Shopping cheaply in Luzern

Opening hours, cheap shops, Caritas-Markt and KulturLegi. This is how you get through daily life with little money.

Switzerland is expensive. But there are ways to shop cheaply. Here you find the most important tips for Luzern.

Opening hours

Most shops close at 7 pm from Monday to Friday. On Saturday they close at 5 pm at the latest. On Sunday the shops are closed.

Shops at the train station are also open on Sunday, and for longer. In some municipalities there is late-night shopping (Abendverkauf) until 9 pm on one evening per week.

Shopping cheaply

  • Big supermarkets have cheap own brands. Look at the price per kilo.
  • Second-hand shops (Brockenhaus, Brocki) sell used clothes and furniture very cheaply. You do not need a card.
  • Flea markets and clothes exchanges: private people sell used things.

The Caritas-Markt

At the Caritas-Markt you buy food and everyday items very cheaply. The market for the Luzern region is in Emmenbrücke, Gerliswilstrasse 42. The bus stop «Viscosistadt» is right next to it.

To shop there you need the KulturLegi.

The KulturLegi

The KulturLegi is a card for people with little money. You get a discount on culture, sport and courses. And you may shop at the Caritas-Markt.

You may be entitled to it. For example with social assistance (Sozialhilfe), supplementary benefits (Ergänzungsleistungen), scholarships or a low income. The card is free and valid for 1 year.

You apply for it at KulturLegi Zentralschweiz, Gerliswilstrasse 42, Emmenbrücke. Phone: 041 368 52 22.

What you can do now

  1. Check if you can get the KulturLegi. Call: 041 368 52 22.
  2. Apply for the KulturLegi online or in person in Emmenbrücke.
  3. With the card: shop at the Caritas-Markt.
  4. Little money? The social counselling service (Sozialberatung) of the city of Luzern or Caritas advises you for free.

Kanton Luzern, Grüezi: Leben mit wenig Geld (2026-09-21)

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