Lucerne is one of those places that feels almost too pretty to be real, with a lovely old town, lakefront walks and the Alps rising dramatically behind it. Wander across the famous Chapel Bridge, explore the colourful streets, take a boat out on the lake or head into the mountains. It’s scenic, easy-going and surprisingly small, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to stop at along the way.
Lucerne’s neighbourhoods each have a slightly different feel, from the historic heart of the city to peaceful lakeside spots. The accommodation is equally as varied; you'll find everything from luxury hotels and stylish boutique properties to good value family stays. The Old Town (Altstadt) is the best choice if you want to be right in the action, with medieval streets, colourful buildings, restaurants and the Chapel Bridge all close by. New Town (Neustadt), across the river, is similarly central but has a livelier, more contemporary feel, with plenty of cafes, bars and shops. For a stay with a view, Lakefront is hard to beat. The area stretches along the shores of Lake Lucerne, with some of the city’s smartest hotels, beautiful walking routes and easy access to boat trips. It’s particularly good for a romantic or luxury stay. Tribschen & Suburbs offer a quieter alternative, with a more residential feel and fewer tourists. Tribschen sits just south of the centre and is still within easy reach of the lake and Old Town, while the surrounding suburbs are a good bet for families, longer stays and more spacious accommodation. Lucerne is compact and walkable, with buses making it easy to get around.
Ideal for: Sightseeing, history, foodies, shopping, photographers
The Old Town is the best base for culture lovers and first-time visitors, putting you right in the heart of Lucerne’s prettiest streets and historic sights. Wander the colourful medieval lanes, cross the famous Chapel Bridge, browse independent shops and stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants. The area is small and easy to explore on foot, with landmarks including the Jesuit Church and Musegg Wall close by. It’s busy and touristy, but that’s part of the appeal. Stay here and Lucerne’s main sights are practically on your doorstep.
Did you know? Lucerne’s Old Town is home to the Musegg Wall, an impressive medieval fortification stretching for around 870 metres. Nine of its original towers still stand, and parts of the wall can be walked today.
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Ideal for: Boutique shopping, nightlife, art lovers, foodies
The New Town is a great choice for foodies, culture lovers and travellers who prefer a livelier, more contemporary feel. Just across the river from the Old Town, it’s packed with independent cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques, with a good selection of stylish hotels nearby. The area is also home to the KKL cultural centre and close to the lake, so you can easily mix galleries, concerts and waterfront walks with plenty of eating and drinking. It’s central, easy to explore on foot and feels a little less touristy than the Old Town.
Did you know? Lucerne’s New Town is home to one of Switzerland’s most unusual museums: the Bourbaki Panorama. Its enormous 360° painting, created in 1881, is 112 metres long and depicts 87,000 French soldiers seeking refuge in Switzerland during the Franco-Prussian War.
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Ideal for: Lake views, luxury hotels, romantic stays, boat trips
Lakefront is the spot for romantic getaways, luxury travellers and anyone who wants to make the most of Lucerne’s spectacular setting. Stretching along Lake Lucerne, it’s all about beautiful views, waterfront walks and easy access to boat trips across the lake. You’re also close to the Old Town and sights such as the Lion Monument, so sightseeing is still easy. The area is home to some of Lucerne’s smartest hotels, making it a particularly good choice if you’re looking for a special stay with a lake view.
Did you know? Lake Lucerne was hit by a tsunami in 1601 after an earthquake. The resulting waves are thought to have reached around four metres high.
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Ideal for: Quiet stays, families, lake walks, photography
Tribschen & the surrounding suburbs are a good choice for families, repeat visitors and travellers looking for a quieter side of Lucerne. Just south of the centre, Tribschen has a more residential feel, while still being close to the lake and within easy reach of the Old Town. Take a stroll along the waterfront, visit the Richard Wagner Museum, or simply enjoy the parks and open spaces. Hotels here tend to be more relaxed and often offer better space than those in the historic centre, making this a useful option for families and longer stays.
Did you know? Tribschen was home to composer Richard Wagner for six years, from 1866 to 1872. He completed parts of several major works here, including 'The Mastersingers of Nuremberg and Siegfried'.
