Top things to do in Lugano
Attractions, tours, and activities in Lugano
About Lugano
Including tips for the best time to visit Lugano
The canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland hugs the border of northern Italy, and Italian influences are ever-present. In Lugano, the canton's largest city, more people speak Italian than any other language, and walks through the town unveil plenty of piazzas, cafés and arcades. Still, the city has a unique Swiss charm, which you'll find in its outdoorsy yet laid-back way of life. Lugano has been likened to Monte Carlo, and you may recognise the resemblance in the town's renowned film festival, high-end restaurants, luxury boutiques and balconied high-rises that skirt the water's edge.
Sandwiched between the shores of Lake Lugano and two alpine peaks, Lugano enjoys a sheltered, temperate climate. The glacial lake is a year-round focal point for swimming and boating. So too are Monte Brè and, on the city's opposite end, Monte San Salvatore, which both feature funiculars that whisk riders to their summits. At the top, hiking, biking and nature paths all offer panoramic views of lakes, mountains and the mighty Swiss Alps.
Italy's influence on its Swiss neighbour extends all the way inside Lugano's historic monuments. The Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli, in particular, is not to be missed, thanks to its two 16th-century interior frescoes by Italian Renaissance painter Bernardino Luini. Still, this is a Swiss town, with plenty of history to its name. At the Hermann Hesse Museum, you'll be able to take in books, paintings and other items owned by the German-Swiss artist and writer, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946.
Tonight
From $152 per night
This weekend
From $378 per night
Next weekend
From $498 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | CHF 1 = $1.10 |
| Language | German |
| Average weekend price | $167 per night |
| Average weekday price | $165 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Lugano
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Lugano
Lugano reviews
What other travelers say about Lugano
Take the cable cart to the top of the hill - St.
March 19, 2024
Take the cable cart to the top of the hill - St. Salvatore and if you have good weather - there awaits you and this is not an exaggeration by any means - one of the most amazing views I have ever seen in my life. Also we took a boat ride along the lake, which without any discount is about 40CHF for 2 hours ride, which is also very nice. There is a half tax discount if you have it for Switzerland. Miniature museum is nice as well. Lugano over all I think will stay in my heart :)
2 nights would have been sufficient for us.
November 16, 2023
2 nights would have been sufficient for us. We took a day trip to Bellinzona and visited most of the popular attractions and had time to spare. We are not shoppers or people who like to hang out next to a pool and relax. If you are that type of person, the lake is beautiful and the shopping options are abundant.
We were pleasantly surprised at the Italian influence.
October 4, 2023
We were pleasantly surprised at the Italian influence... it felt like we were in Italy as that was the predominant language, food, and people. The city was clean and safe. The people were proper and polite. We would highly recommend this place!
Lugano is an exceptional peaceful small city where you can...
September 20, 2023
Lugano is an exceptional peaceful small city where you can enjoy the best views of the lake. Much better place to be compared to Como the busy crowded city. We totally loved this city and all the things that offers from good food and pleasant historic buildings as well as friendly people.
Lugano is beautiful!
September 1, 2023
Lugano is beautiful! Walking by the lake, sitting by it in chairs provided for free to the public, taking a boat ride, riding the funicular up to the mountain to see the views, all great! City bus transportation excellent.
Everything within walking distance or short...
August 19, 2023
Everything within walking distance or short bus/train/funicular away. Great beach, amazing scenery. Lots of great restaurants. So Many points of interest to see, we unfortunately didn’t have time to do it all, but we enjoyed taking the funicular to Monte Bre, boat excursion to Melide, train to Bellizone to see the castles… Guess we’ll need to come back to see the rest!
Popular places to stay in Lugano
Stay in some of the best accommodations Lugano has to offer
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Sonniges Paradies Lugano, Switzerland
From $164 per night
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Lugano Superior Suites - Free Parking Lugano, Switzerland
From $128 per night
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Central Superior Suites - Free Parking Lugano, Switzerland
From $130 per night
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Lake Modern Suites - Free Parking Lugano, Switzerland
From $129 per night
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Connie's home Lugano, Switzerland
From $138 per night
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