Switzerland is known for its beautiful scenery, yet many visitors are yet to discover Lugano, one of the country’s most charming towns. Nestled at the base of the Swiss Alps and overlooking Lake Lugano, it benefits from a Mediterranean micro-climate with almost constant sunshine. Here are some of the best things to do in Lugano, Switzerland to help you make the most of your trip.
Lugano, Switzerland Points of Interest
Lugano is a great base from which to explore the Ticino region. Bellinzona and Locarno are both within easy reach, as is Northern Italy. Wondering what to do in Lugano? Read on for our detailed guide.
1. Lake Lugano
Of all the things to do in Lugano, Lake Lugano is a definite highlight. Known in Italian as Lago di Lugano, it spans nearly 50 square kilometers.
Lake Lugano is a worthy rival to nearby Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. In fact 37% of the lake is in Italy, and 63% in Switzerland. If you’re wondering what to see in Lugano in one day, then the lake is an absolute must.
You can walk around a section of the lake to the nearby village of Gandria via the Lugano Olive Tree Trail. There are also boat trips on the lake. Parco Ciani is a beautiful lakeside park, spread over 63,000 square meters.
In Summertime, the Lido di Lugano is very popular. There’s an Olympic heated swimming pool, beach volley court and children’s pool.
2. Lugano Town Center
The old town of Lugano is very picturesque, with many independent food stores, such as Gabbani. The Lugano funicular links the centre with the upper town, where the train station is located.
There are some very luxurious boutiques in Lugano city if you’re in the mood for some retail therapy. It’s also worth visiting Lugano Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The facade dates from 1517 and there are some impressive Baroque frescoes by Ernesto Rusca inside.
The church of Santa Maria degli Angioli is another must-see. Located on the lakeside, it houses the Renaissance masterpiece Passion and Crucifixion by the Italian artist Bernardino Luini.
A farmers’ market is held in the charming main square, Piazza della Riforma, from 7 am to 12 noon on Tuesdays and Fridays.
3. Lugano Arte e Cultura
For contemporary art and concert performances, head to the LAC, aka Lugano Arte e Cultura. With its striking architecture and lakeside setting, it’s one of the most interesting Lugano attractions.
When we visited, there were two interesting exhibitions of the works of Meret Oppenheim and Craigie Horsfield. It’s open from 10 am to 6 pm every day except Monday, and until 8 pm on Thursdays.
What to Visit Near Lugano
The area of Lugano, Ticino has many interesting attractions. Here are a few of our favorites.
4. Swiss Miniatur
Whether you’re travelling with children or not, Swiss Miniatur is one of the best places to visit in Lugano. From ski stations to castles and Heidi’s village, it’s a great introduction to the variety of Switzerland’s landscapes and open every day from 9 am to 6 pm between 11 March and 22 October.
5. Parco Scherrer
A few kilometres from Lugano, in Morcote, a picturesque lakeside village, you’ll find Parco Scherrer. This stunning botanical garden has the most spectacular views over the lake, and a series of exotic pavilions. It can be visited from 15 March to 31 October.
6. Mont Bre
Mont Brè is also well worth a visit at 925 meters high, and is one of the sunniest spots in Switzerland. You can reach it by cable car or drive to the top. On the other side of Lugano, you can take a funicular to Monte San Salvatore, at 912 meters high.
7. Parco San Grato
Another photogenic spot is Parco San Grato, with its outdoor sculptures and far reaching views. There’s a vast collection of azaleas, and conifers and rhododendrons spread over its 62,000 square meters, as well as a restaurant for refreshments and a series of walking trails.
The panoramic views here are phenomenal.
Where to Eat in Lugano
No guide to Lugano would be complete without some dining suggestions. The area is well known for its cosy “grotto” restaurants serving authentic local dishes.
Some of the best are Al Bosco and Grotto Tigini, both up in the hills. Grotto della Salute is in a quiet residential area and Il Grotto del Lago has a lovely lakeside setting.
Gallery Arté al Lago is the only Michelin starred restaurant in Lugano, and also an art gallery which features interesting temporary exhibitions.
Located on Piazza Emilio Bossi, the views over Lake Lugano are spectacular. The food presentation is as impressive as the artworks! This is without doubt one of the best restaurants in Lugano.
The Grand Café Al Porto is something of an institution in Lugano, famed for its tempting chocolates and cakes. This popular Lugano restaurant opened in 1803 and soon became a meeting point for artists and local luminaries.
On the first floor, the Florentine Cenacolo has magnificent frescoes and a 16th century wooden ceiling. This was formerly a medieval convent’s dining room.
How to Get to Lugano
It’s an easy 1 hour 15 minute train ride from Milan to Lugano or 2 hours from Zurich, and the station has just been renovated. There’s also an airport with regular connecting flights to Zurich.
It’s also quite easy to get from London to Lugano. Take a flight to Milan Malpensa and then a bus to Lugano, or a train with one change in Zurich. You can easily combine a trip to Lugano with a Lake Como itinerary as it’s only a few hours away.
Where to Stay in Lugano
Visitors can choose either to stay in Lugano city center or in Paradiso, at the base of San Salvatore mountain. Paradiso is within walking distance of Lugano center and is fairly quiet at night.
For old school glamour, incredible lakeside views and Michelin starred cuisine, Villa Castagnola is one of the best Lake Lugano hotels. They have a fantastic fine dining restaurant, Le Relais, as well as Gallery Arté al Lago on the lake.
The View Lugano is an all-suite hotel overlooking the lake and another great choice. Villa Principe Leopoldo is a five star Lugano hotel up in the hills, with a lovely lake view.
There are also some luxurious hotels near Lugano in surrounding towns such as Swiss Diamond Hotel & Spa in Vico Morcote. This five star lakeside hotel has a lovely wellness spa.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Lugano, Switzerland
All in all, Lugano, Switzerland is a great place to visit for any traveler, no matter what type of activities they’re interested in. It offers a unique mixture of cultures, with Italian, German and Latin influences.
Additionally, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can partake in – from biking along the lakeside to hiking trails tucked away in the mountains – and it’s an ideal destination for foodies since it provides a variety flavors derived from this region of the world.
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Ticino that a weekend in Lugano, Switzerland might be a little too short. We recommend staying for several nights if you can.
Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or some time spent exploring exciting attractions, Lugano is definitely worth checking out! If you’re planning your next vacation to Lugano Switzerland but still feeling unsure about which places to visit, our other Lugano articles will be especially interesting to you. Happy exploring!
Have you ever visited this beautiful Swiss city?
You might also enjoy:
- Best Things to Do in Lucerne
- Fun Things to Do in Gstaad
- A Weeked in Lugano
- Top Things to Do in Zurich
- What to Do in Geneva
- Zurich Street Food Festival
- The Best Coffee Shops in the World
- The Best Tea in the World
- The Best Restaurants in Sarasota County, Florida
- Road Trip in Northern Ireland Itinerary
Read all our Switzerland travel guides here.
Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
Like these things to do in Lugano? Pin for later or share with friends.
It looks gorgeous! What blue skies! I love places like this that are bit off the tourist trail.
Well the sun came out on our last day this time, normally it’s incredibly sunny all year round
I’ve yet to go to Switzerland altogether despite having lived in Germany for a year now.. Shame on me a little bit 😉 This is totally bookmarked!
Oh you’re so close, Amelie! I hope that you get to visit Switzerland soon
Switzerland is just so beautiful! I’m a sucker for mountain and lake views so I’d love to take in as much of this on my visit to Lugano. Parco Scherrer looks amazing and taking the funicular up for panoramic views of the mountains would be a great photo-op. I’ve only been to Switzerland in winter. Clearly, I need to get back to take in the summer beauty.
The advantage of visiting Lugano in Summertime is that all the funiculars are open. It’s not a skiing area so they’re not all open in Winter – the views from the top are breathtaking
That’s the joy of Lugano, it combines Italian flair with Swiss efficiency!
This is where my mum grew up! I’ve been before but when I was quite small but I remember loving it there. The scenery and food make it such a great place to visit.
Ooh sounds like you need a return visit to see whether it’s changed much. There’s a new funicular taking people up from the town to the train station now, as well as the art museum
One thing that made me fall in love with Switzerland are its lakes! It’s such a picturesque country and Lugano is beautiful. I took my parents last summer but we didn’t get to do all that much as they tire quite easily but we did make it to Mont Bre – the views are incredible!
The lakes really are stunning in Switzerland, aren’t they! It’s great that you went to Monte Bre, we drove up but the funicular looks like a picturesque way to visit it too
Just love the look of this! Gallery Arté al Lago’s food looks beautiful!
The food was just perfect, and such a gorgeous lakeside view too!
I enjoy writing posts like this, too, to let others know how best to spend their day. You have done a great job of including everything that a traveler would need to know! I would definitely like to visit Mont Brè for the view and visit the farmers’ market. You pictures are great!
Thanks Melody, I’m glad that you found it helpful. The farmers’ market is great and I’d highly recommend the view from the top of the mountain!
I’ve never been to Switzerland but I can imagine how peaceful it is. I want to spend time by the lakes and enjoy the fresh with some good coffee. Thank you for sharing this, Suze!
The air is so fresh there, it’s something my husband had always told me and it’s true!
This looks beautiful Suze. I’d love to go to Switzerland one day 🙂 x
I hope that you get the chance, Colleen, as you won’t be disappointed
How charming, idyllic and luxurious all at the same time. You captured it all so beautifully. <3
That’s very kind, thank you! Glad you enjoyed reading it
I been to Switzerland but never to Lugano. Looks like I have to go back now 🙂
Lugano makes a great base from which to explore! Hope you get to return
I would love to go there. Looks like such an amazing and charming town. Gemma x
It’s managed to modernize yet to retain its charm. Have a lovely week ahead
Lugano looks incredible!! What a picturesque and charming place. That dessert at Grand Café Al Porto is so tempting, and Villa Castagnola looks stunning!
The desserts at the Grand Cafe are so tasty, and Villa Castagnola itself is a lovely place
Breathtakingly beautiful; the location is ideal and your breakfast view from Villa Castagnola is spectacular! Ah, I’ve lost count of how many times you’ve now tempted me with Switzerland!
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
It’s a sign, Gabrielle, that you definitely need to visit Switzerland!
Switzerland is my parents’ favorite country! I would love to look at the lake and write poetry just like the Romantic authors, haha. And the shopping sounds amazing.
That’s such a nice idea, to sit by the lake and write poetry!
It is pretty colorful and the lake is a stunning blue when the sun is shining!
fantastic post! switzerland is not my cup of tea (i prefer warmer places) but I may reconsider my thinking after reading your proposals for lugano (especially because you say it one of the sunniest places in switzerland). thanks for sharing
You’d be surprised how warm it gets! Although for you I’d recommend travelling from June onwards when it really is hot
it looks so beautiful!
It really was a delight, Tanja
Looks wonderful. I have always wanted to visit Switzerland, it is so picturesque. The food looks wonderful Lucy x
I hope you get the chance to visit Switzerland soon, Lucy
Lugano looks beautiful, you’re right, I hadn’t come across it before! I’ve traveled throughout a lot of Switzerland and loved every minutes of it, so would love to head back to check in at some of the towns I missed 🙂
You could do an amazing road trip, taking in Lugano and some of the other lovely towns and villages in Switzerland
It has brought back so many beautiful memories of Switzerland. I loved Lugano, the Swiss Miniatur, the casinos , the dinner cruise on the lake and so on. I also remember driving through one of the longest tunnel through the Alps. Now I don’t remember the name. Thanks for rekindling my memories 🙂
Isn’t Swiss Miniatur fun! My hubby, who is Swiss, says it’s the Gotthard tunnel!
Wow, what an epic breakfast view and spread!! Lugano looks absolutely stunning, you captured it beautifully. With or without kids, I’d visit all of the places you’ve listed. Especially shopping 😉
The shopping is great and I forgot to mention that there’s also a shopping outlet called Foxtown very close by – I’ve picked up a few bargains there from time to time
So pretty. Especially the food shops. I looove food shops that just SCREAM “LOOK AT MY CHEESE” or chocolate, or wine, or charcuterie or whatever. Love.
I know, I could hang around those places all day!
You definitely should, Kate, as I’m sure you’ll love it
Yes it’s a great combination, the lake being partly in Italy!
That’s good to hear, Valerie!
I haven’t been to Switzerland yet – and you have just convinced me to move it up to the top of the list!
Wow, Lugano is certainly a hidden gem. The spectacular views across the lake and the wonderful gardens would really draw me in, but then there’s that dessert… I can’t believe I was so close in Milan and missed this charming town.
I’ve not heard of Lugano until reading your article, but it looks absolutely amazing. All those scenic spots and that balcony breakfast with a view, wow!