A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Lucerne for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Lucerne?

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 Outer Hebrides and Lucerne. 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a natural, tranquil, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a vibrant, scenic, and active 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Lucerne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lucerne than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lucerne is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Lucerne is more touristy than Outer Hebrides 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. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Outer Hebrides different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Lucerne?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Lucerne has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lucerne Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is great for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Outer Hebrides for it's beautiful beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lucerne Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is very popular for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Outer Hebrides is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Lucerne?

Lucerne is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lucerne Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Lucerne are notable family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lucerne. 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 Outer Hebrides or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides and Lucerne both excellent destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Couples visit Lucerne frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Outer Hebrides or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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

Lucerne is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Lucerne is a good destination for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Lucerne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Lucerne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Lucerne. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lucerne.

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

One day in Outer Hebrides or Lucerne?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Lucerne, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Lucerne?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Lucerne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Lucerne?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Outer Hebrides has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Lucerne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Lucerne. The summer months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Lucerne. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Lucerne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Lucerne. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Outer Hebrides. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is a little warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Lucerne. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Lucerne in the Spring?

Both Lucerne and Outer Hebrides during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Outer Hebrides