A Travel Price Comparison for Switzerland Zurich vs. Lucerne for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Zurich or Lucerne?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Lucerne. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a vibrant, scenic, and active 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.

Zurich and Lucerne: Pros and Cons

How is Zurich different from Lucerne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zurich or Lucerne Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Lucerne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Food?

Both Zurich and Lucerne offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Lucerne are comparable when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Lucerne has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Is Zurich or Lucerne Better for its Old Town?

While Lucerne and Zurich both have old towns, overall Zurich is more well-known.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

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

Is Zurich or Lucerne Better for Shopping?

Both Zurich and Lucerne are good shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Lucerne are family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

Lucerne is a family-friendly city. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. 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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Couples?

Zurich and Lucerne both fun destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Lucerne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many pleasant square, 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 Zurich or Lucerne Better for Public Transit?

Both Zurich and Lucerne offer public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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

Is Zurich or Lucerne a more walkable city?

Zurich and Lucerne both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucerne or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Lucerne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zurich and Lucerne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than Lucerne.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Zurich is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Lucerne is 1-3 days.

One day in Zurich or Lucerne?

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucerne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Lucerne?

In Zurich, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich 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 Zurich or Lucerne?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. 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 Zurich or Lucerne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Zurich. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Lucerne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

When is the best time to visit Zurich 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 Zurich or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Lucerne. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July are around 21°C (70°F), and Lucerne is about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lucerne. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Lucerne. Temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Lucerne stays around 13°C (56°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lucerne. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. Zurich is around the same temperature as Lucerne in the winter. The temperature in Zurich is usually 3°C (37°F) in January, and Lucerne stays around 3°C (37°F).

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

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lucerne. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Lucerne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Lucerne. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Zurich is around the same temperature as Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April are around 12°C (53°F), and Lucerne is about 12°C (53°F).

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

In April, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lucerne. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Zurich