We are weighing whether to spend our last day in Switzerland (next spring) in Geneva or in Lucerne (fly home out of Zurich). What do the Fodor-ites think? Which city can offer a best 1-day experience? We like art, history, shopping, food, etc.

I'm suprised you haven't received any responses to your question. I've never been to Geneva, but I would think Lucerne would be a slam dunk. Neat small city with many sights.

Do a Fodors search on Lucerne for ideas. Plus, it's only 30-45 minutes from Zurich.

Curious

Definitely Lucerne--lovely city, with much to see and very good shopping, especially for good-quality watches.

Lucerne.If the budget allows stay at Palace Luzern in a lake view room.

I've been to both multiple times. I also prefer Lucerne but if you speak some French, you may enjoy Geneva as well. To me Geneva is not typical swiss, it's too big and somewhat dirty. Lucerne is more quaint,restful and a lot closer to Kloten airport. I second the Palace Hotel or try the National hotel. There is a small Picasso museum in Lucerne. They also have a new Art/Performance center right next to the railway station. You can walk the old city wall & towers above Lucerne.

Curious... there's two threads of this same question going- that's why no replies at first. To others, be sure to read both if you're interested.

Um, in my opinion both are boring.

Old Town Geneve is pretty and worth a wander; Lucerne has a quainter ye-olde-Swisse feeling. Shops, restos very expensive in both . . .

For a final day I'd personally do Geneve for an hour, then hit the lake -- the municipal Steamer Boats are gorgeous, you'll get a wonderful view of Mt. Blanc, the Jet d'Eau, everything -- and have a knock-down lunch somewhere along the water . . .

http://www.cgn.ch/en/

I'd recommend Yvoire, on the French side: medieval castle, very well-preserved town, one of the protected 'Flowered Villages of France.' Excellent shopping, too.
I'd go for the fresh lake fish . . .

http://hotelrestaurant.port.online.fr/

Euros will go farther than Swiss Francs. Better stop now, I'm giving away my favorite places , )
HTH!