6 Things to Do in Lugano 2024

9 Highlights in Lugano

• Lake Lugano covers an area of almost 50 km². It was formed after the Ice Age at a point where two glaciers met.
• Well-known panoramic mountains in the immediate vicinity of Lake Lugano are Monte Brè (925 m a.s.l.) in the east, Monte Generoso (1701 m a.s.l.) in the southeast of the lake and Monte San Salvatore (912 m a.s.l.) in the west of Lugano.
• The UNESCO World Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio (1097 m a.s.l.) is enclosed by two arms of Lake Lugano. Marine fossils from the Middle Triassic are found here.
• The church of Santa Maria degli Angioli is not only worth seeing, but reveals a wonderful secret to you inside the church.
• Scuba diving in Lake Lugano is a highlight you will love. With the right diving school by your side, you can discover the underwater world of Lugano.
• Let yourself be inspired by art in combination with a unique natural landscape through an art hike on Monte Brè.
• Feast like kings at the Seegarten Lido Lugano Hotel and Restaurant. With a breathtaking view of the lake from the sun terrace and an aperitivo rosato, you can really enjoy your vacation!
• The poet Hermann Hesse was connected to Lugano in a special way. The Hermann Hesse Museum is located in Montagnola.
• Lugano's cityscape and the houses and buildings are characterized by the Renaissance. It is worth taking a closer look at the ornate facades.

Lugano has a Mediterranean, Italian flair, which is conveyed by the palm trees in combination with mountain peaks. From these you will gain an unforgettable view of Lake Lugano. The largest city in Ticino is located at the northern point of Lake Lugano. In Lugano you can combine your city trip with a special experience of nature and especially art. If you want to be inspired by this combination, Lugano is the right place for you.

Sights in Lugano

Lugano is strongly characterized by Lake Lugano and the promenades near the shore. Parks such as the Parco Civico attract visitors for the lush southern vegetation alone. Several museums and ecclesiastical buildings are also very attractive.

Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli

When you pass the southern entrance of Lugano at Piazza de Luini, you come to the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli. For a long time the church was part of a Franciscan monastery founded in 1490

At first sight, the church looks rather inconspicuous from the outside. However, the interior of the church hides a secret that will be revealed to you when you enter it. The wall of the central nave shows an impressive, imposing fresco depicting the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is the most famous Renaissance fresco in Switzerland. Bernhardino Luini created it in 1529.

Old Town Lugano and Lakefront

Get to know Lugano's old town on a walking tour of the city center. The city tour starts at the impressive town hall in Piazza della Riforma. This is the center of the city. Art fans will get their money's worth here. Because they can immerse themselves in the neo-Renaissance style epoch through the specially designed house facades.

If you like it more quiet, you have the possibility to let your soul dangle in the Parco Civico directly at the lakeside. The park is located in the northeast and presents itself with the special kinds of flowers, pretty fountains and the famous magnolia trees. The Villa Ciani in the middle of the park is also a venue for various art presentations.

Museums in Lugano

Lugano has very diverse museums. In addition to several cultural museums, there is also a customs museum and a natural history museum.

MASI Lugano MASI is the abbreviation for Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana and is located on Via Canova at Palazzo Reali. A place of art and cultural, European connection between German and Italian Switzerland and the southern and northern points of the Alps. Latin and Germanic cultural influences find their center here

At MASI you can be inspired by different contemporary exhibitions and collections directly supported by the Federal Office of Culture.

If you are an art lover, we also recommend the other museums:

LAC Cultural Center (Lugano Arte e Cultura) The LAC is connected to the MASI Lugano and is its second location. It was completed in 2015 and also allows the display of contemporary art on 2500 square meters. The museum is located directly on the lake road and thus close to the waterfront.

Little art walk at Monte Brè Here you have the opportunity to experience art in a completely different way! The association Pasquale Gilardi and Visarte invite you to a little art walk. It leads through the village (at) Monte Brè. Along the way, small art treasures are waiting to be discovered by you.

More museums:

• EGO Gallery
• Villa Ciani
• Swiss Customs Museum
• Museo Mario Bernasconi
• MUSEC Cultural Museum
• Erich Lindenberg Art Foundation
• Cantonal Museum of Natural History
• Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola

Further sights

• The Giardino Belvedere is the green heart of Lugano. It rewards visitors with a breathtaking view of Lake Lugano and the mountains.

• The Capuchin monastery of Santa Maria del Bigorio** is located north of Lugano. The church combines a museum and a library in its sacred halls.

• The Cattedrale S. Lorenzo has been a cathedral since 1888. The medieval church itself was already a parish church in 818.

Excursion destinations from Lugano

The Mediterranean atmosphere of Lugano is not only palpable in the city center, but also in the entire vacation region around Lake Lugano. Good food and picturesque mountain villages can be found near the mountains Monte Bré and Monte San Salvatore. This is what makes the region particularly attractive to many visitors.

Other places of interest

• The Giardino Belvedere is the green heart of Lugano. It rewards you as a visitor with a breathtaking view of Lake Lugano and the mountains.

• The Capuchin Monastery of Santa Maria del Bigorio is located north of Lugano. The place of worship combines a museum and a library in its sacred halls.

• The Cattedrale S. Lorenzo has been a cathedral since 1888. The medieval church itself was already a parish church in 818.

Excursions from Lugano

The Mediterranean atmosphere of Lugano can be felt not only in the city center, but also in the entire vacation region around Lake Lugano. Good food and picturesque mountain villages can be found near the mountains Monte Bré and Monte San Salvatore. This is what makes the region particularly attractive for many visitors.

A day trip to Lake Maggiore and the Verzasca Valley is an ideal combination. You can take advantage of it if you stay in Lugano for several days.

Lake Lugano

At the southernmost tip of Ticino, Lake Lugano connects Switzerland and Italy across the Alpine ridge. Nature lovers and sunbathers get their money's worth here due to the mild climate. On the one hand, you have the opportunity to discover the surrounding mountain landscape with two cable cars. This includes the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site on Monte San Giorgio.

For an uncomplicated camping stay at Lake Lugano you have the possibility to rent all the camping equipment. Everything you need will be brought to you where you would like to camp.

If you prefer to get to know the region from the water, we recommend a boat trip on Lake Lugano. The nature will reveal one of the most beautiful corners like the picturesque village of Morcote, located directly on the lake. It sounds and looks not only paradisiacal, but also belongs to the municipality of the same name Paradiso!

Swissminiatur

Switzerland's only miniature park is also part of the municipality of Paradiso and is located in Melide. Here you can literally take a look from above in the open air. Between miniature cable cars and famous buildings from the Swiss countryside, the park covers an area of 14,000 km² and is surrounded by a variety of flowers and plants. The park is open from March to October each year for anyone who is interested.

Monte Brè

The funicular railroad has a long tradition since 1908. On the ride from Lugano to Monte Bré, you will be rewarded already on the ascent. You will get an impressive view over the lake to the Westwallian Alps.

In the village of Brè, at 933 meters above sea level, an artistic theme trail invites you to discover various artistic works and the nature around them. An absolute must to visit are the Schmid Museum and the frescoes by Joseph Birò in the Chiesa di San Fedele.

Monte San Giorgio as UNESCO World Heritage Site

Monte San Giorgio (1097 m above sea level) is a mountain between the southern flanks of Lake Lugano. Fossils have been found on it in large numbers. They led to the inclusion of Monte San Giorgio in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage

The Fossil Museum of Monte San Giorgio is located in Meride and was rebuilt by the famous Ticino architect Mario Botta. It shows mainly finds of dinosaurs, fish and plants.

Monte San Salvatore

The summit of Monte San Salvatore is at 912 meters above sea level. You can reach the top on foot by hiking up from Ciona or Pazzallo. If you like it more comfortable, take the funicular At the top of the mountain there is a congress center with the Vetta restaurant. From the spacious sun terrace you have a breathtaking view over the lake and mountain panorama.

Swiss Activities Tips Lugano

The view of the lake from Parco Ciani

You'll find the perfect photo backdrop at the playful Renaissance garden gate overlooking the lake in Parco Ciani. It offers a magical view of the lake, especially at sunset.

Delicious gelateria in the piazza

You'll find the most delicious ice cream in Lugano at Vanini dolce e caffe, right on Piazza della Riforma. A special recommendation: the homemade pistachio ice cream.

Viewpoint near Morcote

On a small rocky outcrop near Morcote, directly behind the church of Santa Maria del Sasso, you can sit on a swing. From here you have a wonderful view over the lake and mountain panorama.

praline handicraft and more

Handmade chocolates have been produced and sold at Confiserie Giglia since 1921, following ancient recipes. The praline artists in Via Antonio Ciseri call themselves craftsmen of taste.

Activities and experiences in Lugano

Between the lake and the vast mountain landscape, you can also enjoy great exercise and sports. Water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and wakeboarding as well as mountain bike tours, trekking and mini-running marathons are in vogue and find many local fans.

Escape Games in Lugano will let you get to know the city besides having fun.

Among the most popular outdoor activities in Lugano are

• surfing
• sailing
• mountain bike tours
• scuba diving
• paragliding tandem flight

Surfing in Lugano

For all beginners and advanced surfers it is worth visiting one of the numerous boat rentals in Lugano. You will also find other water sports schools in Lugano Paradiso or Agno that offer wakeboarding. Attention: Most boat rentals are only open on certain days and/or only on weekends. Here it makes sense to inform yourself about the offer in advance so that you don't end up standing in front of a closed boat door.

• Equipment on request
• Renting of the boats with or without driving license
• open only on certain days! Inform in advance!

Sailing in Lugano

Sailing has it all. If you fancy a little water adventure and have some stamina, you can join various sailing schools around the lake. They will teach you the technique of sailing. If you already have a sailing license, you can charter a sailboat. You can find plenty of offers at the Yacht Club del Mar in Sonvico or at the Scuola Nautica in Figino.

• For beginners and advanced sailors.
• Sailing schools offer a certificate of completion upon passing the exam.
• Sailing tours are also possible in company, here you can ask on the spot.

Mountain bike

Exploring the region on land brings you wonderfully in touch with nature. Numerous bike routes are marked around the lake and on the mountain heights. Here you can discover the landscape around the lake up close.

• Routes with a total distance of 415 km await you.
• Free MTB bike tour map can be downloaded online.
• Numerous accommodations for bikers on the routes on offer

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Lake Lugano is possible at various locations. Various local providers and diving schools will show you exactly what to look out for during the dive. They will take you to selected dive sites, where you can get to know the Ticino world under water.

• LuganoSub is one of the most popular diving schools on site
• Prices always on request

Events in Lugano

Classical music concerts and art exhibitions in impressive galleries are very popular in Lugano. But also outdoor fans get their money's worth during a city tour through the idyllic atmosphere of Lugano City. Each event convinces with its own charm. It allows the diversity of Lugano's culture to become particularly tangible in 2022.

• Regular events until August Classical music in a dream setting: The sacred concerts in the church of Santa Maria degli angioli. Free events
• January to October Unexpected Classic Tour: Starting at Piazza Riforma, actors take you on a city tour that is staged while taking place in real locations. Free tour on request
• April to October Ticino Mountain Running Cup: This is a series of mountain runs in different parts of the Canton of Ticino.
• April to November Art Exhibition Una Montagna d'arte 2021/2022 by Ricardo Cordero, the initiative of Monte Tamaro SA and Fondazione Egidio e Mariangela Cattaneo. Admission is free
• Traversata del Lago di Lugano between Caprino and Lido di Lugano.
• May BikeEmotions four days of races and varied activities around the Expo Village

Arrival to Lugano

Lugano is an important city in Ticino as an economic center with more than 63,000 inhabitants. The city is located at an altitude of 275 and can be reached by various means of transportation. If everything goes smoothly, getting there by public transport is even faster than by car.

by car

If you know your way around Italian-speaking Switzerland, then you are probably familiar with the main traffic axis between northern and southern Europe: we are talking about the A2 highway. You can reach Lugano North or South directly from here.

You can reach Lugano North from Zurich in about 2.5 hours by car. To get there, take the A2 and then drive through the St. Gotthard base tunnel. Lugano South, on the other hand, can be reached from Milan via the A9 in the direction of Como-San Gottardo. The journey takes between 1.5 and 2 hours without traffic jams.

Do not forget: Get a freeway vignette (40 CHF) in good time so that you can drive your car over the toll roads.

by public transport

Lugano itself has a rail connection to the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). This means that the city can be reached by all IC and EC trains via the Gotthard route. This is the route between Zurich and Milan. Lugano can also be reached by bus. In the warm season, a post bus line connects with the Bernina Express from Tirano.

Hotels in Lugano

If you are looking for accommodation in Lugano, you have many choices. Because there are numerous accommodations that meet every requirement! There is something for the small purse up to the upscale accommodation class. Predominantly small hotels with special charm, invite you to well-kept premises!

The View Lugano

For connoisseurs, The View Lugano Hotel with its five-star luxury class is exactly the right choice. The hotel offers you exclusive and upscale accommodations. Dreamlike suites and a private spa with an impressive view over Lake Lugano invite you to relax and feel good. Operated since 1997, the hotel also offers its own bike and e-car rental service. Location: On the Lugano Paradiso hill.

High class

Hotel Admiral Lugano

We recommend the Hotel Admiral Lugano to all those who are looking for a good four-star hotel and love modern ambience. The hotel also has two large swimming pools. In this wellness area you can relax in the meantime after your Lugano city exploration. Location: Near the lakefront in the Paradiso district.

Middle class

Lugano Youth Hostel

If you're looking for a good place to stay on a budget, Lugano Youth Hostel offers great value accommodations starting at CHF 41, depending on room size. You can choose between single or shared rooms for you alone, in company or as a family. Breakfast and a small pool are also available. Location: In Via Cantonale in Lugano-Savosa.

Simple class

Restaurants in Lugano

In numerous localities you can expect good food in a Mediterranean ambience and a gentle breeze of sea air. With the selection of different restaurants and localities there is always something for the big and small appetite.

Lake Garden Lugano

The Seegarten restaurant is part of the Lido Seegarten hotel in Lugano and is located directly on the lake. The wonderful facade of the hotel, the sun terrace and the pool make vacation hearts beat faster. The house celebrated its centenary in 2020. The house has several restaurants and from chicken, pasta to delicious meat dishes - the Seegarten Hotel offers a wide range of culinary delights.

Lifted

Ristorante della Torre

With its regional and traditional cuisine, Ristorante della Torre in Morcote is a real recommendation. In addition, fresh seasonal delicacies are served regularly. The restaurant is in the middle price range and is family-run. The wonderful location directly on the lake alone makes it worth an aperitivo visit!

Middle price range

Grotto Cavicc

At the Grotto Cavicc, Hermann Hesse already enjoyed delicious regional delicacies from Lombardy and Ticino. The cuisine is traditionally oriented and recommended by locals. In the garden of the restaurant you can sit on wooden benches and enjoy the nature without further ado and free of charge

Simple to medium price range

The flair of Lake Lugano with its hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions is guaranteed to be felt by you as soon as you arrive. We wish you an unforgettable vacation experience in beautiful Lugano!

Title photo

• Lugano (Photo: Milo Zanecchia My Switzerland)