A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Lausanne for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Lausanne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a quaint, idyllic, and peaceful town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Other popular activities here include food and theater.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a international, diverse, and vibrant city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Lausanne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lausanne. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Lausanne are both popular with visitors, Lausanne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lausanne is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions and small town charm. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Lausanne is popular for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters. It is also home to The Olympic Museum.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Lausanne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lausanne and Stratford-upon-Avon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

Lausanne is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Lausanne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find many great museums around town that cover a range of topics. The Olympic Museum is very interesting. You should also check out the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Hermitage Foundation.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.


Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

Stratford-upon-Avon is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Lausanne is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Lausanne is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

Lausanne is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Lausanne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is filled with delicious chocolate, cheese, and wine. Fondue is a favorite, but you'll also find cured meats on most menus. While food can be expensive, it's also high quality and usually locally produced.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne Better for Nightlife?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

Lausanne is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Lausanne. There are a surprising number of clubs around town and it's not hard to find somewhere to party. The large student population and the international vibe make this a fascinating place for nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

Stratford-upon-Avon and Lausanne are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Stratford-upon-Avon. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Lausanne offers a nice historic old town area. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

Lausanne is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lausanne is well-known for its shopping. You'll find luxury Swiss watch brands, jewelry, chocolate, and many other interesting things to buy. Prices can be high, but so is the quality. It's fun to look, even if you're not planning to purchase.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne Better for Families?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lausanne. There are kid-friendly museums, petting zoos, and other fun activities in town. You can also take a boat ride or let the kids run around one of the parks in town.


Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne Better for Couples?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Lausanne are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Lausanne is a good town for couples to visit. The medieval old city is fun to explore. The lakefront setting also offers fun activities like boating. There are also a number of museums in town to explore.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne Better for Students?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

Lausanne is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Lausanne is very popular with students. There are 11 institutes for higher learning in town, so students make up a significant percentage of the population. The city is also full of culture, making it a very livable city.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

Lausanne is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Lausanne has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.


Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne a more walkable city?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lausanne

Stratford-upon-Avon and Lausanne are good when it comes to walkability.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable place. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

Lausanne is a somewhat walkable town. Many parts of the city, including the historic sections, and relatively easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Lausanne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lausanne or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne to fill your time. In our opinion, Lausanne has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lausanne than Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lausanne than Stratford-upon-Avon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lausanne that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lausanne than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Lausanne.


  • How many days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stratford-upon-Avon 1-2 
    Lausanne 1-2

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town where visitors enjoy the theater and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Lausanne, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stratford-upon-Avon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Lausanne for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lausanne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that theater is why people visit. 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.

The destination of Lausanne offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that theater is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lausanne. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Lausanne or Stratford-upon-Avon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stratford-upon-Avon is £144, while the average daily cost in Lausanne is £183. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Stratford-upon-Avon and Lausanne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stratford-upon-Avon £87
    Lausanne £110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stratford-upon-Avon £174
    Lausanne £220
Compare Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon and Lausanne

Looking for a hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon


Hotels in Lausanne


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Stratford-upon-Avon Hotel Prices and Lausanne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stratford-upon-Avon £13
    Lausanne £33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stratford-upon-Avon

Also for Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Stratford-upon-Avon To London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $272

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lausanne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lausanne:

  • Taxi, Airport Transfer and Limousine Service in Switzerland: $233
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Évian-les-Bains: $160
  • Lausanne accommodation to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Private Transfer: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

Prices for flights to both Lausanne and Stratford-upon-Avon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Stratford-upon-Avon £39
    Lausanne £50
Typical Food Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Cheese & Crackers
    £7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Shakespearean Cooking Experience in Stratford-upon-Avon: $163
  • Pasta Making Experience - Cooking Class: $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stratford-upon-Avon £21
    Lausanne £30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Stratford-upon-Avon's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Warwick Castle (2)
    £59
  • Lunch
    £12
  • Lunch for 2
    £17

Tours and Activities in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter: $6.99
  • Warwick Self-Guided Immersive Audio Walking Tour: $8.88
  • Stratford-Upon-Avon Audio Walking Tour: Shakespeare's Life: $8.89
  • Shakespeare’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • City Exploration Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Tudor World Museum Entrance Ticket: $9.99
  • Shakespeare & Hathaway TV Sites Tour: $11
  • Shakespeare and Hathaway 2-Hour Self Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour: $12
  • The WalkTalkShow.co.uk - Guided Tour of Stratford upon Avon: $13
  • The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Lausanne

Here are a few actual costs in Lausanne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Évian-les-Bains Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $297
  • (KTL303) - Winter Tour Montreux and Chaplin's World from Lausanne: $157
  • Boat cruise from Lausanne to Evian: $43
  • Chaplin's World Entrance Ticket: $34
  • Christmas Charms of A Private Walking Tour: $724
  • Fascinating Charms of Vevey – Walking Tour for Couples: $180
  • From Glacier 3000 Experience Tour: $97
  • From Glacier 3000 experience and Montreux: $104
  • From Interlaken and Jungfrau Train Experience: $370
  • From Spectacular Schilthorn with 007 Experience: $257
  • From Swiss Riviera Tour: $152
  • Gems of Lausanne Revealed: A Private Walking Tour: $617

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stratford-upon-Avon £13
    Lausanne £21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Stratford-upon-Avon from other travelers:


  • Beers
    £8.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Stratford-upon-Avon

Also in Stratford-upon-Avon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Shakespeare Gin Distillery Tour & Taste: $24
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 11am Ticket: $25
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 1pm Ticket: $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Lausanne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lausanne:

  • Swiss cheese and charcuterie wine tasting: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Lausanne, we can see that Lausanne is more expensive. And not only is Stratford-upon-Avon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Stratford-upon-Avon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Lausanne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lausanne than you might in Stratford-upon-Avon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Lausanne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Lausanne?

Lausanne has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Lausanne, 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.