A practical guide to the best areas to stay in Lucerne, with neighbourhood advice, hotel picks and recommendations for first-time visitors, families, couples and rail travellers.
Where should you stay in Lucerne?
Old Town (Altstadt) should be your first choice if you're new to Lucerne. The historic quarter is picturesque, riverside and within walking distance of Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and Lake Lucerne. Lucerne Train Station is ideal if you'll be taking day trips on Swiss Rail or making multiple trips to the mountains. Lake Lucerne waterfront hotels are perfect for romantic getaways and luxury stays. Neustadt is a great choice if you're looking for value, restaurants and off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. Kriens is ideal for families, drivers and visitors planning a trip to Mount Pilatus.
- Best overall Old Town (Altstadt)
- Best for families Kriens
- Best for sightseeing Old Town (Altstadt)
- Best value Neustadt
- Best luxury Lake Lucerne Waterfront
- Best for Day Trips Lucerne Train Station
Best areas to stay in Lucerne
Skim the shortlist, then jump to the area that fits your trip.
Best Overall
Old Town (Altstadt)
The best place to stay in Lucerne for first-time visitors who want historic atmosphere, major sights and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Best for Day Trips
Lucerne Train Station
Stay near Lucerne Train Station for the easiest rail connections, luggage-friendly arrival and quick access to both Old Town and Lake Lucerne.
Best for Luxury
Lake Lucerne Waterfront
Choose the Lake Lucerne waterfront for grand hotels, romantic lake views and one of the most memorable luxury stays in the city.
Best Value Central Area
Neustadt
Neustadt offers a more local Lucerne experience with good restaurants, modern hotels and better value while remaining close to the historic centre.
Best for Families
Kriens
Kriens is a practical choice for families, road trippers and Mount Pilatus visitors who value larger rooms, easier parking and lower prices over Old Town atmosphere.
Top hotel picks in Lucerne
Best Old Town Stay
Hotel des Balances
Old Town (Altstadt)
Stay here for an atmospheric Old Town location directly on the Reuss River with Lucerne's historic sights outside your door.
Hotel des Balances captures exactly why we recommend Old Town for first-time visitors: a historic setting, river views and an exceptionally walkable location close to Chapel Bridge, Jesuit Church, restaurants and the city's medieval squares.
- Nearest station
- Lucerne Train Station
- Walking time
- About 5 minutes
- Price band
- Premium
- Prime location in the heart of Old Town
- Beautiful Reuss River and Chapel Bridge views from selected rooms
- Walk to Lucerne's major historic attractions
Drawback: The prime Old Town location comes at a premium, and access by car is less convenient than staying outside the pedestrian-focused historic centre.
Best Overall
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
Lucerne Train Station
Our favourite all-round Lucerne hotel combines a central location near the station with easy walking access to Chapel Bridge and Old Town.
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora sits in one of Lucerne's most practical locations, less than five minutes on foot from the main railway station while remaining close to Lake Lucerne and Chapel Bridge. It works especially well for travellers mixing city sightseeing with Swiss rail day trips.
- Nearest station
- Lucerne Train Station
- Walking time
- Less than 5 minutes
- Price band
- Mid-range
- Excellent balance between station access and sightseeing
- Short walk to Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne
- Modern rooms in a very central location
Drawback: It offers convenience rather than the romantic waterfront setting or immersive medieval atmosphere of Lucerne's most distinctive luxury hotels.
Best Luxury Hotel
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
Lake Lucerne Waterfront
Choose Mandarin Oriental Palace for a special-occasion stay combining five-star luxury with a spectacular position directly on Lake Lucerne.
This is the clearest match for our waterfront recommendation: an elegant lakeside hotel with rooms and suites offering lake and mountain views, high-end dining and a luxury hotel experience within easy reach of central Lucerne.
- Nearest station
- Lucerne Train Station
- Walking time
- About 10 minutes
- Price band
- Luxury
- Prime position directly on Lake Lucerne
- Outstanding lake and mountain views from selected rooms
- Ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries and luxury escapes
Drawback: Rates are among the highest in Lucerne, making it difficult to justify unless the hotel experience and lakefront location are an important part of your trip.
Best Boutique Stay
CASCADA Boutique Hotel
Neustadt
CASCADA Boutique Hotel is a strong Neustadt choice for travellers wanting modern accommodation, restaurants and excellent station access without staying in tourist-heavy Old Town.
The hotel is in Lucerne's Neustadt district and only around three minutes on foot from the main railway station. That puts cafés, restaurants and local neighbourhood life nearby while keeping Old Town and Lake Lucerne within easy walking distance.
- Nearest station
- Lucerne Train Station
- Walking time
- About 3 minutes
- Price band
- Mid-range
- Excellent location in Neustadt
- Very short walk to Lucerne Train Station
- Good balance of local atmosphere and sightseeing convenience
Drawback: The urban Neustadt setting lacks the postcard atmosphere of Old Town and the sweeping lake views of Lucerne's waterfront hotels.
Best for Families
Holiday Inn Express Luzern - Kriens
Kriens
A practical Kriens base offering easy rail access to central Lucerne, family-friendly value and better convenience for travellers arriving by car.
Holiday Inn Express Luzern - Kriens reinforces the reasons we recommend Kriens for families and road trips: it sits outside the expensive historic centre, has paid on-site parking and is only two S5 train stops from central Lucerne.
- Nearest station
- Kriens Mattenhof
- Walking time
- About 5 minutes
- Price band
- Budget to mid-range
- Quick S-Bahn connection into central Lucerne
- Breakfast included
- On-site parking available
Drawback: You cannot simply walk out of the hotel into Lucerne Old Town, so sightseeing requires a short train or other public-transport journey.
Best Budget Hotel
ibis budget Luzern City
Neustadt
A reliable budget pick for travellers who want to reduce accommodation costs while remaining within walking distance of Lucerne Train Station and the city centre.
Lucerne accommodation is expensive, so ibis budget Luzern City provides a useful lower-cost alternative without pushing travellers far outside the centre. The hotel is around a ten-minute walk from Lucerne Train Station and is also close to Lake Lucerne and Chapel Bridge.
- Nearest station
- Lucerne Train Station
- Walking time
- About 10 minutes
- Price band
- Budget
- One of the more affordable central Lucerne options
- Walkable from the main railway station
- Good choice for travellers prioritising location over luxury
Drawback: Rooms and facilities are simpler than Lucerne's mid-range hotels, so choose it primarily for price and location rather than atmosphere or luxury.
Old Town (Altstadt) – Best Overall
Old Town is our top pick for most travellers looking for a place to stay in Lucerne. It's the postcard version of Lucerne: cobbled lanes, colourful historic facades, picturesque squares and the Reuss River running under the iconic Chapel Bridge. By staying here you'll find sightseeing extraordinarily convenient as you can reach many of Lucerne's main attractions on foot. We're particularly fond of exploring the area early in the morning or after day trippers depart and the medieval streets quiet down. The downside is the cost. Hotels in central locations will typically charge more, and the busiest streets can get touristy during the summer months.
Area facts
- Best for
- First-time visitors, sightseeing, couples, photographers and short stays
- Not ideal for
- Budget travellers, drivers who need easy parking or visitors making frequent early-morning rail trips
- Typical price level
- Upper mid-range to expensive
- Nearest stations
- Lucerne Train Station; local buses; Lake Lucerne boat terminals
- Airport or station access
- Around a 5–10 minute walk from Lucerne Train Station depending on the hotel; convenient for onward rail connections via Zurich
- Main advantage
- You can walk to most of Lucerne's signature sights while staying in the city's most atmospheric historic neighbourhood.
- Main drawback
- Hotels generally cost more and the streets around Chapel Bridge can become crowded during peak sightseeing hours.
- Nearby attractions
-
Chapel Bridge
Water Tower
Jesuit Church
Weinmarkt Square
Musegg Wall
Lion Monument
Reuss River - Recommended for
- 2–4 nights; ideal for a first trip to Lucerne or a short city break
Pros
- Walk to most major Lucerne attractions
- Beautiful historic atmosphere and river views
- Excellent choice of restaurants, cafés and shops
Cons
- Higher accommodation prices
- Busy around major attractions during peak periods
Hotels in Old Town (Altstadt)
Hotel des Balances
Check price on Booking.comLucerne Train Station – Best for Day Trips
Hostel Central is in arguably the smartest neighbourhood if you're spending time outside of Lucerne. Lucerne Train Station is where the trains, buses and lake boats all meet, so it's ideal if your plans include travelling to places around Central Switzerland, or further to Interlaken, Zurich or Engelberg. It's also a lot easier if you're coming/leaving with big suitcases: no need to drag your luggage around the cobbled streets of Old Town! Don't worry, you still are close to Lucerne attractions though: Chapel Bridge and lakefront are a short stroll. What you're giving up is ambience, not accessibility.
Area facts
- Best for
- Rail travellers, day trips, short stays, families with luggage and travellers exploring Switzerland by train
- Not ideal for
- Travellers seeking the most romantic or historic neighbourhood atmosphere
- Typical price level
- Mid-range
- Nearest stations
- Lucerne Train Station; Bahnhofquai bus hub; Lake Lucerne boat terminals
- Airport or station access
- Best area for arriving and departing by train; straightforward rail connections towards Zurich and the wider Swiss network
- Main advantage
- Excellent transport connections without sacrificing walking access to central Lucerne.
- Main drawback
- The immediate station surroundings feel more functional and less atmospheric than Old Town or the lakefront.
- Nearby attractions
-
Chapel Bridge
KKL Luzern
Lake Lucerne
Jesuit Church
Reuss River
Old Town - Recommended for
- 1–4 nights; especially useful if Lucerne is your base for several rail or mountain excursions
Pros
- Excellent train, bus and boat connections
- Easy arrival and departure with luggage
- Still within walking distance of Old Town
Cons
- Less historic character
- Busier and more functional around the station
Hotels in Lucerne Train Station
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
Check price & availabilityLake Lucerne Waterfront – Best for Luxury
If your hotel is a key part of your Lucerne stay, it's hard to beat the waterfront. Stylish hotels line the lakeside promenade, with many offering rooms and terraces with views across Lake Lucerne to the mountains beyond. It's quieter than the busiest parts of Old Town, but still within easy walking distance. Sunrise and sunset walks along the promenade are beautiful, and you can easily catch boat trips from here to explore further afield. Prices are correspondingly higher, especially in summer, but this is where we'd stay for a honeymoon, anniversary or special luxury break.
Area facts
- Best for
- Couples, honeymooners, luxury travellers, anniversaries and special occasions
- Not ideal for
- Budget travellers or visitors prioritising the cheapest possible central accommodation
- Typical price level
- Luxury
- Nearest stations
- Lucerne Train Station; local lakeside buses; Lake Lucerne boat terminals
- Airport or station access
- Generally a 10–20 minute walk or short local transport ride from Lucerne Train Station depending on the hotel
- Main advantage
- Spectacular Lake Lucerne and mountain views combined with some of the city's finest hotels.
- Main drawback
- This is generally the most expensive part of Lucerne for accommodation.
- Nearby attractions
-
Lake Lucerne
Lakeside promenade
KKL Luzern
Chapel Bridge
Old Town
Lion Monument
Lake Lucerne boat piers - Recommended for
- 2–4 nights; best for romantic escapes, honeymoons and special-occasion stays
Pros
- Beautiful lake and mountain views
- Home to many of Lucerne's top luxury hotels
- Peaceful promenade within walking distance of the centre
Cons
- Some of Lucerne's highest hotel prices
- Limited genuinely budget-friendly accommodation
Hotels in Lake Lucerne Waterfront
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
Check price on Booking.comNeustadt – Best Value Central Area
Neustadt is one of our favourite destinations for visitors who want to stay outside Lucerne's tourist centre. Situated to the south of the main railway station, this neighbourhood has an altogether more residential feel with independent cafes, bakeries, wine bars and modern restaurants that are popular with locals. Hotels are generally newer and can provide more space for your money than similar ones located in Lucerne's old town. And you're still within walking distance to Lucerne Train Station, Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne so staying in Neustadt doesn't mean you have to sacrifice convenience. We recommend it to most repeat visitors and anyone who cares just as much about where they'll dine in the evening as which attractions they'll see during the day.
Area facts
- Best for
- Food lovers, couples, younger travellers, repeat visitors, longer stays and value-conscious travellers
- Not ideal for
- Visitors who want medieval architecture directly outside their hotel
- Typical price level
- Mid-range
- Nearest stations
- Lucerne Train Station; local buses
- Airport or station access
- Convenient walking access to Lucerne Train Station from much of the neighbourhood
- Main advantage
- A strong balance of central location, restaurants, local atmosphere and accommodation value.
- Main drawback
- It lacks the immediate historic character of Old Town and the scenery of the waterfront.
- Nearby attractions
-
Lucerne Train Station
KKL Luzern
Lake Lucerne
Chapel Bridge
Neustadt restaurants and cafés
Old Town - Recommended for
- 2–5 nights; particularly good for repeat visitors or travellers wanting a more residential base
Pros
- Better value than the most touristy central areas
- Strong café and restaurant scene
- Convenient for both the station and city centre
Cons
- Less historic atmosphere
- Slightly farther from some major sights
Hotels in Neustadt
CASCADA Boutique Hotel
Check price on Booking.com
ibis budget Luzern City
Check price & availabilityKriens – Best for Families
When convenience refers to space, parking and access to the mountains rather than proximity to Chapel Bridge, Kriens makes a lot of sense. Being at the base of Mount Pilatus, it can be particularly handy for visitors looking to ride the panorama gondola or spend a large chunk of their time visiting the mountain itself. Families may also appreciate larger accommodation options and a break from the hustle and bustle of Lucerne’s overcrowded historic centre. Kriens is well connected to Lucerne city centre by public transport, but you’ll need to factor in travel time when visiting Old Town. We would still recommend Altstadt for a first-time city break; if you have families, drive or will be focussing on Pilatus, Kriens could be the better option.
Area facts
- Best for
- Families, road trips, drivers, Mount Pilatus trips and travellers wanting more space
- Not ideal for
- First-time visitors who want to walk out of their hotel directly into Lucerne's historic centre
- Typical price level
- Budget to mid-range
- Nearest stations
- Kriens Mattenhof station; local buses to Lucerne; Kriens panorama gondola for Mount Pilatus
- Airport or station access
- Public transport connects Kriens with central Lucerne; allow additional travel time compared with staying around Lucerne Train Station
- Main advantage
- More space and easier access to Mount Pilatus, often at better value than central Lucerne.
- Main drawback
- You need public transport or a car to reach most central Lucerne attractions.
- Nearby attractions
-
Mount Pilatus
Pilatus panorama gondola
Krienseregg
Fräkmüntegg
Pilatus Rope Park
Central Lucerne - Recommended for
- 2–4 nights; best for family trips, road trips or itineraries built around Mount Pilatus
Pros
- Convenient access to Mount Pilatus
- More space and easier parking
- Often better accommodation value for families
Cons
- Not within walking distance of central Lucerne sights
- Less atmospheric than Old Town or the waterfront
Hotels in Kriens
Holiday Inn Express Luzern - Kriens
Check price on Booking.comCompare hotels in Lucerne
Use the map to compare hotel locations after choosing your preferred area. Check the distance to the nearest station before booking.
Booking tips
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Best time to visit
May through June and September through early October are ideal months to visit Lucerne if you would like comfortable sightseeing weather and want to avoid some of the crowds of peak summer months. July and August are hot with long daylight hours and easy access to the mountains. Accommodation during these months is busier. December can be nice if you want to visit Christmas markets and experience the winter mood.
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High season
June to September is high season overall, though July and August usually have the strongest demand from leisure travelers. August and early September tend to be particularly crowded since Lucerne Festival brings more visitors to the city; the festival runs from 13 August-13 September 20.
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Festivals & events
Lucerne Festival is the largest annual event you need to look out for when booking accommodation. Attracting orchestras, musicians and visitors from around the world to venues such as KKL Luzern for its Summer Festival. Christmas markets and other seasonal events may also boost demand in December, so look at the calendar for the city during major dates if you are travelling then.
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When to book
For June to September bookings we suggest that you reserve approximately 3–4 months ahead of time, particularly if you wish to stay in a hotel in Old Town or with a lake-view room. Aim even further ahead if your travel dates coincide with Lucerne Festival or school holidays, or if you need a specific type of room e.g. family room or lake-view. During the low season you can usually be more flexible, but it still pays to book refundable reservations as Swiss hotel room rates fluctuate significantly with demand.
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Typical prices
Accommodation in Lucerne is pricey when compared with many European city-break alternatives. For realistic planning purposes budget around CHF 140–220 per night for budget stays, CHF 220–400 for the majority of mid-range hotels and CHF 500+ for up-market establishments. Rooms with a lake view and luxury hotels in the Old Town can cost significantly more in summer, at weekends and during major events.
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Getting around
Renting a car is not usually necessary in Lucerne. The attractions around the central area of Lucerne (Old Town, Chapel Bridge, lakefront and train station) are close enough together that most of Lucerne can be explored by walking. Buses serve attractions farther from Lucerne city centre. If you stay overnight in Lucerne city and stay at one of the participating accommodation providers, you receive the Lucerne Visitor Card and are entitled to free second-class bus and train travel within fare zone 10; however boat trips are excluded from the free local travel pass.
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Airport access
Zurich Airport is Lucerne's nearest major international airport. Trains operate between Zürich Flughafen and Lucerne, some requiring a connection at Zürich HB depending on schedule. If you have an early flight it makes leaving much easier if you stay near Lucerne Train Station. Check online SBB timetable for the date you wish to travel.
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Railway access
Lucerne is centrally located within Central Switzerland making it one of the most practical rail hubs. Lucerne Train Station links Lucerne to Zurich and the rest of Switzerland by rail. Buses and lake boats also arrive and depart throughout the area near Lucerne Station. If you have many day trips planned or an early departure each morning, it may be convenient to find accommodation within walking distance to Lucerne Station. Check out the SBB timetable or download the SBB Mobile app for live connections and track/platform information.
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Family stays
Try searching for hotels near Lucerne Train Station or the quieter outskirts of Old Town if families wish to stay within walking distance of the main attractions. Families who value larger rooms, easier parking, cheaper accommodation and easy access to Mount Pilatus may prefer Kriens. Compare maximum room occupancy, connecting rooms or sofa beds, and if breakfast is included when comparing hotels, as booking two separate rooms in Switzerland could raise your trip's overall cost considerably.
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Accessibility
Lucerne is relatively easy to navigate if you have reduced mobility due to its modern train station, buses and central transport network. However, where your accommodation is located will still play a factor. Many of the streets and buildings in the Old Town are old, have cobblestones and may have challenges with steps, small lifts or uneven paths when accessing hotels. If you're traveling by wheelchair or have limited mobility, consider newer hotels closer to Lucerne Train Station or along the lakefront and confirm with the hotel about step-free entrances, lift size and accessible bathroom amenities before reserving. Lucerne Tourism has accessible arrival and mobility information. Hotel guests can also use local buses and trains around zone 10 with the Visitor Card.
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Payment tips
The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF). Travel cards and cash advance facilities can be used anywhere in Lucerne. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards or debit cards, so there is usually no need to carry large sums of cash. Visa, Mastercard, American Express are all widely accepted. Euros can sometimes be used, although change is likely to be given in Swiss francs, so it's usually easiest to pay by card, or have Swiss francs. When paying by card, it's worth asking to be charged in CHF rather than your local currency, even if your card company says they will do this for you, as they will often offer a worse foreign- exchange rate.
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Local booking tips
Verify that any hotel rates quoted include breakfast, parking, and local visitor or tourist taxes if these are important to you and are not included in the price (note that these fees are often charged additionally depending on the property and site). Guests staying overnight in Lucerne at a participating hotel will receive a Lucerne Visitor Card which entitles them to free use of second-class bus and train travel within tariff zone 10 for the duration of their stay. Boat travel is not included. Depending on where you plan to go, centrally located hotels may now be very appealing even if the nightly rate is slightly higher due to this Travel Pass. We recommend booking flexible rates (with free cancellation) early for the summer season at Lucerne Festival and especially busy times of year. Instead of comparing room rates, compare total cost of stay. If you are booking for a large family, verify house occupancy policies before booking as certain Swiss hotels request that families of a certain size book connecting rooms or multiple rooms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Lucerne for first-time visitors?
Old Town (Altstadt) is the best area for most first-time visitors because it puts you within walking distance of Chapel Bridge, the Reuss River, historic squares, restaurants and many of Lucerne's main attractions. It also offers the strongest sense of the city's historic character.
Should I stay in Lucerne Old Town or near the train station?
Choose Old Town if sightseeing, atmosphere and walking access to historic attractions are your priorities. Stay near Lucerne Train Station if you are planning several day trips, travelling with large luggage or catching early trains. The two areas are close enough that you can still walk between the station and Old Town.
What is the best area to stay in Lucerne with children?
Kriens is a practical choice for families because accommodation can offer more space, parking is generally easier and Mount Pilatus is conveniently accessible from the area. Families who prefer to stay in central Lucerne should consider hotels near the train station for easy transport and relatively flat walking routes.
How many nights should you stay in Lucerne?
Two to three nights is enough for most first-time visitors to explore Lucerne's Old Town, Chapel Bridge and lakefront while fitting in a mountain or lake excursion. Stay three to four nights if you plan to use Lucerne as a base for multiple trips to places such as Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi or Engelberg.
Is Lucerne a good base for exploring Switzerland?
Yes. Lucerne is particularly useful as a base for exploring Central Switzerland because its main railway station connects with the wider Swiss rail network, while buses and lake boats provide access to nearby mountain and lakeside destinations. Staying near Lucerne Train Station is especially convenient if day trips are a major part of your itinerary.
Do you need a car when staying in Lucerne?
No. Most visitors can explore central Lucerne without a car because Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the lakefront and the railway station are close together. Local buses cover areas farther from the centre. A car becomes more useful if Lucerne is part of a wider Swiss road trip or if you choose accommodation outside the city centre.
Is Lucerne expensive for hotels?
Yes. Lucerne is one of the more expensive Swiss destinations for accommodation. Budget rooms can commonly fall around CHF 140–220 per night, mid-range hotels around CHF 220–400 and luxury properties from CHF 500 upward. Prices can rise significantly for lake-view rooms, summer weekends and major events.
Is it worth staying on the Lake Lucerne waterfront?
Yes, especially for couples, honeymooners and travellers celebrating a special occasion. The waterfront offers some of Lucerne's best lake and mountain views and several of its leading luxury hotels. However, rates are usually higher than in Neustadt or around the train station, so the premium is most worthwhile if the scenery and hotel experience are important parts of your trip.
Looking for accommodation in Lucerne, Switzerland? Lucerne isn’t a big city, but choosing where to stay makes a huge difference when visiting.
Some travellers want to wake up to views of Lake Lucerne. Others want to be steps away from Lucerne’s medieval Old Town. Still more people like staying right next to Lucerne’s railway station for easy day trips to Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, Interlaken, and more.
Luckily, Lucerne is very walkable, compact, and safe. You won’t spend half your day commuting like you would in big cities like London or Tokyo. Lucerne’s main sights – from Chapel Bridge to the Lion Monument, plus the lakeside promenade and Lucerne’s great museums – are all clustered near one another.
There is no “best” neighbourhood that’s ideal for everyone. The best Lucerne hotel for you will depend on your itinerary.
In this guide, we’ll breakdown the best Lucerne neighbourhoods, and the pros and cons of each. Plus, we’ll recommend places to stay in Lucerne for every budget.
A Quick Overview of Lucerne
We love Lucerne for so many reasons, but walkability is near the top of our list. It’s a five-minute walk from the train station to Lucerne’s iconic Chapel Bridge. From there you’re already steps away from Lucerne’s Old Town.
Lucerne is small by Swiss standards. Unlike big cities like Zurich or Geneva, Lucerne has just a handful of neighbourhoods vying for your attention. Visitors to Lucerne will typically select from one of five neighbourhoods, each with its own unique flavour and style of stay.
Colourful frescoed buildings, medieval squares, and century-old churches: if you book your stay in Lucerne’s Old Town you’re sure to soak up the city’s history and charm.
If your travel plans will have you exploring more of Switzerland, consider staying in Lucerne’s Train Station district. Lucerne’s Hauptbahnhof (train station) is served by direct trains to Interlaken, Zurich, Bern, Engelberg and many more Swiss destinations. It’s one of the best transport hubs in the country.
Hotel guests staying along Lake Lucerne can enjoy elegant grand hotels with sweeping mountain vistas. Many of Lucerne’s luxury hotels can be found along the lakefront.
Neustadt may be located on the other side of Lucerne’s train tracks, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in charm. Filled with independent cafes, wine bars and restaurants, Neustadt attracts locals and returning visitors looking for a less touristy vibe.
Kriens is located at the base of Mount Pilatus. It’s a great option for families and road trippers who want more space and easier parking without sacrificing connectivity to Lucerne city centre.
Where We’d Stay in Lucerne
If this were our first trip to Lucerne, we wouldn’t hesitate to book a hotel in Lucerne’s Old Town.
Walking across Chapel Bridge before breakfast, wandering down medieval lanes before the crowds arrive and sauntering back to your hotel after dinner are among life’s simple pleasures. Lucerne really comes to life early in the morning and late at night and being centrally located means you’ll get to enjoy it.
If we were planning multiple day trips by scenic railway – to Interlaken, Mount Rigi, Engelberg or Zurich – we’d stay close to the train station. Saving fifteen minutes each way will be welcome if you’re catching early trains and you’re still only a short walk from the Old Town.
If we were celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, we wouldn’t mind splashing out on a lakeside hotel. Not many things feel quite as special as waking up to views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps beyond.
Families with kids or anyone embarking on a road trip should also consider staying in Kriens. Bigger rooms, easier parking and better prices often outweigh the short bus ride into town.
Final Verdict: Where Should You Stay in Lucerne?
Lucerne is small enough that your accommodation can greatly impact your visit.
We recommend staying in Old Town (Altstadt) when visiting Lucerne for the first time. Quaint medieval streets lined with colourful buildings, scenic views along the riverside and proximity to Lucerne’s main attractions summarize what Lucerne has to offer. Plus, you’ll spend more time exploring Lucerne and less time getting around when you stay here.
For visitors looking to use Switzerland’s famous rail system to take day trips to other parts of the country, staying close to Lucerne Train Station is convenient and well-connected by train. The station is also within walking distance to both Chapel Bridge and Lucerne’s Old Town.
If you’re visiting Lucerne for a honeymoon or special occasion, there’s no better place to stay than along Lake Lucerne. Waking up to stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps is sure to make your trip.
Neustadt is a great option if you’re interested in exploring Lucerne’s neighbourhoods and dining at some of the best cafes and restaurants. And if you’re traveling with kids or planning a trip to Mount Pilatus, Kriens is your best bet for budget-friendly hotels.
No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be close to Lucerne’s main attractions like its historic sites, natural beauty and fantastic cuisine.
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