Victoria Lupascu 
Are you on a quest to find the most amazing places where to stay in Lucerne? Well, it’s not an easy task as this town has so many incredible areas!
But I’m here to save the day – I’ve manually compared all the accommodation options there are in Lucerne and hand-picked the best rated ones in each price category.
Read this post to learn more about 6 best areas to stay for tourists (and why) and to find your ideal accommodation for the neighborhood in just a couple of minutes!
Alstadt (Old Town) is the best place to stay in Lucerne if you are visiting for the first time as it has the main attractions and fab hotels.
However, you probably know that Switzerland is a pretty expensive country so I would recommend booking your favorite accommodation in advance and score a cheaper price!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book now, then wait no more, here’s a list of all the best hotels where to stay in Lucerne all located in the Old Town:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Altstadt (Old Town) – where to stay in Lucerne for the first time
- 2. Oberseeburg – best place to stay in Lucerne for families
- 3. Tribschen – where to stay in Lucerne for budget travelers
- 4. Bruch – trendiest place to stay in Lucerne
- 5. Pilatusplatz – where to stay for travel connections
- 6. Littau – best place to stay in Lucerne for nature lovers
- FAQs about where to stay in Lucerne
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in Lucerne that I will be talking about in this post:
1. Altstadt (Old Town) – where to stay in Lucerne for the first time
Welcome to one of the most romantic areas in Lucerne (or Luzern) where time has stood still for a few centuries, or that’s the impression that the Old Town gives you. You won’t find a better place where to stay in Lucerne than Altstadt, this is the German translation of the words “Old Town”.
Boasting a blend of classical, neo-gothic, and neo-baroque buildings, this pedestrian area is super charming and is surrounded by gorgeous lake and mountain views!
The Old Town will give you the impression that time stood still here for a few centuries! Especially when you reach Kapellbrucke, the city’s famous bridge which is also known as Chapel Bridge which has some incredible paintings! Walking on it is one of the best things to do in Lucerne!
This is the oldest covered bridge in Europe, measuring 200 meters long and is placed across the azure-blue Reuss River.
Whether you see it during the day or at night, when all the fairy lights are turned on, it will definitely take your breath away!
As I always say, take your time in the historic Old Town, walk around the center of the city and enjoy the lovely atmosphere.
There are lots of cool things to see here like the Jesuit Church, the Museggmauer (the city’s old wall that has 9 towers) and the Glacier Garden which is a super fun place for families!
Don’t forget to snap a pic of the famous Lion Monument (map), which was built in memory of the Swiss soldiers who lost their lives during the French Revolution.
After all the walking you’ll probably be famished! So head over to Mill’Feuille, a restaurant facing the lake that serves yummy food in a cozy setting!
Are you ready to check out the most amazing hotels here? Let’s see!
Other accommodation options in Altstadt (Old Town)
Things to do in Altstadt (Old Town)
- Walk along the stunning Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Europe
- Visit the Sammlung Rosengart Museum
- Admire the architecture of the charming Jesuit Church
- Get some souvenirs from the local shops
- See the Museggmauer city wall and its 9 towers
- Snap a pic of the Lion Monument
- Check Lucerne’s Town Hall in the center of the city
2. Oberseeburg – best place to stay in Lucerne for families
Located east of the Old Town, just a 15 minutes bus ride away, this residential area is also known as the “over the lake neighborhood” and it boasts incredible views of the Lucerne River.
This is the perfect place to stay in Lucerne for those traveling with their families since there are lots of great hotels and attractions like Lido Lucerne, a lakeside park that is perfect for swimming during the warmer months!
It’s also the perfect area where to stay in Lucerne with the family thanks to its large palette of hotels, attractions, and activities like the super fun Lido Lucerne (map), a lakeside park that is perfect for swimming!
Boasting a sandy beach, umbrellas, and a restaurant with a view of the lake, it will be hard to take the kids away from this family-friendly paradise. There’s a nice playground perfect for any age, but you can also rent SUP boards if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous.
I’m sure you could easily spend the whole day here, but the Swiss Transport Museum is near the lakeside park if you still have some spare time and want to visit it.
Also, don’t forget to walk along the shores of the famous Lake Lucerne as the sun sets over the city! The views are incredible and you can even spot the famous Mount Pilatus!
Other accommodations in Oberseeburg, Lucerne
Things to do in Oberseeburg, Lucerne
- Swim, play, and have fun at the family-friendly Lido Lucerne lakeside park
- Learn new things at the Swiss Transport Museum
- Visit the Hans Erni Museum in Switzerland
- Take a walk near the shores of Lake Lucerne
- Enjoy a family lakeside dinner at Seehaus Grill
- Offer the kids a great experience with the family-friendly Swiss Adventure Chocolate
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Tribschen – where to stay in Lucerne for budget travelers
Located South of the city center, just 2 miles (3 km) away from it, this used to be Lucerne’s Red Light District.
However, those days are long gone and now Tribschen has replaced its trashy buildings with cute local shops, apartment buildings, and hotels.
It’s one of the best places where to stay in Lucerne on a budget as you’ll find a wide range of affordable hotels and hostels. The lakeside area is quite peaceful, making it a great location for those who want to be near Old Town but further away from all the hustle and bustle.
You’ll also find some parks and even a playground (map) where you can take your little ones.
This area is also the birthplace of Richard Wagner, the famous 19th century German composer!
You can actually visit the villa where he used to live, which was turned into a cool museum. It’s set near Lake Lucerne and looks so idyllic!
Other accommodation options in Tribschen, Lucerne
Things to do in Tribschen, Lucerne
- Visit the Richard Wagner Museum
- Take the family and go swimming in the lake at Ufschotti Park
- Spend a fun day at the Ice Centre Lucerne in Switzerland
- Eat a delicious burger at N’Ice Restaurant
- Go for a night drink at Peperoncini Tribschen
4. Bruch – trendiest place to stay in Lucerne
Located Northeast of the Old Town, this cool neighborhood is home to the most hip bars, cool hotels, and boutique cafes in Lucerne.
If you’re like me and love hunting for these kinds of places when you’re traveling then definitely consider staying here!
Bruch has this bohemian vibe and you can rest assured that here you’ll find some bars to hang out and grab some drinks when the sun goes down! Head over to Madeleine Bar, a place where you can mingle with the locals and other tourists!
Sometimes they even hold comedy shows and concerts! You can pop in there at any time during the week and expect something new.
Back in the olden days, Bruch used to be the place where the city’s cattle market was held!
Although most attractions are set in the Old Town, you’ll also find some here. The Historical Museum Lucerne is a great one where you can dive deeper into the culture of this town.
Other accommodation options in Bruch, Lucerne
Things to do in Bruch, Lucerne
- Catch a comedy show at the Madeleine Bar
- Visit the Historical Museum Lucerne in Switzerland
- Spend a fun day shopping at Atelier Treger
- Check out the Spreuerbrücke bridge
- Eat some delicious Swiss food at Restaurant & Bar Drei Koenige
- Go for cocktails at the Bruch Brothers Bar
5. Pilatusplatz – where to stay for travel connections
Located in the Neustadt (New Town) part of the city, this neighborhood is perfect for those who want easy access to the train station, to visit other fun attractions in Switzerland or different parts of the cities since there are many bus stations here.
Don’t worry though, you’ll be within walking distance of the Old Town and visit it whenever you want!
There are some cool attractions here too! Like the Sammlung Rosengart art museum that has a collection with Picasso’s paintings. Plus, the area is packed with bars and restaurants where you can indulge in some delicious Swiss food and drinks.
You’ll also find a wide range of budget hotels in Pilatusplatz. As the traffic here is quite intense, you might have to expect a lot of noise but I’m sure that will pay off when you realize how much money you’re saving!
Other accommodation in Pilatusplatz, Lucerne
Things to do in Pilatusplatz, Lucerne
- Have a drink at Penthouse Bar in Lucerne
- Admire the art at Sammlung Rosengart
- Take advantage of the good travel connections and explore the region
- Eat a delicious Mexican dinner at Pacifico restaurant
- Take the kids out to play in the Vögeligärtli Park
6. Littau – best place to stay in Lucerne for nature lovers
Trust me when I say you’ll want to move up here! If you love nature then Littau is definitely the area for you!
Located west of the Old Town, just 20 min away by public transport Littau looks as if it was taken out of a postcard and it wasn’t even a part of Lucerne until 2010.
This area is one of the best places where to stay in Lucerne for anyone who wants to be near the mountains and fresh air! Plus the views of Mount Pilatus are absolutely breathtaking!
You won’t get the “city feeling” here so if you’d prefer something more tranquil, then definitely book your hotel in Littau.
Here, you can spend your days exploring the forests, breathing in the fresh mountain air and discovering Lucerne natural hidden gems!
There are lots of small forests that you can check out, like the Gütschwald forest, which looks as if it was taken out from some fairytale book.
Let’s see the best hotels in Littau!
Other accommodation options in Littau, Luzern
Things to do in Littau, Luzern
- Explore this natural area and go hiking
- Catch a sunset and enjoy the views of Mount Pilatus
- Take the kids and organize a picnic in Gütschwald forest
- Climb on a hill and see the best views of Lucerne from above
- Go shopping for local products at Gaby’s Hof Boutique (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | €300 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | €200 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €140 |
| 📍 Best area: | Altstadt (Old Town) |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel des Balances |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Barabas Luzern |
FAQs about where to stay in Lucerne
🤔 Is Lucerne worth visiting?
Yes! This beautiful town in Switzerland is worth visiting as it has a beautiful Old Town, amazing views of Lake Lucerne and gorgeous natural surroundings.
💸 Is Lucerne cheaper than Zurich?
Yes, Lucerne is much cheaper than Zurich if you compare travel costs, the prices of the hotels, restaurants and other leisure activities.
⛰️ What is there to do in Lucerne in 2 days?
Visit the Altstadt (Old Town) area, see the Lion of Lucerne, go up Mount Pilatus and admire the architecture of the Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Europe.
🏨 Where to stay in Old Town Lucerne?
If you’re looking for where to stay in Lucerne in the Old Town then check out Hotel des Balances and Altstadt Hotel Krone which have incredible reviews and facilities.
👪 Is Lucerne good for families?
Yes, Lucerne is a great place for families as it has many fun attractions like Lido Lucerne and Glacier Garden plus lots of hiking trails to explore!
🍸 Where to stay in Lucerne, Switzerland for nightlife?
Bruch or Pilatusplatz are the best areas to stay in Lucerne for nightlife. In both places you’ll find lots of bars and some clubs!
🗺️ Is it better to stay in Interlaken or Lucerne?
It depends. I’d recommend Lucerne to those who want to enjoy the small town charm and have a short amount of time in the country, and Interlaken to those who want to go skiing and explore other cities.
💘 What are the best romantic hotels to stay in Lucerne?
Chateau Guetsch and Hotel des Balances are 2 incredible hotels that are perfect for a romantic getaway as they boast incredible views, privacy and gorgeous rooms.
Conclusion
Exploring Switzerland is such a treat and I hope this article helped you decide where to stay in Lucerne and which hotel to pick!
There are many hotel options in this post but I know how important it is to have a wide range of options! However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, check out my 2 favorite places, both set in the the Old Town:
- Hotel des Balances – a luxury city centre hotel with views of Lake Reuss and elegant rooms
- Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern – this fancy mid-range hotel has rooms with city views
As you probably figured by now, Switzerland is not a cheap place, that’s why I recommend booking your hotels here in advance and maybe scoring some more affordable prices!
Enjoy your Swiss adventures and all the chocolate! If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate to drop me a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Victoria
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