A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. Lucerne for Old Town, Backpackers, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tallinn or Lucerne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn 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.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a whimsical, historical, and charming city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Lucerne?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Tallinn. While Tallinn is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its big city activities, while Tallinn is known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Lucerne and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Lucerne 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.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Tallinn different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Tallinn and Lucerne.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Tallinn can be an interesting and educational experience. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

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 Tallinn or Lucerne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Tallinn and Lucerne offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Tallinn has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Lucerne area. 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 Tallinn or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

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

Tallinn has a large number of nightlife venues. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

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 Tallinn or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Tallinn has a world-famous historical area. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Lucerne?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Tallinn and Lucerne.

Tallinn is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Tallinn or Lucerne Better for Families?

Tallinn and Lucerne are both good destinations for the whole family.

Tallinn is a family-friendly city. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

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 Tallinn or Lucerne Better for Couples?

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

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

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 Tallinn or Lucerne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Tallinn, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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 Tallinn or Lucerne Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Tallinn. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around 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 Tallinn or Lucerne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

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

Is Tallinn or Lucerne a more walkable city?

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

Tallinn is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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 Tallinn Worth Visiting? and Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Lucerne?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tallinn or Lucerne?

In Tallinn, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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 nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Tallinn or Lucerne?

In Tallinn, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tallinn has to offer.

In Lucerne, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucerne has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Lucerne?

Tallinn is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Tallinn or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallinn. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucerne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Tallinn and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Tallinn.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Lucerne?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Lucerne. Many travelers come to Tallinn for 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, Tallinn is cooler than Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Lucerne. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene 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, Tallinn is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lucerne. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallinn 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. Tallinn can be very cold during winter. Tallinn is much colder than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Lucerne in the Spring?

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

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Tallinn