Lucerne has a fantastic location on the edge of beautiful Lake Lucerne and is filled with old buildings and stunning landmarks. Its web of tangled, pedestrian-only streets lends the Old Town a wonderful atmosphere, where visitors can stroll Lucerne's finer points totally unhindered.
 Dreilinden Park
Because of its location outside the city centre, Dreilinden Park is not as heavily visited as other parks in Lucerne, making it more of an allure for those looking for respite from the tourist hordes. The park is reminiscent of an English park, where artificial ruins have been strategically positioned about the place. Dreilinden Park is one of Lucerne's largest parks and also features a music conservatoire, marble sculptures and fine views.
 Fritschi Fountain
Lucerne has its fair share of fountains and Fritschi Fountain is one of the city's favourites. Fritschi is a legendary character who dates back to the 15th century and his statue stands in the middle of the fountain, while his wife, a maiden and a peasant are also part of the set up.
Gütsch Castle Hotel
If you want to gain an overall perspective of Lucerne, paying a visit to the former Gütsch Castle Hotel would be your best bet. The tower of this former hotel is a little over 10 metres tall and together with the building's location on a hill near the city centre, it provides outstanding views when it is open. A funicular railway provides access to the hotel from the city centre.
 Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)
Chapel Bridge is Lucerne's most famous bridge that crosses the River Reuss, linking both halves of the city. The bridge dates from the 14th century and sports a central octagonal fort tower known as the Wasserturm. The bridge and tower are Lucerne's most recognisable landmarks and 17th century paintings showcasing part of Lucerne's history can be seen inside the tower.
 Lion Monument
The Lion Monument is one of Lucerne's most heavily visited sights. Located to the northeast of Löwenplatz, the Lion Monument commemorates the 700 Swiss mercenaries who were massacred in 1792 by French revolutionists. The monument features a dying lion with a shield and a spear through his flank which was carved from the rock of a nearby cliff face.
 Town Hall
Lucerne's Town Hall is one of the most endearing landmarks in the city. Although Lucerne has had a town hall since the late 1200s, the present building was constructed in the early 1600s on the site of the Kornmarkt (corn market), which was originally moved from the fish market. The current building is one of Switzerland's most important Renaissance buildings and stands at over 40 metres tall.
 Verkenrshaus der Schweiz (Swiss Transport Museum)
The Swiss Transport Museum is one of the best of its kind in Europe, exhibiting a huge amount of scientific items. The museum is a modern facility covering a large amount of floor space and boasts popular attractions such as a planetarium, IMAX theatre and a mock Gotthard Tunnel as well as information on its construction. The Swissarena is the Swiss Transport Museum's newest attraction and comes complete with Switzerland's largest orthophotograph. The Verkenrshaus der Schweiz opens every day of the week from 10:00 to 18:00 (April to October) and from 10:00 to 17:00 (November to March).
Weinmarkt Fountain
Weinmarkt Fountain dates back to the late 1400s and is perhaps Lucerne's most beautiful. The current fountain is a mock of the original, which currently lies in the History Museum. Designed by renowned architect Konrad Lux, features of the fountain include the figure of St Mauritius and six medieval warriors scattered around the base.
Zur Gilgen House
The Zur Gilgen House is one of the oldest stone buildings in Lucerne and it originates from the early 1500s. It is located on the right bank of the Reuss and its tower, which was originally part of the city wall.
Top Things to Do
 Meander through the Old Town. The Old Town of Lucerne is the most charming part of the city, with its pedestrian-only streets and alleys, and array of hotels, restaurants and shops. Walking tours of the Old Town are very popular and take in all the landmarks, monuments, sights and sounds of the city. Half-timbered structures still line the River Reuss and the Old Town walls remain high above the city.
 Get out on the water. Lake Lucerne is one of the main draws to Lucerne and it offers a different perspective of the city and the surrounding mountains from the water. Paddlewheel steamers offer cruises of the lake and mainly sail from June to September, although some run year-round. Boats leave from Luzern Bahhofquai, a pier located near the rail station and the point where the river meets the lake. Boats such as the Stadt Luzern and Unterwalden sail from here several times a day.
One of the most popular boat trips in Lucerne, involving different forms of transport, is the Mount Rigi trip. Steamboats make regular forays to Vitznau from Lucerne, from where a cogwheel train runs up to Rigi-Kulm. The views from here are panoramic and breathtaking, and they provide the perfect photo opportunity. Options for getting back to Lucerne from the mountain include taking a cable car to Weggis and then a boat back, or heading in the other direction to Goldau via cable car and then taking the train back to Lucerne.
The lake can also be enjoyed at water level in the form of swimming at a lake beach or hiring a rowing boat, pedalo, or partaking in a spot of windsurfing. Many visitors also enjoy hiring mountain bikes and scouting out the many trails, while hikers have miles of mountain tracks to explore.
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