Is Lucerne worth visiting? This is a question that many travelers face when planning their trip to Switzerland.
Lucerne is a beautiful city in Switzerland, but it can be expensive and there is not a lot of nightlife. So, is it worth it to visit Lucerne?
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Here is why Lucerne should be (or shouldn’t be) on your Switzerland bucket list.
The Pros Of Visiting Lucerne: Reasons To Visit
Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. It is located on Lake Lucerne and surrounded by mountains.
The city has a medieval old town with cobbled streets and picturesque bridges.
Lucerne is also home to some of Switzerland’s most famous landmarks, such as the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument.
There Are Lots Of Things To Do
There are many things to do in Lucerne, including visiting museums, taking a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, or hiking in the Swiss Alps.
You’ll find gondolas and cable cars that will take you to the top of nearby mountains for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area.
In the winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding in the Swiss Alps. And in the summer, you can swim in Lake Lucerne or go hiking and camping in the mountains.
Lucerne is also popular for paragliders and base jumpers. If you wish to try paragliding, you could book a tandem flight with a professional.
The Weather
The weather in Lucerne is pleasant year-round. In the summer, the average temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).
And in the winter, the average temperature is around zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).
However, it can get very hot in Lucerne in the summer and very cold in the winter. So, if you’re visiting during these times, make sure to pack appropriate clothing.
The Alps
The Swiss Alps are one of the main reasons why people visit Lucerne. The Alps are a stunning mountain range that spans eight countries, including Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany.
In Lucerne, you can hike, ski, snowboard, and climb in the Alps. You can also take a cable car or gondola up to the top of Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Titlis for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
If you love to be outdoors and enjoy nature, then the Swiss Alps are a must-see.
It Doesn’t Get Too Crowded
Lucerne is a popular destination for travelers, but it doesn’t get too crowded. Even in the peak season, you won’t find yourself fighting for space on the sidewalks or waiting in long lines for attractions.
This is refreshing compared to other popular tourist destinations where you can barely move due to the crowds. I visited Lucerne twice, and both times, I didn’t feel overwhelmed. (I hate tourist crowds, ha!)
Want To Visit Lucerne?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Lucerne.
Best hostel: Backpackers Luzern
Best mid-range hotel: Hotel Seeburg
Best luxury hotel: Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
The Cons Of Visiting Lucerne: Reasons To Skip It
Now that we’ve covered all the reasons why you should visit Lucerne, let’s take a look at a few reasons why you might want to skip it.
It’s Expensive
Lucerne is one of the most expensive cities in Switzerland. If you’re on a budget, you might want to skip Lucerne and visit another city instead.
However, if you’re willing to spend a bit of money, there are ways to save. For example, you can take public transportation instead of taxis, eat at cheaper restaurants, and stay in hostels or Airbnb apartments.
That said, you’ll need to pay a city tax for your accommodation, and this tax gives you a public transportation card.
There’s Not Much Nightlife
Lucerne is a beautiful city, but it doesn’t have a lot of nightlife. If you’re looking for a party scene, you might want to visit Zurich or Geneva instead.
But if you’re not interested in clubbing or bars, then Lucerne is still a great city to visit. There are plenty of things to do during the day, and you can always find a good restaurant or cafe for dinner.
It Can Get Boring
Lucerne is a small city, and if you’re not interested in museums or hiking, it might be a bit boring for you.
If you’re looking for a city with more nightlife and things to do, then Lucerne might not be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, then Lucerne is perfect.
We recommend staying one or two nights in Lucerne. This way, your time there is going to be filled with good stuff. You’ll have enough time to see Mt Pilatus and to explore the old town.
The Final Verdict: So Is Lucerne Worth Visiting?
Lucerne is a beautiful city that’s perfect for a short getaway. It has stunning mountain views, lovely old town streets, and plenty of things to do if you’re into outdoors and hiking.
However, it is a bit expensive, and there’s not much nightlife. If you’re on a budget or looking for a party scene, you might want to visit another city instead.
So, is Lucerne worth visiting? We think so! But it all depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation.
I’ve visited Lucerne twice because I think it’s a pretty city.
During my first trip to Switzerland, it was my favorite city. Now, that I’ve visited more places in Switzerland, I have two new favorites. Hint: Zermatt and Interlaken have taken over.
Visiting Switzerland soon? Make sure to read one of the following guides: