Often called Switzerland’s prettiest city, Lucerne sits where Reuss River opens into shimmering Lake Lucerne, nestled among the snow-capped mountains of the magnificent Alps. Known for its preserved medieval architecture, the colorful Old Town is bordered on the north by Musegg Wall, a 14th-century rampart. The covered Chapel Bridge, Lucerne’s iconic landmark, links Old Town to the river’s right bank. Whatever the season, modern and prosperous Lucerne offers myriad activities from mountain excursions and boat tours on the lake to fine dining and cultural and historical sites.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Most visitors arrive in Lucerne by train from Zürich Airport, the country’s largest international airport and primary hub of Swiss International Air Lines. Direct trains to Lucerne leave the airport every hour and take 70 minutes. With its commitment to preserving cobblestone pedestrian plazas, Lucerne is best discovered on foot (walking tours are available) or by bicycle, using the popular Nextbike bike-sharing system. Lucerne’s public transport network includes buses and local trains; taxis and Uber also operate in the city.
LODGING
Spectacular views over Lake Lucerne, exceptional service, superior rooms, a third-floor outdoor beach bar with a Mediterranean feel and the immersive Kitchen Club concept all ensure a relaxing atmosphere for guests. Ride the funicular for a breathtaking arrival to the hotel.
Adligenswilerstrasse 22, Lucerne, Switzerland, tel 41 41 419 00 00
The 5-star lakeside hotel, in business since 1870, retains the charm of its past while offering the comfort and hospitality travelers expect. The hotel houses 41 elegantly designed guestrooms and suites, four restaurants with lakeside terraces, conference space and a pool with sauna.
Haldenstrasse 4, Lucerne, Switzerland,
tel 41 41 419 09 09
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
The iconic Belle Époque landmark has stood on the shores of Lake Lucerne since 1906, reopening as Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern after an extensive renovation. It offers 136 tranquil rooms and suites, legendary service, a range of dining venues and a holistic spa.
Haldenstrasse 10, Lucerne, Switzerland, tel 41 41 588 18 88
DINING
Take a seat in the middle of the action at the stunning 15-Gault-Millau-point kitchen and watch talented chefs prepare your meal right in front of you. The unique concept invites guests to see, smell, listen, touch and taste all at once. Open Wednesday–Saturday, reservations are accepted for up to 24 people.
Art Deco Hotel Montana, Adligenswilerstrasse 22, Lucerne, Switzerland, tel 41 41 419 00 00
In an Old Town house dating back to 1578 with a unique view of Chapel Bridge, settle in for inventive contemporary cuisine blending typically Swiss dishes with Mediterranean ingredients. Leave room for the delectable desserts! Children’s menu and gluten-free options available.
Kornmarkt 4, 6004 Lucerne, Switzerland, tel 41 41 410 36 50
Restaurant Bündnerland Luzern
Savor Alpine comfort and culinary delights overseen by Chef Fabian Dumitrache. Ranked first in the Best of Swiss Gastro 2022 awards, the restaurant spans three floors of one of the oldest houses in Old Town and offers a creative twist on local specialties.
Eisengasse 15, Lucerne, Switzerland,
tel 41 41 554 13 55
ATTRACTIONS
Chapel Bridge
Take an inspiring walk on Lucerne’s picturesque wooden footbridge, crossing Reuss River. Considered Europe’s oldest covered bridge, it was built in the 14th century as part of the city fortifications. The 17th-century pictorial panels inside depict scenes of Swiss and Lucerne history.
Mountain Excursions
Lucerne’s streets offer impressive views of the surrounding mountains, but there’s no need to admire them from afar. You can easily access many peaks, such as Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi and Mount Titlis, via aerial cableways, either self-directed or with a tour. Some tours also include a boat trip on the lake.
This destination of discovery offers immersive and interactive exhibits about automobiles, trains, aircraft, ships and even space travel. Don’t miss the Swiss Chocolate Adventure to learn about the manufacture and transport of chocolate — and get a taste of the sweet stuff.
Lidostrasse 5, Lucerne, Switzerland, tel 41 41 375 75 75 verkehrshaus.ch
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 30, 2025Grupo Brisas Opens New Las Brisas Mérida Boutique Hotel
Grupo Brisas opened its newest property in Mexico. Las Brisas Mérida, an exclusive boutique hotel strategically located in the heart of the interesting Mexican town of Mérida within the Yucatan Peninsula, marks the brand’s 13th property in Mexico. Grupo Brisas reaffirms its leadership as one of the fastest-growing Mexican hotel chains in the country.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
May 2025
May 30, 2025By-the-cabin Yachting Redefines the Cruise Experience
I wish this day could last forever!” my windswept 9-year-old exclaimed, his voice soaring over the Mediterranean. He gripped the helm of a Bali 4.6 sailing catamaran off the coast of Marseille, his sun- bleached hair whipping in the salty breeze. The scent of the sea mingled with the aroma of warm baguettes drifting from the Côte d’Azur shoreline. Our captain, a seasoned sailor, subtly adjusted course, letting my son feel the exhilarating pull of the wind against the sails. As the waves lapped against the hull, I realized this was no ordinary vacation — this was freedom, unfiltered.
Daily
May 30, 20254 U.S. Hotels to Stay at This Pride Month
Pride Month kicks off June 1, and hotels around the country celebrate with special events and offerings.
Sponsored Content
Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge
For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.
Daily
May 30, 2025Summer Gin Cocktail Recipes Inspired by Destinations Around the World
Sometimes our memories of trips to certain destinations and cities around the world become synonymous with a specific dish or drink we had there — whether it was sipping an Aperol Spritz on the Italian coast or cooling off with a gin and tonic in London, a good cocktail in particular elevates a destination.
These 5 Hotels Offer Beekeeping Experiences
Daily
May 29, 2025Daily
May 28, 2025Tea Time is Tree Time at This Banyan Tree Resort
Named after the tropical banyan tree, a symbol of sanctuary under which one finds peace of mind and internal harmony, Banyan Tree Krabi, in southern Thailand, adopted the concept in its most recent introduction of Banyan Tree Krabi’s special Afternoon Tea Set, available to both guests and passing visitors.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
May 2025
May 28, 2025Discover the Dazzling Beauty of Amalfi’s Legendary Cave
PHOTO: © GUILLOHMZ | DREAMSTIME .COM
ShareThis