Old Town Lucerne

Lucerne

Old Town Lucerne featuring a church or cathedral, boating and religious aspects
Old Town Lucerne which includes street scenes, vehicle touring and a city
Old Town Lucerne showing a bay or harbor, a city and a bridge
Old Town Lucerne featuring markets, food and a city
Old Town Lucerne featuring outdoor eating, dining out and drinks or beverages

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Town Lucerne

Barabas - Hostel
Barabas - Hostel
3 out of 5
Löwengraben, 18, Lucerne
The price is P8,189 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
P8,189
P8,982 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
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! (355 reviews)
"I really loved this hotel. It has really nice rooms and had AC and the staff was really nice. We also tried their restaurant which was really good. Breakfast was good. We stayed in the Japanese style rooms. If I come back to Switzerland I will stay here the whole time."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Barabas - Hostel
The Lubo - self check-in
The Lubo - self check-in
3 out of 5
2 Rössligasse, Lucerne, LU
The price is P14,535 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P14,535
P15,725 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (329 reviews)
"Great stay. Being English it was difficult reading some directions in the laundry we-wash app required. No coffee available in the rooms - tea in the laundry area. Never could get the elements on the stove to work - no instructions. Other than maid service a truly no contact experience. Crazy stairwells ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

The Lubo - self check-in
Hotel Luzernerhof
Hotel Luzernerhof
4 out of 5
Alpenstrasse 3, Lucerne
The price is P15,388 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P15,388
P16,669 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (655 reviews)
"Great hotel - excellent location, good rooms, good air conditioning, friendly staff. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Hotel Luzernerhof
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
5 out of 5
Schweizerhofquai, Lucerne, LU
The price is P39,921 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
P39,921
P42,132 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
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! (410 reviews)
"We stayed at Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern and overall had an okay experience. The location is great—central and very convenient for exploring the city. Our room was clean, nicely decorated, and appeared to have been recently remodeled, which was a plus. However, the staff at check-in was not welcoming ..."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
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! (908 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 Jul 6, 2025

Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern
Hotel Des Balances
Hotel Des Balances
4 out of 5
Weinmarkt, Lucerne, LU
The price is P23,134 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P23,134
P24,707 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (828 reviews)
The best of the best
"This is an upscale hotel in an excellent location in the beautiful city Lucerne. The staff and service are excellent and the food at the restaurant at the hotel was superb!"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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