Lucerne is possibly one of the prettiest cities in the world. The fairy tale combination of its charming old town, majestic mountains and entrancing lake come together to bring you this enchanting city.
As one of the most charming towns in Switzerland. It has a rich history, diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, and incredible natural scenery. Lucerne is, without a doubt, a must-visit when travelling through Central Europe.
Lucerne is incredible for MANY reasons but the one that holds my heart the most is… it’s chocolate! Lucerne represents the chocolate of Switzerland like no other city does. Creamy and delectable – mmmm, mmmm.
But a trip to Lucerne doesn’t come cheap and accommodations that don’t break the bank can be hard to come by. This is exactly why I’ve put together this guide for where to stay in Lucerne.
I’m here to help you find the best place to stay in Lucerne for YOU and your travel desires. Whether you’re up for splashing some cash on a slice of luxury or you just want the cheapest bed in town, I’ve got you covered
Let’s jump right to it. Here are my top five picks for where to stay in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Looking for a specific place to stay in Switzerland? Well these are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Lucerne.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Private apartment in the city center | Best Airbnb in Lucerne
This private apartment might be lacking in the decor department, but it more than makes up for it with functionality and price. It’s got a great location in the heart of the village, making it perfect for exploring on foot.
Backpackers Lucerne | Best Hostel in Lucerne
This is our favourite hostel in Lucerne because it offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. It provides a range of accommodation options, including private, semi-private and dorm-style rooms. Guests also have access to a common room, self-catering facilities, hot showers and a book exchange.
Altstadt Hotel Krone Apartments Luzern | Best Hotel in Lucerne
This property is our pick for the best hotel in Lucerne. It is comprised of eight well-equipped rooms with a range of amenities and features, like luggage storage. You’ll also have access to a swimming pool and free wifi. Set in Altstadt, this hotel is conveniently located for sightseeing.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Lucerne Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Lucerne
Altstadt (Old Town)
Altstadt is, without a doubt, our top choice for where to stay in Lucerne for your first time. It is the historic heart of Lucerne and is conveniently located at the centre of the city.
Tribschen
Tribschen is a large district located south of the city centre. Once Lucerne’s red light district, Tribschen has undergone a renaissance in recent years.
Neustadt (New Town)
Neustadt is a lively and vibrant neighbourhood located in central Lucerne. It sits across the river from the Old Town and offers a nice alternative to the winding cobblestone streets and history of the Altstadt.
Bruch
The up-and-coming Bruch neighbourhood is the coolest place to stay in Lucerne. Once home to the city’s cattle market, Bruch is now a gathering place for Lucerne’s hip, trendy and oh-so-cool populations.
Oberseeburg
The Oberseeburg district is located in eastern Lucerne. It is a typical family and residential neighbourhood that has an awesome variety of activities and attractions for travellers of all ages, from the Swiss Transport Museum to indoor clay tennis courts.
Lucerne is a small and beautiful city set in the heart of Switzerland, beloved by tourists. It is best known as the gateway to Central Switzerland and sits surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. It’s historic town centre bursts with history and charm and offers plenty of things to see and do for visitors.
The capital of the canton of Lucerne, the city is home to more than 81,000 people. It covers an area of 37.4 square kilometres and is divided into a number of unique neighborhoods with lots to explore.
To help you plan your time in Lucerne, this guide will look at the best areas to stay in Lucerne based on your interests, budget and needs.
Altstadt is the most famous neighborhood in Lucerne. The historic centre of the city, this is the best neighborhood in Lucerne to stay in if you’re interested in sightseeing, history, culture and cuisine.
Travel south across the river and you’ll arrive in Neustadt, one of Lucerne’s best neighborhoods for drinking, dancing, dining and enjoying a night out.
Head south from here to Tribschen. Nestled along the shores of Lake Lucerne, this neighborhood offers stunning views, relaxing parks and is our top pick for where to stay in Lucerne for one night because its where you’ll find the best deals in town.
Travel northwest from here to Bruch. This hip and trendy neighborhood is one of the coolest places to stay in Lucerne thanks to its many shops, restaurants, cafes and hangouts.
And finally, Oberseeburg is a large and sprawling neighborhood on the eastern edge of Lucerne. It is our number one choice for where to stay in Lucerne with kids because it has museums, beaches, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Lucerne’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Still not sure where to stay in Lucerne? Don’t worry because in this next section we’ll break down each neighborhood for you in detail.
#1 Altstadt (Old Town) – Where to Stay in Lucerne for Your First Time
Altstadt is, without a doubt, our top choice for where to stay in Lucerne for your first time. It is the historic heart of Lucerne and is conveniently located at the centre of the city. Packed with ancient landmarks and legendary sights, this neighborhood is ideal for history buffs and culture vultures who are keen to check things off their bucket list.
This neighborhood is also home to Kapellbrucke, Lucerne’s iconic covered bridge. Spanning more than 200 meters across the River Reuss, Kapellbrucke, or the Chapel Bridge, is the oldest covered bridge in Europe and the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge. No trip to Lucerne is complete without taking a stroll across this legendary landmark.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Things to See and Do in Altstadt
- Browse the exhibits at the Glacier Garden.
- Cross the Kapellbrucke (the Chapel Bridge), the oldest covered bridge in Europe.
- Dine on French fare at Brasserie Bodu.
- Enjoy a delicious meal on the banks of the river at Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern.
- Explore the shops of the Kornmarkt.
- Grab a relaxed drink at Sopranos.
- Indulge in sweet treats at Mill’Feuille.
- Marvel at the stunning Rathaus (Town Hall).
- Play a few games and enjoy a few rounds at Tresor Luzern Bar.
- Take a stroll through Muhlenplatz, one of Lucerne’s best city squares.
- Visit the nearby Lion of Lucerne rock carving.
Private apartment in the city center | Best Airbnb in Altstadt
This private apartment might be lacking in the decor department, but it more than makes up for it with functionality and price. It’s got a great location in the heart of the village, making it perfect for exploring on foot.
Barabas Luzern | Best Hostel in Altstadt
Barabas Luzern is one of the best places in Lucerne to stay. It is located at the heart of Old Town and is close to popular tourist attractions, bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. This is Switzerland’s first jailhouse hostel and it provides comfortable beds with an air of mystery.
Altstadt Hotel Krone Apartments Luzern | Best Hotel in Altstadt
This property is our pick for the best hotel in Lucerne. It is comprised of eight well-equipped rooms with a range of amenities and features, like luggage storage. You’ll also have access to a swimming pool and free wifi. Set in Altstadt, this hotel is conveniently located for sightseeing.
Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern | Best Hotel in Altstadt
This charming three-star hotel is set at the heart of Old Town, the best neighborhood to stay in Lucerne for sightseeing. It is within walking distance of Chapel Bridge and you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes nearby. This historic hotel has charming rooms, excellent facilities and an in-house bar.
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View on Osprey View on REI#2 Tribschen – Where to Stay in Lucerne on a Budget
Tribschen is a large district located south of the city centre. Once Lucerne’s red light district, Tribschen has undergone a renaissance in recent years. Gone are the gritty rundown buildings and in their place are new apartment blocks and thriving businesses giving this lakeside area a quiet and intimate vibe. Here you can enjoy a selection of cosy cafes or take a stroll through one of the district’s lush green spaces.
Tribschen is also our recommendation for where to stay in Lucerne on a budget. This neighborhood has a good selection of hostels and affordable hotels that will help you stay on budget while you explore the city.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Things to See and Do in Tribschen
- Catch a live show at Treibhaus Luzern.
- Delve deep into the life of the world-renowned composer at the Richard Wagner Museum.
- Enjoy a great night of delicious food and friendly drinks at Peperoncini Tribschen.
- Feast on fresh and flavourful Swiss and Mediterranean food at Restaurant Quai4.
- Go for a spin around the rink at Eiszentrum Luzern.
- Indulge in a delicious plate of American fare at N’Ice.
- Relax on the sand or head out for a swim at Ufschotti Park.
- Take a stroll through Inseli Park.
Backpackers Lucerne | Best Hostel in Tribschen
This is our favourite hostel in Lucerne because it offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. It provides a range of accommodation options, including private, semi-private and dorm style rooms. Guests also have access to a common room, self-catering facilities, hot showers and a book exchange.
Cosy private room in an apartment complex | Best Airbnb in Tribschen
A cosy room in a centrally located apartment block. This is a great choice for those looking to keep prices down in one of europes most expensive countries. There’s a lot to explore nearby, and a small kitchenette for home cooking.
Central Apartments Lucerne | Best Hotel in Tribschen
This property is one of the best places to stay in Lucerne if you’re on a budget. It is located in northern Tribschen and is within walking distance of Neustadt and Altstadt. Apartments are outfitted with a variety of features, perfect for travellers of all styles and needs.
Penthouse Apartments Lakeside | Best Hotel in Tribschen
This spectacular penthouse apartment boasts amazing views of Lake Lucerne. Comprised of two rooms, guests have access to a sun deck, wifi and a myriad of excellent features. This apartment is a short walk from Old Town, which means there are lots of things to do within walking distance.
#3 Neustadt (New Town) – Where to Stay in Lucerne for Nightlife
Neustadt is a lively and vibrant neighborhood located in central Lucerne. It sits across the river from the Old Town and offers a nice alternative to the winding cobblestone streets and history of the Altstadt. A haven for young people, Neustadt boasts an excellent blend of shops and boutiques, as well as galleries, restaurants, cafes and cinemas.
This neighborhood is the best area in Lucerne to stay in for nightlife. Here you’ll find an awesome selection of bars and clubs that will suit travellers of all ages and styles. So whether you want to dance the night away or enjoy a riverside glass of wine, Neustadt has exactly what you’re looking for and so much more!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Things to See and Do in Neustadt
- Dance the night away at Brooklyn Club & Lounge.
- Drink sophisticated and urbane drinks at Bar Capitol.
- Eat tasty food in a unique setting at Neubad, a former indoor swimming pool that now hosts regular events and spectacles.
- Enjoy a delicious meal at Burgerstube.
- Indulge in homemade pizza and pasta at Restaurant La Cucina.
- Party all night long at Das schwarze Schaf.
- Sip unique cocktails in a retro setting at Car Bar Max.
- Spend a great night out at lively Roadhouse.
Capsule Hotel Lucerne | Best Hotel in Neustadt
This futuristic hotel is one of the coolest places to stay in Lucerne. It provides travellers with personal pods in air-conditioned rooms. You’ll enjoy free wifi, a shared lounge and a modern shared bathroom. Plus, it’s situated in the best neighborhood in Lucerne to stay in for nightlife and dining.
Hotel Alpina Luzern | Best Hotel in Neustadt
The Hotel Alpina is centrally located in Neustadt, the best area in Lucerne to stay in for nightlife. Nearby you’ll find a great selection of eateries and bistros, as well as bars, cafes and clubs. Rooms are cosy and comfortable and well-outfitted with modern amenities. This hotel also boasts a terrace, a bar, and a delicious in-house restaurant.
Waldstatterhof Swiss Quality Hotel | Best Hotel in Neustadt
Located in lively and vibrant Neustadt, this is an excellent option for Lucerne accommodation. It is close to well-known landmarks and attractions and offers easy access to bars, restaurants and shops. This hotel has 96 traditional rooms with a range of excellent amenities and features.
Modern studio in the heart of New Town | Best Airbnb in Neustadt
This 2 bedroom private apartment is in an ideal location for you if you’re looking to make the most of the local cafe and restaurant culture. It’s only a short way from the lakeside and the city centre.
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Grab an eSIM!#4 Bruch – Coolest Place to Stay in Lucerne
The up-and-coming Bruch neighborhood is the coolest place to stay in Lucerne. Once home to the city’s cattle market, Bruch is now a gathering place for Lucerne’s hip, trendy and oh-so-cool populations.
This cosy and cool neighborhood is located just northeast of Neustadt. It is home to a vast array of cafes and boutiques, as well as hip bars, trendy restaurants and imaginative high-end boutiques.
One of Bruch’s most famous attractions is the chic and stylish Madeleine. This bar/club/cultural venue regularly hosts concerts and comedy specials, making it an excellent destination any night of the week.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Things to See and Do in Bruch
- Browse the exhibits at the Historisches Museum Kanton Luzern.
- Catch a live show at atmospheric La Madeleine.
- Dine on exceptional Swiss food at Restaurant & Bar Drei Koenige.
- Don’t miss the chance to eat lunch at Jodlerwirt – die Schlagerbeiz, an awesome and authentic Swiss restaurant.
- Enjoy sweeping views of the river and the city from the Penthouse Roof Top Bar.
- Excite your tastebuds with authentic Peruvian cuisine at Pikante Peruvian Cuisines & Pisco Lounge.
- Indulge in fresh and delicious seafood and Mediterranean dishes at Tapas Cabanas.
- Shop for handmade suspenders at Treger.
- Sip cocktails at the ultra-hip The BruchBrothers bar.
Idyllic room in a historic chateau | Best Airbnb in Bruch
Bask in the charming culture and romantic atmosphere of the region from this beautiful period property. It’s got a serene beauty, inside and out, and doesn’t skim on any of the amenities you need to make your stay as convenient as possible.
Hotel Alpha Lucerne | Best Hotel in Bruch
The Hotel Alpha is your best bet for budget accommodations in Bruch, the best neighborhood to stay in Lucerne for hipsters and trendsetters. Rooms are bright, airy and modern, and offer spacious rooms and spotless beds. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants and tourist attractions nearby.
Garni Hotel Drei Konige | Best Hotel in Bruch
This three-star hotel is conveniently located in Bruch. It is a short stroll from popular tourist landmarks as well as hip eateries and trendy clubs. This cosy hotel has 50 modern rooms that come complete with a great range of accessories. There’s also a delicious restaurant and stylish bar on-site.
Hotel Rothaus Lucerne | Best Hotel in Bruch
Bright and colourful, this is one of the best places to stay in Lucerne for hipsters and culture vultures. This three-star hotel is set in Bruch and allows for easy access to shops, bars, clubs and eateries. Rooms are clean and cosy and outfitted with a vast array of amenities.
#5 Oberseeburg – Where to Stay in Lucerne for Families
The Oberseeburg district is located in eastern Lucerne. It is a typical family and residential neighborhood that has an awesome variety of activities and attractions for travellers of all ages, from the Swiss Transport Museum to indoor clay tennis courts.
One of Oberseeburg’s top draws is the incredible Lucerne Lido. Stretching more than 300 meters along the shores of Lake Lucerne, this sandy beach is a great place to rest, relax and soak up a few rays. It has a nice walking path, a fun playground, and there’s even a heated pool nearby for swimmers who find the lake a little too cold for a swim.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Things to See and Do in Oberseeburg
- Delve deep into the history of road-, rail-, water-, and air-borne mobility at the Swiss Museum of Transportation.
- Enjoy a delicious lakeside meal at the Seahaus Grill.
- Fuel up before a game of tennis at Restaurant Davis Luzern.
- Indulge in great food, sweets and treats at Piccard.
- See works of art by a Swiss great at the Hans Erni Museum.
- Go for a lakeside stroll along General Guisan-Quai.
- Spend a peaceful afternoon playing in Hundefreilaufwiese park.
- Admire the architecture and design of the Musikpavillon am Nationalquai.
- Step into a world of wonder at the Puppenhausmuseum.
- Splash swim and play at Lucerne’s Lido.
A home away from home | Best Airbnb in Oberseeburg
Enjoy mountain views from your back garden with this rustic family home. It’s only a short walk from the town centre and comes with a great kitchen for whipping up some home-cooked magic.
Seeburg Swiss Quality Hotel | Best Hotel in Oberseeburg
This delightful hotel is one of our top picks for where to stay in Lucerne with kids because it offers comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price. Located in Oberseeburg, this hotel has stunning lake and mountain views and spacious rooms. Guests can also enjoy a range of activities, like bowling, darts or miniature golf.
Seminarhotel Romerohaus | Best Hotel in Oberseeburg
The Seminarhotel Romerohaus is ideally located in Oberseeburg, one of Lucerne’s best neighborhoods. It is in close proximity to the Lucerne Lido and the Swiss Museum of Transport is a short walk away. This hotel has 18 comfortable rooms with a range of contemporary amenities.
Villa Maria Lucerne | Best Guesthouse in Oberseeburg
Villa Maria Lucerne is situated in Lucerne’s Oberseeburg district. It is one of the best areas to stay in Lucerne because it has so many great things to see and do. This guesthouse has large rooms with private showers and free wifi. Guests can also enjoy miniature golf and outdoor tennis courts.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Lucerne
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Lucerne and where to stay.
What To Pack For Lucerne
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Lucerne
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Lucerne
Lucerne is a wonderful city with so much to offer travellers. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its inventive cuisine and lively nightlife, Switzerland’s seventh largest city truly has something for travellers of all ages and interests.
In this guide, we’ve looked at the five best neighborhoods to stay in Lucerne. If you’re still not sure which is right for you, here is a quick recap of our favourite accommodations.
Backpackers Lucerne is our favourite hostel because offers a range of rooms and excellent facilities, like a kitchen, common room and book exchange, all at a great price!
Another good option is the Altstadt Hotel Krone Apartments Luzern. This hotel is conveniently located in Lucerne’s Old Town and is a quick walk to an incredible selection of restaurants, shops and the city’s most famous tourist attractions.
While Switzerland can be very safe, it’s super important to make sure you get travel insurance!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Switzerland.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Lucerne.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Switzerland instead.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
