Lucerne travel guide

The official currency in Lucerne, like the rest of Switzerland, is the Swiss Franc (CHF). It's recommended to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments and market stalls that may not accept cards. However, credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Major cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are commonly used, but it's always best to check with your card provider about foreign transaction fees.

ATMs are plentiful and provide an easy way to withdraw local currency. They offer instructions in English and other languages. Note that Switzerland is a relatively expensive country, so budget accordingly. Also, tipping is customary in restaurants and services, usually by rounding up to the nearest Franc. Always inform your bank prior to your travel to avoid any financial inconveniences.

In Lucerne, the main language is Swiss German, but most locals are multilingual and speak excellent English. However, knowing a few phrases in German can enhance your experience. Phrases such as 'Guten Tag' (Good day), 'Danke' (Thank you), and 'Sprechen Sie Englisch?' (Do you speak English?) can be useful.

Try to pronounce place names and streets in German to be better understood by locals. Swiss German can be quite different from standard German, so using a language app or guide can be helpful. Also, remember that Swiss people appreciate politeness, so always use formal addresses such as 'Herr' (Mr.) and 'Frau' (Mrs.) when necessary. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask. Most Swiss people are more than willing to help.

Lucerne experiences a temperate climate, with moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the year. The city doesn't experience extreme temperatures, making it favorable for visits at any time of the year. The summer months from June to August are the warmest with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, and are often accompanied by rainfall. The winter months, from December to February, are cold with temperatures hovering around 0°C to 4°C. Snowfall is common during this period, especially in January and February.

The spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons are transitional, with temperatures averaging between 10°C to 15°C. During these times, the city experiences mild weather conditions with occasional rain showers. Lucerne's weather can be quite changeable even within a day, so it's advisable for travelers to pack layered clothing. Also, an umbrella or raincoat is a must-have item due to the city's propensity for rainfall. Despite the frequent precipitation, Lucerne's climate offers an appealing blend of sunny, rainy, and snowy days, enhancing the city’s picturesque beauty.

Home to plenty of top attractions, Lucerne is more than just a wonderful city in Switzerland. Lucerne is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Switzerland.

One fascinating sight in Lucerne is the unforgettable Chapel Bridge. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Lucerne.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Switzerland, check out our list of top attractions in Lucerne below. Discover the best places to visit in Lucerne, including the fascinating Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Spreuerbrücke, Hofkirche St. Leodegar, and Museggmauer.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Lucerne.

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Lucerne.

Lucerne offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Walking Tours, Historical Tours, and Guided Day Trips are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Switzerland.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Lucerne by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Travelers in Lucerne can choose from 17 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Activities is the answer.

The most popular tour in Lucerne is the fantastic Discovery Flight Lucerne-Engelberg. By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Lucerne one of the best travel destinations in Switzerland.

Lucerne also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Lucerne Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour is the cheapest tour in the city. This experience costs around 4 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Lucerne.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Lucerne and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Lucerne below.

Discover the best things to do in Lucerne. Choose from 121 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Lucerne. Click the green button to view your options.

Lucerne is a city in Switzerland that offers a rich array of culinary experiences, ranging from quaint street food to high-end restaurants. The best places to eat in Lucerne are located in the Old Town, where diners can experience the traditional Swiss flavors that have been preserved over centuries. The city's popular dishes include the hearty Luzerner Chügelipastete, a puff pastry pot filled with veal and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, and St. Galler bratwurst, a delectable sausage served with a crusty roll. For a more sophisticated dining experience, the lakeside district is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants that serve Swiss and international cuisine. The local cheeses, especially the Emmentaler and Gruyère, are a must-try. While in Lucerne, also indulge in Swiss chocolate and pastries available at local bakeries and confectionaries. For a unique experience, consider a Swiss cooking class or a food tour to explore more of Lucerne's gastronomy. Pair your meal with a glass of Swiss wine or Luzerner Bier, a local brew, to complete the experience.

With a perfect blend of traditional and modern, Lucerne offers a unique shopping experience. The Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and picturesque buildings, is the best place to go shopping in Lucerne. Here, you'll find a plethora of boutiques featuring Swiss watches and jewelry, as well as shops selling authentic Swiss army knives, a must-buy souvenir.

The Weinmarkt and Kornmarkt squares are renowned for their local artisanal stores, where you can discover Lucerne's distinct fashion, local craftsmanship, and traditional Swiss handicrafts. Also, don't miss the Schwanenplatz area, home to high-end Swiss brands such as Bucherer and Gubelin.

For a more modern shopping experience, visit the Mall of Switzerland in Ebikon, just a short drive from Lucerne. It's one of the largest shopping centers in the country, offering a wide range of international brands.

Note that most shops in Lucerne close by 6:30 pm during weekdays and are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping spree accordingly. Always remember to carry some Swiss Francs, as not all places accept credit cards.

Lucerne, Switzerland's vibrant city of bridges, offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions without breaking the bank. Start your exploration by soaking up the stunning views of Lake Lucerne, a perfect spot for picnics, leisurely walks, or just basking in the scenic beauty. Next, delve into the city's rich history by visiting the Medieval architecture of Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Water Tower (Wasserturm), which are among the best free things to do in Lucerne. Don't forget to stroll through the Old Town's cobblestone streets to admire the well-preserved Renaissance buildings. If you're interested in religious history, the Hofkirche St. Leodegar, a remarkable example of Swiss Renaissance architecture, welcomes visitors at no charge. You might also want to explore the Musegg Wall, a well-preserved part of the medieval city fortifications that offers panoramic views of the city. Finally, end your free tour of Lucerne by immersing yourself in local culture at a free concert in the Richard Wagner Museum's park during summer. With all these attractions, Lucerne promises a rich and fulfilling experience without spending a penny.

The most popular way to experience Lucerne is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Switzerland. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Lucerne on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Switzerland, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Switzerland, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Lucerne, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Lucerne below.

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Switzerland.

Get more Lucerne vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Switzerland that match your needs and budget.

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Lucerne.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Lucerne get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Switzerland. Your customized holiday package to Lucerne is only a few clicks away!

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Lucerne, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Switzerland.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Switzerland and the city of Lucerne from your city of departure.

A trip to the fascinating Lucerne, Switzerland, means opportunities to relax at any of the 6 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 102 hotels, 51 vacation rental apartments, 2 cottages, 1 hostel, 1 guesthouse and 1 bed & breakfast. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Lucerne provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, ibis budget Luzern City is one of the top picks of travelers in Lucerne.

The hotel is located at Kellerstrasse 6 and boasts many great utilities, including Air conditioning, Bar, and Family rooms.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Lucerne. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Lucerne, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Backpackers Luzern. For approximately 43 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Unknown at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 6 different types of places to stay in Lucerne. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Lucerne for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 158 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Lucerne provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Lucerne are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Lucerne.

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Lucerne. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Lucerne, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Ibis Styles Luzern City Hotel, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Lucerne. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Lucerne on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Lucerne that match the information provided.

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Lucerne to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Lucerne can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Switzerland at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Lucerne is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Lucerne is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Lucerne.

Check out all options available in Lucerne and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Switzerland below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Lucerne. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Lucerne, Switzerland, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Switzerland. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Traveling to another city or region in Switzerland? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Lucerne to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Switzerland on the selected dates.