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

Should you visit Windsor or Lucerne?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Lucerne? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. 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 scenic, active, and cultural 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Lucerne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lucerne. Although Windsor and Lucerne are both popular with visitors, Lucerne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lucerne is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Windsor is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. 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 Windsor different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Windsor and Lucerne.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Lucerne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Windsor or Lucerne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Windsor and Lucerne both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Lucerne is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Windsor or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town 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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Lucerne?

Lucerne is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lucerne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Lucerne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Lucerne.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Lucerne offers lots of family activities. 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 Windsor or Lucerne Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Lucerne make for a superb place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Lucerne is a great town if you're traveling as 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 Windsor or Lucerne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Lucerne.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Lucerne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Windsor or Lucerne a more walkable city?

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

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Lucerne?

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

Couples should spend more time in Lucerne than Windsor. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lucerne than Windsor 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 Lucerne.

One day in Windsor or Lucerne?

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

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 Windsor or Lucerne?

Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Lucerne?

Windsor 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.

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 Windsor or Lucerne?

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

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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.

When comparing the travel costs between Windsor and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Lucerne?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Windsor is cooler than Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Lucerne. The autumn months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

In October, Windsor is generally cooler than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Lucerne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Lucerne. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. It's quite cold in Windsor in the winter. Windsor is a little warmer than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Lucerne in the Spring?

Both Lucerne and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Windsor is cooler than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Windsor in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Windsor