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

Should you visit Oxford or Lucerne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Lucerne, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a cultural, historic, and vibrant 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.

Oxford and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Lucerne?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Oxford. While Oxford is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is better known for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Lucerne is more touristy than Oxford 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. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Oxford different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Oxford or Lucerne.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Both Oxford and Lucerne offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Lucerne. 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 Oxford or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Lucerne.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Lucerne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Oxford or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Lucerne to see the historical old town. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Lucerne?

Lucerne is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Lucerne Better for Families?

Oxford and Lucerne are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Oxford and Lucerne are both great to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Lucerne Better for Students?

Oxford is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Oxford and Lucerne.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

You'll find some public transit in Lucerne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Oxford or Lucerne a more walkable city?

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

Oxford is a very walkable destination. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Lucerne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Lucerne. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Lucerne than Oxford. 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 Oxford or Lucerne?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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.

A weekend in Oxford or Lucerne?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Oxford has to offer.

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.

Five days in Oxford or Lucerne?

Oxford 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.

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.

A week in Oxford or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours 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 Oxford and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Oxford much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oxford would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oxford 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 Oxford.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Lucerne?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Lucerne. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oxford is generally cooler than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Lucerne. Many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Lucerne. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. Oxford can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Oxford is a little warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Lucerne in the Spring?

Both Lucerne and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

In April, Oxford is generally cooler than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Oxford