurzburg receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Wurzburg in the Autumn?

Both Wurzburg 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. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Wurzburg this time of year.

In October, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Wurzburg. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Wurzburg fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Wurzburg. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wurzburg receives 104 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Wurzburg. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wurzburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Wurzburg in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Wurzburg. It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. Lucerne is much warmer than Wurzburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Wurzburg fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Wurzburg during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Wurzburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Wurzburg. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Wurzburg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Wurzburg in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Wurzburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Wurzburg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wurzburg. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wurzburg receives 157 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Wurzburg. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Wurzburg receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wurzburg and Lucerne