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Lucerne Tourist Traps

Tips and photos of Lucerne tourist attractions and tourist traps, posted by real travelers and Lucerne locals.
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My advice? Don't think and...
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  • Krystynn
  • By Krystynn on September 12, 2002
  • Lucerne Page by Krystynn
  • Lucerne Tourist Traps
    by Krystynn
    My advice? Don't think and assume that just because you're in Switzerland, the Rolex and Swatch watches here would be considerably cheaper. Not true. In fact, the Swatch watches here are MORE expensive than in other countries! Alot of consumer products cost a bomb here in Switzerland (Lucerne included), so... enter the department stores and shops with your eyes wide open (not shut)!!!
    ;-))

    You need a very strong heart to survive in Switzerland. Either that or you must be a distant long-lost relative of the Onassis... Otherwise, like the rest of us lesser mortals, you'd find that the standard of living here is VERY high and you'll need to earn lots more $$$ in order to survive or live comfortably - without being in debt or maxing out your credit cards! :-(((

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    Stadtkeller
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  • bugsbunny76
  • Updated By bugsbunny76 on July 19, 2006
  • Lucerne Page by bugsbunny76
  • Lucerne Tourist Traps
    by bugsbunny76
    Stadtkeller is a folklore restaurant for tourists. This is really only something for you, if you're really into the tourist-thing or a folklore freak. Otherwise, I would advise you to eat your fondue in a "normal" local restaurant. It will cost much less and taste much better. A good restaurant for local specialities withouth the tourist-joddle-show is "Restaurant Taube" (try the älplermakronnen) or "Galliker". If you have a lot of money to waste, also "old swiss house" is excellent, but like I said, very expensive.

    This is only for sommer season. Off-Season Stadtkeller is a nice Rock/Pop Concert Hall with a good lineup and much appreciated by locals.

    Realize that wine prices in swiss restaurants are very high. It is not uncommen to spend way more money on wine than on food. If you have to look after your money, drink beer or soda. Or make sure you order the "house wine" or other "open wine", it will be cheaper than a bottle.

    In and around lucerne, there are always real "folklore" events, such as ländermusig concerts or Schwingfeste. Aks the locals, the personal of your hotel or the tourist information for a real event, that is visited by locals for the real deal. It will not only be much cheaper, but also a real culture experience.

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    Not all Watch stores are created equal
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  • fishandchips
  • Updated By fishandchips on April 2, 2007
  • Lucerne Page by fishandchips
  • Upon hitting Lucerne we were taken to the 'accredited' watch seller of the tour firm we were travelling with. Make sure you shop around as often is the case you are going to the preferred supplier because the tour guide and/or company are getting kick-backs for sales.

    In Lucerne you are best to have a look at Bucherer for a guide to prices then take a walk. Incidently, Bucherer often give away free spoons - to collect you need to go to the top floor and walk by the 'extensive ranges' to get it. Get your spoon and walk on after a quick browse!!

    Have a look at the major stores then wander around for price comparisons. The smaller stores will often bargain better than the large stores but try your haggling skills not matter where you are. Prices will be similar but some shops may throw in engraving etc for free if you give them the right nudge!!

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    Swiss restaurant checks INCLUDE service
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  • By IanL7781 on June 6, 2003
  • Lucerne Page by IanL7781
  • Don't forget most restaurant bills include service so unless service is exceptional there is no need to add anything further. Many Credit Card vouchers are left 'open' expecting the unaware to add a further 10 - 15%!

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    Shopping for Clothes. I loved...
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  • chrissyalex
  • By chrissyalex on August 25, 2002
  • Lucerne Page by chrissyalex
  • Lucerne Tourist Traps
    by chrissyalex
    Shopping for Clothes. I loved Lucerne, but it is not really the best place to shop for clothes. It is quite expensive and the selection was nothing extraordinary.

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    The gift shop next to the...
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  • Venturingnow
  • Updated By Venturingnow on March 14, 2003
  • Lucerne Page by Venturingnow
  • A Lion Monument Close-up - Lucerne
    A Lion Monument Close-up
    by Venturingnow
    The gift shop next to the Lion monument. Typical markups on all items just for the fact that it's the closest shop to the monument. Just go somewhere a little further down to road to save 40%!

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    The maps we had didn't clearly...
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  • rtschneider
  • By rtschneider on August 25, 2002
  • Lucerne Page by rtschneider
  • Lucerne Tourist Traps
    by rtschneider
    The maps we had didn't clearly show how to get to the Towers so we walked around and around trying to get to them. We could see them but the the roads would be closed or non-existant or gated. We should have asked for directions.

    Also, we saw what we thought was a castle up the mountain (see the picture) and climbed up there just to find a run down hotel. I don't even think it was open anymore!

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    I discovered rather quickly...
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  • DrewV
  • By DrewV on August 24, 2002
  • Lucerne Page by DrewV
  • Lucerne Tourist Traps
    by DrewV
    I discovered rather quickly that I was not the only visitor in Lucerne in early July 2000. Busloads of tour groups had descended upon the city for apparently one reason, to visit the monument that Mark Twain called 'the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.'

    Here's the gist: In honor of the Swiss mercenaries killed in France in 1792, the people of Lucerne commissioned the carving of a nine-meter long lion, who as he dies, continues to protect the French fleur-de-lis. The lion is carved directly from the sandstone cliff face, and honestly, it does possess a particularly impressive lifelike visage. Unfortunately, it's infested with hordes upon hordes of tourists.

    'Oh, my, that's certainly a big lion, isn't it, John?' one middle-aged American woman asks her camera-toting husband.

    'Why yes, it is, dear,' John replies, clearly perplexed that the monument is too big to fit in his viewfinder. He takes a few steps back.

    'Isn't it funny that 'lion' and 'Lucerne' both start with 'L'?' his wife ponders.

    Click. Wind, wind, wind. 'That is funny, dear.' He readjusts his camera for another shot.

    'I wonder if there are lions in the mountains here. I hope they don't attack the bus,' his wife continues to ponder. I am not making this conversation up.

    It's a very attractive monument, but the tourist crowds do make it a bit hard to stomach.

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    Lucerne Tourist Traps Tip (Untitled)
    o00o
  • By o00o on August 25, 2002
  • Lucerne Page by o00o
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    I have been to Lucerne 4 or 5...
  • By sonnyfl on August 24, 2002
  • Lucerne Page by sonnyfl
  • I have been to Lucerne 4 or 5 times and have not discovered any tourist traps.

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