Lucerne holidays

Across the bay from the city buzz, this 300m stretch of soft sand comes with a big sunbathing lawn, heated pool and kids’ play area. There’s a small entry fee, and you’ve got cafés and bars nearby where you can grab a snack or a spot of lunch.

Just a lakeside walk from the train station (past the sailing club), this is a relaxed hangout with a small beach, grassy slopes and a pop-up summer bar. There’s a kids’ play area, plus space for games like beach volleyball or kubb. It’s free to access, but there are snacks and drinks are at the kiosk if you get peckish. Weekdays stay mellow, weekends get lively.

Lucerne’s weekly Wochenmarkt pops up a few days a week along both sides of the Reuss River. You’ll find stalls piled with fresh bread, mountain cheeses, seasonal veg and bunches of flowers. Beyond the farmers’ market feel, there are also regular flea and craft markets dotted through the month – good for a wander, even better for a rummage.

There are two main shopping spots – the busy streets of the new town and the more easygoing, pedestrianised old town. While the new side’s home to department stores and global brands, the old town is where you’ll find local boutiques selling handmade goods, from Swiss cuckoo clocks to speciality chocolates.

Switzerland’s big on watches and fine jewellery – and Lucerne doesn’t disappoint. Both the old and new town shopping areas are dotted with high-end names like Rolex and Cartier, alongside sleek boutiques where Swiss craftsmanship shines through.

The Sunset Bar at Hotel Seeburg is a laid-back spot for the evening – tucked in the garden, with loungers where you can watch the last light dip over the lake, drink in hand. Along the promenade, there are plenty of easygoing restaurants and bars where you can settle in for a quiet meal and something to sip after.

From rooftop bars and casinos to modern lounges and nightclubs, Lucerne is the epitome of swish Swiss nightlife. Louis Bar, on the Adligenswilerstrasse, is named after the legendary trumpeter, Louis Armstrong, and is the place to go for a bit of jazz and soul. The Pilatusstrasse in the old town is also full of lively night spots. If you're looking for something extra swanky, try Nectar – a sophisticated rooftop bar at the Radisson Blue Hotel that has stunning Mount Pilatus views and DJs a couple of nights a week.

Lucerne’s food scene is broad – local Swiss dishes sit alongside Indian, Italian, Asian and more. You’ll find lakeside spots, tucked-away cafés and plenty in between. Keep an eye out for Luzerner Birnenbrot too – it’s the regional take on pear bread, filled with dried fruit and nuts, all wrapped in buttery pastry.

On Schützenstrasse, Wirtshaus Galliker has been serving up traditional Swiss comfort food since 1856. Still family-run, it’s a local favourite known for dishes like Lucerne’s Chogalipastete and pot-au-feu – a slow-simmered mix of beef and vegetables that’s all about depth and flavour.

A short walk from the station, Restaurant Drei Könige sits inside the Hotel Drei Könige and serves up a small, no-fuss menu of European dishes and Swiss specialities. The setting’s classic and understated, and while it’s part of a hotel, it’s the kind of place locals come back to.

Just down the road from the Drei Könige, Grottino 1313 leans into its rustic charm – think exposed wood and chandeliers dressed in kitchen utensils. The set menu features comforting, well-put-together plates that feel right at home in the space – lots of colourful salads and hearty meat dishes.

Lucerne has a solid network of local buses, and with the Lucerne Guest Card – often included with your stay – you can ride for free within zone 10 of the city network. That includes travel to Kriens for Mount Pilatus. From the train station, hop on bus number 1 to Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus – and from there, it’s a short walk to the gondola station. And you can get up to half price tickets on buses further afield with your Half-Fare Travelcard as well.

There are numerous ferry routes on Lake Lucerne, linking you to places like Weggis, Flüelen, Alpnachstad, Küssnacht, Bürgenstock and Meggenhorn. Some boats – especially those on longer routes – are classic paddle steamers, while most have onboard bars. You can also combine a lake trip with a cog railway or cable car up nearby peaks like Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi. And for something a little different, try a fondue cruise or a sunset sailing. Don’t forget to use your Half-Fare Travelcard to get up to half price boat tickets.

The Lucerne Guest Card gives you discounts on cable cars, including the Mount Pilatus system – made up of the Panorama Gondolas and the Dragon Ride aerial cableway. It’s well worth the trip to the top of the mountain for some of the best views of the lake, city and surrounding peaks. A must see is Mount Titlis where you can ride the world's first rotating cable car to 3,020m. Your Half-Fare Travelcard will get you up to half price tickets on some cable cars too.

Trains from Lucerne run like clockwork, connecting you to cities across Switzerland – Zurich in 50 minutes, Bern in an hour, Lugano and Interlaken in two and Lausanne in under three. There are also scenic mountain railways nearby, including the world’s steepest cogwheel line up Mount Pilatus. And with a Lucerne Guest Card (included with stays at selected accommodations), you’ll get free travel on trains within zone 10 of the city network. Your Half-Fare Travelcard will get you up to half price train tickets too.

Lucerne’s easy to explore on foot. Most must-sees are clustered in a compact area, and the old town is pedestrianised, making it a relaxed place to wander. You can dip between historic buildings and modern spots with ease. And don’t miss a lakeside stroll or a walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge.

The Mount Rigi Panorama Trail is a 3-hour, 8.2km route with gentle climbs and wide gravel paths – manageable for most walkers and stroller-friendly in parts. Starting from Arth-Goldau station (about 45 minutes from Lucerne, with Guest Card discounts available), you’ll ride the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm, then follow the trail past panoramic viewpoints and peaceful cliff edges. It finishes at Rigi Scheidegg, where there’s a playground, a restaurant and a cable car for the way down. This one won’t test your knees too hard and will give you a real sense of achievement – just make sure to grab a Rigi hiking ticket in advance.

Take the Panorama Gondola from Kriens up to Krienseregg, the middle station on Mount Pilatus, then follow the signposted trail through the forest to Dragon Moor. Along the route, you’ll pass a series of themed platforms – like In the Realm of Moss, Water Moves Mountains and On Track to the Ice Age – each offering a different glimpse into the local flora, fauna, myths and geology. The full loop takes between one and three hours, depending on how much time you spend at each stop.