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

Should you visit Manchester or Lucerne?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Lucerne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic 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.

Manchester and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Lucerne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Manchester than Lucerne. Manchester is bigger than Lucerne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Manchester is better known for its food, music, and big city activities, while Lucerne is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Lucerne is more touristy than Manchester and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucerne and Manchester. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Lucerne?

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Manchester or Lucerne.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lucerne can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Manchester or Lucerne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester 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.

Manchester has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Manchester and Lucerne.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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.

Is Manchester or Lucerne Better for Music?

Manchester is great for its music scene. However, Lucerne is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester draws a good crowd. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Lucerne?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Lucerne both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Lucerne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Manchester or Lucerne Better for Families?

Manchester 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 Manchester. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Both Manchester and Lucerne are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Manchester or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

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 Manchester or Lucerne Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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 Manchester or Lucerne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester 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 Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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

Is Manchester or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Manchester and Lucerne are notable when it comes to walkability.

Manchester is somewhat walkable. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Lucerne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Manchester and Lucerne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Manchester than in Lucerne. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lucerne.

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

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

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

One day in Manchester or Lucerne?

Because Manchester 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.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lucerne, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Lucerne?

Because Manchester 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 Manchester has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lucerne, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Lucerne?

Manchester 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.

Lucerne, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Manchester. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Lucerne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.

When comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Lucerne, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Lucerne?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Lucerne, 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 Manchester or Lucerne?

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 Manchester or Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Manchester in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Manchester is generally cooler than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Lucerne. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, 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.

Manchester is cooler than Lucerne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in October than Lucerne. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Lucerne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Lucerne. The winter months attract visitors to Manchester because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. The weather in Manchester can be very cold. In the winter, Manchester is a little warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Lucerne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Lucerne. The activities around the city are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Manchester is generally cooler than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Manchester