What to do with 2 Days in Lucerne

April 1, 2025April 1, 2025 Anjali Wadhwa

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Lucerne is a small city in central Switzerland and one of the best places to escape to. Two days is not enough to see all that Lucerne has to offer, so I have put together the top things to do in Lucerne!

Filled with scenic views and picturesque landscapes, Lucerne’s natural beauty is difficult to define in words. People love it because of its medieval architecture, snow-capped mountains, and lovely Lake Lucerne.

If you think, there is so much that you can’t fit into your short trip, here is a 2-day Lucerne itinerary that will help you get around and make your trip as effortless as possible. I am sure you will feel like a return from paradise after these two magical days.

Contents

2 Days In Lucerne Itinerary

Day 1: Lucerne Itinerary

To make sure that you can see the beauty of Lucerne most effectively, the first day of your itinerary follows an elaborate path towards the old town of Lucerne. You would be able to see a lot of things as they are all a few minutes away from each other.

There is also a fun eTukTuk city tour that helps you touch down all of these attractions in a quicker time. Alternatively, if you prefer a guided exploration at your own pace, I recommend going on a self-guided walking tour as I did.

Kapellbrucke – Chapel Bridge

The first on the list for your 2 days in Lucerne would be Chapel Bridge which is a wooden bridge on the river Reuss. It is a significant landmark in Lucerne. The build of the bridge is something that you will admire and enjoy spending some time on. The beautiful and serene surroundings make the Chapel Bridge more captivating.

The bridge has a wooden covered roof over it that is painted with gorgeous colorful paintings, which provides a unique feature to the bridge. This is delightfully the most picturesque spot in Lucerne. You can easily spend up to 10 minutes to an hour on this bridge but you won’t have enough of what this magnificent piece holds.

If you are staying close to the bridge, we recommend you come here during the sunrise or sunset hours to view this wonderful sight. The Chapel remains open always and there is no fee for walking over it.

For an epic experience of chocolate, cheese, and Swiss wine tasting, I went for this fun activity around the Chapel Bridge and the water tower.

Jesuit Church

Your next stop is the first baroque-style church in the entire Switzerland. The Jesuit Church might look like just another plain church from the outside but you would be surprised once you enter the church and see the beauty inside.

The high walls of the church and the arched roof are covered with golden details that give it a somber look.

The aisle at the end of the church will catch your eye as it is gilded with gold. Interestingly, the Jesuit Church dates back to the 17th century and has a very well-preserved interior that will take you back in time.

The Jesuit Church is located at a 4-minute walking distance from the Chapel Bridge.

Opening Hours : The church opens from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily.

Spreuer Bridge

Spreuer Bridge is the second most magnificent bridge that you would come across in Lucerne. It is located at a 7-minute walking distance from Jesuit Church.

The structure of the bridge is slightly different from that of Chapel Bridge but the landscape surely becomes more beautiful here. And thus, it makes it a must-stop for whoever visits Lucerne.

It is also comparatively shorter than the Chapel bridge but the lighting inside the bridge makes it even more beautiful to see at night. You will find equally interesting paintings at Spreuer Bridge as well.

Likewise, the Chapel Bridge and Spreuer Bridge remain for 24 hours and are free to walk on.

For lunch, I recommend you head towards Wirtshaus Taube Luzern restaurant. This is a lovely restaurant with outdoor seating boasting excellent views of the river and serving delicious food. It is just a 3-minute walk from the Spreuer Bridge.

The Lion Monument

A 12-15 minute walk from the Spreuer Bridge will lead you to the iconic Lion Monument. No part of Switzerland has remained untouched by the history and making of this land.

The Lion Monument in Lucerne is also evidence of the same. It is one of the most significant monuments in Switzerland and thus a must-visit place in your Lucerne itinerary.

As you visit the Lion monument you will see a sleeping lion carved into a sandstone quarry. However, there is a deeper meaning to this carving and hence it is of historical significance.

The monument has been dedicated to all the Swiss soldiers who devoted their lives during the French Revolution. This has a special mention in the literature as Mark Twain described the rock as “The Saddest And Most Moving Rock In The World”.

The sight of the resting lion with a lovely pond in front of it and the greenness surrounding it will leave an enticing impact on you.

This Lion Monument is always open for visitors and there are no entrance fees for it.

Stroll Through The Lucerne Old Town

The old town of Lucerne is located at the north of River Reuss and this is your last spot on your first day of exploring Lucerne. The old buildings, on the backdrop of the river Reuss and evening landscapes, make this place spell-binding.

The cobbled streets, the high wooden buildings, and the Renaissance-designed fountains in the main public area would make you fall in love with this place. You can cycle around or take a walk on the streets. You will admire the fountain of banneret in the center of the city.

The artistic frescoes on the buildings around the Korn market will also catch your attention with their intrinsic detailing. Or you would simply love the Swiss chocolates and food available here.

DAY 2 : Lucerne Itinerary

On Day 2 of your 2 days in Lucerne itinerary, you have many options. You can enjoy it as per your preferences or simply relax at your will. The soothing aura of this small, natural place would offer you everything that you require on your holiday.

If you want to stay active in Lucerne and soak in its beauty, you can visit the Swiss Museum of Transport and end your day with a Lake Lucerne boat tour. Alternatively, if you are up for an adventurous excursion, you can plan your day towards Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, or Mount Titlis.

Swiss Museum of Transport / Verkehrshaus

If you are a fun-loving person and love to explore places like museums, exhibitions, amusement parks, or theme parks then your morning of the second day here would be filled with energetic and eclectic activities

As you pass through the river promenade, you will find the Swiss Museum of Transport built almost 60 years ago.

It prides itself in displaying trains, automobiles, ships and aircraft along with some advanced communication technology. It is one of the most famous museums in Switzerland.

The entire area around the museum is covered with theme parks, exhibitions, and amusement parks so you can spend your day here. Whether you are on a trip with kids or are traveling solo, the Swiss Museum of Transport should not be overlooked on your 2 days in Lucerne.

Opening Hours: The Swiss Museum of Transport remains open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily.

Lake Lucerne Cruise

If you are in Lucerne and skip taking the Lake Lucerne Cruise, you will be missing a lot that you can’t even imagine. A cruise tour on your 2 days in Lucerne cannot be simply passed off.

The marvelous views of the alpine landscapes and the mountainous region from the Lake Lucerne cruise would be an enthralling sight. The experience would be unforgettable for you.

The experience would be unforgettable for you.

I took this 1-hour cruise on a panoramic yacht. It was a very enjoyable experience watching the lovely views of the various attractions of Lucerne. There were also snacks and drinks available at the bar.

Spend Some Time At Lake Lucerne Promenade

On your way back from a fun trip, you can’t resist but spend some time at the Lake Lucerne Promenade. It is a place with benches, gorgeous flowers, and quaint landscapes. You would love to spend a few hours here.

During winter, the breathtaking landscape of the snow-capped mountains will allure you.

While during summer, you would love the smell of fresh flowers and a cool breeze. While walking through the promenade, you would wish to have some more time to spend there.

An Alternative Plan For Day 2 – Mount Pilatus / Mount Rigi /Mount Titlis

If you are not a boat tour or museum kind of person or simply like land-over-water rides. Then Lucerne is no short of landscapes and mountain tops to explore. Lucerne is surrounded by three different kinds of mountain peaks and they are Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, and Mount Titlis.

You can plan on hiking any of them or simply enjoy the plain areas at the bottom of it.

During winters you would love the snow mountains when snow shines like crystals during sunrise or afternoons.

And during summers, you would enjoy the mind-blowing green French pasture-like landscapes to go through. The fresh breeze and flowers will guide your way.

Weggis is another place where you can relax in a quiet environment. You can reach there by boat or simply drive your way to Weggis. Green fields and water running down the river would give you a natural escape.

Below are some highly recommended and best-selling round-trip tours to these mountains;

Mount Pilatus Half-Day Tour– This tour takes you on the most popular and scenic routes to Mount Pilatus. You will be riding the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, getting on a panoramic gondola, dining at a restaurant on top of Mount Pilatus, and cruising back to Lucerne. This tour is like a one-in-a-lifetime experience. If you haven’t been on it already, you must set your plan according to it right now. Yes, it’s worth an excursion from Lucerne.

Mount Titlis Half-Day Tour– Marvel over a fascinating glacier world, visit an ice cave, and discover many expansive scenic locations from a chair lift. You will also get to pass over Europe’s highest suspension bridge. If you are looking for a winter-friendly excursion from Lucerne, this one would be an experience worth having.

Mount Rigi Full Day Tour– Rigi is known to be the Queen of the Mountains. Your day will start with a scenic boat ride towards Vitznau. Then you will be heading to the Rigi train journey amidst the incredible views. You can also hike or relax while soaking in the beautiful natural landscapes. Your descent would be by a cable car to Weggis.

Where To Stay In Lucerne

The best place to stay in Lucerne without any doubt is the Old Town (Altstadt). Staying in this historic part of the city gives you access to convenient stores, attractions for sightseeing, and delicious cuisines.

Plus you would be close to the cultural hotspots in Lucerne. Waking up to the views of Chapel Bridge and River Reuss is something that will get your day rolling. The lovely atmosphere and the charm of Old Town are such that you would want to go for walks by the bridge or the river at any time of the day.

Below are some of my best finds for accommodations in Old Town Lucerne (Altstadt).

Budget: Barabas Luzern is the best affordable hotel in Old Town. It is located at a 3-minute walking distance from the Chapel Bridge. The rooms are pretty basic, clean, and comfortable. There are options for family rooms as well as dormitory room beds available in the hotel.

Mid-Range: The Boutique Hotel Karl is a centrally located hotel in Old Town. I choose to stay in this boutique hotel. It is one of the best hotels to stay in Lucerne. Guests at this hotel are showered by the adorable and absolute best views of the river, Mount Pilatus, and Mount Titlis. The hotel offers a range of comfortable rooms including family rooms. You will enjoy the delicious and rich buffet breakfast served in the restaurant.

Luxury: Luxury knows no bounds at the gorgeous Hotel Schweizerhof located in the heart of the Old Town Lucerne. This historic hotel has catered to many celebrities and VIPs in the city. The exteriors of the hotel are extravagant and the rooms are very beautifully decorated. The hotel also offers a sauna, spa, fitness center, outdoor garden, sundeck, shuttle services, and more. The elegant and spacious rooms boast panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the mountain ranges.

How To Get Around In Lucerne

All the major attractions are located at a very walkable distance in Old Town Lucerne. The sights that are located outside the Old Town can be reached through buses.

When you check into a hotel in Lucerne, you will receive a Visitor card which will allow you to have free access to the public transport system (bus, railways, and boat) within the city.

Alternatively, Uber cabs and local taxis are also available to take you around the city.

Is 2 Days In Lucerne Enough

As you have seen, there are plenty of things to do in Lucerne. Many of the attractions are located in proximity to each other. So, 2 days would be just enough to explore Lucerne.

But, if you are keen on going for excursions to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi, you should add a few more days to your Lucerne itinerary.

Best Time To Visit Lucerne

Lucerne is a popular tourist destination in Switzerland. It is visited almost all year round by tourists from all over the world. If you are looking for a particular time when the city will be a delightful treat, you must come here between April and September. For some winter fun, January is the best month for skiing activity in Lucerne.

I hope you enjoy your 2 days in Lucerne itinerary as much as I did. This city is loved by tourists. Let me know if you have any questions or share your favorite place in Lucerne in the comments section below.

Cheerful Trails

What to do with 2 Days in Lucerne