Choosing Where to Stay in Lucerne, Switzerland
If you’re wondering where to stay in Lucerne, the good news is that it’s much easier than many first-time visitors expect. Unlike larger cities where choosing the wrong neighborhood can leave you spending lots of time on public transport, Lucerne is very compact.
Before our first visit, we assumed staying five minutes closer to the train station would make a big difference. Once we arrived, we quickly realized that the station, Chapel Bridge, the Old Town, and the lake are all within a short walk of each other. Unless you’re staying well outside the center, there isn’t really a bad area to book.
Instead, the real decision is how you plan to spend your time. If you’re using Lucerne as a base for mountain excursions like Pilatus or Rigi, staying near the station can make early departures easier. If you’re visiting mainly to explore the city, we’d happily trade a few extra minutes of walking for the atmosphere of the Old Town. And if you’re planning a slower getaway, paying extra for a hotel by the lake can be well worth it.
That’s exactly what this guide is designed to help with. Rather than introducing neighborhoods you’ll barely notice once you’re there, we’ll focus on the five areas that are genuinely worth considering. For each one, we’ll explain who it’s best for, the trade-offs to be aware of, and the hotels we’d recommend based on location, convenience, and overall value.
One final piece of advice before you start comparing hotels: don’t get too caught up in saving a few minutes of walking. In Lucerne, your itinerary will usually have a much bigger impact on your stay than the exact neighborhood you choose.
Our Top Hotel Picks in Lucerne:
- Best Luxury: Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
- Best Mid-Range: Cascada Boutique Hotel
- Best Budget: ibis Styles Luzern City
Where to Stay in Lucerne: Quick Answer
If you’re wondering where to stay in Lucerne, the good news is that you don’t need to spend hours comparing neighborhoods. The city is compact, so your decision is less about distance and more about what kind of trip you’re planning.
Stay in Old Town (Altstadt) if…
…it’s your first visit to Lucerne, and you want to be surrounded by historic streets, restaurants, and the city’s main attractions. We’d recommend this area for most first-time visitors because it offers the best overall experience.
Stay near Lucerne Train Station if…
…you’re planning several day trips, arriving late, leaving early, or only spending one night in Lucerne. Unlike many European cities, the station is right beside the lake and only a short walk from the Old Town, so you won’t feel like you’re staying in a separate part of the city.
Stay on the Lakefront if…
…you’re looking for a luxury hotel, beautiful views, or a slower, more relaxing getaway. This is the area we’d choose if the hotel itself is meant to be part of the experience.
Stay in Neustadt if…
…you’d like a slightly more local atmosphere with good cafés and restaurants while still being within walking distance of the Old Town. It can also offer better value than staying right in the historic center.
Stay in Kriens if…
…you’re traveling by car, visiting with your family, or looking for better value. Thanks to the excellent public transport, getting into the center is easier than many visitors expect.
If we had to choose just one area for a first trip, we’d stay in the Old Town. It has the atmosphere most people imagine when they picture Lucerne, and you’ll still be within easy walking distance of the train station. However, if your itinerary includes several mountain excursions or you’re only stopping for one night, we’d seriously consider staying near the station instead.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Lucerne
Before comparing hotels, it’s worth taking a minute to think about what matters most for your trip. In our experience, the biggest differences between staying in Lucerne aren’t the neighborhoods themselves but how you plan to use your hotel.
Here are the four questions we’d ask ourselves before booking.
How Many Nights Are You Staying?
The length of your stay has a bigger impact on where you should book than many people expect.
If you’re only spending one night in Lucerne, we’d prioritize convenience. Staying close to the train station can make arriving, checking in, and catching an early train the next morning much easier, especially if you’re traveling with luggage.
For two or three nights, we’d focus more on the overall experience. This gives you enough time to enjoy Lucerne itself, so staying somewhere with more atmosphere often feels more rewarding than saving a few minutes of walking.
If you’re staying even longer, we’d start prioritizing the hotel itself. A larger room, better facilities, or a beautiful lake view can become much more valuable when you’re spending more time at your accommodation.
Are You Planning Day Trips?
Lucerne is one of the best bases for exploring Central Switzerland. Many visitors use the city for day trips to places like Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi before continuing to other destinations.
If that’s your plan, think about how often you’ll be coming and going. A hotel that’s a little more convenient for early train departures can make those travel days noticeably easier.
On the other hand, if your main goal is to enjoy Lucerne, we’d place much more importance on the atmosphere around your hotel than on being as close as possible to the station.
Are You Arriving by Train or by Car?
Most visitors arrive in Lucerne by train, and if that’s you, getting around is incredibly straightforward.
If you’re driving, though, it’s worth paying closer attention to parking than to your exact walking distance from Chapel Bridge. Some of the most central streets are pedestrianized, and many hotels rely on nearby public parking rather than private garages.
We’d always check the parking situation before booking instead of assuming that a central hotel automatically offers the most convenient arrival.
If Lucerne is one stop on a larger road trip, our guide to driving in Switzerland covers parking, road rules, tolls, and the practical things to know before renting a car.
Is Your Hotel Part of the Trip?
This is probably the question we think is most overlooked.
If you’ll leave your hotel after breakfast and spend the entire day sightseeing before returning late in the evening, we’d usually choose a great central location over paying extra for a premium view.
But if you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic getaway, or simply want a slower pace, the hotel can become part of the experience. In that case, spending more on a beautiful lakeside property can absolutely be worthwhile.
Don’t Overthink the Map
If there’s one piece of advice we’d give before booking a hotel in Lucerne, it’s this: don’t get too caught up in saving a few minutes of walking.
The city center is compact enough that most central hotels are within easy walking distance of the main attractions. We’d rather choose a hotel that fits our budget, travel style, and overall itinerary than pay significantly more just to be a little closer to one landmark.
Once you’ve thought about these questions, choosing the right area becomes much easier. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at each of Lucerne’s five best areas to stay and who they’re best suited for.
Best Areas to Stay in Lucerne
Lucerne is small enough that you don’t need to spend hours comparing neighborhoods. In fact, we’d narrow it down to just five areas. Each offers a slightly different experience, but all of them can be a great choice depending on how you plan to spend your time.
We’ll start with the area we’d recommend for most first-time visitors.
Old Town (Altstadt): Best for First-Time Visitors
If it were our first trip to Lucerne, we’d stay in the Old Town.
This is the heart of the city and the area we’d recommend to most first-time visitors. The colorful historic buildings, narrow cobbled streets, lively squares, and traditional restaurants create exactly the atmosphere many people picture when they think of Lucerne. You’re also within easy walking distance of many of the main attractions in Lucerne, including Chapel Bridge, the Jesuit Church, and the lakeside promenade.
What we like most about staying here isn’t that you’re close to the sights – it’s that you feel part of the city throughout the day. You can head out early before the streets get busy, return to your hotel for a short break in the afternoon, and go back out for dinner or an evening stroll without thinking about public transport.
Why Stay Here?
- Best overall location for first-time visitors
- Beautiful historic atmosphere
- Excellent selection of restaurants and cafés
- Easy walk to Lucerne’s main attractions
- Still within walking distance of the train station
Things to Consider
While the Old Town has the most character, it also comes with a few compromises.
Many hotels are located in historic buildings, which means rooms can vary considerably in size and layout. It’s also common to find smaller elevators, narrow staircases, or older soundproofing than you’d expect in newer hotels. If you’re traveling with large suitcases, remember that some streets are cobbled and pedestrianized, so the walk from the station can feel a little longer than it looks on the map.
None of these would stop us from staying here, but they’re worth knowing before you book.
Our Favorite Hotels in the Old Town
- Hotel des Balances – Best boutique hotel. An elegant riverside hotel in the heart of the Old Town, perfect if you want historic charm with a more luxurious feel.
- Altstadt Hotel Krone – Best value. A charming hotel surrounded by Lucerne’s historic streets, restaurants, and cafés.
- Barabas Luzern – Best budget option. A unique former prison turned hotel offering one of the most affordable stays in the city center.
Our Verdict
For most travelers, this is still the area we’d choose.
The Old Town offers the best balance of atmosphere, walkability, and convenience, making it an excellent base whether you’re spending one day in Lucerne or using the city as part of a longer Switzerland itinerary. Unless your trip revolves around early train departures or you’re specifically looking for a luxury lakeside resort, we think it’s hard to beat for a first visit.
Near Lucerne Train Station: Best for Day Trips & Short Stays
If you’re planning a longer Switzerland itinerary with several train journeys, we’d seriously consider staying near Lucerne Train Station.
Normally, staying close to a train station wouldn’t be our first recommendation in Europe. More often than not, it means sacrificing charm for convenience. Lucerne is one of the few cities where that’s not the case.
The station sits right beside Lake Lucerne, and you can reach Chapel Bridge in just a few minutes on foot. Cross the bridge, and you’re already in the Old Town. That means you still get to enjoy Lucerne’s historic center without needing to stay right in the middle of it.
Why Stay Here?
This area is ideal if you’re using Lucerne as a base for exploring Central Switzerland.
Whether you’re taking the cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, catching the train towards Mount Rigi, or continuing your journey through Switzerland, staying close to the station makes travel days much more straightforward. It’s also a great option if you’re only spending one night in Lucerne, arriving late in the evening, or leaving on an early train the next morning.
Another advantage is luggage. Instead of pulling heavy suitcases through cobbled streets, you can usually reach your hotel within just a few minutes of arriving.
Things to Consider
While the location is incredibly practical, it doesn’t have quite the same historic atmosphere as the Old Town.
The area around the station is busier, with larger hotels, shops, and modern buildings rather than medieval streets and hidden squares. If your main goal is to soak up Lucerne’s historic charm, we’d still lean towards staying in the Old Town.
That said, because everything is so close together, you’re never far away from the places you’ll probably spend most of your time.
Our Favorite Hotels Near Lucerne Train Station
- AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora – Best overall. Modern rooms and an excellent location just a few minutes from the train station, Chapel Bridge, and the lake.
- Hotel Continental Park – Best for comfort. A quiet, upscale hotel with spacious rooms, ideal if convenience is your top priority.
- Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel – Best value. Directly opposite the train station, making it a great choice for rail travelers and shorter stays.
Our Verdict
If your trip is all about exploring Switzerland, this is probably the most practical place to stay.
We’d choose this area for a one-night stop, a rail-heavy itinerary, or if we knew we’d be catching several early trains. For a longer stay focused mainly on Lucerne itself, though, we’d still prefer the atmosphere of the Old Town – even if it means walking a few extra minutes to the station.
Lakefront: Best for Luxury & Lake Views
If you’re planning a special trip to Lucerne, this is the area we’d recommend looking at first.
Stretching along the shores of Lake Lucerne, the lakefront is home to some of the city’s most iconic hotels. Staying here is less about being a few minutes closer to the sights and more about enjoying beautiful views, elegant hotels, and a quieter atmosphere.
You’re still within easy walking distance of the Old Town and the train station, but the experience feels obviously different. Instead of stepping out onto medieval streets, you’ll find yourself strolling along the lakeside promenade with views of the surrounding mountains.
Why Stay Here?
The lakefront is perfect if your hotel is meant to be more than just a place to sleep.
We’d recommend this area for couples celebrating a special occasion, luxury travelers, or anyone planning a slower-paced visit where relaxing at the hotel is part of the itinerary. Waking up to views across Lake Lucerne is one of those experiences that can make your stay feel even more memorable.
Despite the peaceful setting, you’re never far from the city’s main attractions. Most lakefront hotels are only a short walk from both the Old Town and Lucerne Train Station, making it easy to combine sightseeing with time by the water.
Things to Consider
Lakefront hotels are among the most expensive in Lucerne, so we’d think carefully about whether you’ll actually make the most of what you’re paying for.
If you plan to leave after breakfast, spend the entire day sightseeing or hiking, and only return late in the evening, a premium lake-view room may not offer the best value. In that case, we’d rather stay in the Old Town or near the station and put the savings towards mountain excursions or another night in Switzerland.
It’s also worth checking exactly what you’re booking. Not every room comes with a lake view, and the price difference can be significant.
Our Favorite Lakefront Hotels
- Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern – Best luxury hotel. A historic five-star hotel on the lakeside promenade with elegant rooms, beautiful lake and mountain views, and an excellent location within walking distance of both the Old Town and the train station.
- Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern – Best luxury splurge. One of Lucerne’s most exclusive hotels, offering exceptional service, sophisticated rooms, and a peaceful setting directly on the lake.
- HERMITAGE Lake Lucerne – Best lakeside retreat. Located a little outside the city center, this hotel is ideal if you want to slow down, swim in the lake, or enjoy a quieter stay surrounded by nature.
Our Verdict
If we were celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or another special occasion, this is where we’d stay.
For most first-time visitors, though, we’d only choose the lakefront if we planned to spend enough time enjoying the hotel itself. Otherwise, we think the Old Town offers better overall value while still putting you within easy walking distance of the lake whenever you want to enjoy the views.
Neustadt: Best for Better Value
If you’re looking for a good balance between location and price, Neustadt is one of the best areas to stay in Lucerne.
Located just south of the train station, Neustadt feels a little more local than the Old Town. You’ll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and independent shops, while still being within easy walking distance of Lucerne’s main attractions.
It’s an area we’d recommend if you don’t mind trading medieval streets for a more relaxed, everyday atmosphere.
Why Stay Here?
One of Neustadt’s biggest advantages is value.
Hotels here are often slightly more affordable than comparable properties in the Old Town, without adding much extra walking time. You can still reach Chapel Bridge, the lakeside promenade, and the historic center in around 10 to 15 minutes on foot, making it easy to explore the city without relying on public transport.
We also like that the neighborhood doesn’t feel as tourist-focused. It’s a place where you’ll find locals grabbing coffee, people commuting to work, and a wider range of restaurants beyond the busiest parts of the Old Town.
Things to Consider
Neustadt isn’t the area to choose if you’re dreaming of opening your hotel door onto cobbled medieval streets.
The architecture is newer, the atmosphere is less historic, and evenings tend to feel quieter once you move away from the lake and the Old Town. If experiencing Lucerne’s postcard-perfect scenery is your top priority, we’d still choose to stay in the historic center.
However, if you’re looking for a comfortable base that’s close to everything without paying Old Town prices, Neustadt is hard to beat.
Our Favorite Hotels in Neustadt
- Cascada Boutique Hotel – Best overall. A stylish boutique hotel with spacious rooms, excellent service, and an easy walk to both the train station and the Old Town.
- Renaissance Lucerne Hotel – Best upscale hotel. A modern hotel in a historic building with spacious rooms and an excellent location between the station and Neustadt.
- ibis Styles Luzern City – Best budget option. A reliable choice if you’re looking for an affordable stay within walking distance of the center.
Our Verdict
If we wanted to keep accommodation costs under control without feeling far from the action, Neustadt is where we’d book.
It doesn’t have the historic charm of the Old Town or the luxury appeal of the lakefront, but it offers one of the best balances of location, comfort, and value in Lucerne. For many travelers, that’s exactly what makes it such a smart choice.
Kriens: Best for Families, Drivers & Better Value
If you’re looking for more affordable hotels without sacrificing good transport connections, Kriens is well worth considering.
Located just southwest of Lucerne, Kriens is often overlooked by first-time visitors because it isn’t part of the historic city center. But thanks to its excellent train and bus connections, getting into Lucerne usually takes less than 15 minutes. For many travelers, that small trade-off comes with noticeably lower hotel prices, easier parking, and larger rooms.
Why Stay Here?
Kriens makes the most sense if you’re traveling by car, visiting with your family, or simply trying to get the best value for your budget.
Hotels here are often newer and more spacious than those in the Old Town, and many offer parking – a real advantage if you’re exploring Switzerland by road. It’s also a convenient base if you’re planning on visiting Mount Pilatus, as the valley station of the Panorama Gondolas in Kriens is just a short bus or drive away.
One advantage of staying in Kriens is that you don’t give up the benefits of staying in Lucerne itself. Overnight guests in both Lucerne and Kriens receive the Lucerne Guest Card, which includes free travel on buses and trains within Zone 10 (excluding boats). That makes getting into the city center quick and easy without worrying about parking.
Things to Consider
The biggest drawback is that you won’t have Lucerne’s atmosphere right on your doorstep.
Instead of stepping outside into historic streets or the lakeside promenade, you’ll be staying in a quieter residential area. If you plan to spend long evenings wandering the Old Town or enjoying dinner by the Reuss River, commuting back to Kriens every night may feel a little less convenient.
For a first visit focused mainly on Lucerne itself, we’d still choose one of the central areas. But if you’re balancing accommodation costs with comfort, Kriens is an excellent alternative that many travelers overlook.
Our Hotel Recommendations in Kriens
- Holiday Inn Express Luzern–Kriens – Best overall. A modern hotel just a short walk from Kriens Mattenhof station, making it easy to reach both Lucerne and the surrounding mountains.
- Hotel Felmis – Best for a quieter stay. A family-run hotel with free parking, comfortable rooms, and a more relaxed setting away from the city center.
- ibis Luzern Kriens – Best budget option. A practical choice if you’re traveling by car or simply looking to keep accommodation costs down.
Our Verdict
If we were planning a road trip through Switzerland or wanted to reduce accommodation costs without staying too far from Lucerne, we’d happily consider Kriens.
However, for a first-time visit where experiencing Lucerne’s atmosphere is the priority, we still think it’s worth staying in the city center. Kriens isn’t a substitute for the Old Town – it’s a smart alternative for travelers whose priorities are value, space, and convenience.
Old Town vs. Lucerne Train Station: Which Should You Choose?
For most visitors, the decision comes down to these two areas. While they’re only a short walk apart, each suits a slightly different type of trip.
We’d choose the Old Town if…
- It’s your first time in Lucerne.
- You want to spend your evenings wandering the historic streets.
- You’re staying for at least two nights.
- Atmosphere matters more than shaving a few minutes off your walk to the station.
For us, this is what makes Lucerne memorable. Being able to step outside into the heart of the Old Town in the morning or after dinner adds something that goes beyond convenience.
We’d choose the Train Station area if…
- You’re only staying one night.
- You’re planning several day trips by train.
- You’re arriving late or leaving early.
- You’re traveling with large suitcases.
- Convenience is your top priority.
Normally, we wouldn’t recommend staying near a train station over a historic center. Lucerne is one of the few cities where we’d happily make that exception because the station is only a short walk from the lake and the Old Town.
Our Final Recommendation
If someone asked us where to stay in Lucerne without any other context, we’d recommend the Old Town. It offers the best balance of atmosphere, walkability, and convenience, making it the area we’d choose for most first-time visitors.
The train station area is our second choice, and in some situations – particularly for one-night stays or rail-heavy Switzerland itineraries – it may even be the better option.
The important thing to remember is that this isn’t a decision between a “good” and a “bad” location. It’s a decision between atmosphere and convenience, and in Lucerne, you never have to compromise very much on either.
Best Area to Stay in Lucerne by Travel Style
Still not sure which area is right for you? Here’s where we’d stay based on different types of trips.
First-Time Visitors
Our pick: Old Town (Altstadt)
If it’s your first time in Lucerne, we’d choose the Old Town without hesitation. It offers the best mix of atmosphere, walkability, and convenience, and you’ll be surrounded by many of the places you’ll probably want to explore most during your stay.
Couples
Our pick: Lakefront
For a romantic getaway or special occasion, we’d choose the lakefront.
Many of Lucerne’s most elegant hotels are located here, and there’s something special about ending the day with a walk along the promenade or enjoying views across Lake Lucerne from your hotel. If your accommodation is meant to be part of the experience, this is the area we’d book.
Families
Our pick: Kriens
Families often get better value in Kriens, where hotels tend to offer more space and easier parking than those in the city center.
With frequent public transport into Lucerne and convenient access to Mount Pilatus, it’s a practical choice if you’re planning a more relaxed itinerary or traveling with younger children.
Travelers Planning Day Trips
Our pick: Near Lucerne Train Station
If Lucerne is your base for exploring Central Switzerland, staying near the station makes life easier.
Whether you’re heading to Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, or continuing to another destination, you’ll appreciate having the trains within a short walk of your hotel.
Luxury Travelers
Our pick: Lakefront
Lucerne’s most iconic luxury hotels are located along the lake, combining elegant rooms with beautiful views and easy access to the city center.
If your budget allows, this is where we’d look first.
Travelers on a Budget
Our pick: Neustadt or Kriens
If keeping accommodation costs down is a priority, we’d start by comparing hotels in Neustadt and Kriens.
Neustadt is ideal if you still want to walk almost everywhere, while Kriens often offers lower prices, larger rooms, and easier parking. The better choice depends on whether you value being in the city center or getting the best possible value.
One-Night Stays
Our pick: Near Lucerne Train Station
For a quick stop in Lucerne, we’d prioritize convenience.
Being able to walk from the station to your hotel in just a few minutes makes arriving and leaving much less stressful, especially if you’re continuing your Switzerland itinerary the next morning.
Where to Stay in Lucerne Based on Your Trip Length
The best area to stay in Lucerne also depends on how much time you have. While your hotel location becomes slightly more important on shorter trips, Lucerne is compact enough that you won’t need to completely change your plans based on where you’re staying.
One Night
If you’re only stopping in Lucerne for one night, we’d recommend staying near the train station. It makes arriving and leaving much easier, especially if you’re continuing your Switzerland itinerary the next morning. You’ll still be within walking distance of the Old Town, so you won’t miss out on the city’s highlights.
Two to Three Nights
For a stay of two or three nights, we’d choose the Old Town. It offers the best balance of atmosphere and convenience, giving you plenty of time to explore Lucerne itself while also taking a day trip to places like Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi.
Four Nights or More
If you’re planning a longer stay, we’d focus less on the exact neighborhood and more on finding a hotel you’ll genuinely enjoy spending time in. That’s when features like lake views, wellness facilities, or larger rooms can become worth paying extra for.
Still planning your trip? Our Lucerne Travel Guide covers everything you need to know before you visit, including how many days to spend in Lucerne, the best time to visit, how to get there, and practical tips for planning your stay.
Where We’d Stay in Lucerne
People often assume there’s one perfect area to stay in Lucerne, but after visiting the city several times, we don’t really see it that way. For us, it always comes back to what kind of trip we’re planning.
If we were booking a hotel for a first visit, we’d open Booking.com and start by looking in the Old Town. Not because it’s dramatically more convenient than the other central areas, but because it’s the part of Lucerne we’d be most excited to return to after a day of sightseeing. There’s something about wandering the historic streets in the evening or grabbing breakfast before the city gets busy that makes staying here feel a little more special.
If we were only stopping for one night or planning several early train journeys, we’d happily stay near the train station instead. The convenience would make more of a difference than the atmosphere on a shorter or more travel-focused trip.
For a honeymoon, anniversary, or another special occasion, we’d treat ourselves to a lakefront hotel. In that case, the hotel isn’t just somewhere to sleep; it’s part of the experience.
And if we were trying to stretch our budget, we’d compare prices in Neustadt and Kriens before deciding. Sometimes the savings are enough to justify staying a little farther from the Old Town, especially if it means spending that money on another experience during the trip.
If you asked us to recommend just one area without knowing anything else about your plans, though, we’d still say Old Town. It’s where we’d choose to stay ourselves, and we think it offers the best overall introduction to Lucerne.
Areas We’d Only Choose in Specific Situations
One thing we noticed while researching hotels in Lucerne is that some accommodation guides recommend almost every neighborhood equally. We don’t think that’s particularly helpful.
There aren’t any areas we’d tell you to avoid completely, but there are a few that we’d only choose if they matched the way we were planning to visit Lucerne.
Remote Lakefront Hotels
There’s no denying that staying directly on Lake Lucerne can be an incredible experience. Hotels outside the city center often offer beautiful views, peaceful surroundings, and more space than you’ll find in the Old Town.
That said, we’d only book one of these hotels if we planned to spend time enjoying the property itself.
If your days will be filled with sightseeing, mountain excursions, and exploring Lucerne from morning until evening, you’ll probably get better value from staying somewhere more central. It’s easy to pay a premium for a lake-view hotel and then hardly spend any time there.
Kriens for a First Visit
We like Kriens, and we think it’s a great option for travelers looking for better value or arriving by car.
However, if it were our very first time in Lucerne and the budget allowed, we’d still stay in the city itself.
Part of what makes Lucerne special is being able to wander through the Old Town after dinner, walk along the lake in the evening, or head out early before the busiest part of the day. Staying in Kriens means you’ll need to make that short journey back to your hotel each evening, which changes the experience slightly.
For a return visit or a road trip through Switzerland, we’d be much more likely to consider it.
Hotels Far from the Train Station
If you’re arriving by car and don’t mind using public transport, staying a little farther from the station usually isn’t a problem.
But if you’re traveling around Switzerland by train, we’d think twice before booking a hotel that’s well outside the central area just to save a small amount of money.
Lucerne’s biggest advantage is how easy it is to explore on foot. Choosing a hotel that requires multiple bus rides each day can quickly take away some of that convenience, especially if you’re only visiting for a night or two.
Our Advice
Rather than asking yourself which area is the “best,” we’d ask a slightly different question:
Which area fits the kind of trip you’re planning?
For most first-time visitors, we’d still recommend staying somewhere in or around the Old Town, near the train station, or along the central lakefront. They’re all close enough to explore Lucerne on foot while offering slightly different experiences depending on your priorities.
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, arriving by car, or planning a slower-paced stay, expanding your search to areas like Kriens can make perfect sense. The key is choosing an area that matches your itinerary – not simply the cheapest or closest hotel you can find.
Tips for Booking a Hotel in Lucerne
Before you reserve your hotel, there are a few practical things we’d keep in mind. These won’t necessarily change where you stay, but they can definitely influence which hotel you choose.
Don’t Assume Every Hotel Has Air Conditioning
If you’re visiting Lucerne during the summer, always check whether your hotel room has air conditioning.
Unlike in many parts of the US, it’s still fairly common for hotels in Switzerland – especially those in older or historic buildings – not to have air conditioning in every room. If you’re traveling in July or August and are sensitive to heat, we’d make this one of the first things to check before booking.
Check the Parking Situation Before You Book
If you’re traveling by car, don’t just look for a hotel that says “parking available.”
Some hotels have their own parking garage, while others rely on nearby public parking or offer a limited number of spaces that need to be reserved in advance. We’d always check where you’ll actually park, how much it costs, and whether you can drive directly to the hotel entrance.
This is especially important if you’re staying in or near the Old Town, where pedestrian streets can make arrival slightly less straightforward.
Historic Hotels Come With Historic Charm
One of the reasons we love staying in Lucerne is its beautiful historic hotels. But it’s worth remembering that older buildings often come with a few quirks.
Depending on the property, you may find smaller elevators, narrow staircases, or rooms that vary quite a bit in size and layout. Soundproofing can also be different from what you’d expect in a modern hotel.
For us, that’s part of the charm, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with lots of luggage or simply prefer newer hotels.
Not Every Room Has a Lake View
If you’re booking a hotel on the lakefront, double-check the room category before you confirm your reservation.
Many hotels offer a mix of city-view, courtyard-view, and lake-view rooms, and the price difference can be significant. If the view is one of the main reasons you’re choosing the hotel, it’s usually worth checking exactly what you’re booking rather than assuming every room overlooks the lake.
Compare the Hotel, Not Just the Location
One final piece of advice: don’t spend too much time trying to find the “perfect” spot on the map.
Once you’ve narrowed your search to one or two areas, we’d start comparing the hotels themselves instead. Things like room quality, breakfast, guest reviews, and overall value will usually have a bigger impact on your stay than being a few minutes closer to Chapel Bridge or the train station.
In a city as compact as Lucerne, choosing the right hotel is often more important than choosing the right neighborhood. That’s the biggest takeaway we’d want you to remember before booking.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Lucerne
What is the best area to stay in Lucerne for first-time visitors?
We’d recommend staying in the Old Town (Altstadt). It has the best mix of historic charm, restaurants, and walkability, while still being within easy walking distance of Lucerne Train Station and the lake. If it’s your first visit, this is the area we’d choose ourselves.
Is it better to stay in the Old Town or near Lucerne Train Station?
It depends on your trip.
If you’re visiting Lucerne mainly to explore the city, we’d choose the Old Town for its atmosphere. If you’re only staying one night or planning several day trips by train, staying near the station can be the more practical option.
The good news is that the two areas are only a short walk apart, so you won’t miss out whichever you choose.
Is Lucerne a walkable city?
Yes. One of the things we like most about Lucerne is how easy it is to explore on foot.
Most visitors can comfortably walk between the train station, Chapel Bridge, the Old Town, and the lakeside promenade. Unless you’re staying outside the city center, you probably won’t need public transport very often.
Is it worth staying on Lake Lucerne?
If your hotel is part of the experience, absolutely.
A lakeside hotel can be a fantastic choice for a honeymoon, anniversary, or a relaxing getaway. If you’re planning to spend all day sightseeing and only return to your hotel to sleep, though, we’d usually recommend putting that extra money towards experiences instead.
Is Kriens a good place to stay?
Yes, especially if you’re traveling by car, looking for better value, or visiting Lucerne as part of a longer Switzerland road trip.
Although it’s outside the historic center, Kriens has excellent public transport connections, making it easy to reach Lucerne in just a few minutes.
How far in advance should I book a hotel in Lucerne?
If you’re visiting between June and September or during the Christmas season, we’d recommend booking as early as possible. Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most popular destinations, and well-located hotels often sell out weeks or even months in advance.
Outside the peak season, you’ll usually have more choice and may also find better prices.
How many nights should you stay in Lucerne?
For most travelers, we’d recommend two to three nights.
That gives you enough time to explore Lucerne itself while also taking at least one day trip to the surrounding mountains or Lake Lucerne.
Is Lucerne expensive for accommodation?
Compared to many other European cities, yes. Hotel prices in Lucerne are generally high, especially during the summer months.
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, consider staying in Neustadt or Kriens, where you’ll often find better value without being far from the city’s main attractions.
