Old Town Lucerne

Lucerne

Old Town Lucerne showing boating, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Old Town Lucerne featuring touring, a city and street scenes
Old Town Lucerne featuring a bay or harbor, a bridge and street scenes
Old Town Lucerne showing a city, markets and flowers
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


Old Town Lucerne Hotel Deals

Barabas - Hostel
Barabas - Hostel
3 out of 5
Löwengraben, 18, Lucerne
$131 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$144 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and 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! (359 reviews)
"Super friendly and helpful staff. Room, shared bathroom and building in general very clean. Excellent breakfast buffet. Looking forward to my next stay!"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Barabas - Hostel
The Lubo - self check-in
The Lubo - self check-in
3 out of 5
2 Rössligasse, Lucerne, LU
$239 nightly
The price is $259 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$259 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and 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
$301 nightly
The price is $324 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$324 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and 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! (657 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
$718 nightly
The price is $758 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$758 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and 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! (411 reviews)
"Fantastic location. Close to everything. Very helpful staff and excellent services."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern
Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern
3 out of 5
Brandgässli 1, Lucerne, LU
$199 nightly
The price is $218 total per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
$218 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
Total includes taxes and 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! (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
$457 nightly
The price is $487 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$487 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and 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 neighborhoods around Old Town Lucerne

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Littau

4/5(2 area reviews)

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

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