Bars
Buvette Bar & Café Bar Volière
Werfsteg, 6005 Luzern
On the banks of Lake Lucerne, in the Inseli Park, just a few minutes walk from the train station you can find the gorgeous summer bars Buvette Bar and Café Bar Volière. Take a seat at one of the deck chairs, tables or just relax on the lawn and take in the spectacular views across the lake towards the Alps. It’s a relaxed spot but the quality of drinks served is excellent including: locally roasted coffee, locally brewed beer and wine from Meggen (from just across the lake!). On Sundays there’s a barbeque, and vegetarian and vegan food is served at other times, or just bring a picnic. The bars are open from April to September.
Rathaus Brauerei
Unter der Egg 2, 6004 Luzern
The Rathaus Brauerei is found in the beautiful 17th century town hall building located right on the River Reuss. Brewing their own beer since 1998, the Rathaus is the perfect spot to stop for a relaxing afternoon drink where you can sit outside and take in the stunning views of the river and Chapel Bridge. They serve a delicious house beer as well as a special beer for each season.
Gardist Wine Bar
Bireggstrasse 20A, 6003 Luzern
About 15 minutes walk from the train station in the New City, you’ll find the delightful Gardist wine bar. It’s a cosy space with timber ceilings, tiled walls and wine bottles everywhere. You can sample a selection of excellent, mostly European, wines. The staff here are friendly and clearly enthusiastic about what they do, happy to have a chat about the wines and help you choose. A selection of antipasto, meat and cheese are served to accompany the wines, making for a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. If you like the wines, you can also purchase them from their wine shop.
Das Weisse Schaf
Frankenstrasse 2, 6003 Luzern
Just a stone’s throw from the train station you can find the stylish cocktail bar Das Weisse Schaf, the White Sheep. The bar has a chic and contemporary appearance, but is not pretentious; it makes for a great place to relax with a few well-made cocktails. The extensive cocktail menu features plenty of classics as well as some imaginative options for the more adventurous – don’t miss the Indiana Jones which comes with rum, Cointreau, lime juice, falernum syrup, ginger ale and fairy floss! The bartenders are friendly and happy to make suggestions. If you’re up for a party, head downstairs to the sister bar Das Schwarze Schaf (the Black Sheep), for the popular dance club.
Louis Bar
Adligenswilerstrasse 22, 6006 Luzern
The Louis Bar in the Art Deco Hotel Montana is one of Lucerne’s most elegant and famous bars. Named after jazz great Louis Armstrong, the bar is a luxurious space with chandeliers, comfortable art deco inspired lounges and spectacular views of Lake Lucerne. The bar is renowned for its collection of over 130 single malt whiskeys (the largest collection in Switzerland) but the professional and friendly bartenders also whisk up a brilliant cocktail. Appropriately, the bar hosts live music several nights a week, with performances on Tuesday and Saturday as well as a jazz jam session on Thursday nights. To get there take the world’s shortest funicular up the hill to the hotel. You’ll find the views and overall experience well worth the journey.
