Beer from the Rathaus Brauerei, pubs on the Reuss, club nights on Industriestrasse and trips up Pilatus: here's how to put together your own stag do or hen party in Lucerne and pick your things to do.
Good to know
At the Rathaus Brauerei a Stange costs CHF 6.20, a large beer CHF 8.80. Cocktails cost CHF 15–35, and many club nights are free, for example at Das schwarze Schaf and often at the Schüür. All guide prices.
All costs and money-saving tips ↓On Fridays and Saturdays the night buses start from the station at 01:00, mostly every hour, with the last ones at 03:30. Night trains run to Zurich, with no surcharge. Taxis have maximum fares: CHF 6.60 base fare, CHF 4.20 per km at night.
Passepartout night network ↗In the canton of Lucerne, restaurants usually close at 00:30, and most nightlife venues have an exemption. During Fasnacht, on Schmutziger Donnerstag and Güdismontag, there's no closing time at all.
Littering and noise at night are fined. At Fasnacht, leave glass at home, as stalls don't sell glass bottles. Spirits are sold from age 18, and obviously drunk people won't be served.
From Zurich in 44 minutes, from Basel and Bern in 61 minutes on a direct train. From Zurich Airport it's 70 to 72 minutes direct. Long-distance coaches stop on Landenbergstrasse.
At Backpackers Lucerne a bed in a 4-bed room costs CHF 49–54 a night, and in a double room CHF 58–63 per person. During Fasnacht and the Määs fair in October the city is full, so book early.
July is the warmest month, averaging 19.5 °C, but May to August also bring the most rain. Plan B: the Swiss Museum of Transport, escape rooms, curling at the ice centre or the sauna by the lake.
Order a Kafi Luz: coffee with schnapps, served in a glass. Done properly, the coffee is so weak you can read a newspaper through it.
Plan & map
Bars, clubs, inns and activities on one map: filter by type, add your favourites with “+ Add to plan” and share the plan with your group via a link, no account needed. Rather have a ready-made schedule? The itinerary generator builds one for you.
Lucerne activities by type: click an idea and the list and map show only what matches.
Escape rooms on Pilatusstrasse and Hirschengraben, an outdoor game through the city and missions in Emmen.
A catamaran on Lake Lucerne, the Golden Round Trip up Pilatus or a day on the Rigi.
Cocktail classes by Distillerie Studer at the Old Swiss House, with private dates for groups of 8 or more.
Curling fun with an instructor at the ice centre, season mid-September to March.
A panoramic sauna for your own group at the Lido lakeside baths, cooling off in the lake.
A folklore show at the Stadtkeller, the Museum of Transport by the lake or a tuk-tuk ride through the city.
Pub on the bank of the Reuss in the Old Town with a view of the Chapel Bridge, English and Irish draught beer, live sport on TV and seats outside. The pub doesn't take bookings; the group just turns up and the team finds you a spot.
Beer bar and restaurant on Rathausquai with beers from independent Swiss breweries and simple food. Book for the group by email or on +41 41 220 23 24. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Restaurant, café and club on Mythenstrasse. The club holds 50 to 60 people, with a stage, its own bar, pool and 2 table football tables. On Fridays and Saturdays you can hire it exclusively from 17:00 for a minimum spend of CHF 2,500.
Irish pub in the Old Town on Wagenbachgasse with seats outside. Smoking only outside the door. Groups get in touch on +41 41 410 63 25 or by email. The website doesn't give opening hours, so call first.
Bar in the style of a Hamburg harbour pub on Baselstrasse, Fridays and Saturdays from 17:00 to 02:00, closed Sunday to Tuesday. A Stange costs CHF 5.50, a Kübel CHF 8.50 and a 1.5 l pitcher CHF 23. Ask about parties via the form.
Pub, café, bar, bakery and gig venue on Grabenstrasse, open until 00:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Mondays and Sundays. On programme nights there's live music in the Jazzkantine Club. Book tables on +41 41 410 73 73.
Music bar with a club and stage on Industriestrasse, Fridays and Saturdays from 22:00 to 04:00, Thursdays until 02:30, always free entry. There are lounges explicitly for stag and hen dos too, with drinks packages from CHF 180 to 1,150.
Bistro in the style of a French bistro with Swiss beers, some brewed in-house, and a big outdoor area by the Krienbach fountain. According to OpenStreetMap, open until 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. There's no website of its own.
Lounge and bar on the roof terrace of the Hotel Monopol by the station, open until 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Cocktails cost CHF 18–23. Groups of 8 or more book by phone on +41 41 210 21 31. Seats inside and out.
Café bar on Dornacherstrasse, around 10 minutes' walk from the station, open Thursday to Saturday until 00:30, closed on Sundays and Mondays. The Hinicht Spritz and Hugo cost CHF 12.50, a platter for 2 people CHF 27.
Brewpub with its own microbrewery on Blumenweg. According to OpenStreetMap, open until 24:00 on Thursdays and Fridays and from 12:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays, over-18s only. The website blocks automated requests, so check the opening hours first.
Hotel bar in the Schweizerhof on the lakefront, daily from 09:00 to 24:00, with piano music and events in the lounge. On Mondays from 17:00 to 20:00 there's unlimited Bollinger champagne for CHF 58 per person. In summer it's served on the terrace.
All-day brasserie in the Hotel Mandarin Oriental Palace on the lakefront, open from 07:00 to 00:00. In the evening there are sharing plates, snacks and cocktails from the round bar. Book your table online via the hotel website.
Bar in the Hotel Château Gütsch high above Lucerne, with a terrace and castle courtyard. Signature cocktails cost CHF 19–35, plus lots of whiskeys and rum. You get up there on the Gütschbahn funicular, built for the hotel in 1881. Open from 12:00 at weekends.
Arts venue in the city's former indoor swimming pool, with more than 300 events a year, gigs and club nights. The bistro is open until 00:00 Thursday to Saturday; cocktails such as a Negroni cost CHF 15, beer from CHF 5.50. Tables online.
Concert venue on Tribschenstrasse with a programme several times a week: gigs usually from 19:00 or 19:30, then parties from 21:00 or 22:00. Many DJ nights are free, for example on Fridays on the ground floor until 04:00. For sold-out gigs, get tickets in advance.
Music centre in the former Sedel prison on the edge of the city, used for music since 1981. “The Club” is in the prisoners' former canteen. It's mainly punk, rock, metal and ska, with gigs usually from 19:30 or 20:00.
Event hall in the Grand Casino building on Haldenstrasse with a main hall and gallery for up to 450 people. Parties start at 23:00; the organiser, age limit and price change from night to night. The gaming room next door is a separate area.
Club on Frankenstrasse, Fridays and Saturdays from 22:00 to 04:00, over-18s, free entry, with different DJs every weekend. Book a lounge for the group by email, minimum spend CHF 40 per person.
Four escape rooms on Pilatusstrasse for 2 to 6 people per room, 1 hour each. You pay CHF 33–65 per person, more from midday Friday to Sunday. You can book several rooms in one order, and there are outdoor games in the city too.
Escape rooms in the courtyard between Hirschengraben and Bruchstrasse, 3 minutes from Kasernenplatz. 60 minutes for 2 to 6 players, CHF 100–198 per room. The rooms aren't creepy, there are no jump scares, and the door stays open.
Outdoor team game through the city: 16 tasks in 75 minutes, and you send in your solutions as photos or videos. There's a dedicated version for stag and hen dos. From 4 people, teams of 2 to 5, CHF 22–24 per person, starting at the Vögeligärtli.
According to the operator, the most visited museum in Switzerland, with a film theatre that has the country's largest permanently installed screen. Entry CHF 37, plus CHF 18 each for the planetarium or film theatre. For a half day, allow 4 to 5 hours.
18 adventure missions in Emmen, around 4 km from the centre, teams of 2 to 5, groups of up to 100 people. An hour costs from CHF 25. There's a dedicated offer for stag and hen dos, and the bistro caters for groups if you register in advance.
6 panoramic saunas right on the lakeshore at the Lido lakeside baths, each for up to 6 people and available for exclusive hire. The whole sauna costs CHF 44 per hour, CHF 54 Friday to Sunday. Book at least 1 hour ahead; you cool off in the lake.
Curling fun for 6 to 32 people, 2 hours with an instructor, equipment and rinks. For 9 to 16 people it costs a flat CHF 860, every Friday evening or on request. The curling season runs from mid-September to March, and an aperitif can be added.
Cocktail classes by Distillerie Studer in the bar on the second floor of the Old Swiss House, such as Cocktail Basics or Espresso Martini for CHF 89, 2.5 to 3 hours with a tasting. For groups of 8 or more there are private classes on request.
City tour by electric tuk-tuk from Europaplatz, one hour of “Heart of Lucerne” from CHF 120 for 1 to 4 people per vehicle, in German or English. Bigger groups ride in several tuk-tuks; book via a booking platform.
Restaurant with a Swiss folklore show of yodelling, alphorn and flag throwing, daily from April to October, show from 20:00. From January to March there are rock and pop gigs instead. Events for up to 200 people; book on +41 41 410 47 33.
Restaurant in a half-timbered house on Löwenplatz, a restaurant since 1931. The Wiener schnitzel is prepared at your table. Open Tuesday to Saturday at lunchtime and from 18:00, hot food until 21:00. On the second floor, Distillerie Studer runs cocktail classes.
Neighbourhood restaurant on Klosterstrasse with Neapolitan pizza, made from dough rested for 72 hours. There are regular karaoke nights, with dates on the website. Ask about aperitifs and parties on 041 541 50 15.
Restaurant with a big wine list on Klosterstrasse, open Tuesday to Saturday evenings from 18:00. Book the wood-panelled Stübli for parties and plan the event with the team. Bookings on 041 250 76 76.
Brewery with a restaurant under the arcades of the Town Hall; all the beers are brewed on site in copper kettles. A Stange costs CHF 6.20. For 5 or more you book by email, but only with food; aperitifs under the arcades for 40 to 120 people.
Inn since 1772 serving Swiss food on Burgerstrasse. The historic Nadelwehr room holds 20 to 50 people, and the terrace by the Reuss needle dam up to 120 in summer. Open daily until 23:30, kitchen until 21:30.
Restaurant under the arcades right on the Reuss, with a terrace and a view of the Chapel Bridge. The specialities are bratwurst made to a family recipe and Lucerne Fritschipastetli (vol-au-vent). Daily until 24:00, with fur coats and heated cushions outside in winter.
Restaurant in the Hausermatte right on Lake Lucerne with a big sun terrace, open Wednesday to Sunday. Menus of 3 to 6 courses cost CHF 84–134. There are separate rooms for birthdays and private events.
Restaurant on the Reuss by Kasernenplatz with Swiss and French food and the “Fait Maison” homemade label. A main course costs CHF 48, four courses CHF 90. Open Tuesday to Saturday; book tables via the online form.
Traditional inn on Tribschenstrasse with a garden. In autumn there's game, such as the house venison stew for CHF 38. Book tables online; events and catering are on offer, and the Schüür is round the corner.
Inn on Schützenstrasse with classics such as calf's head, cordon bleu, bratwurst with rösti and Chügelipastetli, and pot-au-feu on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Open Tuesday to Saturday until 00:30; booking is strongly recommended.
Board a modern hybrid catamaran together and glide for an hour from the city centre out onto Lake Lucerne, past Pilatus, the Rigi and the Bürgenstock. Drinks and snacks are available on board, with plenty of room for group photos: the relaxed start to the day before the evening in the Old Town. Book in advance, as places are in demand.
Compact lake cruise straight from Lucerne that shows you the loveliest corners of Lake Lucerne in an hour. Perfect as a relaxed item for the whole group without having to set aside a whole day. Book in advance so everyone has a place on board.
Private Old Town walk where a local shows you the Chapel Bridge, the Musegg Wall and the good places off the tourist trail. A relaxed introduction to the city, where you find out straight away where things are busiest in the evening. The price is per group, so give the number of people in advance.
Adrenaline for the guest of honour: a tandem paragliding flight with an experienced pilot and views over Lake Lucerne and the Alps. The action highlight your group is guaranteed not to forget: one flies, the rest film from the ground. It depends on the weather, so allow a flexible time window and book early.
Two hours on Lake Lucerne with a freshly cooked 3-course menu and an Alpine panorama outside the windows: the stylish daytime programme for groups who fancy a smart meal in between. You sit together at the table, get waited on and enjoy the view. Book places for the whole group in good time.
The classic Pilatus Golden Round Trip from Lucerne: up to 2,132 m by gondola and cable car, panoramic views at the top, and back by boat across the lake. A whole day outdoors that brings the group together and delivers unforgettable views. The meeting point is given when you book; reserve early.
Guided tour by electric tuk-tuk all over Lucerne, with a local who shares the sights and insider stories. An unusual, photogenic item that takes the group through the city at a relaxed pace and puts everyone in a good mood straight away. Book in advance and give your group size.
Interactive chocolate experience in the middle of Lucerne, where you learn all about Swiss chocolate and, of course, taste plenty. A cheap, cheerful item that goes down well with any group and combines nicely with a stroll round the Old Town. Secure slots for the whole group in advance.
Evening walk through historic Lucerne with a night watchman in costume, who tells stories and anecdotes from the old days. An original, good-humoured start to the evening before you head to the bars. Book in advance and agree the meeting point with the group.
Day trip up the Rigi, the Queen of the Mountains: by boat across Lake Lucerne and up by cogwheel railway or cable car to a 360-degree Alpine panorama. A relaxed active day for groups who want nature rather than crowds. Meeting point when you book; fix the date for the whole group early.
Half-day tour from Lucerne up to the Titlis glacier, with the rotating ROTAIR cable car, the Cliff Walk and the Ice Flyer chairlift over the crevasses. The big action and snow experience for the group, all year round and whatever the weather on the mountain. Meeting point when you book; reserve early for everyone.
Lucerne's landmark: a covered wooden bridge over the Reuss with the water tower in the middle, between the Seebrücke and the Rathaussteg. It links the Old Town by St Peter's Chapel with the Neustadt by the theatre. Free to walk, a good meeting point.
Rathausquai is on the right bank of the Reuss in the Old Town, with restaurants and cafés looking out at the Chapel Bridge. On Tuesdays and Saturdays from 06:00 to 13:00 there's a weekly market under the arcades. The Rathaus Brauerei and Bierliebe are here.
Meeting point between the station and the KKL on Europaplatz, with the Wagenbach fountain, right on Lake Lucerne. Buses stop on Bahnhofplatz, and on Fridays and Saturdays the night buses start here from 01:00. The boats leave just opposite.
At around 1,500 m², Lucerne's largest historic square, created in the late Middle Ages, on the right bank of the Reuss. In summer you sit at the outdoor restaurants. From here the Spreuer Bridge leads to Kasernenplatz.
The Town Hall stands on Kornmarkt, built between 1602 and 1606 in Italian Renaissance style. Under its arcades facing the Reuss there's a weekly market on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 06:00 to 13:00. The Rathaus Brauerei brews on the ground floor.
Guide prices excluding travel, food & accommodation. Check the provider for today's prices.
🗺️ Open route in Google MapsNeighbourhoods
The Old Town, the Kleinstadt and the Neustadt are within walking distance, separated only by the Reuss. On Fridays and Saturdays night buses run from 01:00.
For a brewery and a pub by the river
On Rathausquai, the Rathaus Brauerei brews under the arcades, and next door Bierliebe pours beers from independent Swiss breweries. Mr. Pickwick Pub on the Reuss takes no bookings, and at Restaurant Schiff you sit right on the Reuss with a view of the Chapel Bridge.
For a harbour bar and an inn
In the Kleinstadt on the left bank of the Reuss, a pitcher costs CHF 23 at the Hafenbar on Baselstrasse. Bistro Krienbrüggli has Swiss beers, and Die Kneipe on Klosterstrasse has karaoke nights. At the Wirtshaus Taube, up to 50 people can celebrate in the historic Nadelwehr room.
For a club and a rooftop bar
In the Neustadt, Das schwarze Schaf is open until 04:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, with no entry fee. On top of the Hotel Monopol by the station is Suite Rooftop, and at Parterre on Mythenstrasse there's a club for 50 to 60 people. Hinicht mixes aperitif drinks such as the Hinicht Spritz for CHF 12.50.
For a hotel bar, a club and a sauna
On Schweizerhofquai, there's piano music every day at the Schweizerhof Bar, and unlimited champagne on Mondays. At the Palace, MOzern mixes drinks at a round bar, and the Casineum hosts parties from 23:00. At the Lido you sweat it out in your own sauna for up to 6 people right by the lake.
For a music bar and gigs
On Industriestrasse, Bar 59 has lounges for stag and hen dos, with free entry. The Schüür on Tribschenstrasse puts on gigs and parties, and Neubad, in the old indoor pool, more than 300 events a year. Beforehand you can eat game in autumn at the Unterlachenhof.
Sample itinerary
This is what a weekend that works in Lucerne looks like, with a different focus depending on your group. You'll find every venue in the planner above, where you can swap out individual stops.
Dinner under the arcades; bookings with food only.
A pitcher for CHF 23 on Baselstrasse.
Club until 04:00, free entry.
Four rooms on Pilatusstrasse, several in one booking.
Curling fun at the ice centre, season September to March.
Dinner on Tribschenstrasse.
Lounge with a drinks package, until 04:00.
Distillerie Studer at the Old Swiss House, CHF 89 per person.
Piano music on the lakefront, open until 24:00.
Your own sauna at the Lido; book at least 1 hour ahead.
Escape room without the scares, 2 to 6 per room.
Up on the Gütschbahn funicular, cocktails with a view.
Drinks above the rooftops by the station, until 03:00.
Lucerne classics; booking strongly recommended.
Swiss craft beers on Rathausquai.
Golden Round Trip by boat and train, May to October.
Across the bridge into the Old Town, free to walk.
Bratwurst and Fritschipastetli (Lucerne vol-au-vent) on the Reuss.
Your group's a bit different? The itinerary generator builds a plan around your group, budget and mood, using the same venues.
Budget
Beer from the Rathaus Brauerei costs CHF 6.20 a Stange, and many clubs charge no entry. Escape rooms, curling and the Museum of Transport cost between CHF 22 and 65 per person.
| Option | Per person | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| One night out | €55–120 | brewery or inn with food, bars, club |
| A day with an activity | €95–185 | plus an escape room, curling, a sauna or a museum |
| Weekend | €210–450 | two nights out, one activity, one night in a double room, travel not included |
Guide prices per person, based on the prices of the venues and tours on this page. The bride or groom usually doesn't pay; their share is split across the group. The planner above adds up what your programme costs.
All prices in euros, converted at the ECB rate of 9 October 2026. Travel isn't included, as that depends on where you're coming from. Accommodation is based on the country's price level. Work out your own budget with the cost calculator.
Seasonal tips
These festivals and events come round every year. If your weekend falls on one of them, the city and the hotels will be full.
Lucerne's carnival, from 05:00 on Schmutziger Donnerstag to Güdisdienstag, in February or March depending on the year, with more than 50 Guggenmusik brass bands.
On a Saturday in April, more than 15,000 people run through the city.
A two-day city festival in June.
Ten days of music around the lake basin in July; the outdoor stages are free.
Classical music at the KKL and around the city from August to September.
Around two weeks of autumn fair in October, from Bahnhofplatz to the Inseli, with a funfair.
Covered wooden bridge 202.90 m long with its water tower, free to walk.
One of the top sights, free to visit.
The most visited museum in Switzerland according to the operator, entry CHF 37.
Questions
