Why stay in Lucerne?
Lucerne, or Luzern in German, is an incredibly picturesque and charming city in central Switzerland. A worthwhile spot to spend a few days all on its own, Lucerne is also a great base for exploring the many attractions in the area. And if you have any desire to shoot an apple off your son's head with an arrow, the best spot to attempt it is probably in nearby Altdorf, where William Tell did it successfully. Perhaps his good luck will rub off on you. (Really, though, it is probably best that you do not try this at all. Anywhere.)
Since it is not a big city, Lucerne does not have many hostels and budget hotels. So if it is on your itinerary you will want to book early to make sure you get a cheap room. The best news about Lucerne is that the central old town is easy to navigate on foot, so you will be able to get back and forth from your hostel to the city's sights with no trouble. Also keep in mind that "hostels" are not just for young people or the backpacking crowd (even if the place has the word "backpacker" in the name!) - hostels are ideal for budget-conscious travelers who are interested in meeting other travelers. A few Lucerne hostels worth mentioning are highlighted below.
Tourist Hotel Lucerne is in Lucerne's old town a few minutes from the train station, lake and shopping. Youthhostel Luzern has nearly 200 beds in both dorm style rooms and private rooms. Hotel Falken is close to the main sights of the old town.
If none of these hostels sounds like it will be perfect for your needs, never fear. There are other Lucerne hostels where those came from. Just keep reading the listings until you find the one that sounds best to you.
Is there anything else we can help you with for your trip? Remember that you can look for the best deals on international airfare to Switzerland and book your ticket now. You can also learn more about the area in our Lucerne Travel Guide.