Here’s our Lucerne Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local
Lucerne is the most populated city in Central Switzerland, offering plenty of activities and must-see places. From various museums and contrasting architecture to vibrant streets to roam around, and nightlife to party all night long. To help you explore the best of Lucerne, we invite you to check out our Lucerne Anti-Tourist Guide to ensure you enjoy the city from the inside out.
First questions first:
How many days should I save to visit Lucerne?
For a quick peek, we would say that two days is okay here. Want to experience Lucerne without any rush and actually enjoy the vibe without checking the time 24/7? We suggest staying for three or four full days. It will be just enough to explore the city through a local’s eyes.
What are the main highlights of Lucerne?
1. Lucerne’s Cultural Scene
Lucerne is a treat for art lovers! Here you can choose from more than 40 museums and art galleries.
a) Must-visit Museums
- Museum Rosengart: a collection of art acquired by the local Siegfried, it holds an impressive art collection and the exhibitions here will let you experience art of the highest quality. Becasue the owner was a friend of Pablo Picasso, it even holds five original Picasso pieces!
- Natural History Museum: another masterpiece is situated near the centre of Lucerne. The building itself is a beautiful local design, which contrast with the modern interiors. Here you can immerse in the evolution of nature and fauna, visit floor-organised exhibitions, and just enjoy the cultural ambiance.
b) Theatres
- Figurentheater: this is not just a casual theatre, as they call themselves. It is a platform that creates puppet shows. They have hosted exhibitions and dancing events, bringing together creative elements with classic performances and their unique puppets.
- Kleintheater: Enjoy this multi-genre theatre which has performances for all kind of people! From dance to music and literature, the theatre offers a diverse shows as well as children shows and even cabaret. Moreover, it has a reputation for being the beginning of many lesser known local artists, and many people see it as an opportunity tor each the stars!
https://www.instagram.com/kleintheaterluzern/
2. Where to eat in Lucerne
Lucerne’s traditional culinary scene mostly is influenced by Swiss traditional cuisine as well as neighboring countries such as Germany. A local dish that we urge you to try is Zürcher Geschnetzeltes which is a potato dish traditionally served with Rösti (rated potatoes that look like a big potato pancake). When it comes to places where to head, we have some special suggestions that are undiscovered by tourists:
- Hinter Musegg: The stables of the medieval walls reconvert into a restaurant! It’s only open in summer, when the local products are ready to be consumed. Seasonal traditional food made in an authentic way, combined with the historical landmark will make you feel like a true local!
https://www.instagram.com/kulturhofhintermuseggigshid=ypj5eozufrck
- Café Nord: this place is inspired in Scandinavian culture. Try Swedish pastries and local delicacies with a nice cup of coffee. Besides also being a café, they’re purpose is to try to help you achieve “Fika”. Which is a Swedish state of mind that involves feeling good after a nice coffee break.
- Libelle: here everyone will be satisfied. An affordable restaurant with a variety of rich-in-taste dishes to offer. Choose from fine delicious lunch menus, a la carte dishes, to brunch options. Meanwhile, the cozy pub feeling makes a hidden gem amongst other restaurants!
- Majorelle: If you’re looking for something different, then this Moroccan traditional food place is the perfect place. Here you can make a stop and taste the best quality Moroccan meals. From a nice breakfast spot and nice lunch meal, it truly has the best of everything. You will not leave dissapointed!
3. What to see in Lucerne
- The Lion Monument: This carved Lion on a mountain is an old sculpture that was made to commemorate local war heroes. It lays on top of a beautiful spot of nature with a small lake. If you wish to step away from the city, then evidently this is the perfect spot.
- Old Town: take a walk through the picturesque Lucerne historical center.
- Town Hall: the majestic old building that holds Lucerne’s City Hall. When wandering around the Old town, they also hold a weekend market outside their premises.
- Ritterscher Palace: this renaissance palace was build by a French captain after returning from fighting in Italy. It is the seat of the canton’s administration. It holds many masterpieces. Its a rather impressive sight that anyone should visit.
Moving around Switzerland? Check out our recommendations for other nearby cities.
4. Alternative places in Lucerne
- Street Markets: Whether you are or not a thrift shop lover, Street Markets are great places for catching the local urban vibe. Our top suggestions for Flea Markets are Wochenmarkt and Monatsmarkt. Furthermore, let’s not forget about the cute Craft Markets. Be sure to have some cash with you, even if the original plan is not shopping, we know how it always ends…
- Musegg Wall: this is a great spot for visitors. The medieval walls are a loved spot with its nine unique towers. You can enjoy the views of the city while watching the sunset. you can also enjoy its local medieval restaurant whenever the season starts.
- Franciscan Church: This old church build by Franciscan monks is a beautiful sight that offers a variety of music shows from Jazz to Organ music. It is also beautifully decorated with frescoes and has a beautiful graveyard. A quiet spot in the middle of the vibrant city!
Bird view of the wall of Lucerne
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