Zurich and Lucerne are two of the most visited cities in Switzerland. Both cities are known for their class Swiss charm and for their impressive waterfront areas. Zurich is much bigger than Lucerne but that doesn’t mean it has more to offer. If you are trying to decide whether to visit Zurich or Lucerne, this is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city to visit.
Table of Contents
Zurich or Lucerne Overview
Zurich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland with 435,000 residents. The city has been around since 15 BC when the Romans founded it. The main language spoken here is German but most of the locals speak multiple languages including French, Italian, and English.
In recent years, Zurich has been ranked as having the highest quality of living in the world. They have also been ranked as the happiest people in the world, in years passed. Zurich is one of the world’s largest centers for finance. Every August, Zurich hosts the Street Parade which is Europe’s largest techno parade and one incredible party.
Lucerne
Lucerne is a smaller city but is still the 7th largest city in Switzerland, with a population of 82,000 people. The city sits in the center of the country, making it easily accessible from other parts of Switzerland. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture found throughout the city.
It is also considered, by many, to be the most beautiful city in Switzerland and one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. It has a stunning setting, sitting next to Lake Lucerne with mountain-top vistas in the distance. Lucerne is basically the quintessential Swiss city.
Places to See
Zurich
Lake Zurich is a large lake that has the city sitting on its northern banks.
Grossmünster is a Protestant church that was built in 1100.
Bahnhofstrasse is the main street in Zurich. It is one of the world’s most expensive shopping avenues in the world.
Altstadt is the Old Town of Zurich.
The Zurich Opera House has been open since 1891. It was the first theater in Europe with electrical lighting.
Lucerne
Chapel Bridge, or The Kapellbrücke, is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. It is one of the most iconic structures in Switzerland.
Museggmauer is the old city wall that has nine towers. Three of the towers are open to the public.
The Jesuit Church was consecrated in 1677 but was not completed until 1893.
Lake Lucerne is an incredible lake to explore the coastline.
The Church of St. Leodegar is a Catholic church that is home to a large art collection.
Getting Around
Zurich
Most of the major sights in the city are able to be seen on foot. The furthest the major attractions get from each other is less than 2km which can easily be walked if took your time. If you want to see some of the attractions outside of the city center, like the Zurich Zoo or Le Corbusier House, you will want to use public transportation. If you buy the Zurich Card you will have access to all public transportation, free exhibitions, and you can get special treatment at certain restaurants.
Lucerne
The center of the city, the riverfront, and the lakefront areas are excellent parts of the city to explore on foot. You should receive a Visitor Card when you check into your choice of lodging. The Visitor Card will give you free access to public transportation. Places like the Glacier Garden of Lucerne are a little out of the way so you should use public transportation. Another fun way to see the city is to take a lake cruise and see the city from Lake Lucerne.
Nightlife
Zurich
The nightlife in Zurich is one of the best in Europe which seems to surprise people. Zurich has more bars per capita than anywhere else in Europe. Niederdorf in the old town and Zurich West are the best places to find nightlife in Zurich. With a vast number of bars, there is also a ton of nightclubs you can choose from.
Langstrasse is a street that is sometimes regarded as Zurich’s red-light district. Frieda’s Büxe, Hive, Supermarket, and Space Monki are some of the best clubs in the city but most of the clubs here are a good time regardless of the one you choose. Since you’re in Switzerland, you can expect prices to be rather high during your night out.
Lucerne
For a city of under 100,000 people, Lucerne definitely holds its own in regard to nightlife. It may not be to the caliber of Zurich but you will enjoy your time out in Lucerne. The center of the city has an abundance of bars, pubs, and clubs, especially the areas just to the north and south of the Chapel Bridge. There are quite a few clubs to choose from if you want to continue partying late into the night. Some of the best nightclubs in Lucerne, like VEGAS Dance Club, are located outside of the city center so you will want to plan your night out accordingly.
Day Trips
Zurich
Jungfraujoch is part of the Bernese Alps that connects the peak of Jungfrau and Monch. The Sphinx Observatory, one of the world’s highest observatories, is located here.
Lucerne is one of the most visited cities in Switzerland. It sits on the banks of Lake Lucerne.
Liechtenstein is a small country to the east of Switzerland. It is one of the smallest countries in the world.
Lucerne
Mount Pilatus is just to the south of Lucerne. You can take a cable car to the top of the mountain.
Interlaken is the gateway to some of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain towns like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland.
Geneva and Bern would also make great destinations if you can find the time in your schedule. If you are having trouble deciding between Bern or Geneva or Zurich, try to find the time to visit them all if possible.
Food
Zurich
Fondue originated in Switzerland and the earliest accounts of it came from Zurich so you need to try some fondue when you visit its birthplace. There are many places to find fondue but Le Dézaley and Swiss Chuchi Restaurant are great places to get some. Zopf is a type of braided bread that is traditionally eaten on Sunday mornings but has become popular throughout the week.
Lucerne
Many natives consider the national dish of Switzerland to be a delicious side known as rosti. This dish is also known as a potato pancake, and it is made from shredded and fried potatoes formed into a disc. Farmers began making the dish as a breakfast before working the fields. It is occasionally served with other ingredients such as apples or cheese. While you’d be hard-pressed to find a Swiss restaurant that doesn’t serve this dish, some of the best rosti can be found in Lucerne, particularly in a restaurant called Wirtshaus Taube.
Overall
Zurich and Lucerne are two of the most visited and iconic cities in Switzerland. Both cities have the classic Swiss charm to them as well as having impressive waterfronts. Zurich is the largest city in the country, known for being a major financial hub and for having excellent nightlife. Lucerne is a much smaller city, known for being one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe and for its stunning setting.
If you are looking for a base to do day trips from, Lucerne would make the most sense because of its proximity to the mountains. Both cities are incredible places to visit, so you won’t be disappointed with either choice.
