Lucerne's Swiss mix of urban delights
From its dramatic scenery and quaint old town squares to its modern, urban efficiency, Lucerne is one of Switzerland's gems. No visit to Switzerland is really complete without sampling its urban charms...and Lucerne sparkles as perhaps the brightest of all.
SIDEBAR
IF YOU VISIT...
SLEEPING: Hotel des Alpes is right on the river in the old town; pricier riverfront rooms come with beautiful views (splurge, www.desalpes-luzern.ch). Once a convent-run boarding house for village girls, Hotel Alpha has 47 big, bright, institutional rooms, most with a toilet down the hall (moderate, www.hotelalpha.ch).
EATING: Offering seasonal dishes from scratch, the romantic Nix in der Laterne has a white-tablecloth-dressy interior and great outside seats right on the river (Reussteg 9, tel. 041-240-2543). Restaurant Rathaus Brauerei is a lively microbrewery with an ideal riverfront location under the town hall (Unter der Egg 2, tel. 041-410-5257).
GETTING AROUND: Although nearly everything in Lucerne is within walking distance, buses can be handy time-savers. The tourist information office's city guide brochure includes bus routes to help you navigate.
TOURIST INFORMATION: www.luzern.com.
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(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)
(c)2016 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
