Enjoy a long weekend in Lucerne: tips and addresses for foodies

Lucerne is one of Switzerland's most famous travel destinations. So anyone staying here is spoiled for choice when it comes to hotels. Mandarin Oriental Palace is always worth a booking, satisfying even the highest demands. Before we set off to explore the city, we enjoy the view of the lake over an espresso on the terrace. Then we walk along the promenade along the road towards Kapellbrücke. As we cross, we marvel at the triangular original paintings that adorn the roof gables.

The KKL Luzern is just a stone's throw from the opposite side of the river. The impressive cultural and congress center on the lake was built according to a design by French star architect Jean Nouvel. During a guided tour, we learn that this is home to one of the world's best concert halls in terms of acoustics. It's located up to eight meters below the water level in a ship's bow-like housing. The architectural and acoustic masterpiece is completely soundproof and can even be tuned depending on the concert - for example, there are echo chambers with concrete doors that can be opened and closed to change the sound quality.

A concert at the KKL Lucerne is a must on a long weekend in the city. Whether classical, pop or even folk music, there's something for every taste. This also includes dinner in the hotel's own Michelin-starred restaurant Lucide, which opens its doors at 5 p.m. on concert evenings to serve guests.

The team led by chef Maximilian Huber serves a seasonal menu full of depth, clarity and character. It's created in close collaboration with producers who work in harmony with nature and the seasons, and bears an unmistakable signature: the terroir of the Alps, combined with a cosmopolitan spirit and traditional craftsmanship. Regionality is not staged here, but lived - consciously, in keeping with the times and in genuine proximity to the product and its origins.

After the concert, we treat ourselves to a nightcap in the Louis Bar at the Art Deco Hotel Montana. It's located on the hillside directly above the Mandarin Oriental Palace and offers a spectacular view.

Today, the day begins in Lucerne's Neustadt district. On the beautiful Helvetiaplatz there's not only a small weekly market with local produce, but also one of the best brunches in the city. Glou Glou serves everything a breakfast lover's heart desires, from French croissants to sourdough bread with various toppings and French oysters. You could also stay here a bit longer and sample the exciting wine list and bistro cuisine until the evening, but there are other things to do too.

After breakfast, we stroll through Lucerne's picturesque weekly market, which takes place in the Helvetiagärtli and along the Reuss in the old town. We leave the city center for lunch, as the Maihöfli by UniQuisine restaurant offers refined yet down-to-earth star cuisine and is also open at lunchtime.

After a sumptuous meal, a digestive walk is a must. On the way back to the city, we pass the Lion Monument, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who died storming the Tuileries during the French Revolution.

Right next door. you'll find the Alpineum Kaffeehaus Bar, which includes the Gelateria Dell'Alpi. There we treat ourselves to a gelato, which we eat with relish on the way back to the old town. We order a glass of wine at Weinbar Storchen. The traditional bar in the heart of the city center was taken over by a young team a few years ago. It's cozy and has a nice selection of special wines.

Before we return to the Mandarin Oriental Palace, we stop off at the casino - not to challenge our gambling luck, but to enjoy a delicious dinner. Chef Hugues Blanchard serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine that is among the best in the city in the lavishly neo-baroque-style Restaurant Olivo. The restaurant is particularly well-known for its delicious fish dishes.

In the morning, we have coffee at Café de Matos , a stylish new opening in the city center. Croissants and homemade cakes are served with coffee or tea, and in the afternoon the restaurant is transformed into a wine bar. The restaurant next door serves contemporary bistro cuisine, but like many Lucerne eateries, it's closed on Sunday afternoons, which is why we take a trip out of town.

A boat takes us to the Bürgenstock docks in front of the KKL Lucerne. This mountain towers impressively over Lake Lucerne and is crowned with a legendary hotel: Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne. The ascent is short and painless thanks to a funicular, and we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the lake, town and surrounding countryside.

In contrast to the thoroughly Swiss landscape, we enjoy an exotic lunch in the Spices Kitchen & Terrace restaurant, offering pan-Asian gourmet cuisine and a large window front with a wonderful view. After lunch there are several options. On the one hand, the Bürgenstock Resort has an impressive and well-equipped spa, which can also be used as a day spa on reservation. On the other hand, it's worth going for a walk. We then take the rack railroad back to the boat and return to the city.

After arriving, we take an ice cream and coffee break at Le Piaf on the first floor of the KKL Luzern - it's worth it, because the beans are roasted in-house and the gelato comes from the famous Gelateria di Berna. The charming deli-café bar has something to suit every time of day, from fine breakfasts and freshly prepared dishes for lunch to drinks and a relaxed dinner.

However, we take this at the Mandarin Oriental Palace itself. At Minamo, chef Yutaka Kobayashi serves eight lucky guests a special Japanese omakase menu each evening. Here, you eat in absolute privacy and tranquillity. It's a wonderful end to a perfect weekend.