Old Town Lucerne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Old Town Lucerne showing a church or cathedral, religious elements and a bridge
Old Town Lucerne featuring a city, touring and street scenes
Old Town Lucerne featuring a bay or harbour, a river or creek and street scenes
Old Town Lucerne featuring street scenes, markets and food
Old Town Lucerne showing drinks or beverages, outdoor eating and dining out

With Lake Lucerne at your feet, appreciate the historical setting as you walk across this city’s iconic covered bridge, crooked streets and airy squares.

Even in a country renowned for its stunning cities, Lucerne is exceptional. This Swiss city, located where the Reuss River meets Lake Lucerne, is known for its remarkably preserved Old Town. Spend several days here enjoying the varied attractions in this cozy area of the town.

Look for the iconic Lion Monument on the north side of the Reuss River. It commemorates the Swiss soldiers who lost their lives in the French Revolution. Mark Twain called this figure of a mortally wounded beast "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."

Immerse yourself in history and art at the Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne. This circular painting is 368 feet (112 meters) long. The 1881 artwork by Edouard Castres portrays the harsh realities of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

The Old Town is full of charming squares. Explore Kornmarkt, once the medieval market, now home to Rathaus, the town hall. Continue to Weinmarkt, a spacious plaza ornamented by a huge stone fountain.

No visit to Lucerne is complete without a walk across Chapel Bridge. The covered footbridge spans diagonally across the Reuss River. Said to be the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, it was originally built in 1333 to protect the city. Look up during your crossing the inside is covered with paintings depicting the history of Lucerne.

On the other side of the river, recognize the Church of St. Leodegar by its soaring twin spires. Its cavernous interior features ornate artwork, intricate carvings and a historic organ.

Stroll down Old Town’s waterfront boulevard, which stretches along the Reuss River between City Hall and Chapel Bridge. Quaint cafés and restaurants have outdoor seating so that you can enjoy the view as you dine.

Many of the streets of Old Town are accessible only to pedestrians. Travel by the Swiss railway to connect with other destinations in the country.

If you’re unsure where to begin your visit to Old Town Lucerne, the Tourism Office is a great place to start. Located near the south side of Chapel Bridge, it offers maps and historical pamphlets for the area.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Old Town Lucerne Hotel Deals

Barabas - Hostel

Barabas - Hostel

3 out of 5
Löwengraben, 18, Lucerne
The price is NZ$258 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$258
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hostel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (368 reviews)
"Quirky to stay in what once was a prison"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Barabas - Hostel
The Lubo - self check-in

The Lubo - self check-in

3 out of 5
2 Rössligasse, Lucerne, LU
The price is NZ$332 per night from 23 July to 24 July
NZ$332
23 July - 24 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (333 reviews)
"Excellent stay. Comfortable."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

The Lubo - self check-in
Hotel Luzernerhof

Hotel Luzernerhof

4 out of 5
Alpenstrasse 3, Lucerne
The price is NZ$366 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$366
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (663 reviews)
"Very central, 10 mins walk from the railway station, old fashioned charm, my room at the front could have been noisy but everything shuts at 2300 in Luzern so it gets quiet. Did me fine for 4 nights."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Hotel Luzernerhof
Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern

Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern

3 out of 5
Brandgässli 1, Lucerne, LU
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (909 reviews)
"Excellent location, right in the heart of old town. Only challenge was that we happened to pick a time when Lucerne was having a heat wave and the room we had was hot and there’s no air conditioning. They did have at least one working fan but it was still very hot"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

5 out of 5
Schweizerhofquai, Lucerne, LU
The price is NZ$1,232 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$1,232
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (416 reviews)
"No 1 property in Lucerne!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Hotel Des Balances

Hotel Des Balances

4 out of 5
Weinmarkt, Lucerne, LU
The price is NZ$655 per night from 23 July to 24 July
NZ$655
23 July - 24 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (834 reviews)
"The room was cute and cozy. The bath tub didn’t work properly and the WiFi I had to ask for help since it didn’t load right away. Location is great"

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

Hotel Des Balances
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town Lucerne

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Littau

Littau is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Lucerne area, you might plan a trip to Chateau Guetsch or Jesuit Church.

Littau

Old Town Lucerne Travel Guide

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