Things to do in Lucerne

Best Things to do in Lucerne

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Lucerne? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 235 activities in Lucerne, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 287, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Lucerne in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover Lucerne: A Complete Guide to What Awaits You in This Alpine Gem

About Lucerne

Lucerne sits on the edge of a calm lake with the Alps rising just behind it. It’s one of those places where you don’t need to plan too much. The things to do in Lucerne come naturally as you walk across Chapel Bridge, sit by the river, or wander through the old town squares.

You’ll probably stop to see the Lion Monument, climb up to the Musegg Walls for a view, or take a boat out on the water. In summer the streets are lively and the lake is busy with cruises, while November brings cooler air and quieter walks. You can easily cover the main Lucerne things to do in a day, but the city also rewards you if you stay longer.

The things to do in Lucerne blend history, scenery and a slow pace that makes it easy to enjoy without rushing.

Unique Experiences

Mt Pilatus Peak and Lake Lucerne Cruise

This is one of those things to do in Lucerne that gives you best of both worlds. You can ride a gondola, soar up by aerial cableway, take in views at the summit, descend on the steep cogwheel train, and finish with a peaceful boat trip back to Lucerne.

• Where: From Lucerne, up to Mt Pilatus via gondola and cableway, down by cogwheel train, then boat return
• Pricing: It starts from INR 18,100 per person
• Timing: About 5 hours and 15 minutes; slots available at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM
• When to Visit: May to October

Nightwatchman Walk in Medieval Lucerne

This is one of the quieter things to do in Lucerne at night that brings the old streets to life. You follow a guide dressed as a nightwatchman through narrow lanes, hearing tales of the city’s dark past and seeing the first map of Lucerne up close.

• Where: Starts near Chapel Bridge, walks through medieval old town
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,400 per person
• Timing: Lasts about 1.5 hour; starts at 8:00 PM
• When to Visit: April to October

Chocolate Tasting with Lake Trip and City Tour

This one combines walking, boat views, and a chocolate break, and it’s exactly the kind of things to do in Lucerne that feels indulgent without being over the top. You can explore the historic city, take a short cruise on the lake, and sample Swiss chocolate in a relaxed, tasteful way.

• Where: Walking through old town, boat ride on Lake Lucerne, chocolate tasting included
• Pricing: It starts from INR 34,000 per person
• Timing: About 4 hours (approx.); starts at 9:00 AM
• When to Visit: Year‑round

Top Attractions

Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)

Walking across the wooden bridge is one of the classic things to do in Lucerne. It’s the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe with the painted panels inside. A simple walk here feels full of history and calm.

• Where: Spans the Reuss River between old town and new town, central Lucerne
• Pricing: Free
• Timing: Open at all hours; mid-morning and evening are especially pleasant
• When to Visit: Year-round, though spring and summer mornings are especially lively

Lion Monument

This is one of those things to do in Lucerne that invites a quiet moment. The lion is carved into a rock face and honours Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. It’s free, always open, and offers a surprising amount of knowledge and insight into a short visit.

• Where: In a small park off Löwenplatz, a short walk from old town
• Pricing: Free
• Timing: Open 24 hours
• When to Visit: Anytime; spring or autumn mornings are serene

Jesuit Church

This striking Baroque church sits right by the river. Stepping inside is a simple way to feel Lucerne’s history with the onion dome towers, red‑marble altar, and the peaceful nave.

• Where: On Bahnhofstrasse, by the Reuss River, across from old town
• Pricing: Free to enter
• Timing: Open 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily
• When to Visit: Year-round; midday light through the windows is especially gentle

Sightseeing Tours

Official Guided City Tour of Lucerne

This walking tour gives you a neat introduction to Lucerne. You’ll cover all the main things to do in Lucerne, such as Chapel Bridge, Musegg Wall, Jesuit Church, without rushing. It’s a solid starter if you’re new in town or just want a clear overview of things to do in Lucerne in a day.

• Where: Start in old town, various meeting points in central Lucerne
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,600 per person
• Timing: Starts at around 10:15 AM and 2:00 PM; Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• When to Visit: Year‑round, though spring and autumn make for the most comfortable walking conditions

Lucerne Walking and Boat Tour: The Best Swiss Experience

Here’s a great, compact way to cover the city and the lake without exhausting yourself. You can explore the old town on foot, then hop on a boat for a gentle glide over Lake Lucerne. This tour is just the sort of things to do in Lucerne that feel easy.

• Where: Starts in old town, walking through key sights like Chapel Bridge, then boat ride on the lake
• Pricing: It starts from INR 10,100 per person
• Timing: Around 3 hours (approx.); slots available at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• When to Visit: Year‑round

Day Trips

Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe” Tour

This full-day tour takes you into the Bernese Alps and up to Europe’s highest railway station. You can walk through the Ice Palace, look out from the viewing platforms, and spend time among glaciers. If you’re choosing things to do in Lucerne in a day, this is one of the most impressive.

• Where: Coach and train from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch via the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau region
• Pricing: It starts from INR 31,300 per person
• Timing: Departs at 9:30 AM; Duration: around 9 hours 30 minutes
• When to Visit: June to September for clear views and steady train service

Swiss Villages: Interlaken, Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen

This trip focuses on scenery and village life. You can visit mountain valleys, waterfalls, and towns that show a quieter side of Switzerland. It’s one of the things to do in Lucerne that works if you want open landscapes mixed with easy exploration.

• Where: Coach from Lucerne through Bernese Oberland, with stops in Interlaken, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen
• Pricing: It starts from INR 11,500 per person
• Timing: Departs at 9:00 AM; Duration: about 10 hours
• When to Visit: June to September, when the weather is clear and walking is comfortable

Boat Tours

Lake Lucerne Panoramic Sightseeing Cruise

This is one of the simplest things to do in Lucerne, but it’s one that gives you plenty of scenery. You can board a spacious yacht, glide on the lake for an hour, and take in alpine views, It is ideal for relaxing things to do in Lucerne in a day.

• Where: Pier 7 at Schweizerhofquai, Lucerne
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,600 per person
• Timing: Departs multiple times in the morning, afternoon, and evening; Duration: 1 hour
• When to Visit: April to October for calm waters and clear skies

Lake Lucerne 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise

This quick lake crossing heads to Kehrsiten‑Bürgenstock. It’s one of those things to do in Lucerne that feels more adventurous, offering a glimpse of striking Bürgenstock ridge, and gentle movement over water. It is one of the fun things to do in Lucerne.

• Where: Departing from Pier 3 near KKL Lucerne, landing at Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,100 per person
• Timing: About 1 hour (approx.); starts from 9:07 AM to 7:07 PM
• When to Visit: May to September when the lake is calm and travel is smooth

Getting Around

Trains and S-Bahn: Local trains link Lucerne with nearby towns and make day trips easy. If you’re planning to add mountain visits into your list of things to do in Lucerne, these services are quick and reliable.

Buses: Cover areas that trains don’t. They’re slower, but if you’re mixing up your itinerary with fun things to do in Lucerne across town, buses get you there without hassle.

Boats: Regular lake boats connect Lucerne with surrounding villages. It’s a scenic option and a simple way to add more things to do in Lucerne in a day.

Taxis: Available around the station, old town, and main hotels. They’re costlier, but useful if you’re travelling late or with luggage.

Cycling: The city is bike-friendly, especially around the lakefront. It’s one of the lighter activities you can try if you want to see more in less time.

Walking: The old town, riverfront, and Chapel Bridge are best on foot. Walking brings out the details that make Lucerne easy to enjoy.

Passes: Day passes cover trains, buses, and boats. If you’re planning multiple rides in one day, they save both time and money.

Traveller Tips

• Plan for the weather: Lucerne can change quickly. Carry a light jacket even in summer, especially if your list of things to do in Lucerne includes boat rides or mountain day trips.
• Early mornings are calm: If you want photos of Chapel Bridge or the Lion Monument without the crowds, go before 9:00 AM. It’s one of those fun things to do in Lucerne that feels rewarding with quiet streets.
• Evenings by the lake: The promenade and old town glow at night, and cafés stay lively. If you’re looking for things to do in Lucerne at night, strolling here is a simple but memorable choice.
• Carry some coins: Public toilets often need small change, so keep a few handy. It saves time when you’re moving between attractions.
• Markets and local food: Tuesday and Saturday mornings see fresh markets by the river. If you’re lining up things to do in Lucerne in a day, stopping here adds local flavour before moving on to museums or cruises.
• Shoes matter: Cobblestones in the old town can get slippery in rain or snow. Comfortable footwear makes sightseeing smoother.