10+1 things to do in Lugano: What to see & do
Next stop? Lugano! Just two short hours from Zurich, Lugano is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway in Switzerland. Its narrow lanes will instantly remind you of Corfu, while the blooming lemon trees at Cafe AnaCapri, right across from the train station, welcome you for an exciting journey through southern Switzerland. Here are 10+1 things to do in Lugano from my Worldtravellen list to get to know the city better:
| Lugano is the largest Italian-speaking city in Switzerland (~52,000 residents), in Canton Ticino, just 2 hours by SBB train from Zurich (from CHF 18.90, hourly). The 10+1 top attractions: Old Town, coffee at Piazza della Riforma, Via Nassa arcade, Santa Maria degli Angioli church, Parco Ciani, funicular to Monte Bre, Monte San Salvatore, LAC & MASI museum, and the Hermann Hesse house in Montagnola. Lugano is the perfect destination for a day or weekend trip, with 300+ sunny days per year. |
- Stroll through the old town
- Enjoy a coffee in Piazza della Riforma
- Go shopping in Via Nassa, the iconic 270-meter arcade
- Admire the monumental fresco in Santa Maria degli Angioli church
- Visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo
- Go on a boat ride on Lake Lugano
- Walk through Parco Ciani
- Take the funicular to Monte Bre
- Explore Monte San Salvatore
- Visit LAC & MASI Museum
- Visit Hermann Hesse Museum
+ Practical Info & Budget
1. Stroll through the Old Town (Centro Storico)
Lugano’s Old Town is brimming with cobblestone alleyways, small piazzas and old mansions with Baroque or Renaissance architecture.
Lugano reminded me on one hand of Corfu, with its countless narrow lanes and Ionian elegance, and on the other hand it’s so clean, well-maintained and polished down to the last detail that it confirms you’re definitely not in Greece or Italy!
2. Enjoy an espresso in Piazza della Riforma, the main square
As you wander, you’ll discover charming cafes in the Quartiere Maghetti arcade, boutiques with handmade goods and haute couture, and pastry shops with local delicacies like amaretti and Swiss chocolates.
Piazza della Riforma, the city’s main square, is full of life and hosts open-air concerts and events, especially during summer. This is where I stopped for a coffee with a view of the Town Hall, one of the city’s architectural gems.
Worldtravellen Tip: You can book a private walking tour with a local guide to discover all of Lugano’s secrets in a walk of about 2 hours.
3. Go shopping in Via Nassa, the iconic 270-meter arcade
Don’t miss Via Nassa, Lugano’s most famous shopping arcade: 270 meters of covered walkways filled with boutiques, jewelry shops and Swiss chocolate stores. Perfect even on rainy days!
4. Admire the monumental fresco in Santa Maria degli Angioli church
Right by the lake stands the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, home to the most famous Renaissance fresco in all of Switzerland: The Passion and Crucifixion by Bernardino Luini (a student of Leonardo da Vinci), which covers the entire wall.
Admission is free and it’s absolutely worth a visit, even if you’re not an art enthusiast.
5. Visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Heading slightly uphill toward the train station, you’ll find the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its Gothic and Baroque architecture. The view from the steps looking down toward the lake is perfect for photos and daydreaming.
6. Go on a boat ride on Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano isn’t exclusively Swiss territory, part of it stretches into Italy (48.7 km2 total).
It has served as a source of inspiration for many famous painters, such as George Clarkson Stanfield. If you Google his painting Near Loggio, on the Lake of Lugano, you’ll likely feel that same sense of tranquility and romance that the lake exudes.
If you’re a romantic soul and want to become part of the painting yourself, you can rent a small pedal boat for about 10 Swiss francs per 30 minutes. Alternatively, book a cruise on Lake Lugano to the picturesque village of Morcote and see the city, the Alps and the surrounding area from an entirely different perspective!
Gandria & the Olive Grove Trail
Gandria is a charming fishing village clinging to the rock above the lake. Take a boat there (from CHF 19.80) and walk back along a trail through olive groves (Olive Trail), about 1.5 hours long, with views of Lake Lugano.
| Pedal boat | ~CHF 10 / 30 minutes |
| Cruise to Morcote | ~4 hours round trip |
| Boat to Gandria | from CHF 19.80 |
| Olive Trail | Free, easy, ~1.5 hours |
7. Walk through Parco Ciani
Parco Ciani (63,000 m2, established in 1845) is considered the most beautiful park in Lugano and one of the most impressive in all of Switzerland. It stretches alongside the lake, just a few steps from the city center and Piazza della Riforma.
Inside the park you’ll encounter centuries-old trees, blooming gardens, paths leading to the lake, playgrounds and sculptures that blend art with nature. It’s a true “window to the lake” with views of Monte San Salvatore and the Alps. Ideal for families and romantic strolls.
| Area | 63,000 m2 |
| Admission | Free |
| Distance from center | 5-minute walk |
8. Take the red funicular to Monte Bre
Monte Bre (933 meters), known as “the sunniest peak in Switzerland” according to MySwitzerland.com, is one of Lugano’s favorite viewpoints. The funicular departs from Cassarate and takes you to the summit in just a few minutes. From there: panoramic views of the lake, the Alps and neighboring Italy.
Vetta Monte Bre: coffee with a 360-degree view
When you arrive, you’ll see a large balcony with tables and a restaurant that resembles a canteen. But if you continue downhill, you’ll find the impressive cafe-restaurant Vetta Monte Bre with panoramic views of Lugano, the Alps, the Ponte Diga di Melide bridge and the Italian village of Caprino directly across. This is the perfect spot for coffee, lemonade, snacks and photos!
If you’re looking for some quiet, the small hill between the restaurant and the playground is ideal for enjoying the horizon undisturbed.
If you want to see Lugano from above and enjoy your coffee with a 360-degree view, you can book your tickets for Monte Bre with the funicular.
| Funicular ticket | ~CHF 25 return |
| Ride duration | ~10 minutes |
| Operating hours | March-November (check montebre.ch) |
| Getting there | Bus line 2, Cassarate Monte Bre stop |
| Worldtravellen Tip: On the way down, stop at the gorgeous little village of Bre, hidden among the lush green hillsides, like a scene straight out of Heidi, yes, that Heidi, the one who was friends with the little white goat! |
9. Explore Monte San Salvatore
Monte San Salvatore (912 meters) is considered by many the “signature mountain” of Lugano. The funicular takes you up from Paradiso (just minutes from the center) to the summit. From there you can see the entire lake, the city, and all the way to the Po Valley in Italy when the weather is clear. There’s a small chapel at the top, while nature lovers will find trails for hiking down (via Morcote or Carona).
Monte Bre or San Salvatore: Which one to choose?
| Monte Bre | San Salvatore | |
| Elevation | 933 m | 912 m |
| Ticket | ~CHF 25 | ~CHF 30 |
| View | 360-degree panoramic | More dramatic, reaching into Italy |
| Restaurants | Vetta (decent) + Osteria | Basic bar |
| Hiking | Gentle trails | Descent to Morcote (2.5h) |
| Best for | Relaxed morning | Dramatic views + hiking |
| Funicular ticket | ~CHF 30 return |
| Ride duration | ~12 minutes |
| Operating hours | March-November (check montesansalvatore.ch) |
10. Visit the Art & Culture Museum (LAC) & MASI
The LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura) is the cultural heart of the city, a modern arts space hosting exhibitions, concerts and theater, which will catch your attention from your very first walk along the lake.
What impressed me most is that the building itself works like a mirror: with its minimalist aesthetic and large glass surfaces, the waters of the lake and the dreamlike beauty of the Italian side of southern Switzerland are reflected right on it. The museum frequently hosts works of modern art and photography from well-known European artists.
Opening Hours & Prices (2026)
| LAC | Hours |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tue, Fri | 11:00-18:00 |
| Thu, Sat, Sun | 10:00-18:00 |
| MASI | Hours |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tue – Fri | 11:00-18:00 |
| Sat, Sun | 10:00-18:00 |
| Ticket | CHF 20 |
11. Visit the philosopher Hermann Hesse’s home (Hermann Hesse Museum)
If you’ve read Steppenwolf or Siddhartha, you might be interested to see where Nobel Prize-winning author and philosopher Hermann Hesse lived for a large part of his life. In the village of Montagnola (~20 minutes from Lugano), there’s a small museum today dedicated to his life and work.
Inside you’ll find personal belongings, manuscripts, photographs, as well as paintings created by Hesse himself.
| Location | Montagnola (~20 min from Lugano) |
| Getting there | Bus from Lugano center |
| Ticket | ~CHF 8.50 |
Practical Info & Budget
How to Get to Lugano
| Transport | Duration | Cost |
| SBB Train (from Zurich) | 1h 53min, hourly | from CHF 18.90 |
| Bus | ~3 hours | from CHF 17 |
| Car | ~2 hours (Gotthard tunnel) | Vignette CHF 40/year |
Ticino Ticket: Free Transport!
If you stay at least 1 night at a hotel, hostel or campsite in Ticino, you’re entitled to a free Ticino Ticket which offers:
- Free public transport (buses, trains within Ticino)
- Discounts on funiculars, museums and cruises
- Valid for the entire duration of your stay
More info: ticino.ch/ticket
One-Day Budget in Lugano
| Category | Budget | Mid-range |
| Train from Zurich (return) | ~CHF 38 | ~CHF 38 |
| Funicular (one mountain) | ~CHF 25 | ~CHF 30 |
| Lunch | ~CHF 15-20 | ~CHF 30-45 |
| Coffee + snack | ~CHF 8 | ~CHF 12 |
| Boat ride | ~CHF 10 | ~CHF 20 |
| Total | ~CHF 96-101 | ~CHF 130-145 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Lugano worth visiting?
Yes, 100%! Lugano combines Swiss beauty with Italian dolce vita. Perfect for 1-2 days, with a lake, mountains, museums and excellent food, all in a Mediterranean climate with 300+ sunny days per year.
How many days do you need?
1-2 days are enough for the main attractions (Old Town, mountain, lake, museums). With 3 days you can also explore Morcote, Gandria, Swissminiatur in Melide, and perhaps even a day trip to Lake Como (just 30 minutes).
How do you get from Zurich?
SBB Train: 1 hour 53 minutes, hourly, from CHF 18.90. Book early at SBB.ch for the best prices. Car: about 2 hours via Gotthard tunnel. Bus: about 3 hours, from CHF 17.
How much does a day cost?
Budget day trip: CHF 80-120 (train + funicular + food + coffee). Mid-range: CHF 130-180. With the Ticino Ticket (if you stay 1+ night), you save significantly on transport.
Monte Bre or San Salvatore? Which one?
Monte Bre (933 m): more touristy, better restaurant (Vetta), 360-degree views, ideal for a relaxed morning. Monte San Salvatore (912 m): more dramatic views reaching into Italy, hiking trails for descent to Morcote (~2.5h). If you only have time for one, choose Monte Bre.
What is the Ticino Ticket?
A free transport card that hotels, hostels and campsites in Ticino give to anyone staying at least 1 night. Includes free public transport and discounts on attractions. More at ticino.ch/ticket.
Bonus: What else is worth seeing near Lugano
- Swissminiatur (Melide): Switzerland in miniature — 128 model landmarks in a 14,000 m2 outdoor park. Ideal for families (~1 hour).
- Chocolat Alprose (Caslano): Chocolate factory with free tastings! ~20 min from Lugano (FLP train or car).
- Morcote: One of Switzerland’s most picturesque villages, accessible by boat.
- Lake Como (Italy): Just 30 minutes by car, perfect for a day trip from Lugano!
If you need any information or help, don’t hesitate to find me on social media (Instagram or TikTok) or email me at worldtravellen@gmail.com! Thank you for staying with me until the end.
