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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a historic, charming, and quaint university town. With plenty of 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 food.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a cultural, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Saint Andrews and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lucerne. Although Saint Andrews and Lucerne are both popular with visitors, Lucerne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lucerne is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Saint Andrews is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Lucerne is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also home to The Chapel Bridge. Saint Andrews is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Saint Andrews different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

Lucerne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

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

Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

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 Saint Andrews or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

Lucerne offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Saint Andrews or Lucerne Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is a good destination for the beach. However, Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Saint Andrews offers a nice beach destination. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is a well-known place for its old town. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Lucerne Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a good destination for hiking. However, Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

Both Saint Andrews and Lucerne are great shopping destinations.

Saint Andrews is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Saint Andrews or Lucerne Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Lucerne are both good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Lucerne is a family-friendly university town. 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 Saint Andrews or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews and Lucerne are both great to visit as a couple.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Lucerne makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Saint Andrews or Lucerne Better for Students?

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

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

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

Both Saint Andrews and Lucerne offer good public transit options.

Saint Andrews has a few public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

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

Is Saint Andrews or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews and Lucerne both are good when exploring on foot.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews.

One day in Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

Saint Andrews is a small town with plenty to do. This university 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 shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Lucerne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

Saint Andrews 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Lucerne. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. Since Saint Andrews 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Lucerne. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing 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 Saint Andrews and Lucerne, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Lucerne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lucerne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lucerne 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews than you might in Lucerne.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Lucerne?

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 Saint Andrews or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Lucerne. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the hiking, 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 the summer, Saint Andrews is cooler than Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Andrews in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the autumn for the hiking trails, 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.

In October, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 10°C (49°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Saint Andrews during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Saint Andrews can be very cold during winter. Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Lucerne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Lucerne. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the beaches, 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 the spring, Saint Andrews is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Andrews in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Saint Andrews