Lucerne in Winter 40+ Things to do Alone: Like A Local Guide 2025

Thinking of visiting Lucerne in winter? First of all, that’s a fabulous idea. Lucerne is a stunning fairytale town nestled just in the shadow of the Alps in German-speaking Switzerland. Lucerne (or Luzern in Swiss German) is a must-visit Swiss destination any time of year, but Lucerne in winter really shines. Snow-capped mountains, Christmas markets, and wild winter festivals like Fasnacht (carnival) are all reasons to put a winter trip to Lucerne on your bucket list. Of course, as you plan you may have questions. Is Lucerne safe for solo female travelers? What are the best things to do alone in Lucerne in winter? What about some good day trips from Lucerne? 

As a solo female traveler over the age of 30, I’ve curated my favorite things to do alone in Lucerne just for you, with the perfect mix of iconic sights and offbeat, artsy, cultural, and downright odd gems you never thought you’d find in Switzerland! 

Get ready…because after 4 years of living in Switzerland, I am ready to spill the Kaffeschnapps on one of my favorite cities! 

A stunning view of Mt. Pilatus and the city of Lucerne in winter

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

I’ve organized my guide to Lucerne in winter and sorted them into four categories so you can find the best things to do alone in Lucerne in winter quickly. 

DAY

The best things to do alone in Lucerne during the day, include historic spots, arts and culture, outdoor activities, day trips, festivals and special events, and more. 

STAY

The best hotels in Lucerne for solo female travelers, are organized by luxury, mid-budget, and social vibe.

BITE

The best restaurants and cafes in Luzern for solo female travelers.

NIGHT

Life is too short to stay in your hotel room in the evenings. I’ve curated a list of my favorite nightlife in Luzern for solo female travelers!

special events in Lucerne in winter

Exciting things that only happen in Luzern in winter!

the best day trips from Lucerne in winter

Winter day trips just hit different. From Snowshoeing to city hopping, I’m sharing my favorite day trips from Lucerne with you.

BUT FIRST…THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF YOUR SOLO TRIP TO LUCERNE IN WINTER!

INTERACTIVE MAP

Use this map to find your way to all my Lucerne in winter gems, get directions, and tap on the pins for vital info like opening times. 

FAQ ABOUT LUZERN IN WINTER

Is Lucerne good in winter?

Yes! Winter is an ideal time to visit Lucerne because there are fewer tourists than there are in summer, spring, and fall. You may also get to experience the magic of winter festivals such as the Christmas Markets and Fasnacht Luzern.  

Can you see the Alps from Lucerne in winter?

You can see the Alps from almost anywhere in Luzern! 

If you want to get some really breathtaking photos of the Alps from Lucerne in winter, take a stroll along the lake. From the main train station, follow Seebrücke (Lake Bridge) toward the city and continue along the right side of the road. There is a beautiful tree-lined promenade by the Schweizerhoff Hotel called Schweizerhoffquai. This is the perfect spot for a photo opportunity of the Alps from Lucerne in the winter. Or you can simply sit on a bench with a coffee and enjoy the view! 

Does Lake Lucerne freeze in winter?

Unlikely. Large, deep lakes in Switzerland freeze very rarely. It would have to be an extraordinarily harsh, cold winter! 

How is Lucerne in December?

Lucerne is enchanting in December. Expect the festivities of the Christmas markets and beautiful snow-capped mountains. The weather in Lucerne in December can be cold and damp. Expect temperatures to be between 30-39 degrees Fahrenheit. The snow in Lucerne remains mostly in the mountains. Snowfall in the city usually only amounts to a few inches, and shouldn’t distract from your enjoyment of Lucerne in winter. 

Are two days enough to visit Lucerne in Winter?

Yes. Two to three days is ideal to spend in Lucerne in winter. However, the city is small enough that a day trip to Lucerne would be enough to catch all the main highlights of the city. (skip to the ‘Day’ section of this guide.)

IS LUCERNE SAFE FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELERS?

Yes! Lucerne is safe for solo female travelers. Switzerland in general has a very low crime rate and is listed as number 10 on the Global Peace Index. I personally have spent a lot of time in Lucerne, some of it running around the city late at night in high heels and getting up to no good! I have never felt my safety threatened in Lucerne as a solo female traveler. 

SAFETY TIPS FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELERS IN LUCERNE

Watch your valuables in spots like the main train station and main tourist areas such as Kapellebrücke, the Lion of Lucerne, etc. as there can be pickpockets afoot!

WALKING AT NIGHT IN LUCERNE 

Lucerne is, for the most part, a Medieval city with windy narrow streets. It could be easy to get lost at night if you don’t know the area, so use the map at the top of this post to help you find your way around!  

At night it’s a good idea to stick to well-lit areas and have a plan about how you’ll get back to your accommodation before you go out.  In general, stick to my rules for having fun and staying safe as a solo female traveler and you’ll be fine.

IF YOU’RE NOT FINE…HERE IS SOME EMERGENCY INFO FOR LUCERNE

Country Code: +41

International Emergencies: 112

Fire (Feure): 118

Police (Poleizei): 117

Medical/ambulance: 114

American embassy in Switzerland: The U.S embassies in Switzerland are located in Bern, Geneva, and Zürich. 

QUICK FACTS ABOUT LUCERNE

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Language Spoken: Swiss German, but English is widely spoken

Good to know: On Sundays, most retail shops in Switzerland are closed. Cafes, bars, and restaurants will be open. If you’re in a pinch for food or need a pharmacy, head to Luzern Main Train Station. The shops in large Swiss train stations operate as usual on Sundays. 

Swiss Travel Pass Lucerne: Many solo female travelers who visit Switzerland find it worthwhile to invest in a Swiss Pass. These are train passes that you book in advance which allow you unlimited travel on trains in Switzerland for the given period. If you’re visiting Luzern Carnival as a solo female traveler as part of a longer trip to Switzerland the Swiss Travel Pass is a good value.

Tourist Information in Luzern: The tourist information desk in Luzern is located at platform 3 of Luzern Banhoff (main train station). 

Top tip: Large Swiss train stations have some of the friendliest and most comprehensive tourist desks you could ask for. They are there to help you discover more about their beautiful country. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your solo travel to Luzern whether it’s finding a place to stay, planning a day trip to the mountains, or plotting your forward journey, they are there to help.

Basic Swiss German Phrases: Score points with locals by using these Swiss German phrases

Grützi (groot-see) Hello/ greetings

Bitte: (bit-ah) please

Danke: (dank-ah) thank you

Merci vielmal: (mer-see veel-mal) Thank you very much (in Swiss German! Fun fact: Swiss German is sprinkled with French words!)

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Getting There: Luzern is about an hour from Zürich airport by train, which is the most efficient way to get there. Make sure you download the SBB mobile app to get train times, buy tickets, manage your itinerary, and more.

On foot: Luzern is a compact, walkable city. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to get to most places on foot. Cobblestones can be slippery though, so don’t be silly like me. Wear sturdy walking shoes and leave the heels at home!

Public Transit: If you stay in a hotel in Lucerne, make sure you get your Lucerene Guest Card! This card will give you free access to public transit in zone 10 of the city, as well as discounts on area mountain railways, cable cars and museums, free wifi, and more! 

Journey Planning: Plan your journey on Luceren’s Local transit, the VBL. 

Taxis and Rideshares: As of the writing of this article, yes the Uber App works in Lucerne! 

You can book yourself a taxi with Luzerner Taxi. 

Please note: Taxis and Ubers will probably be much more expensive than you’re used to in other parts of Europe. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! 

day

The best things to do alone in Lucerne during winter

SIGHTSEEING

Kapellebrücke (Chapel Bridge): Start your day at Lucerne’s iconic Kapellebrücke, Europe’s longest covered bridge. The bridge itself has spanned Lucerne’s River Reuss since the 14th century, however, the colorful panels depicting Lucerne’s history were added in the 17th century.

Kapellebrücke is beautiful at all times of day, but especially at sunset. This is a spot where I love to grab a coffee and go look out across the river at old town to have an, ‘I’m in Europe’ moment. I’ve taken many a stroll across Kapellebrücke and it never gets old.

Zentralstrasse 5 6002  Luzern

Rathhusquai: Look across the river from Kapellebrücke and you’ll see a colorful bank of wedding cake buildings on the other side. This is Rathausequi. This charming promenade between the river and old town is packed with cozy cafes and is perfect for a crisp winter stroll.

Top tip: Outdoor dining does not disappear in Lucerne in winter! In Switzerland, it is common for restaurants and cafes to keep their outdoor seating open in winter. Restaurants provide heavy blankets or furs for you to cozy up in, some have fires, and there’s always the option to order a warm drink or mulled wine! Watching the world go by from an outdoor cafe is one of my favorite things to do alone in Lucerne in winter.

Jesuitenkirch (Jesuit Church): If you continue to walk along the River away from the center of town, you’ll reach Jesuitenkirch. This ornate church has stood since the 17th century and is considered to be one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Switzerland. 

Bahnhofstrasse 11a 6003  Luzern

Top tip: there’s another small wooden covered bridge just across from Jesuitenkirche. This one offers a lovely view of the city from a different vantage point. This is one of my favorite things to do alone in Lucerne. 

The Lion of Lucerne: This iconic stone lion was carved out of a rocky cliff to commemorate the death of Swiss guard members in the French Revolution. The surrounding rocky grotto and park is a truly beautiful spot. Winter in Lucerne is the perfect time to visit the Lion as it will be far less crowded!

Löwendenkmal Denkmalstrasse 4 6002  Luzern

Altstadt (Old Town)

Lucerne’s car-free Old Town is organized around a series of charming town squares featuring everything from high street shops to boutiques and cafes. You will not miss out on shopping and cafes by visiting Luzern in winter.

Don’t Miss Kornmarkt. This large European town square is flanked with intricately frescoed historic buildings. You need to see it to believe it!

Weinmarkt: A smaller town square featuring a pretty fountain and many smart shops.

Mühlenplatz: Winding toward the river, Mühlenplatz is home to many cute cafes and a large fountain.

Kapelleplatz: This lovely square is ground zero to Fasnacht (Luzern Carnival) festivities every February. 

MUSEUMS AND CULTURE

Lucerne is an excellent destination for arts and culture. Visiting a museum is a wonderful thing to do alone in Lucerne in winter, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating!

Museum Rosengart Collection

Housed in the former residence of the Swiss National Bank, this private collection has been open to the public since 1992. Known for its extensive variety of European art, the Rosengarten Collection even has several portraits by Pablo Picasso, who was a personal friend of the founder. I can think of no better thing to do alone in Lucerne in winter than to browse this amazing collection.

Pilatusstrasse 10, 6003 Luzern

Gameograma

If you’re any kind of gamer, you need to visit this place! Here you can immerse yourself in the world of games throughout world history, from antiquity to the modern era, we’re talking pinball machines, arcade games, pub games, the works! They even have their own escape room you can book in advance. Spending the afternoon amusing yourself at Gameorama would be an amazing thing to do alone in Lucerne! 

Hirschengraben 41 6003 Luzern

Verkershaus der Schweiz (Swiss Transportation Museum)

The Swiss Transit Museum tells the fascinating story of Swiss transportation, from cars trams, trains, and aviation! But that’s just the beginning. The museum also plays host to a planetarium and a movie theater! An afternoon at a planetarium could be an ideal thing to do alone in Lucerne in winter!

The Swiss Chocolate Adventure

 While at the Swiss Transit museum, check out The Swiss Chocolate Adventure. This interactive multimedia presentation takes you behind the scenes of Swiss Chocolate making and may even include a free sample or two! It is recommended that you book your tickets to the Swiss Chocolate Experience in advance. 

Top Tip: Weather not so great? The Swiss Transit Museum is a great way to spend a fun afternoon indoors on your visit to Lucerne in winter.

Lidostrasse 5, 6006 Luzern

KKL Luzern

Luzern’s concert hall, this stunning modern building overlooking the lake plays host to over 500 cultural events per year, including crowd-pleasers like Star Wars in Concert. You can even go behind the scenes and take a guided tour of the facilities.

KKL Luzern also boasts its own bars and restaurants, if you’re single and looking to mingle with a musically inclined crowd, these would be a fun stop! An afternoon or evening at KKL Luzern would be an amazing thing to do alone in Luzern in the wintertime. 

Europapl. 1 6003 Luzern

SHOPPING

A movie theater in Lucerne’s colorful shopping district

If you’re looking for retail therapy, Lucerne in winter is ready to help you! There are all kinds of shops in Lucerne, from luxury boutiques to vintage, to high street names. 

Check out this printable map of Lucerne’s main shopping districts!

LUCERNE SHOPS OPENING HOURS:

• Monday – Friday until 19.00 (7 PM)
• Saturday until 17.00 (5 PM)
• Sunday closed
• Evening sale city of Lucerne Thursday until 21.00 hrs (9 PM)

DEPARTMENT STORES IN LUCERNE

Another stunning facade in Lucerne’s old town

Coop City Luzern

Forgot your shampoo? Did your umbrella go kaput? Coop City Luzern is one-stop shopping for necessities like food, clothing, toiletries, housewares, etc. 

Rössligasse 18, 6004 Luzern

Manor

Looking for something a bit more elevated when it comes to clothing, perfume, and accessories? If you are having an impromptu dressy night out on your solo trip to Lucerne, Manor is the place to grab something sparkly. 

Weggisgasse 5, 6002 Luzern

C&A

This German retail giant really saved me that time I went to Switzerland and my clothes didn’t come with me! When it comes to basic women’s clothing at an affordable price, C&A is your shop! 

Hertensteinstrasse 58, 6004 Luzern

WEEKLY MARKETS IN LUCERNE

There’s really no better way to get a taste of a new culture than checking out a weekly market. Lucerne offers a variety of weekly markets for everything from fresh produce and cheese to antiques, to meat and fish. A leisurely morning at the markets could be a relaxing thing to do alone in Lucerne.

SOUVENEIR SHOPPING IN LUCERNE

Casagrande 

If you’ve just got to have a cuckoo clock, a cowbell, a watch or any other type of quintessential Swiss souvenir, head on down to Casagrande. It’s like Disneyland Switzerland inside but if you are looking to stock up on gifts that definitely say you were in the land of chocolate and cheese, this is the place to go. 

Grendelstrasse 6, 6004 Luzern

CHOCOLATE SHOPS IN LUCERNE

Speaking of Chocolate! You haven’t experienced chocolate until you’ve had Swiss Chocolate. Visiting an authentic Swiss Chocolate shop is a wonderfully tasty thing to do alone in Lucerne.

TEUSCHER

Handcrafted truffles, Pralines, the works! If you’re looking for a fancy box of chocolates to knock your socks off, you’ve got to check out Teuscher.

Globus Delicatessa, Pilatusstrasse 4, 6002 Luzern 

SPRÜNGLI

When it comes to Swiss chocolate, I am especially partial to Sprüngli. Not only are they delicious, a small box of Sprüngli makes an ideal gift. Don’t forget to try a Luxombergeli, their beloved signature tiny macaroons! Snacking on macaroons as you stroll by the lake would be a delightfully decadent thing to to alone in Lucerne!

Hertensteintrasse 62, 6004 Luzern

VINTAGE SHOPPING IN LUCERNE

If you’ve been following my blog for long enough, you know I’m a sucker for vintage! Lucerne vintage shops are some of the coolest around! Spending a few hours putting on your own fashion show is one of my favorite things to do alone in Lucerne on a rainy afternoon!

NEO VINTAGE

This cute little hideaway is packed with fun retro pieces from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Bringing home a vintage sweater could be the perfect sustainable souvenir from your trip to Lucerne in winter!

Pfistergasse 10, 6003 Luzern

FIZZEN

This giant boutique full of second-hand and upcycled vintage pieces and their own bespoke brand is a mecca for vintage enthusiasts! Be there or be square!

Löwengraben 15, 6004 Luzern

walks to take in luzern in winter

MUSEGG WALL & NINE TOWERS

If you want to experience some of Lucerne’s history and get a fantastic view of the city, a visit to the Musegg Wall is a good idea. The tower and ramparts are part of the original fortifications of the city. You can walk the ramparts, visit the nine towers and take in some stunning views of the city and the Alps beyond. Taking your camera to capture some stunning vistas is a fun artsy thing to do alone in Lucerne!

Auf Musegg , 6004 Luzern

TAKE A STROLL TO THE WAGNER MUSEUM

If you find yourself with a nice, sunny day (not impossible for Luzern in winter!) why not take a stroll along the lake to the Wanger Museum House? The museum itself is only open between April and November, however, the walk and the surrounding grounds are pretty all year long and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city center. 

The Wagner Museum is a scenic 30-minute walk from the city center, along a paved path by the lake. To walk to the Wagner museum from Lucerne main train station, take a right when you exit Luzern main train station. Follow the footpath along the lake with the lake to your left. You’ll pass landmarks such as KKL Luzern. Once you pass the marina, the path will lead you uphill to the Wagner Museum. 

Richard Wagner Weg 27, 6005 Luzern

HAVE TEA IN A CASTLE AT HOTEL CHÄTEAU GÜTSCH

If you’ve looked up and way from the city toward the hills, chances are you’ve seen Hotel Gütsch in the distance. This ornate, wedding cake of a hotel looks like something straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. It’s even got its own funicular! 

You don’t need to be a guest at Hotel Chäteau Gütsch to enjoy the elegance! The hotel has a restaurant and bar where you can have lunch, tea, and more with a view in their dining room or outdoor terrace. I’ve always dreamed of putting on my best vintage duds and having a fancy tea there. If you choose to do this on your solo travel to Lucerne, please let me know and send me photos!

To get to Hotel Gütsch from Lucerne main train station, take bus 2, 12 or 18 to the Gütsch bus stop. From there, the Gütsch funicular will take you up to the hotel. 

Kanonenstrasse, 6003 Luzern

day trips from Lucerne in winter

Me and my dad having fun on Lake Lucerne in February!

Lake Lucerne boat cruise

Boating happens on Lake Lucerne all year long. My dad and I had a wonderful excursion on the lake when he visited me in February. Wear sunscreen because Lake Lucerne in winter can be very bright.

For a self-guided boat cruise, boats depart Luzern Banhofquai to Vitznau regularly. Once there you can choose to go to shore or take the next boat back to the city!

Top tip: Lake Lucerne is what we call it for the tourists. The real name of the lake in Lucerne is the Vierwaldstättersee.

mt. titlis eternal snow day tour

Does what it says on the tin! If you love snow sports, Titlis is the place to catch a bit of that Swiss alpine vibe! The Titlis Eternal Snow tour brings you from Lucerne to the adorable mountain ski town of Engelberg where you’ll go by cable car to the top of Mt. Titlis. From there you can squeeze in as many snow-related activities as you please, whether it’s touring a glacier cave or getting into a snowball fight!

Zurich city day trip from Lucerne

Old-school charm meets industrial chic in my favorite Swiss city! Zürich is the last word in eclectic cool, packed with cultural gems, quirky restaurants and rooftop bars, offbeat shopping, and much, much more.

Jungfraujoch top of Europe day tour from Lucerne

There is nothing that can prepare you for the jaw-dropping majesty that is Jungfraujoch. Viator Tours has taken care of all the details for you on this day trip to Europe’s highest railway station where you’ll take a cog railway through the mountains to experience the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jungfraujoch.

interlaken & grindewald swiss village day trip

If these stunning Swiss alpine villages look like something out of Middle Earth, that’s because they are. Dubbed the land of waterfalls, this area is said to be the inspiration for Tolkein’s Elf Kingdon of Rivendell. This is one of my very favorite spots to visit in all of Switzerland.

see the mountains like a local

If you just want the Swiss mountain experience without the crowds and you aren’t fussed about big-name peaks, take the cable car up Mt. Rigi like a local! There’s lovely hiking, a spa and a grand view of Pilatus, without the crowds!

STAY

princess vibes

hotel Château gütsch

The stuff that fairytales are made of…quite literally. Hotel Gütsch is located on the hills above Lucerne and you can get there by using their private funicular. This is the perfect way to spoil yourself on your trip to Lucerne in winter!

modern and elevated

radisson blu hotel

This stylish modern hotel is situated by the lakefront, right next to KKL Luzern! It features inspiring surroundings with modern amenities like a fitness center, swanky hotel bar, room service, and access for disabled guests. What’s not to love?

spectacular views

hotel des balances

This boutique hotel gets rave reviews and it’s easy to see why! Old-world charm meets modern amenities with many rooms featuring balconies overlooking the River Reuss.

sustainable boutique

hotel ameron luzern

Only steps away from iconic Kapellebrücke, this modern boutique hotel has upscale design rooms and boasts a highly rated breakfast!

budget-friendly chic in old town

hotel Münzgasse

This colorful, self-check-in boutique hotel features super funky decor and an ideal old-town location!

bite

When it comes to food, Lucerne offers a surprisingly eclectic selection, including plenty of vegan options!

Top tip: It is common to reserve ahead for tables in Swiss restaurants, especially during busy times like Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. 

Karl’s Kraut

This cute plant-based restaurant along the river Reuss also hosts brunch on the weekends and a yoga brunch on Sundays! What’s not to love?

St. Karliquai 7, 6004 Luzern

Mairübe

Swiss-style soul food, but make it vegan! 

Bundespl. 3, 6005 Luzern

tibits

The little sister of Swiss vegan institution Hiltil, Tibits is located on the upper floor of Lucerne Main train station. So you can get a full vegetarian meal while keeping an eye on your train!

Zentralstrasse, 6003 Luzern

the cutest cafes in lucerne

Coffee culture thrives in Lucerne. Here are a few top spots…

Seebistro LUZ

Located in a former boathouse overlooking Lake Lucerne, Seebistro is one of my absolute favorite places to stop for a coffee and a bite when I visit Lucerne. Conveniently located directly across from the main train station, this place offers a fresh local menu with plenty of veggie options. 

Landungsbrücke 1, 6002 Luzern

Alpineum Kaffehaus Bar

This chic coffeehouse has a full menu and boasts it’s own gelateria. Grabbing an artisanal coffee at a chic coffee bar and people-watching is one of my top things to do alone in Lucerne. 

Monumentstrasse 11, 6006 Lucerne

Cafe  Bar Lokal

Part cafe, part bar, part cultural meeting place, this distinctive cafe bar is in a stunning location overlooking the River Reuss. This is the perfect place to take a pause and meet some locals on your solo trip to Luzern.

Pfistergasse 24, 6003 Lucerne

night

It’s not always easy to find things to do alone at night when you’re traveling solo. So I’ve put together a list of my favorite solo-friendly things to do in Luzern. These places are great for people watching, or striking up a conversation if you wish to. 

THEATER

Lucerne is home to several theaters. Honestly, a night out at the theater is one of my favorite things to do alone in Luzern or any place I travel to. Don’t know the language? No problem! Operas often have subtitles in multiple languages and you don’t need a foreign language to appreciate a dance performance. Many theaters in Switzerland offer programming in different languages. Check with the venue to ensure you’re booking your desired performance. 

Luzerner Theater

Lucerne Theater is the oldest multi-genre venue in central Switzerland, offering opera, drama, and dance performances. 

Theaterstrasse 2, 6003 Luzern

Figuren Theater

This charming puppet theater puts on shows for all ages, from fairytales to classics. Why not be a kid again for an afternoon, it is winter in Luzern, after all! 

Industriestrasse 9, 6005 Luzern

Klein Theater 

If you’re looking for a night at the theater that’s a bit offbeat and unexpected, the Klein Theater would be my choice for you! This theater was founded in 1967 to showcase Switzerland’s up-and-coming stage talent. Now it hosts an impressive roster of cabaret talent and musicians. If you’re looking to discover the next big thing before everyone else does, an evening at the Klein theater should be a top voice of things to do alone in Lucerne!

Bundesplatz 12, 6003 Luzern

MUSIC VENUES in Lucerne

Live music is always a good idea!

Live music is one of my very favorite things to do alone as a solo female traveler. Luzern is home to some surprisingly cool and edgy music venues. I’m sharing places that have cute bars or restaurants and offer some programming during the day, so you can feel safe as a solo female traveler in Lucerne. Here are some of my favorite live music venues in Lucerne.

Südpol

From queer feminist drag to live bands to Karaoke sing-alongs, Südpol  (South Pole) has it all. They even have a surprisingly upscale bistro! If you’re looking for a cool afternoon or evening of people-watching, a visit to Südpol would be a very cool thing to do alone in Lucerne. You can get there by bike (they have over 200 bike parking spaces!) or take the number 14 bus from the city center. The stop is Süpol.

Arsenalstr. 28 6010 Kriens

Treibhaus

Treibhaus is a bar, cultural center, and live music venue focused on up-and-coming and alternative acts. They also put on a monthly cult cinema night! That would be a super fun way to meet people as a solo female traveler to Luzern!

Spelteriniweg 4 , 6005 Lucerne

Konzerthaus Schüür

Just a 7-minute walk from the main train station, Schüür is the place to be for live, international music acts in an intimate setting. 

Tribchenstrasse 1, 6005 Lucerne 

BARS, CLUBS & PUBS  in Lucerne

classy

Louis Bar in Hotel Montana

This chic art deco bar in the iconic Montana hotel offers live jazz in an elegant environment. 

Adligenswilerstrasse 22, 6006 Luzern

HIP AND ARTSY

Bourbaki Cinema Bar

Housed in the iconic Bourbaki Cinema (Kino Bourbaki), this bar offers a late-night menu and the opportunity to mix with artists, musicians and cinema enthusiasts alike. Imagine all of the conversations you could strike up here as a solo female traveler to Lucerne!

Löwenplatz 11, 6004 Lucerne

WEIRD AND DIVEY

La Madeline

This bar/club housed in a former adult cinema attracts an eclectic clientele. The red velvet interior looks like an old-school bordello and is definitely the setting for many a ‘crazy night out’ story. This spot may not be for everyone, the later it gets the sleazier it skews, but I’ve had tons of fun at La Medeline busting out my dance moves and learning new Swiss German slang. It’s definitely a local hangout and an antidote to Lucerne’s sleek, buttoned-up image. 

Baselerstrasse* 15, 6003 Luzern

*Baselerstrasse is one of the few streets Luzerners consider to be slightly sketchy! Walk with confidence, use common sense or call a taxi Uber if you’re coming home alone. 

neighborhood PUB VIBES

Mr. Pickwick Pub

There’s a reason why local expats refer to this place as, ‘The Embassy’. Mr. Pickwick is a traditional English pub located overlooking the River Reuss. It hosts live music, trivia nights, and so much more. If you’re traveling solo and want to meet new people, put a stop at Mr. Pickwick’s Pub on your list of things to do alone in Lucerne. 

Rathausquai 6, 6004 Luzern

special events in lucerne in winter

December

Lucerne Christmas Markets

There’s no Christmas like Swiss Christmas! Each festive season, the streets come alive with colorful stalls selling handmade trinkets, mulled wine, delicious street foods, and more. 

Luzern Christmas Market Locations:

Lozärner Wiehnachtsmart (Luzerner Christmas Market): Franziskanerplatz, Old Town

Rudolf’s Christmas Market: This delightful Christmas market takes place in a series of wooden chalets along Lake Lucerne!  

Werftsteg 6005, 6005, Luzern

Luzern Christmas Markets 2024 Dates: 

The Christmas market will take place on 18 days from Thursday, 05. December to Sunday, 22. December 2024 in Lucerne.

JANUARY

New Year’s Eve (or Sylvester, as the Swiss call it) is celebrated in Lucerne with a huge fireworks display!

You can also ring in the new year in the most Swiss style possible, with a Raclette Cruise on Lake Lucerne! 

FEBRUARY 

February in Lucerne is Carnival time. This is my absolute favorite time of year in Switzerland as the city comes alive with colorful costumes, boisterous music, and utter mayhem! If you love a big party, you can’t miss this one. 

By now I’m sure it’s clear that there are tons of things to do alone in Lucerne and that Lucerne in winter is always a good idea!

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