Best Itinerary for Two Days in Lucerne

Looking to spend two days in Lucerne? Not sure what to see and do? We have been to this amazing city many times, so we’ve got you covered!

I fell in love with Switzerland during a European tour that Hubby and I went on several years ago.

I loved the architecture, the beauty of the city, and the mountains and lakes so much, we ended up returning with the kids several times more.

And because there are so many wonderful things to do in Lucerne, we thought that putting together a two-day itinerary would be really helpful for our readers.

What to learn more? Let’s dive right in!

Two Days in Lucerne Itinerary – Quick Guide

If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the best places to visit in Lucerne in two days:

Lion Monument – Iconic lion carved into a stone wall in a peaceful garden.
Lucerne’s Old Town – Cobblestone streets with wonderful shops, cafes, and historical landmarks.
Kapellbrücke – Gorgeous wooden bridge containing artwork and decorated with flowers.
Mount Stanserhorn – Journey to Mount Stanserhorn aboard the CabriO cable car, the world’s first double-decker open-top cable car.
Lake Lucerne – See the city and surrounding area from a different perspective aboard a cruise.

Two Days in Lucerne – Map

The map shows the stops that are suggested on this two-day itinerary. We tried to group activities close enough together so that you wouldn’t be running all over the place.

Two Days in Lucerne - Google Map Preview

Clicking on the map above will take you to Google Maps. There, you will be able to see the destinations in better detail.

What to Do in Lucerne for 2 Days

With a full two days in Lucerne, you can see and do quite a bit. So, unlike our One Day in Lucerne Travel Guide, we tried not to pack too much into each day.

However, if you do find that you have some extra time, we will include some additional activities at the end of this post that you can tack onto your itinerary.

Day 1

1. Breakfast at la vie en rose

Start your day with a light breakfast and a cup of coffee from La Vie en Rose.

Just a 5-minute walk from the Chapel Bridge, this amazing cafe has a welcoming atmosphere and a wide selection of European breakfast options.

Whether you’re in the mood for muesli, a hearty egg dish, or something sweet like pastries and tarts, you’ll find it here.

Lucerne - Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

They even have gluten-free options.

I recommend the avocado toast with a poached egg. It was to die for! And the coffee was pretty fantastic too.

The staff was really friendly and helpful, and the place was full of locals (so you know it’s good!).

Address: Pilatusstrasse 17A, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland

2. Enjoy the Views from Mount Stanserhorn

As I mentioned, Switzerland has the most beautiful mountains and lakes.

And what better way to see them than to take a cable car to the top of a mountain, and spend the morning soaking up the amazing views?

Located just 15 minutes outside of Lucerne in the village of Stans, the Mt Stanserhorn CabriO station is easily accessible by car, train or even boat!

The first portion of the journey to the summit is by the Oldtimer Funicular Train. Built in 1893, the train originally consisted of 3 sections of track to reach the top of the mountain.

Nowadays, only the bottom portion which was restored in 2009, is still in operation. The middle and top portions were replaced by the CabriO Cable Car in 1975.

The CabriO

The CabriO cable car is the world’s first cable car to offer a roofless upper deck. Coupled with a lower level that is almost completely wrapped in windows, what more could you ask for?

The 360-degree panoramic views are absolutely breathtaking!

We spent most of our ride to the top outside, on the observation deck. The fresh mountain air and beautiful vistas were beyond compare!

The ride to the top takes 24 minutes, with the cable car travelling at approximately 8 meters per second.

At the Top

Once you leave the cable car, you can make your way over to a couple of different observation areas. You can also find a full-service restaurant with a rotating floor here.

From this area, there is a walking loop that takes you around the summit. Or if you prefer, you can continue to the peak.

The walk took us about 30 minutes and was not very difficult.

At 6, 227ft, the peak offers amazing views on a clear day, which is luckily what we had!

You can even see as far as the Black Forest in Germany! Not only that, but you can also see a total of 10 different lakes from that vantage point.

Amazing! Just make sure you bring a sweater. Even on the warmest day, it gets a little breezy up there!

Tickets

As far as ticket options go, you can get a round-trip fare or a one-way ticket.

Just be forewarned… if you decide to hike to the top, you will need a minimum of 4 hours, with travel over a steep and narrow path.

We saw more people choosing to make the trek downhill, to be honest!

You also have the option of purchasing a Boarding Pass for 2.00 CHF, which allows you specific boarding times.

This makes sense if you want to avoid waiting in long lines during peak times.

All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed the morning on Mt Stanserhorn.

Although on the more costly side (especially with the exchange rate), it would definitely be something I recommend.

🚡 Book A Stanserhorn Guided Tour Here!

Address: Stansstaderstrasse 19, 6370 Stans, Switzerland

3. Relax on a Lake Lucerne Cruise

Now that you have seen the countryside from the mountains above, it’s time to get a different perspective – from the lake!

From the CabriO, it was a short drive (or bus ride) over to the pier. Here, we boarded a boat for our cruise of Lake Lucerne.

After settling into our seats on the outer deck, a pre-recorded message provided us with the area’s history and interesting sites we could see from the boat.

You can even order some drinks or snacks while onboard.

The cruise was about an hour and a half in length, ending right in the heart of Lucerne.

We loved it! Not only was the cruise relaxing and informative, but it allowed us to see things from a different perspective than if we had only been driving through the area.

With various tour companies operating out of Lucerne, you have a good range of options and prices to choose from.

While we opted for a one-way cruise, you could also take a round trip cruise where you start and finish in the same place.

Some of the cruises are geared toward families, while others are more adult-oriented.

🛥️ Book Your Guided Cruise with Lunch Here

4. Walking Tour of Old Town Lucerne

Seeing as the cruise drops you off right in the heart of Lucerne, it is the perfect place to catch a guided walking tour of the Old Town.

During our tour, we learned all about the history of the city, discovered the various companies that make timepieces, learned of the famous Swiss chocolatiers, and of course, the cheesemakers.

It was difficult to walk past a chocolate shop, without getting lured in by the intoxicating aroma of melted chocolate!

Again, with a variety of companies offering walking tours, you are sure to find one that suits the needs of your family.

We chose to keep our tour short, opting to just walk around and enjoy the more historic parts of town on our own.

We spent a good two hours walking around the town on our own after the tour!

🌐 Pro Tip: The official language of Lucerne is German. But you are more likely to hear Lucerne German, which is the local Swiss German dialect.

🥾 Book Your Guided Walking Tour Here!

5. Take Some Photos on the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)

The Chapel Bridge is one of my favourite places in Lucerne to do some photography.

The bridge itself is very pretty, But the views of the town and over the water are equally as scenic.

Considered Europe’s oldest covered bridge, it was built in 1332 as part of the fortifications for Lucerne.

This gorgeous bridge zigzags its way across the Reuss River. It connects the New Town on the southern bank to the medieval Old Town on the north side.

But what really makes this bridge special, are the paintings that hang inside along the roofline. The paintings depict historical events and legends from Lucerne.

Out of the 158 paintings which were originally hung, damage caused by the passage of time, as well as a fire in 1993, have left only 47 originals still hanging today.

I was surprised that I could still see char marks on some of them!

You will also find a Tower which sits midway across the bridge.

The Tower is approximately 30 years older than the bridge and was once used as a city treasury, a prison and shockingly, even a torture chamber for criminals.

The octagonal-shaped “Water Tower,” as it is referred to today, is closed to the public.

However, it does house a small gift shop where you will find some interesting souvenirs.

♿ Insider Tip: The Chapel Bridge is fully accessible. There is a wheelchair lift on both ends of the bridge allowing the bridge to be completely barrier-free.

Address: Kapellbrücke, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland

6. Have a Cheese Fondue Dinner

Considering how big of a deal cheese is to the Swiss, I would be remiss to not suggest going for a traditional fondue dinner.

Since we are all about the food, we definitely wanted to make sure that the kids could try an authentic Swiss Fondue.

Many restaurants offer every kind of fondue you can imagine, so it is only a matter of finding the one that appeals to your palate.

During our visit, I had not researched the best place to eat (not sure why since I am usually really thorough).

Since the kids were getting pretty Hangry, we stopped into Restaurant Fritschi based solely on how gorgeous the exterior of the building was.

Let me tell you about our experience. Restaurants charge per person for fondue, and the prices are pretty steep in Lucerne.

We ordered a serving for 3 (Our oldest daughter Miss Sunshine was with us, so she was an added adult), and a side order of fries (presumably for the younger two kids to share).

The Fondue

We ordered the basic white wine fondue, which is served with chunks of bread.

We also ordered five glasses of tap water (which we were told by a rude waitress that we would be charged for).

The bill came to an astronomical 65.00 CHF, which when converted to Canadian Dollars, was more than I care to mention.

Not only was the fondue only so-so, but there was definitely NOT enough for three people (note the SMALL basket of bread in the photo above!).

The kids were basically forced to share their fries with us!

We ended up leaving hungry, as our budget for the meal had now been exceeded!

What a fiasco! I accept part of the responsibility for not doing my research ahead of time, which is definitely out of character for me!

Miss Sunshine still refers to it as the F*ing Fondue incident, years later! Ha!

Address: Sternenpl. 5, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland

7. Catch a Concert at the Lucerne Culture & Congress Centre

The Lucerne Culture & Congress Centre (KKL Luzern) is an iconic venue renowned for hosting a diverse array of performances.

From classical music concerts, including those by the prestigious Lucerne Festival Orchestra, to contemporary shows, jazz evenings, and film music concerts, you can find it all.

While we did not have time for a concert during our visit, we did step inside to take a look around.

The architecture is amazing, with modern design elements and impressive acoustics in the main concert hall.

Catching a show here will definitely be on our list the next time we come to Lucerne.

Address: Europapl. 1, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland

Day 2

8. The Lion Monument

The second day in Lucerne will be completely self-guided.

We started out by visiting the Lion Monument. Hubby and I had been here on a previous trip to Lucerne, and I had just fallen in love with this spot.

The monument itself is in a small enclave of trees with a reflection pond. It’s not far from the main road, making it easy to walk to.

But even with its proximity to traffic and with the large group of tourists that were also visiting at the time, the enclave was so peaceful.

The Lion is absolutely gorgeous too!

His mournful expression, exquisite detail and expressiveness make him my absolute favourite monument.

I am definitely drawn to this place, and have dragged my family back here several times during each visit to Lucerne!

The Lion of Lucerne (is) the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.
– Mark Twain –

History

The purpose of the Lion of Lucerne is to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives in 1792 during the French Revolution.

The inscription reads, “Helvetiorum fedei ac Virtuti,” which when translated, means “To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss.”

Designed by Bertel Thorvaldson, and carved by Lucas Ahorn, the 10-meter by 6-metre sandstone monument was completed in 1821.

The dying lion is a symbol of the soldiers’ strength, courage, and willingness to die rather than betray their oath of service.

Fun Facts

There are a couple of facts that I found interesting when researching the history of the Lion.

Firstly, Thorvaldson had never actually seen a lion in real life before. Mind blown!

Instead, he based his sketch and models on a funerary monument for Pope Clement XIII, which is installed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Secondly, a member of the Swiss Guard himself, Carl Pfyffer was the one who originally commissioned the Lion.

He agreed to pay Thorvaldson a certain amount of money for the monument. When Pfyffer refused to pay for the finished piece in full, Thorvaldson decided to get even.

Not wanting to alter the sculpture itself, out of respect for the soldiers, he instead changed the alcove where the lion lay, to resemble the outline of a pig.

There are conflicting opinions on whether that is actually true, but it does make for an interesting story!

Address: Denkmalstrasse 4, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland

9. Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten)

From the Lion Monument, it is a short 2-minute walk to Glacier Garden.

We actually stumbled upon this attraction quite by accident as we were leaving the Lion Monument (for probably the 3rd time that trip!).

And you will be happy to know, that if you have a Swiss Travel Card, entrance to the Glacier Garden is free!

We found it to be quite interesting, so we ended up spending the better part of two hours at the attraction.

First, we wandered through a covered area featuring huge glacial potholes formed by outflowing glacial meltwater thousands of years ago.

After learning how the glaciers have shaped this part of Switzerland, we then climbed to the top of the observation tower for stunning views of Lucerne.

Lastly, we headed into the underground Rock World (Felsenwelt). This place was actually pretty cool (literally and figuratively!).

I think the kids most enjoyed the mirror maze and the eclectic museum house.

And if this has caused you to work up an appetite, the Glacier Gard also has a small restaurant that serves delicious coffee and snacks.

Address: Denkmalstrasse 4a, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland

10. Visit the Jesuit Church

A visit to the Jesuit Church or Jesuitenkirche should definitely be a part of anyone’s Lucerne itinerary.

This beautiful church dates back to the 17th century and is one of the first large Baroque churches built in Switzerland.

We thought it was absolutely gorgeous.

One of the big reasons that this church was built, was to keep Swiss Catholics from converting to Protestantism.

The Jesuitenkirche sits along the riverfront about a 2-minute walk from the Chapel Bridge.

But with its two very distinct onion-shaped domes, I’m pretty confident that you won’t miss it.

Inside, you will find the baroque design, fabulous paintings, sparkling gilding, and an absolutely gorgeous ceiling painting.

It really doesn’t surprise me that the Jesuit Church is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Switzerland.

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 11A, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland

11. Spreuer Bridge

Just down the river from the Jesuit Church, you’ll find the Spreuer Bridge or Spreuerbrücke.

This covered wooden footbridge, built in the 16th century, is another significant landmark in Lucerne.

While I didn’t find this bridge nearly as photogenic as the Chapel Bridge, it did have some truly fascinating paintings under its roof.

The paintings are a part of a series called the “Dance of Death.”

Dating back to the early 17th century, the slightly macabre artwork is a fascinating glimpse into the cultural perceptions of life and death during that period.

Visiting the bridge is a must-see. Besides, it will take you directly to the next point on our itinerary!

🤓 Fun Fact: Historically, the bridge was the only place in Lucerne where residents were allowed to throw Spreu (chaff) into the river, hence the name ‘Spreuer Bridge.’

Address: Spreuerbrücke, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland

12. Explore the Museggmauer (Musegg Wall)

The Museggmauer is a preserved medieval wall that connects nine towers together.

You will find the wall up on a small hill at the northern end of the Old Town. The raised walkway can actually be accessed just a few minutes from the Spreuerbrücke.

The 9 towers (originally there were 10) and walls were constructed in the 14^th century as part of Lucerne’s fortifications.

Today, you can walk along the wall and enter 4 of the 9 towers.

The stairways are pretty steep, so it may not be the best idea for people who have mobility issues.

The first tower you will enter is the Männliturm, followed by the Wachtturm, Zytturm, and Schirmerturm.

During our summer visit to Lucerne, this was a great way to spend some time outdoors. It was a little too chilly during our winter visit, so we decided against going again.

The Zyt Tower (Zytturm)

One of the towers you don’t want to miss is the Zyt Tower. This was our favourite tower. It is actually home to the oldest clock in Lucerne.

It was built by Hans Luter in 1535 and is still working.

🔔 Fun Fact: The clock in the Zyt Tower, which is around 3 to 4 meters tall, has the privilege of chiming the hours one minute before all the other clocks in town!

I definitely got my steps in as we made our way across the wall. However, the views from the towers made it all worthwhile!

From the top, we had an amazing vantage point to see all of Lucerne, the Reuss river, as well as Lake Lucerne.

Walking the Museggmauer is definitely a must if you are up for the climbs. It’s a great place to get some truly jaw-dropping photos!

The kids not only got some fresh air and exercise from this little excursion, but they also hit pay dirt when one of the towers had a pressed coin machine inside!

13. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Confiserie Bachmann

As I mentioned earlier, you can’t visit Lucerne without trying some of its infamous (and delicious) Swiss chocolate.

And while there are several shops that you can go into, like Läderach or Max Chocolatier, our favourite was Confiserie Bachmann.

Not only could you find incredible chocolate truffles, specialty cakes, and gorgeous pastries, but I was totally mesmerized by the display case full of colourful macarons.

Not chocolate, but definitely one of my fave sweets.

We ended up buying a few pieces of chocolate to sample, as well as some cookies.

Be sure to try the house-made hot chocolate. Made from real melted chocolate, it wasn’t too sweet, but absolutely delicious!

The kids raved about it for days!

Address: Alpenstrasse 9, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland

14. Swiss Museum of Transport

The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne is a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolution of transport and communication.

With over 3,000 objects across 20,000 square meters, the museum offers a comprehensive look at various modes of transportation, including road, rail, water, air, and even space travel.

Highlights include interactive exhibits, original aircraft, and the Car Theatre, where you can see a range of vehicles from automobile history.

The museum also features a space exhibit with fascinating artifacts like a piece of the original foil from the Apollo 11 moon landing and a Martian landscape with Mars rover models.

Additionally, the museum’s Planetarium and the largest cinema screen in Switzerland provide immersive experiences that are both educational and entertaining.

🎟️ Purchase Your Swiss Transport Museum Tickets Here

Address: Haldenstrasse 44, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland

15. Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience

The Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience is actually located inside the Swiss Museum of Transport.

It offers a unique 20-minute multimedia journey exploring the discovery, origin, manufacture, and transport of chocolate.

You will get to travel through themed areas in praliné-shaped cars, while you are surrounded by the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that tell the story of chocolate.

From cocoa beans in Ghana to the famous Swiss chocolate, you will learn all the sweet facts.

But just to be clear, this is not a hands-on chocolate-making experience or an extensive chocolate-tasting tour.

That said, you are provided with some sweet samples!

Best Swiss Souvenir - Swiss Army Knives made from Swiss chocolate

If you’re planning a visit, it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance, especially during busy times like weekends or holidays.

Unfortunately, while the Swiss Travel Card covers the Transport Museum, it does not cover the cost of the Swiss Chocolate Adventure.

🍫 Purchase Your Swiss Chocolate Adventure Tickets Here!

Address: Lidostrasse 5, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland

16. Admire the Church of St. Leodegar

The final stop on our itinerary is the Church of St. Leodegar.

Depending on how quickly you work your way through the itinerary, you may have time to go inside before it closes for the evening.

If not, the church grounds, and even seeing the church up close, is still pretty awesome.

St. Leodegar is located on the riverbank and close to where the boats dock, you can’t miss its two tall and pointy steeples.

Often referred to as the Hofkirche, St. Leodegar stands out in Lucerne’s cityscape with its distinctive twin towers, which can be seen from many points in the city.

St. Leodegar was originally part of a monastery. While the church was mainly built in the 17th century, it actually sits on foundations that date back to the 8th century.

The current building is home to impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

What many people don’t know, is that the church actually withstood a significant fire in the 1600s.

It has since been carefully restored to maintain its historical significance and beauty.

Outside, the church grounds are a pretty peaceful place to sit, while surrounded by well-maintained gardens

John and I actually sat in the gardens and were amazed by how quiet it was, considering the main road was so close by.

Address: St. Leodegarstrasse 6, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland

Other Things to Do in Lucerne Switzerland

If you are lucky enough to have some extra time in Lucerne, we have included a few other attractions and activities that you may be interested in.

Richard Wagner Museum: Music lovers can explore the former residence of composer Richard Wagner, learning about his life and work, set against the backdrop of stunning lake views.
Mount Titlis: This renowned mountain peak in the Swiss Alps, offers spectacular views, year-round snow, and a variety of outdoor activities, including the world’s first revolving cable car.
Rosengart Collection: Art enthusiasts can admire works by Picasso, Klee, and other 19th and 20th-century artists in this intimate and engaging gallery.
Mount Pilatus: For a day trip, take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top of Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a chance to enjoy the mountain air.
Mount Rigi: Known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” Mount Rigi offers stunning 360-degree views, hiking trails, and the option to ascend by cogwheel train or cable car, providing a versatile and scenic excursion.
Christmas Market: If you are visiting during December, be sure to check out the various markets that can be found within the Old Town.

Where to Stay in Lucerne

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Lucerne, the good news is that the city has a pretty great variety of hotels to suit any budget.

So whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a more upscale experience, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect accommodations in the city.

During a couple of our visits to Lucerne, we stayed at the Hotel Astoria. We found it to be clean, centrally located, with some really nice views of the city.

Luxury Accommodations

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Location: Centrally located by Lake Lucerne, Hotel Schweizerhof offers easy access to the city’s main attractions and stunning lake views.
Amenities: Luxurious rooms, a spa, multiple dining options, and a bar with live music.
Features: Rich in history with themed rooms that share the stories of its famous guests.

HERMITAGE Lake Lucerne

Location: Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, HERMITAGE offers gorgeous lakefront views while remaining accessible to Lucerne’s city center.
Amenities: Modern rooms, diverse dining options, fitness center, and lake access for water activities.
Features: Known for its contemporary design and commitment to sustainability, with relaxing gardens and terraces.

Moderate Accommodations

Hotel Astoria

Location: Situated in the heart of Lucerne, Hotel Astoria provides convenient access to shopping, dining, and city landmarks.
Amenities: Features modern rooms, rooftop restaurants, and a popular bar.
Features: Known for its architectural design and incredible city views.

Hotel Des Alpes

Location: Situated in Lucerne’s city center, Hotel Des Alpes offers picturesque views of the Reuss River and easy access to historic landmarks.
Amenities: Provides comfortable rooms, a restaurant with river views, and a terrace.
Features: Known for its traditional Swiss architecture and proximity to the Chapel Bridge.

Budget Accommodations

Backpackers Lucerne

Location: Conveniently located close to Lake Lucerne and public transport, offering easy access to city attractions.
Amenities: Features shared and private rooms, communal kitchen, and free Wi-Fi.
Features: Popular for its friendly atmosphere and budget-friendly prices.

Seminarhotel Romerohaus

Features: Known for its beautiful garden and focus on sustainability.

Location: Nestled in a quiet area close to Lake Lucerne, offering a peaceful retreat yet within easy reach of the city center.

Amenities: Provides simple, comfortable rooms, meeting facilities, and dining options.

How to Get to Lucerne

Getting to Lucerne is really easy, thanks to Switzerland’s efficient and well-connected transportation network.

Whether you’re coming in by air, train, or road, here’s how you can quickly reach this incredible city:

By Air

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the closest major airport to Lucerne, roughly an hour away by train or car.
Direct train services and shuttles connect Zurich Airport to Lucerne.
Car rental is available at Zurich Airport, offering flexible travel options to Lucerne.

By Train

Major Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern have direct train links to Lucerne.
The central train station in Lucerne offers easy access to the city’s core areas.
Travel to Lucerne can be quite scenic, especially on routes like the GoldenPass Line.
For those coming from cities such as Milan, Frankfurt, or Paris, Lucerne is accessible through direct or nearly direct train connections.

By Car

Roads connect Lucerne well with key Swiss cities like Zurich, Bern, and Basel, with drive times ranging from 1 to 2 hours.
City center parking is scarce; use designated areas on the outskirts of the Central Zone.
Driving offers wonderful views of Switzerland’s countryside and Alps.

By Bus

Lucerne is connected to various European cities through international and domestic bus services.
The central bus station, close to the train station, provides straightforward city center access.
Bus travel is cost-effective, with multiple daily services from key cities.

By Boat

Boats link Lucerne to nearby towns across Lake Lucerne, offering a scenic route into the city.
Travelling by boat provides a chance to experience the area’s beautiful lakeside scenery.
Be sure to check the boat service timetables ahead of time as they can vary seasonally.

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is an excellent option if you are planning to explore Lucerne and beyond.

This all-in-one ticket allows unlimited use of Switzerland’s public transport, including trains, buses, boats, and some mountain transport.

It offers easy and flexible travel, plus free or discounted access to over 500 attractions across the country.

You can buy the pass for various durations, from a few days to a month, making it perfect for trips of 3 days or longer in Switzerland.

🎫 Purchase Your Swiss Travel Pass Here

Getting Around Lucerne

Getting around Lucerne was really easy for us. The city is relatively straightforward, thanks to its compact size and efficient public transportation system.

Here are some tips on how to get around Lucerne, so that you and your family can explore the city with ease:

Walking

I loved the fact that Lucerne’s city center was very pedestrian-friendly, with many of its key attractions within walking distance of each other.

View-from-on-top-of-the-Museggmauer-in-Lucerne

Strolling through the streets not only allows you to appreciate just how beautiful the city is but also gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

This was pretty much the only way that we explored Lucerne, and it was fabulous!

Buses

Lucerne has an awesome bus network that will practically take you to every corner of the city.

It’s a convenient option for reaching destinations that are a bit further apart, like the Mount Stanserhorn or certain accommodations.

Boats

Taking a boat is a fantastic way to explore Lucerne and its surroundings, especially the scenic Lake Lucerne.

We have taken the boat twice while in Lucerne, and couldn’t recommend it more!

Some boat services are included in the Swiss Travel Pass or the Lucerne Visitor Card (more on that below). This definitely makes them a worthwhile option for sightseeing from in Lucerne.

Bicycles

Lucerne is bike-friendly, and cycling can be a fun way to get around while taking in the sights.

You can rent bicycles or e-bikes from various locations around the city. I was actually disappointed that we didn’t have the time to do this during our last visit!

Car Rental

While driving in Lucerne is possible, we would not recommend it.

This is especially true when travelling in the city center due to traffic and limited parking. It’s also quite expensive.

During our road trip through Switzerland, we rented a car. However, it was pretty challenging to find parking in most of the larger cities.

That said, the convenience of being able to travel when and where we wanted, outweighed the parking issues.

On one of our trips, we were able to find a parking garage in the center of Lucerne. We ended up leaving the car there while we explored the city on foot.

🚌 Insider Tip – If you stay in an official accommodation in Lucerne, you will get a Visitor Card. This allows you to use public transportation for free. The card is only valid for the town center but would be perfect for your two days in Lucerne.

Best Time to Visit Lucerne

The best time to visit Lucerne really is totally dependent on what you’re looking to do and your preference for the weather.

We have visited the city in spring, summer and winter, and have enjoyed it every time.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during different seasons:

Spring (March to May)

Weather: Gradually warms up, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 18°C, making it a pleasant time to witness the city’s bloom.
Pros: The city starts to bloom, and the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities. It’s less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
Cons: The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain and chilly mornings and evenings.

Summer (June to August)

Weather: Lucerne enjoys its warmest months, with temperatures between 13°C and 24°C, perfect for outdoor activities and lake excursions.
Pros: Warm weather makes it perfect for exploring the city and nearby mountains. It’s the best time for lake activities and enjoying the vibrant outdoor cafés.
Cons: It’s peak tourist season, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices for accommodations.

Fall (September to November)

Weather: The city sees a cool down, with temperatures falling between 6°C and 19°C, offering a beautiful backdrop of changing leaves.
Pros: The autumn colours are beautiful, especially around the lake and in the mountains. Cooler temperatures are ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
Cons: The weather becomes cooler and more unpredictable as you move into November, with increased chances of rain.

Winter (December to February)

Weather: Expect colder weather, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 6°C, ideal for enjoying Lucerne’s winter charm and nearby ski opportunities.
Pros: Lucerne is a winter wonderland, offering nearby skiing and winter sports. The city is less crowded, and you can enjoy the festive atmosphere, especially around Christmas.
Cons: It can be quite cold, limiting some outdoor activities. Days are shorter, reducing the amount of daylight for exploring.

2 Day Lucerne Itinerary – FAQs

Is 2 days in Lucerne enough?

Two days in Lucerne is enough to see the main sights and enjoy the city’s atmosphere, but extending your stay allows for more detailed exploration and day trips in the surrounding region.

Is Lucerne the most beautiful city in Switzerland?

Whether Lucerne is the most beautiful city in Switzerland is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, many consider it exceptionally picturesque due to its stunning lake, historic landmarks, and surrounding mountain views.

Is Lucerne a walkable city?

Yes, Lucerne is considered a walkable city with its compact old town, pedestrian-friendly streets, and scenic paths along the lake and river.

Why is Lucerne so famous?

Lucerne is famous for its stunning lakeside and mountain scenery, historic architecture like the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church, and as a gateway to central Switzerland’s landmarks and outdoor activities.

How safe is Lucerne?

Lucerne is widely regarded as a safe city for tourists and residents alike, with low crime rates and a well-maintained public safety infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

And that was how we spent 2 days in Lucerne Switzerland with kids! Hopefully, you have enjoyed this ultimate guide to a truly fantastic city.

Of course, we did visit the Lion Monument several times, did some souvenir shopping, took a quick swim in Lake Lucerne, and tried some Swiss chocolate as well!

But whatever adventure you find yourself on, you will not regret visiting this beautiful city.

And while we did see and do quite a bit, I am looking forward to the next time when we can return to Lucerne, as it has quickly become one of my favourite places to visit.