Shopping · Lucerne · Switzerland
Shopping in Lucerne
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gestumblindi, Public domain
Quick answer
Lucerne is a classic place to buy Swiss watches and Swiss Army knives, with large specialist stores around the Schwanenplatz and Grendel. The old town has small independent shops and confectioners. Best souvenirs: Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives and Chocolate.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 2
- Top souvenir
- Swiss watches
Where to shop
Schwanenplatz and Grendel
Large watch and jewellery stores catering to tour groups, with many major Swiss brands under one roof.
Weggisgasse and Kapellgasse
Old-town shopping streets with Swiss chains, chocolatiers and souvenir shops.
Neustadt
Independent boutiques, design and second-hand shops around Hirschmattstrasse and Bundesplatz.
Markets
Weekly market on the Reuss
Produce, cheese, bread and flowers along the river quays on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
Flea market at the Reuss
Second-hand and antiques stalls along the Burgerstrasse riverbank on Saturdays in the warmer months.
What to buy
Swiss watches
Lucerne's specialist stores stock most Swiss brands; ask about VAT refunds if you live outside Switzerland.
Swiss Army knives
Widely available in every size, often with engraving done while you wait.
Chocolate
Bars and pralines from local confiseries travel well in cool weather.
Kirsch
Cherry brandy from central Switzerland, the spirit behind Zuger Kirschtorte and Kafi Luz.
Cowbells and alpine crafts
Decorated cowbells, carved wood and embroidered textiles from souvenir and craft shops.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Neighbourhood · Old Town
Weinmarkt, Kornmarkt and the old town
Lucerne's medieval centre is a compact loop of painted façades around Weinmarkt, Hirschenplatz and Kornmarkt, where the Renaissance town hall stands by the river.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Shopping
- Photo spot
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Kafi Luz, Zug cherry cake, Carnival fritters and Pear bread. Traditional bars and restaurants in the old town, especially in carnival season. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Station and KKL area | $$$ | Railway station, boat piers and Jean Nouvel's concert hall on the lakeshore |
| Haldenstrasse lakefront | $$$$ | Belle Époque grand hotels and a plane-tree promenade facing the Alps |
| Neustadt | $$ | Grid of residential streets, local bars and everyday shops south of the station |
| Tribschen | $$ | Lakeside parks, Wagner's villa and swimming lawns south-east of the KKL |
| Baselstrasse and Bruch | $ | Multicultural street of kebab shops, bars and small galleries below the Gütsch hill |
| Weggis and Vitznau | $$$ | Lakeside resort villages at the foot of Rigi, reached by boat |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in CHF. Service is included in Swiss prices. Locals round up the bill or add a few francs for good service; up to about 5–10% in a smart restaurant is generous but not expected.
- Greet shop and restaurant staff with 'Grüezi' (or 'Grüezi mitenand' for a group) and say 'Merci' when leaving.
- Compare a Swiss Half Fare Card with a Swiss Travel Pass before buying mountain tickets; either can cut excursion costs substantially.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January, March and November; the busiest months are July–August.
- July: Blue Balls Festival — music by the lake (usually July)
- August: Lucerne Festival summer season at the KKL (usually mid-August to mid-September)
- September: Lucerne Festival summer season (usually until mid-September)
- November: Lucerne Blues Festival (usually November)
- December: Christmas markets on Franziskanerplatz and in the old town (usually late November to 24 December)
Staying near the shops
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Lucerne?
Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, Chocolate and Kirsch.
+Where is the best shopping in Lucerne?
Schwanenplatz and Grendel: Large watch and jewellery stores catering to tour groups, with many major Swiss brands under one roof.
+What are the best markets in Lucerne?
Weekly market on the Reuss and Flea market at the Reuss.