How To Spend 2 Days In Lucerne, Switzerland: The Best Things To Do In Lucerne

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Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by sydabroad

Looking for how to spend 2 days in Lucerne, Switzerland? Then keep reading! 

Lucerne is a charming town in Switzerland known for its natural beauty and medieval architecture. The city of Lucerne (Luzern in German) is situated near Mt. Pilatus making it the perfect place to enjoy many different activities. 

In this guide, I’ll cover all you need to know before visiting this Swiss gem, the best things to do during your 2 days in Lucerne, where to stay, where to eat in Lucerne, and more. Whether you are visiting Lucerne for a day or a week, this guide will certainly be a helpful resource when planning your trip.  

Lucerne is also a great place to base yourself and take day trips to locations such as Interlaken, Bern, and Grindelwald. That being said, Lucerne needs to be included on your Switzerland itinerary. Alright, let’s get into the guide!  

Looking for more European guides?

• How to Spend One Day in Florence, Italy
• The Best Things to Do in Vienna, Austria
• The Ultimate Santorini Travel Guide

This post is all about how to spend 2 days in Lucerne, Switzerland.

2 Days in Lucerne  – The Basics 

Currency = Swiss Franc

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc. (CHF)

1 USD = .92 Swiss Franc

Many places in Lucerne will accept card payments but I find it helpful to keep a bit of cash for small purchases. Cash is really useful if you need to tip a guide, split a restaurant bill, or shop at a local market. There are also plenty of ATMs throughout the city. 

Language = Swiss German (Mostly)

There are a variety of official languages in Switzerland. However, the most common is Swiss German. Over 60% of the Swiss population speaks German as their primary language. 

That being said, you will find that it’s fairly easy to get around with English because Lucerne is a common tourist destination.  

Phone & Internet 

From my experience, I never had an issue with the phone and internet service in Lucerne. There was cell service just about everywhere. A majority of the cafes and restaurants had wifi available. 

For traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. The Airalo app makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Check out Airalo here. 

Daily Budget 

Lucerne is by no means cheap, Switzerland as a country is one of the most expensive places to visit. An average daily budget is around 200 Swiss francs, however, it is possible to visit on somewhat of a budget. If you are cooking your meals, eating at local markets, and doing free activities, you could spend less. 

Tipping in Lucerne

In many restaurants, it is customary to leave a 10% tip. 

Can You Drink The Tap Water?

Yes, tap water in Lucerne is safe to drink. Switzerland has some of the highest-quality tap water in the world.

Map: Lucerne Travel Guide

 Below is a map with all the spots mentioned in this article.

Budgeting For 2 Days in Lucerne 

As I mentioned above, Lucerne is not a cheap place to visit. The average traveler spends about 200 Swiss francs per day. If you are traveling on a budget you can plan to spend about 70 to 100 Swiss francs per day. 

It is manageable to visit Lucerne on a budget. If you stay in a hotel outside of Old Town Lucerne, such as Engelberg, you will likely find more affordable options. Using public transportation and booking activities ahead of time can also save you money. 

Best Time to Visit Lucerne 

The best time to visit Lucerne, Switzerland is anytime from May to September. During this time the weather will be nice to enjoy outdoor activities. 

I visited in May and it was wonderful. It wasn’t too crowded or too cold. However, It was still chilly, so bring a jacket even if you visit in the summer. 

If you want to avoid the stress of planning a trip, I highly recommend traveling with EF Ultimate Break. I visited Lucerne on a tour with EF Ultimate and it was amazing! Browse their trips here. 

How Much Time to Spend in Lucerne? 

2 days in Lucerne is the perfect amount of time to see the town, cruise Lake Lucerne, and visit Mt. Pilatus. However, Lucerne would be a great place to base yourself for a week or so and go on various day trips to nearby cities.  

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Getting Around Lucerne 

The city of Lucerne is small. The town center is easy to reach by train and explored on foot. There are also public buses that go around town and the surrounding area. I stayed in Engelberg, which is about a 30-minute drive from Lucerne. 

The Best Way to Spend 2 Days in Lucerne, Switzerland

Day 1 – Lucerne Travel Guide

Chapel Bridge 

The Chapel Bridge is by far the most photographed spot in Lucerne and the city’s most notable landmark. Start your first day in Lucerne here at the Chapel Bridge. It’s best to visit in the morning for fewer crowds. 

The construction of the Chapel Bridge started in 1333 and it is the world’s oldest covered wooden bridge. This wooden footbridge is named after St. Peter’s Chapel and is famed as an architectural masterpiece. You can’t miss the Chapel Bridge when you visit, it’s located right near the old town.

Old Town Lucerne (Alstadt) 

Next, walk over to Alstadt. This is the old town of Lucerne, a charming area with cobblestone streets to browse local shops and admire the medieval architecture. 

Local Cuisine for Lunch 

While you are exploring the old town, go for a nice lunch. Either visit a local restaurant or pick up some snacks at a market for a picnic near the lake. Later in this guide, I’ll touch on the best restaurants in Lucerne.

Visit The Lion Monument 

The Lion of Lucerne is carved in stone and symbolizes the soldier’s courage, strength, and willingness to die rather than betray their oath of service. It is an incredible monument to see in person. 

This is one of the best things to see in Lucerne and most definitely worth a visit during your 2 days in Lucerne. The detail is amazing. 

Town Hall Clock Tower

Lucerne’s Town Hall Clock Tower is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. It was built sometime between 1602 and 1606 and is known for its extravagant clock. The Town Hall Clock Tower is situated right in the center of the old town making a convenient stop during your 2 days in Lucerne. 

Swiss Museum of Transport

Next up on your 2 days in Lucerne itinerary, visit the Swiss Museum of Transport. This is one of Switzerland’s most popular museums. It was opened in Lucerne in 1959 and here you can view all sorts of transportation exhibits including ships, trains, historic vehicles, and aviation. It’s a unique museum to visit and a great activity to include in your Lucerne travel guide! 

A Cocktail at Hotel Château Gütsch

After the museum, it’s time for a drink with a view at Hotel Château Gütsch. For great cocktails and an even better view, visit the Gütsch Bar at Hotel Château Gütsh. 

Now called The American Bar, (formerly the Gütsch Bar) it is a true gem in Lucerne. Enjoy creative cocktails, a relaxing atmosphere, light bites, and picturesque views of Lucerne. 

Lake Lucerne 

Lake Lucerne is certainly a highlight of the city. You can’t miss a boat cruise during your trip to Lucerne. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland where you can partake in a variety of different activities. 

There are many different tours you can book. Search for tours on Lake Lucerne here. 

Dinner by the Lake 

After your cruise of Lake Lucerne, choose a spot for dinner by the water. You’ll find all sorts of restaurants near the lake. Later in this guide, I’ve listed some of my favorite restaurants in the city.

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Day 2 – Lucerne Travel Guide 

Mount Pilatus 

You can’t miss out on Mount Pilatus during your 2 days in Lucerne. This is the perfect way to start your second day in Lucerne.

Mount Pilatus is about 10 minutes from Lucerne known for its amazing natural beauty and wide range of outdoor activities. There are activities such as skiing and snowboarding (during the winter), hiking trails, zip lining, and paragliding. 

Visitors can reach the summit of Mount Pilatus using a combination of gondolas, cable cars, and the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. At the summit, you’ll find panoramic views, gift shops, and restaurants where you can enjoy local Swiss cuisine. 

You can browse organized half-day and day tours here. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets and visit on your own. 

Optional: You can choose to visit Mount Titlis instead which is about 50 minutes from Lucerne. If you are staying a third day in Lucerne, Mount Titlis would be another great day trip! 

Lunch at Mount Pilatus

There are a variety of delicious local restaurants at Mount Pilatus. Try Swiss cuisine and then make sure to pick up some Swiss chocolate. It’s typically pretty chilly at the top of Mt. Pilatus so I opted for a bowl of French onion soup and it was delicious. 

Go For a Hike or Relax

After lunch, you can go on one of Mount Pilatus’s hiking trails or relax. You can hike the famous Dragon Trail – legend says that a dragon used to live on Mount Pilatus. Or, you can go for an afternoon drink with a view at one of the many restaurants.  

Shopping in Lucerne Old Town

Alright, you’re probably exhausted by this time so rest at your hotel and then wander the old town one last time. Pick up those last-minute souvenirs or gifts for friends. A few great souvenirs to look for in Lucerne are Swiss army knives, Swiss chocolate, Swiss cheeses, local art, and Swiss watches.

Swiss Chocolate 

I had to include this separately because you cannot miss out on Swiss chocolate. While you are in town shopping, make sure to pick up a couple of bars of Swiss chocolate.

You simply cannot leave this country without taking some home. Swiss chocolate bars make the perfect gift as well! 

Local Swiss Cuisine for Dinner 

To end your 2 days in Lucerne go for a local Swiss dinner. Try cheese fondue, Raclette, Zopf, or Rösti. I’ve listed the best places to eat in Lucerne below. 

Where to Eat in Lucerne, Switzerland 

• Wirtshaus Taube Luzerne: For traditional Swiss cuisine.
• Mill’Feuille: Great for brunch, drinks, or dinner.
• Restaurant Scala: For Italian and Mediterranean. 
• Rathaus Brauerei: Great to enjoy local beer and Swiss food. 
• Fondue House Du Pont: For local fondue. 

Where to Stay in Lucerne 

If you are traveling on a budget, I suggest booking a hostel. There are a variety of hostels in Lucerne on Hostel World. You can also stay in a nearby town such as Engelberg. This is where I stayed and I enjoyed exploring another small town!  

• Grand Hotel National Luzern
• Hotel des Balances
• Wellness & Beauty Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern. 

Find a Place to Stay in Lucerne

And that wraps up this guide all about how to spend 2 days in Lucerne. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below, DM me on Instagram, or email me at sydabroad@gmail.com.

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