A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Lausanne for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sydney or Lausanne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Lausanne, 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.

Sydney

Sydney is a glamorous , diverse, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Sydney travel costs.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. Lausanne offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lausanne travel costs.

Sydney and Lausanne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Lausanne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sydney than Lausanne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sydney is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lausanne attracts visitors for its historical sights. Sydney is more touristy than Lausanne and is known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Lausanne is famous for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters.

How is Sydney different from Lausanne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sydney or Lausanne?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sydney on the map. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Lausanne. 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.

Is the Food Better in Sydney or Lausanne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Lausanne can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lausanne. 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.

Is Sydney or Lausanne Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

People head to Sydney just to party. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

If you're looking for night time activities Lausanne has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Sydney or Lausanne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lausanne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Lausanne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Lausanne Better for Beaches?

Sydney is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Lausanne is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Lausanne is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Lausanne Better for its Old Town?

Lausanne is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney does not have a historic old town.

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

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Sydney or Lausanne Better for Hiking?

Sydney is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Lausanne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Lausanne?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lausanne. 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.

Is Sydney or Lausanne More Beautiful?

Sydney is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Lausanne is a gorgeous place to visit. Set on the banks of the beautiful Lake Geneva, this city has a charming historic section and many great shops.

Is Sydney or Lausanne Better for Families?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Lausanne offers lots of family activities. 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 Sydney or Lausanne Better for Couples?

Sydney is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Lausanne is a nice destination for couples. 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 Sydney or Lausanne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Lausanne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular town for backpackers but there are some affordable hotels. It's also more reasonably priced than many Swiss cities.

Is Sydney or Lausanne Better for Students?

Sydney is a world-class destination for students. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Students come from all over to stay in Lausanne. 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.

Is Sydney or Lausanne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Sydney can get you around easily. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

While Lausanne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.

Is Sydney or Lausanne a more walkable city?

Sydney is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Lausanne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lausanne or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Lausanne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sydney or Lausanne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sydney than Lausanne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lausanne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Lausanne 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Lausanne?

Sydney is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Sydney or Lausanne?

Sydney is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Lausanne 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 Sydney or Lausanne?

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lausanne. 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 Sydney or Lausanne?

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Lausanne, we can see that Lausanne is more expensive. And not only is Sydney much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific and Lausanne is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sydney would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sydney 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 Sydney.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Lausanne?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lausanne. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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.