Lucerne Tourist Traps

Just across the road from the Lion Monument is this shop and panorama theatre - showing film of the peaks in Switzerland, such as Jungfrau, Pilatus, Titlis etc.... It was only for 15 minutes and cost Sfr 5 - although lovely to see its much better to see in real life and hike some paths alongside if you are able.

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!!

Fun Alternatives: 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!!

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.

Unique Suggestions: 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.

Fun Alternatives: 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.

My wife really wanted to see Lucerne's Picasso Museum, and so we hunted dilgently until we found it in a tucked-away alley on the north shore of the river. Despite being described in one guidebook as "Extraordinary collection of important works by Picasso from the last 20 years of his life," I'd have to say that while this museum may not qualify as a rip-off, that quote is certainly an exaggeration. It consists mainly of about 100 photographs of the artist, his wife, and his dog hanging around his cluttered house in those prison-stripe pants of which he was so fond. You can see pictures of him reading the newpaper, eating dinner, etc. If you are looking for artwork by Picasso, instead of pictures of Picasso, then this is not for you. (I'd underline the "by" and "of" in that last sentence for emphasis if I could.) And with an entry fee of 10 CHF per adult, it was not what I thought I was getting.

I expected a nice museum and a breathtaking painting. But it is really not worth to go there. The Entrance for a student is CHF 6, for adults CHF 8! Save that money and buy something else...

Fun Alternatives: The Lions monument and Glacier Garden is very close. Go there instead!

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%!

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! :-(((

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!