Travel Guide of Lugano in Switzerland by Influencers and Travelers
Lugano is a town and a municipality in southern Switzerland in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino bordering Italy. The between 2004 and 2013 territorially vastly expanded municipality has a population of 63,185, and an urban agglomeration of over 150,000.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Lugano
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano is a glacial lake which is situated on the border between southern Switzerland and northern Italy. The lake, named after the city of Lugano, is situated between Lake Como and Lago Maggiore.
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2 - Monte Brè
Monte Brè is a small mountain east of Lugano on the flank of Monte Boglia with a view of the bay of Lugano and the Pennine Alps and the Bernese Alps. It is considered one of the sunniest points in Switzerland. Since 1912, the Monte Brè funicular has led from Lugano Cassarate to Monte Brè.
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3 - Boat Tours in Lake Como
23 km away
Rent a boat and explore the hidden gems of Lake Como with your loved ones - No boating license needed! Are you looking for a dreamy boat tour in the magical landscape of Lake Como? Rent a boat and customise your itinerary to your taste. What better w...
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4 - Mezzovico-Vira
10 km away
Mezzovico-Vira is a municipality in the district of Lugano in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland.
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5 - Morcote
9 km away
Morcote is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Ticino situated about 10 kilometres from Lugano in the district of Lugano on the shore of Lake Lugano.
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6 - Bungee Jumping in Ticino
23 km away
Remember that epic scene in James Bond: GoldenEye with the amazing bungee jump? That was shot in the Verzasca Dam and now you can recreate it! That scene from the James Bond film GoldenEye made the Verzasca Dam and the bungee jump from it one of the ...
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7 - Monte Generoso
10 km away
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8 - Monte Bar
12 km away
Monte Bar is a mountain of the Lugano Prealps, located north of Lugano in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland. It lies on the range west of the Gazzirola, between the Val d'Isone and the Val Colla.
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9 - Bike Tours in Ticino
21 km away
Ever wanted to explore Ticino to the fullest? Then join us on this comprehensive cycling tour to experience Ticino from every angle: a platter of regional cold cuts and cheeses, lunch (not included) at a typical grotto, a visit to a brewery, a visit ...
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10 - Monte Tamaro
13 km away
Monte Tamaro is a mountain of the Lugano Prealps, overlooking Lake Maggiore in the Swiss canton of Ticino. Reaching a height of 1,962 metres above sea level, it is the highest summit of the chain located between Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, which also includes Monte Lema.
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11 - Rivera
13 km away
Rivera is a former municipality in the district of Lugano in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. The municipalities of Medeglia, Bironico, Camignolo, Rivera and Sigirino merged on 21 November 2010 into the new municipality of Monteceneri.
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12 - Paragliding in Ticino
14 km away
Embark on an awe-inspiring flight from the mesmerizing Monte Tamaro, an absolute must-visit destination for paragliding in Ticino. With top-of-the-line equipment and a certified pilot at your disposal, you'll revel in an unforgettable bird'...
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13 - Alpe di Neggia
14 km away
Alpe di Neggia is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. It connects Vira and Indemini. The pass lies in the saddle between Monte Tamaro and Monte Gambarogno. The maximum grade of the pass road is 12 percent.
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14 - Monte Gambarogno
15 km away
Monte Gambarogno is a mountain of the Lugano Prealps, overlooking Lake Maggiore in the canton of Ticino. It lies on the range between Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, culminating at Monte Tamaro.
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15 - Puenting in Ticino
23 km away
Remember that epic scene in James Bond: GoldenEye with the amazing bungee jump? That was shot in the Verzasca Dam and now you can recreate it! That scene from the James Bond film GoldenEye made the Verzasca Dam and the bungee jump from it one of the ...
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16 - Villa del Balbianello
20 km away
The Villa del Balbianello is a villa in the comune of Lenno, a province in the north of the Lombardy region of Italy, overlooking Lake Como.
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17 - Lake Maggiore
21 km away
Lake Maggiore or Verbano is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps. It is the second largest lake in Italy and the largest in southern Switzerland.
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18 - Brissago
22 km away
Brissago is a municipality in the district of Locarno in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. Brissago lies on the western shore of Lake Maggiore and includes the Brissago Islands.
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19 - Tempio Voltiano
23 km away
The Tempio Voltiano is a museum in the city of Como, Italy that is dedicated to Alessandro Volta, a prolific scientist and the inventor of the electrical battery.
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20 - Lake Como
24 km away
Lake Como, also known as Lario, is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It has an area of 146 square kilometres, making it the third-largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore.
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Pictures and Stories of Lugano from Influencers
2 pictures of Lugano from Luca Volpe, Omar Sotillo Franco, and other travelers
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Why should you visit Lugano ?
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❄️ FjordHow to visit Lugano ?
Why traveling there?
Lugano, Switzerland is a picturesque lakeside city located in the southern region of Ticino. Known for its stunning landscapes, Mediterranean climate, and charming Swiss-Italian culture, Lugano is a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a unique cultural experience. The city is surrounded by lush mountains and offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to water sports and paragliding. With its blend of Swiss efficiency and Italian flair, Lugano is a must-visit destination in Switzerland.
How to get there?
Lugano can be easily reached by train, car, or plane. If you're traveling from within Switzerland, you can take a train from major Swiss cities like Zurich or Geneva to Lugano, with a travel time of around 2-3 hours. If you're driving, the A2 motorway connects Lugano to both northern Switzerland and Italy. Lugano also has a small regional airport, Lugano-Agno Airport, which offers flights to and from select European cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Milan's Malpensa Airport in Italy, which is only about an hour's drive away from Lugano.
What to book in advance?
To make the most of your Lugano experience, it's recommended to book certain activities and accommodations in advance. Some popular attractions, such as boat cruises on Lake Lugano and guided city tours, might require pre-booking during peak tourist season. It's also a good idea to book your accommodation ahead of time, especially if you're visiting during the summer months when demand is high.
What are the costs?
As with most Swiss cities, Lugano can be quite expensive. Expect to pay around 150-250 CHF per night for a mid-range hotel and around 30-50 CHF for a meal at a decent restaurant. Public transportation is efficient and reasonably priced, with a day pass for buses within the city costing around 10 CHF. Attractions and activities can also be pricey, so it's a good idea to budget accordingly.
What are the best things to do?
Some of the best things to do in Lugano include strolling along the lakeside promenade, taking a boat cruise on Lake Lugano, exploring the historic city center, visiting the impressive Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, and hiking or taking a funicular up to Monte San Salvatore or Monte Brè for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Where to eat?
1. Gabbani: This popular deli and restaurant offers a variety of traditional Swiss-Italian dishes, including homemade pasta and local cheeses.
2. Ristorante La Tinera: A cozy, family-run restaurant specializing in authentic Ticinese cuisine, such as risotto and polenta dishes.
3. Bottegone del Vino: A classic wine bar and restaurant with an extensive wine list and delicious local specialties like osso buco and veal milanese.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel International au Lac: A charming, family-owned hotel located right on the lakeside promenade, offering comfortable rooms and a beautiful garden.
2. Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa: A luxurious hotel and spa with stunning lake views and a wide range of amenities, including a pool and fitness center.
3. Hotel&Hostel Montarina: A budget-friendly option with a mix of private rooms and dorms, located in a historic villa within walking distance of the city center.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience in Lugano, consider visiting the small village of Gandria, located just a short boat ride away from the city center. This picturesque village is nestled at the foot of Monte Brè and offers charming narrow streets, traditional stone houses, and stunning views of Lake Lugano. The village is also home to the unique Swiss Customs Museum, which showcases the history of smuggling and border controls in the region.
Learn More about Lugano
Lugano is a city in the south of Switzerland, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, which borders Italy. The city has a population of around 61,000. Lugano is the ninth largest city in Switzerland and the largest in Ticino.
Switzerland is a very safe country, so there is no need to worry about crime. Lugano is a beautiful city and the views from the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. Be sure to take a cable car or gondola ride up to one of the mountain peaks for an even better view. The city center is very walkable, so there is no need to use public transportation unless you are going to one of the outlying areas. There are many shops and restaurants to explore, and the Swiss people are very friendly and welcoming.
Some popular attractions in Lugano include the Swissminiatur, the Lugano Botanical Gardens, and the Monte Brè.
Where to Stay in Lugano
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