Things to Do in Luzern
Plan your days in Luzern, your way
Start with the Kapellbrücke in the morning light, because some famous things are famous for good reason.
Wander the old town's painted squares without a plan; Weinmarkt and the riverside lanes reward drift.
Lunch on rosti and a local beer at a wood-beamed tavern where the menu is short and the welcome is long.
Take the boat and cogwheel train up Rigi for the afternoon, the classic panorama with half the effort of Pilatus.
At the top, walk twenty minutes in any direction and the crowds thin to cowbells and grass.
Back down by late afternoon, swim or sit at the Ufschötti lake beach with the locals.
Dinner along the Reuss gives you lake fish or fondue depending on the season, both correct choices.
An evening stroll across the Spreuerbrücke shows you the town's medieval side, softly lit and nearly empty.
If there's a concert at the KKL or music in a wine bar, take it; Luzern's evenings are gentle and generous.
One icon, one mountain, one good wander, one great meal: the balanced version of Switzerland.
Top attractions and places to eat in Luzern
Chapel Bridge
Luzern's iconic covered wooden footbridge (Kapellbrücke) crossing the Reuss River, adorned with historic paintings and flanked by the Water Tower. A must-see symbol of the city and a prime photo location.
attraction · 4.6 rating · Free
Lion Monument
A famous rock relief carved into a cliff face commemorating the Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution, and one of Lucerne's most visited sights.
attraction · 4.4 rating · Free
Luzern Altstadt
Beautiful old town boulevard situated between the City Hall and Chapel Bridge along the Reuss River.
landmark · 4.6 rating · Free
Swiss Museum of Transport
Switzerland's most visited museum, in Luzern, showcasing trains, planes, automobiles, and space travel with interactive exhibits. A major attraction for families and transport enthusiasts.
attraction · 4.5 rating · CHF 37
Glacier Garden Lucerne (Gletschergarten)
Park with Ice Age glacial potholes, a lookout tower, and an underground rock-crystal world.
viewpoint · 4.3 rating · CHF 24
Old Swiss House
A historic restaurant in Lucerne renowned for its traditional Swiss cuisine, especially tableside-prepared Wiener Schnitzel, set in a charming 19th-century building. Travelers visit for classic Swiss dining in an atmospheric heritage setting.
restaurant
Wirtshaus Galliker
A traditional family-run tavern in Luzern serving classic Lucerne and Swiss home cooking. Travelers go for authentic regional dishes in an old-school, wood-paneled setting.
bar
Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre
A landmark modern cultural complex designed by Jean Nouvel, home to a renowned concert hall and art spaces on the lakefront (the KKL Luzern).
attraction · Free
1178 • Bar & Lounge
An upscale bar and lounge in Luzern serving cocktails and drinks in a relaxed evening setting. A spot for travelers seeking a stylish place for a drink.
bar
Alpineum Kaffeehaus°Bar
A café and bar in Luzern offering coffee, drinks, and light fare. A casual stop for a break or a drink.
cafe
Museggmauer
The Musegg Wall is a well-preserved medieval city wall in Lucerne with several towers offering panoramic views over the old town. Travelers walk the wall and climb the towers for history and vistas.
attraction · Free
Ampersand
A bar and social spot in Luzern serving drinks in a lively evening atmosphere. A destination for nightlife and casual socializing.
bar
Anotr Café & Wild Bowls
A café in Luzern specializing in bowls and casual healthy fare alongside coffee. A spot for a light, wholesome meal or drink.
cafe
Bar 58
A bar in Luzern serving drinks in a casual evening atmosphere. A place for a relaxed night out.
bar
Jesuitenkirche Luzern
A grand Baroque Jesuit church on the Reuss riverbank, notable as one of Switzerland's first sacred Baroque buildings with an ornate white-and-pink interior. Travelers visit for its architecture and religious art.
church · Free