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 cosy 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 metres) 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, recognise 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$218 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$218
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (380 reviews)
"Some of the rooms used to be prison cells. Pretty cool. Our room seemed very new, simple, but clean. We were able to walk to the train easily. We also walked to the Lion Monument, the Watchtowers, the river and shopping."

Reviewed on 25 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 AU$434 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
AU$434
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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! (348 reviews)
"Was a very convenient location. Parking was not easy as you could not reach the hotel by car even to drop off luggage. The staff were very helpful and polite, room was clean but a little tired. We don’t spend a lot of time in the room so was fine for our stay!"

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

The Lubo - self check-in
Hotel Luzernerhof

Hotel Luzernerhof

4 out of 5
Alpenstrasse 3, Lucerne
The price is AU$413 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$413
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (677 reviews)
Highly recommended.
"Great location. Very nice room. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Hotel Luzernerhof
Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern

Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern

3 out of 5
Brandgässli 1, Lucerne, LU
The price is AU$355 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
AU$355
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (918 reviews)
"The room was great and the front office staff were wonderfully helpful. The internet was a disaster, worked intermittently and made it appear Safari wasn’t working on my iPad. Wish there was air conditioning."

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

5 out of 5
Schweizerhofquai, Lucerne, LU
The price is AU$1,180 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$1,180
28 Aug - 29 Aug
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! (418 reviews)
"No 1 property in Lucerne!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern

Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern

3 out of 5
Weinmarkt 12, Lucerne
The price is AU$589 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
AU$589
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star historic hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"Great Hotel! Close to everything including the train station."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern
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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