You have to fly into Zurich to get to Lucerne. If you are looking for cheap flights to Zurich, think of an excursion fare where you must stay over a Saturday night in Switzerland. Connect by train to Lucerne.

Shopping:

Like most Swiss cities the emphasis in Lucerne stores is on quality, not price, so you might find things a touch expensive.

Recommended Stores - Plenty of designer shops.
Try the markets and stores for local goods.

Best Buys - Cakes, Chocolate, Sweets, Souvenirs.

Opening Times - 07.30 to 19.00 hrs, Mon - Sat.

Sightseeing Attractions:

Chapel Bridge - constructed in the 14th century as part of the city fortifications and named after the nearby St. Peter's Chapel, its history is much documented .

Lion Monument - The dying Lions of Lucerne are one of the world's famous monuments. They were hewn out of natural rock in memory of the heroic death of Swiss Merceneries at the Tuileries in 1792.

Water Tower - this 34 metres high octagonal construction, built circa 13th century, is a famous landmark and is part of the city wall. The use of this tower has changed a number of times, it has been an archive, treasury, prison and a torture chamber.

Jesuit Church - first large sacred building in Switzerland. Constructed in 1666 by Father Christoph Vogler for the Jesuits. The church vault was redecorated in the mid 18th century and contains the original vestment of famous patron Brother Klaus inside the inner chapel.

Water Spikes - the spikes are lowered into the water to regulate water levels but they provide an interesting sight for the tourist to see.

Hof Church - main city cathedral of St. Ledger and Maurititus. This Benedictine Monastry was founded here in the 5th Century. The church was rebuilt in 1633 after it had been destroyed in a fire and is now renowned as one of Switzerland's finest Renaissence church buildings.

Art galleries - Lucerne has some of the finest collections of paintings at galleries such as the Hans Erni-Museum, Panorama, Picasso Museum and the Museum of Art.

Swiss Transport Museum - houses a fine collection of vehicles and trains.

Zeiss Planetarium - provides a fascinating view of the stars, constellations and galaxies.

Museum of Natural History - a fine collection of Lucerne past and present, a much favoured family attraction

Recommended Entertainment:

Concert Halls - there is a whole host of musical events from classical to rock, pop, punk, hard rock. Outdoor International festivals are held occasionally throughout the year.

Cinemas - for movie buffs the Max Film theatre is an experience with the screen measuring several storeys high and 250 metres wide.

Theatres and Opera - the Lucerner Theatre provides a whole range of productions and operas.

Bars - the popular drinking haunts are Bar Seehotel, Artisan Bar, Hotel Union and the Bar in Restaurant Opus. For more lively entertainment try the Casino Event Bar for an evening of live jazz, blues, comedy, stand ups and concerts. For real Swiss folk culture visit the Folkloro for an evening of yodeling, Alpine horn blowing and flag throwing

Pubs - try visiting Alambic and Amadeus for lively social evenings.

Night Life - a must is the Night Club Cacadou at Du Pont, the number one night club, Also consider the Body Club Cabarat, Night Life Cacadou and Red Rose for a night to remember. For dancing the atmosphere at Adagio Night Life, Hexenkessel and Pravda is top notch.

Eating Out - the city has an excellent range of food on offer with specialities such as folklore food at Casino Le Chalet, or try the cross border influence of Italian/French cuisine at Latino. For fastfood and take-aways try the Mr. Pickwick Pub for hamburgers, or Cafe'e Bachmann for snacks and Restaurant Rothaus for local Swiss specialities. Many more cafes and restaurants can be found around the city.

Local Transport :
* Buses/Tramways - City Network Tariff Zone 1 (one ticket) adult CHF2.20, child - CHF1.50, minors travel free.
* Taxis - CHF7 in town, CHF4 out of town. Please note taxi fares are regulated by the city police and are subject to change. In case of difficulties you must note the driver's medallion number and ask for a fare receipt. Luggage is charged at an extra additional cost.

Tourist Information - Zentralstrasse.