tourist office lugano

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lugano, Locarno & the Ticino Region

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 26, 2023

Lugano is not what you'd expect a Swiss town to look like. The architecture is Italian, and the lakeside parks and gardens give it the air of a subtropical vacation spot. Signs are in Italian, and the fragrances drifting from the restaurants you pass are redolent of the Mediterranean.

Welcome to the Ticino, Switzerland's southern canton where Italian is the official language, and the lifestyle is more Italian than Swiss. But you'll also find the Swiss love of hiking and outdoor sports is alive and well in the mountains surrounding Lake Lugano.

The lake is the glamorous centerpiece of the Ticino region, set beneath wooded mountainsides and bounded at one end by Lugano's waterfront promenades. Trails leading along the hillsides and into the mountains provide plenty of things to do for those who love nature and the outdoors. Boat trips and mountain tramways are great for sightseeing around Lake Lugano.

The Ticino is a great place to visit for those who love active travel, with endless opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, climbing, or just riding to mountaintop vistas to enjoy the views. You can be sure to find all the best places to go with this list of the top attractions and things to do in Lugano, Locarno, and the Ticino Region.

See also: Where to Stay in Lugano

Cruise on Lake Lugano

Stroll along lugano's lakeside parks and promenade, see the alps from monte san salvatore, santa maria degli angioli, walk through the valle verzasca, ride the funicular up monte brè, tour the bellinzona castles, explore lugano's old town, ride the centovalli railway, walk the sentiero dell'olivo to gandria, madonna del sasso, valle di muggio, isole di brissago, see ticino from a swing, where to stay in lugano for sightseeing.

Beautiful Lake Lugano is Ticino's star tourist attraction, and you can enjoy it in several different ways: tour on one of the white steamers (excursion boats have been plying the lake since 1848), rent a boat to sail on your own, or choose any of the dozens of mountain or shore viewpoints and gaze at it.

The steep wooded mountainsides that form much of its vertiginous shore give a wild, untouched appearance to all but a few valleys where rivers flow in from the mountains. The mountains not only give Lake Lugano a stunning backdrop from nearly every angle, but they provide some of Europe's finest viewpoints to admire it from.

Some favorite places to visit around the lake are best accessed by boat, a fine way to reach the traditional grottos or little informal restaurants along its shore. One of the other popular things to do here is combine a boat cruise with walking, taking a boat to Gandria, and walking back to Lugano along the Sentiero dell'Olivo .

Spacious green parks border the lake at the northern end of Lugano, shaded by trees and brightened by flower gardens.

Surrounded by the venerable trees and subtropical plants of the Parco Municipale is the Palazzo dei Congressi convention center and the 1843 Villa Ciani . The gardens of roses, azaleas, magnolias, camellias, palms, and exotic shrubs were once the private park of the villa.

The long lakeside promenade follows the shore for the entire length of Lugano to the southernmost boat landing at Paradiso . In places, it widens to park dimensions with subtropical gardens and modern sculptures lining the walkway. Facing it are distinguished old buildings, including the 18th-century Palazzo Riva .

From every point on the promenade are postcard views of the lake, framed by the surrounding mountains.

Although its altitude is only 912 meters, the summit of Monte San Salvatore offers one of the most beautiful and panoramic vistas in the entire Alps. Below you can see Lake Lugano as it weaves its circuitous way among the steep, wooded slopes that enclose it. The red tile roofs of Lugano scatter across the town's hillsides, and other villages cluster around the shore.

Turn your back on the lake and town to find a sea of alpine peaks stretching to the horizon, crowned by Monta Rosa and the Valais Alps. You can climb Monte San Salvatore, but most tourists prefer the 10-minute ride on the red funicular from Lugano's lakeshore station of Paradiso.

At the upper station, you'll find a restaurant, a viewing terrace, and walking trails leading down to Carona, Melide, Morcote, and Figino. You can return to Lugano from any of these by rail, postal bus, or boat.

The church of a former convent, Santa Maria degli Angioli faces the lake at the end of Lugano's most fashionable shopping street. Inside is one of Ticino's most impressive art treasures, a full wall covered by a single fresco, the early 16th-century masterpiece of Bernardino Luini depicting the Passion and Crucifixion.

The fresco measures 30 meters by 12 meters, and is filled with larger-than-life figures modeled after patrons and family members. On a side wall is Luino's Last Supper, moved here from the monastery that stood next door.

Address: Piazza Bernardino Luini 6, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

The 220-meter Verzasca Dam holds the distinction of being one of the highest in Europe, but to the world, it's known for James Bond's death-defying jump in the opening scene of GoldenEye . But the dam is a modern intrusion that has not spoiled one of the most beautiful of the Ticino's many river valleys.

As the river tumbles down its rocky course, its notoriously emerald green waters form waterfalls and swimming holes surrounded by ledges for sunbathing. It passes beneath stone bridges and through ancient alpine villages. The best known of both — and with a picturesque waterfall, too — is Lavertezzo .

Here, the Ponte dei Salti stone-arched bridge crosses the river, and from the village church, you can follow the Revöira walking trail along a well-marked route used over the centuries by villagers bringing their flocks and their families to the high mountain pastures for the summer. Along the way, you'll see remains of ancient water systems and reservoirs carved into the stones.

Learn about these semi-annual migrations, called transhumance, at the Museum of the Verzasca Valley in Sonogno , a quiet stone village at the end of the valley. A bus route from Lugano follows close to the river, with frequent stops, so you can get off and walk along the trails from village to village without doubling back.

Read More: Best Hikes in Switzerland

Monte Brè, whose distinctive cone rises at the north end of Lugano, can be reached by a narrow road, walking trails, or by a funicular to its 933-meter-high summit. Along with a scenic terrace, you'll find two restaurants. On the eastern slope is the village of Brè, a tiny settlement of traditional Ticino-style houses that's a favorite of artists.

You can follow an artists' trail, and the Wilhelm Schmid Museum displays works by the Swiss painter. Monte Brè is said to be Switzerland's sunniest spot, and it's also one of the most scenic, with views as far as the Valais Alps.

Bellinzona's three castles are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are well worth exploring. Bellinzona was an important stronghold as the meeting point of three important north-south routes over the alpine passes of St. Gotthard, San Bernardino, and Lucomagno. All three could, in the past, be closed by a barrier across the road at Bellinzona, giving it a strategic position for centuries.

The three castles that still dominate the town are among the most important examples of medieval defensive architecture in the Alps. These, along with a double circuit of walls, were built or strengthened by Milanese rulers in the second half of the 15th century.

The oldest, Castelgrande , was constructed above the town center over a Roman castle. Castello di Montebello stretches along a hillside on the east side of Bellinzona and is the most interesting example of the art of fortification, built from the 13th to 15th centuries. The square-shaped Castello di Sasso Corbaro was built in less than six months in 1479 to reinforce the defenses of the valley after a battle.

Today, the castles house various museums covering history, art, archaeology, and local costumes. The old town is worth exploring as well, for its beautiful Italian-style townhouses and the magnificent wall paintings by 16th-century Lombard artists in the former Franciscan church Sta Maria delle Grazie .

Lugano's old town rises abruptly from the three squares that surround its Palazzo Civico (town hall), in a street that is a series of stairways and terraces. Beside it, a funicular climbs to the rail station high above.

A wide terrace opens out in front of the church of San Lorenzo , Lugano's cathedral. Originally Romanesque, it was enlarged in the 13th and 14th centuries and altered extensively in the 17th and 18th centuries. But it retains the beautiful medieval frescoes in its otherwise mainly Baroque interior.

You can descend through the winding streets of the old town or follow stairways that connect parallel streets to make your way more directly to the lakefront. Lugano's main shopping streets are at the bottom of the hill, parallel to the lakefront.

One of Europe's most scenic train rides leaves from Locarno, following lofty tracks perched high above the Melezza River and its tributaries. Over millennia, the snow melting from the Alps has caused each of these rivers to carve a deep valley - reputedly 100 of them, hence the name centovalli.

Charming vintage rail cars go slowly enough to allow views down into these steep, wooded ravines as the train crosses 83 bridges on its way to Domodossola , the Italian town at the foot of the Simplon Pass .

A promenade traces the shore through the terraced Parco degli Olivi at the far northern end of Lugano's promenade, turning into a wide walking path that hugs the slope of Monte Brè as it parallels the shore. View after view unfolds as the path passes through the narrow streets of lakeside villages and among the gardens between them, shaded by cypresses, pines, and olive trees.

Panels along the way explain the history and cultivation of olive trees. This Sentiero dell'Olivo, Olive Path, leads to the picturesque terraced village of Gandria. Among its steep, narrow lanes and arcaded alleys, you'll find the Church of Saint Vigilio , built in 1463, but with a Baroque facade completed only in the late 1800s.

The lake is quite narrow here, and directly opposite (you can take a boat across) is a grotto restaurant and the Swiss Customs Museum with exhibits about smuggling and illegal trade.

A funicular from Via Ramogna, just below Locarno's train station and toward Piazza Grande, leads up to the wooded crag from which the pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso overlooks the lake. You can also climb to the church and its Capuchin friary on foot, by a path with Stations of the Cross, in 30 to 45 minutes.

Founded in 1480, the church was rebuilt in 1616 and redecorated ornately in the 19th century. The church's most outstanding artworks are Flight into Egypt , a major work by Bramantino in 1536, and Entombment by A. Ciseri from about 1865. The first is to the right of the entrance and the Ciseri is in the second side chapel. In the monastery museum is a collection of ecclesiastical art and manuscripts. Views over Lake Maggiore from the terrace are superb.

Address: Via Santuario 2, Orselina

A unique open-air museum exploring traditional rural life spreads throughout the remote Muggio Valley hidden between Lakes Lugano and Como. Along with a large museum building packed with fascinating exhibits and artifacts, the Museo Etnografico Valle di Muggio encompasses a water-powered polenta mill, cheesemakers, an open-air village laundry, a chestnut drying shed, and other sights.

Begin in the village of Cabbio , where a large relief map shows the valley and locates things to see in the open-air museum, which stretches for miles and scatters throughout several towns.

Mulino di Bruzella , a stone mill powered by a water wheel, sits deep in a valley and is reached by a wide path through the forest - about a 30-minute walk from the road. The mill grinds rare, local red corn, a heritage crop revived through back-breeding and grown only in this region. You can watch the mill as it grinds, and buy the polenta here.

At farms throughout the valley, you can also buy local honey, chestnuts, and cheeses made from the milk of goats that graze in mountain pastures. This way of life, with one foot in the 21st century and one a century back, is a sharp contrast to the smart, chic lake resort towns just a few minutes away.

Address: Casa Cantoni, Cabbio

In Lake Maggiore , just off the picturesque village of Ronco, are the two small islands of Brissago. On the larger one is a botanic garden of Mediterranean flora, displaying about 1,500 species of exotic plants arranged by their geographical origins. Plants native to subtropical regions thrive outdoors in this latitude because of the warming effect of the lake.

The gardens were begun in 1885 by Baroness Antonietta Saint Leger, who not only collected the plants but cataloged them in detail. Her work was continued in the 1920s by a German businessman, who built the villa you see here today.

Along with exotic plants native to Asia, South Africa, and the Americas, the extensive gardens include a section devoted to local heritage vegetables, including the rare Ticino red polenta corn. You can get to the island by boat from Porto Ronco, just north of the Italian border.

South of Locarno on Lake Maggiore , Ascona has developed from a little fishing village into one of Switzerland's most popular holiday resorts, with long hours of sunshine and a mild winter. Unfortunately, its popularity brought with it extensive modern development that has largely swallowed up the old village, but its harbor area is still an attractive blend of Italian and Swiss architecture with a few old buildings.

The 17th-century Casa Serodine, now known as Casa Borrani , has a sumptuous facade of Baroque stucco with a frieze of mythical creatures and biblical scenes, and the Collegio Pontificio Papio from 1584 has one of the finest Renaissance courtyards in Switzerland, with two-story loggias.

In the Dominican church of Santa Maria della Misericordia , built from 1399 to 1442, is a cycle of late Gothic frescoes. An art colony here attracted artists including Paul Klee, whose work you can see in the Museo Comunale d'Arte Moderna.

A new and exciting thing to do for tourists in the Ticino was added in 2021. The Swing the World initiative encourages visitors to view some of the region's most beautiful places from a rope swing. So far, these sturdy wooden seated swings have been placed in 16 especially scenic locations. Most are reached by public transport or a short walk, and some require a hike or bike ride, so there's a swing for every travel style.

Locations of these hand-crafted swings, which seat two people comfortably, include the mountain village of Rasa in Centovalli Valley (a five-minute cable car ride from the train stop), a beach at Vira Gambarogno with sunset views over Lake Maggiore, the Parco San Grato overlooking Lugano, and on the Piazza in lakeside Ascona. In the Bavona Valley, a swing hangs between two trees with a direct view onto the 110-meter Foroglio waterfall .

The best hotel locations in Lugano are close to the lake and the promenade along its shore. At one end is Paradiso, where the funicular starts for Monte San Salvatore, and at the other end is the Cassarate area, with the funicular up Monte Bre. About halfway between is the main shopping street, Via Nessa, and a warren of smaller streets climbing steeply to the cathedral and rail station. These highly rated hotels in Lugano are handy to sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels :

• Facing the lake and promenade and a five-minute walk from the fashionable shopping street, Hotel Splendide Royal has lake views from its elegantly decorated rooms and the attention to detail expected from a Leading Hotels of the World member.
• Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola is in a beautiful lakeside neighborhood, a short walk from Parco Civico, with a pool, tennis courts, and lake views.
• Not as close to the lake and center as others, the Villa Principe Leopoldo is the epitome of luxury, with immense rooms and fine dining in a park setting high above the town. Parking is free, and so is the shuttle that takes you to the lakeside attractions.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• At the rail station, with good views over the town and lake, Continental Parkhotel has free parking, a pool, palm gardens, and rooms with balconies.
• On the promenade at the corner of pedestrianized Via Nassa, the family-run Hotel International au Lac is filled with old-world charm.
• At Paradiso boat landing and adjacent to the Monte San Salvatore funicular, Novotel Lugano Paradiso is a modern hotel with a fitness center and pool.

Budget Hotels:

• In the city center overlooking the lakeside Parco Ciani, the newly renovated rooms at Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano have balconies. Breakfast and parking are free.
• With balconied rooms and close to several restaurants, Hotel Atlantico is near the Monte Bre funicular and Cassarate lake steamer stop.
• Ibis Budget Lugano Paradiso is at the Paradiso boat landing, adjacent to Monte San Salvatore funicular.

More on Switzerland

Andrew Montgomery

Ticino’s lush, mountain-rimmed lake isn’t its only liquid asset. The largest city in the canton is also the country’s third-most-important banking centre. Suits aside, Lugano is a vivacious city, with posh designer boutiques, bars and pavement cafes huddling in the spaghetti maze of steep cobblestone streets that untangle at the edge of the lake and along the flowery promenade. The opening of its LAC arts centre has bumped it up in the cultural stakes, too.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Parco Ciani

This lakefront promenade necklaces the shore of glassy Lago di Lugano, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains. Notice the distinctive profiles of cone…

Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli

This simple Romanesque church contains two frescos by Bernardino Luini dating from 1529. Covering the entire wall that divides the church in two is a…

Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana

The showpiece of Lugano's striking new LAC cultural centre, the MASI zooms in predominantly on 20th-century and contemporary art – from the abstract to…

Rising dramatically above Lago di Lugano, the conical peak of Monte Brè (925m) is the trailhead for hiking and mountain-biking trails that afford wide…

Chomp into some cocoa culture at the Alprose chocolate museum, Schokoland – a sure-fire hit with kids. Whiz through chocolate history, watch the sugary…

Monte San Salvatore

Lugano's very own Sugarloaf Mountain, the 912m peak of Monte San Salvatore has riveting 360-degree views over Lago di Lugano and southern Ticino to the…

Museo Hermann Hesse

This museum showcases German-born Swiss poet, novelist and painter Herman Hesse's personal objects, including some of the thousands of watercolours he…

Parco Botanico San Grato

Footpaths thread through these hilltop botanical gardens, which afford sensational lake and mountain views. In May the park is ablaze with the colour of…

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Latest stories from Lugano

Jul 18, 2018 • 5 min read

Ticino – Switzerland’s southernmost, Italian-speaking canton – is a slow food mecca where travellers can enjoy la dolce vita with a side order of Swiss…

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Together In Switzerland

All Things Swiss

Is Lugano Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lugano, Switzerland

Zoe | Ticino

Do you ever wonder what Lugano Switzerland is like? Is Lugano Worth Visiting for you? The answer we can already share is YES! Lugano is one of the sunniest locations in Switzerland, with a bit of everything possible, such as hiking, swimming, eating out at great restaurants, relaxing in a local park and catching a funicular to amazing views!

We believe there is something in Lugano for everyone and for all ages. It’s also an easy location to reach via Milan or Zurich by car or public transport.

Now we don’t want to be biased since we live here * close to the city, but even before we lived here in 2022, we fell in love with many things Lugano Switzerland has on offer.

* All photos are our own, taken from 2022 to present.

Our 13 Reasons Why Lugano Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

If you are still here and wondering if Lugano is worth visiting? Well get a cuppa tea as we share our best 13 reasons why you should visit Lugano, Switzerland:

1. The Beautiful Outdoor Parks

Lugano city parks and gardens imparts a sense of tranquility and peace, making it a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. And the great thing about these are, that there are numerous Lugano parks and gardens to choose from!

Whether you wish to relax for just 10 minutes to a whole day, the parks are a lovely place to visit. You can choose to also take a book and have a picnic!

Here is a list of some of the parks you can visit:

• Parco Ciani
• Parco San Michele
• Parco del Tassino
• Parco Florida
• Parco Panoramico Paradiso
• Villa Heleneum Gardens

We think spending Spring time in Lugano is in our opinion one of the best times to visit, as it is not too busy and there are flowers everywhere which smell lovely!

2. Have Fun On Three Funiculars!

Lugano is home to three historic but fun funiculars that you can all have a ride on:

Lugano City Funicular

The first one is the easiest, which is located in the city at Piazza Cioccaro and takes you up and down from the Lugano main train station. There are stairs alongside it to walk down or up as well if you want to see it from outside instead.

It can hold and is running daily from 05:00 to 00:15. Departing every 5 minutes, it takes only 92 seconds on the journey.

It only costs CHF 1.30 per ride, which you can buy at the machine (with EUR and CHF cash or card) or at the ticket office nearby.

Monte San Salvatore Funicular

Secondly, for those wanting to reach some higher distances, the funicular of Monte San Salvatore is the place to visit. It is not far from Lugano centre, with a short walk to the entrance else to take the touristic red train to get there.

The funicular is in two sections, where you have to change half way up. The first section of the funicular has a gradient of 37% and the second section up to 61%. The funicular also operates daily, with half-hourly departures. The journey itself takes only 12 minutes one way.

It is 1660 m in length to the top, where you can enjoy the best 360 views above Lugano and Lake Lugano. There is also a restaurant at the top for those wanting to get a bite to eat or drink.

For our personal post, check here for more information and inspiration! Else for prices, check their site for the latest offers and discounts.

Tip: Take this 3-Hour Monte San Salvatore Tour with Funicular Ride for an easy fun option!

Monte Brè Funicular

Thirdly, is the Monte Brè funicular that can take you 1,599 meters up to the top, where a few restaurants and viewpoints are.

The first funicular starts in Cassarate, where you can take the journey to Suvigliana. This can take up to 30 people each time, with a 60% gradient. This unmanned route is easy to start at, with it being 22 minute walk from Lugano centre. Else the red touristic train comes to Cassarate too!

From Suvigliana you then change to the official Monte Brè funicular next. This funicular section has a gradient of 47.5% and can take up to 68 people each time. It only takes 10 minutes too, with views of the city and lake all the way up.

For our personal post, check here for more information and inspiration! Else for information and ticket prices, check on their site directly.

3. Sunshine, Sunshine & More Sunshine!

Lugano is in the sunniest location in Switzerland, which is part of the Ticino canton .

For more specifics, the temperature in Lugano for a whole year can vary from 2°C to 35°C (29°F to 80°F). For winter time, it can drop a few degrees minus °c, but it’s quite rare.

So if you plan to visit in the Winter, don’t expect snow every day. Yes Ticino does get snow, especially on the higher elevation areas and mountains around. The city also gets a layer of snow around once a year during Winter, but apart from that, you can still expect a warm sunny day!

From our experience, even Christmas day in 2022 was a merry 13°c degrees with sunglasses needed!

Lugano is also a great place for watching the sunset due to this lovely weather we have. We have rounded up a few places to Watch The Sunset From The Best Locations in Lugano!

Tip: Take a Lugano Guided Walking Tour to Gandria with Boat Cruise for a great day out!

4. Swiss Italian culture

The Swiss lifestyle may be a little different to the Italian lifestyle, but those living in Ticino and Lugano still take time, without rushing around, enjoying la dolce vita (the sweet life).

Everyone local likes their food, especially the traditional Italian sweets, biscuits and themed meals during festivals. This of course in combination with the Swiss food options ! Then once all the food is enjoyed, locals love to get outdoors for an activity, such as hiking , mountain biking or walking.

This Swiss lifestyle includes keeping the streets clean, throwing away all trash in the dedicated bins (and recycling bins for plastic, glass and cardboard etc).

Swiss residents are also very honest with others, proud of their neutrality and have high standards for themselves. This is visible throughout Lugano, taking pride in what they also wear, how they look and how presentable they are to others. Shaking hands is the most common and formal greeting among Swiss people and you’ll sure see someone shaking hands in Lugano too!

5. Italian Food

And to follow on from the previous point, Lugano will get your tastebuds thinking you are in Italy!

Many restaurants and local supermarkets cater with all the Italian goodies and traditional choices that you can buy in Italy. You may think you’ve had the best pizza or pasta dish in Italy, but then you haven’t tried a local place in Lugano.

For a personal recommendation with a restaurant in Lugano, check our best Lugano restaurant recommendations from many restaurants we have tried and loved. We also have a specific pizza in Lugano post!

Check also our Brunch recommendations to see our personal best brunch spots in Lugano. Many offer some delicious choices, including the usual eggs, pancakes, avocado or salmon toasts, Turkish yoghurts and more!

6. Lake Lugano and Promenade

For those who love the water, Lake Lugano is the perfect place to enjoy a boat ride , some water activities (think swimming, paddle boards or peddle boats) and to walk along with the local promenade.

The lake itself is rather big, with it officially 63% in Switzerland and 37% in Italy!

For a boat tour (as well as to explore other locations around the Lake), you can get tickets with the passenger boats company  Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano  (SNL). They have 2 docking terminals along the lake to board, one at the lakeside near Paradiso and the other called Lugano-Centrale (which is near Piazza della Riforma).

You can buy your boat tickets at the ticket booths at each terminal area, else you can easily buy a ticket via the SBB website/app. This can be done on the same day or in advance, as the price is the same.

For a walk along the lake , it’s a beautiful route all the way from Paradiso to Parco Ciani . This takes only 30 minutes one way, which is flat and suitable for all. The length is only 2.5km long and beautiful to do in all seasons of the year.

If visiting Lugano for a whole day, we have a self guided 1 day Lugano walking route which includes a boat trip as well as up one of the mountains!!

7. There Is A Car-free city centre

Not only is the city centre pretty with some historical architecture, it is also car-free! That makes exploring the streets and side streets much more enjoyable. You don’t have to worry about any cars (or bikes!) coming out of no where. This we feel is great, making the center of Lugano quite relaxing to wander.

The main shopping streets and areas without cars include:

• Via Francesco Petrarca
• Piazza Cioccaro
• Piazza della Riforma
• Piazza Alighieri Dante
• Via Pessina

TIP: Shop till you drop at one of the many Thrift and Swiss Second Hand Shops in Ticino

8. Join a Local Free Event!

Throughout the year, Lugano has many ongoing events for all ages in the city and . These can range from music events, food festivals, vintage shopping events, children’s activities, car shows and themed seasonal events. The best thing is that most of the local big events are also free!

So if you are wondering if Lugano is worth visiting, with an event, even more so!

With these events, it all depends on when you would want to visit to what is on at the time. Some of the bigger events in Lugano include:

Lugano Elegance (Concorso di Eleganza)

A beautiful event of classic cars, with around fifty selected classic cars who aim for the “best of show” trophy during the event. The main promenade street is closed for normal cars, so that all cars are on show for the public.

When: March

LongLake Lugano

A open air music event throughout the city, with many stages and all types of music genres. There are buskers, workshops, stand-up comedy and readings. There is something for everyone!

When: June-July

Lugano Air Show

A great day event for those who are interested in a show from many flying aircrafts . The event for 2023 had PC-7 team showing off their acrobatic formations with smoke trails.

When: A day in September (usually on a weekend)

Switzerland National Day

The Switzerland National Day off with lots of music, celebrations all day, people dressed up in red and white, food stands and then fireworks at the end of the evening.

When: 1st August every year

Autumn Festival (Festa d’autunno)

A seasonal festive weekend event where you can buy local cuisine, cute Swiss gifts, vintage items for your home and join a old fashioned game or two! If you like chestnuts, make sure you visit this festival.

When: A weekend usually late October

Christmas Markets

A Christmas magical event of 60 traditional wooden chalets, live musical shows, enchanted forest of lights and of course warm gluhwein. Get inspired here !

When: Usually for 3 weeks in December, before New Years Eve

We have a fully-loaded, high content  Ticino Guide  sharing local things to see, do and explore with each season: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.  CLICK HERE

9. WatcH The Lugano Webcams!

For those wanting to see what Lugano is like before you visit, there are many webcams based in Lugano !

We personally would check these, such as to see the weather, whats happening and just out of curiosity what Lugano was like during the day. Before we moved here, we were checking daily in excitement!

The webcam at the top of Monte Brè is one of our favourites, especially after a day of rain. As then you will spot the low clouds passing by the camera, which is very pretty when the sun shines too!

10. Even When It Rains There Is Lots To Do!

Despite Lugano being located in the sunniest canton of Switzerland, it does rain here too! So if you find yourself in Lugano stuck in a rain shower, don’t let that put you off exploring the city.

We have a specific post about what to do in Lugano when it rains , but to highlight a few activities you can:

Visit A Local Museum

• Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI Lugano) – Art Galley Museum
• Museo Cantonale di Storia Naturale – The Natural History Museum
• San Salvatore Museum – great to combine with visiting  Monte San Salvatore
• Museum of Cultures

Watch A Film

Visit the local CineStar cinema for a showing. Most showings are in Italian only, however the larger, international Hollywood films usually have one English showing per day.

Join A Local Tour (with umbrella!)

Check the local tours that Lugano tourism office organises, as long as the weather isn’t too bad to be outside. For example they have a tasting experience tour where you can discover meats, fish, cheeses and wines from the region. 

Tip: Consider the following tour if you are a photographer with a Photogenic Spots Tour of Lugano with a Local !

11. Lugano Has it’s Own Beach area

For those who want to visit Lugano and enjoy a day at the beach, you wont have to travel far. Within 15 minutes walking from the city centre to the end of Parco Ciani, you can find yourselves sitting on the stoney beach with your feet in the water!

For the summer time, the lake can get pretty warm for a swim. There is no lifeguard here, so it is your own responsibility to swim and be smart about your surroundings. However it’s quite shallow to start with, so even suitable for those with kids.

For example, in July the lake is usually already 25°c (77°f) with people swimming at all times of the day!

I would like to highlight that this is a public beach area is without any changing rooms nearby. So bring a towel, some snacks, drinks and arrive with your swimming costume on as the easiest visit. Alternatively there are public toilets in the park about 5 minutes away walking that you could pop in to change.

Tip: There is also a playground right nearby, perfect for those with kids wanting to combine a beach day with lots of playtime.

12. There’s A Miniature Switzerland

Even though this post is about Is Lugano Worth Visiting , Lugano is perfect for those wanting to see more of Switzerland while only in one place, the Swiss Miniatur Museum features miniaturised versions of the whole country’s landmarks. The park has lots of items moving, such as the trains and boats, making it great to watch how it all is. It’s suitable for families, but also great for adults too.

Enjoy all the Switzerland models and park area first before stopping at their cafe for a drink or ice cream.

To visit, there is a short 10 minutes train ride or 20 minute public bus ride from Lugano to Melide, then its just a short few minutes walk to the entrance of the Swissminiatur museum. Prices can be found on their site .

13. The Lugano District includes the prettiest villages!

There are quite a few villages within the Lugano district , all reachable with a local bus or car journey. These are all based sightly outside of the city center, but all worth your time visiting. They each have something unique to explore and see, as well as all having some local restaurants to try local dishes:

Voted as the prettiest village of Switzerland back in 2016, we think it deserves the title again. Morcote has a population of around 3,500 people and is 20-30minutes away from Lugano with car or a public bus. The same boat mentioned in paragraph 6 also docks here!

The village itself is stunning, especially in Spring time with all the flowers and greenery at its best. There is much to see in this tiny village, such as the Giardino Botanico Suizo (botanical gardens), the church of Santa Maria del Sasso and little boutiques with plenty of souvenirs.

You can also choose to walk the 300+ stairs to the top viewpoint, where you will be above the church tower looking towards Italy. There is also a large wooden swing for some fun!

The quaint restaurants on the lakeside have a range of dishes for if you get hungry while visiting.

Tip: Take a 5 hour Lake Lugano Cruise to Morcote & Sightseeing !

The village of Brè is located at the very last stop of public bus 12 (from the Lugano bus station), or a short 15-20 minute walk from the Monte Brè funicular mentioned above. You can also visit by car with parking nearby.

The village of Brè is a quiet one, with stunning views through the valley towards Italy. The village is historical for many artists, such as Wilhelm Schmid, Pasquale Gilardi and Luigi Taddei, who all lived in the village. Walking around the village will show off their work, with artistic decor on some of the houses and along the cobblestone streets.

The village has a few restaurants (try Ristorante Salotto Brè !) for those wanting to stay longer than a walk around.

During our walk around the village one afternoon, we spotted more than 5 cats! So if you like cats as much as us, keep your eyes open when exploring!

For visiting Gandria, there is a scenic olive path route along the lake from Lugano to Gandria directly. It’s mostly a flat route and on a stone/dirt track with some tarmac to start with. Alternatively the same local boat mentioned above or with public transport (bus) is possible. There is also a little car park at the top for those with their own transport.

Gandria is situated on the base of Monte Brè, so you can consider visiting Brè at the top first and then walk down to Gandria in one day . The village itself is quaint with around 300 residents only, but very pretty, with hidden restaurants and walkways in many directions.

Once infamous for smuggling, due to its close proximity to the Italian border, there is now a Customs Museum you can visit. Else on hotter days, you can also consider a swim in the lake by visiting Lido San Domenico.

TIP: For more Ticino villages, check: Picturesque Ticino Villages In Switzerland

So Is Lugano Worth Visiting?

As like we started, we believe the answer is yes , with the 13 reasons above some of the reasons why!

Can you think of any more reasons if “Is Lugano Worth Visiting”? Im sure there are plenty more that we could add to this list.

We hope this post inspires you to visit Lugano one day, and if you need more tips and local suggestions, check our up to date Lugano posts !

Reader Interactions

May 14, 2024 at 9:12 am

This looks like a gorgeous place to visit!

Chloe | The Coconut Atlas

July 30, 2024 at 12:43 pm

Extremely informative blog Thanks for sharing Sunil Chawla

August 2, 2024 at 4:40 pm

Thanks Sunil, hope you get to visit Lugano one day!

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Home » Travel Guides » Switzerland » 15 Best Things to Do in Lugano (Switzerland)

15 Best Things to Do in Lugano (Switzerland)

The city of Lugano is on its namesake lake in Switzerland’s Italian Canton of Ticino, south of the first ridge of the alps. As a tourist escape, Lugano hardly needs introduction. The wild beauty of the lakeshore, the dominating San Salvatore and Brè Mountains all speak for themselves and need to be top of your holiday plans.

And in the city you’ll fall for the Italianate architecture, lakeside promenades, parks on the waterfront, chic shopping streets and lively squares with arcades and restaurant tables. The outlying villages also deserve some love and are huddled onto mountainsides over the lake. One, Montagnola was where the writer Hermann Hesse settled in 1919 and he was so fond of it he remained the until he died almost 50 years later.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Lugano :

1. Lake Lugano

When you step onto the waterfront promenade at Lugano what will strike you about the lake is just how wild it looks.

On every shore there’s a mountain with wood-cloaked slopes that plummet to the water.

The lake is long and sinuous, filling the deep valleys between the peaks.

And because of the peaks on the shore you can only see one portion of the lake from Lugano, so you shouldn’t pass up the chance to see more by boat.

There’s a whole menu of daily excursions by paddle steamer from the jetties at the Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano.

The most popular are the morning cruise and the panoramic cruise, both lasting three hours, and you can also set off to see Lugano’s city lights twinkling on the lake at night.

2. Monte San Salvatore

Lugano’s own mountain and a monolith on the southern skyline, Monte San Salvatore crests at over 900 metres.

At the top you’ll be awestruck by the 360° views of Lugano, the lake and views of the Alps to the west.

A funicular carries you up the precipitous slope from the suburb of Paradiso in just 12 minutes.

For determined hikers the upper station at the summit is just the start of their adventure as they can pick up the trails for Carona or venture even further along the ridge to the lakeside town of Morcote.

You could also walk back down instead of catching the funicular, for a hike of just over an hour.

3. Monte Brè

The Cassarate suburb in the east of Lugano is the springboard for another ride to the top of a mountain.

Clattering up the mountainside since 1912, the funicular railway has a maximum incline of 60.5% and more of a vintage feel than San Salvatore, even though it’s actually newer.

At the summit, 925 metres above sea level, there are two restaurants and you can survey Lugano and the landscape as far as Italy.

Monte Brè is touted as Switzerland’s sunniest mountain, and the abundance of sunlight nourishes the Christmas rose, a flower that usually only thrives in Mediterranean climes.

On the way up or down, you could alight at Brè Villaggio stop to look around the exceedingly picturesque village of Brè, squeezed onto the steep slope.

4. Centro Storico

The old centre of Lugano is a delight to explore, and is crammed with Renaissance and Baroque churches, convents, palazzi and arcaded squares.

Your first port of call has to be the Piazza Riforma, edged by tall pastel-painted houses and full of life on evenings and weekends.

On the southern boundary is the striking facade of the Neoclassical city hall, while the tourist office is also here if you have an queries.

On Tuesday and Friday mornings be sure to rise early for the fresh produce market on Piazzale Ex Scuole, selling cold cuts, flowers, cheese and fruit.

On Piazza Cioccaro is the trapezoidal and arcaded Palazzo Riva, commissioned by a count in 1740

5. Via Nassa

Beginning at the very south of the city, Via Nassa is one block in from the waterfront and curves with Lugano’s bay as it enters the old centre of the city.

Here you can get some serious shopping done on a street with a long line of arcades that go back to the 17th century.

In the past, those arcades provided a sheltered place out for stall-holders to trade,. Now they’re a cool way to get around in summer, and upmarket boutiques, jewellery shops, department stores, food emporia and cafes are all hiding under the arches.

6. Parco Civico

East of the centre of the city, Parco Civico is an enchanting lakeside park that also hosts a few big amenities like the Cantonal Library and Convention Centre.

Around the curve of the bay from the centre there are supreme views of Lugano, which are just as pretty after sunset.

During the day you’ll be wowed by the vistas of Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore.

Closer to the city centre is the Villa Ciani, wrapped in carefully tended gardens with flowerbeds, palms and shrubs.

To the east, by the bank of the Cassarate River things are a little wilder in mature woodland growing maple, plane, oak and lime trees.

7. Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli

A former monastic church, the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli is rather sober on the outside but is cherished for what you can see in the interior.

Spreading across the entrance to the chancel is the finest Renaissance fresco in Switzerland.

It was painted in 1529 by Bernardo Luini and represents Christ’s passion and crucifixion.

This is one of three paintings by Luini in the church, the others depicting the Virgin with Child and the Last Supper.

Go through the arches for a peek at the altar, crafted from wood for Como’s Convent of Santa Croce in the 1700s.

8. Cattedrale San Lorenzo

The main facade for Lugano’s Renaissance cathedral is a real treasure, carved from white limestone and Carrara marble.

The cathedral dates to the turn of the 16th century, and was constructed over a much earlier Romanesque building.

The three portals are sculpted with medallions and Renaissance motifs like birds and puttoes.

And between them are marble relief busts of King Solomon, David and the Four Evangelists.

In the centre, look up to admire the rose window, adorned with cherubs and sculpted in the 1570s.

On this high ground there’s a terrace with a balustrade to marvel at the view of the lake and mountains.

9. Hesse Museum

The Nobel Prize-winning German author Hermann Hesse moved to the lakefront village of Montagnola in 1919 and remained there until he died in 1962. A museum has been created in Casa Camuzzi, his first home in the village.

While living here he wrote classics like Siddhartha, Steppenwolf and Narcissus and Goldmund.

In the Torre Camuzzi you can examine a trove of memorabilia, such as correspondence with people like T.S. Eliot and Freud, Hesse’s typewriter, books, photographs and watercolours he painted.

You could also take an audio-guided tour of Montagnola, following Hesse’s footsteps around the village.

10. Gandria

Officially part of Lugano since 2004 is this charming lakeside village clinging to the eastern slopes of Monte Brè.

Gandria is unspoiled and looks much as it did a hundred years ago when the village was a den of illicit trade.

The high customs duties for goods like cigarettes and meat made this remote stretch of the Swiss-Italian border a prime target for smugglers.

You can idle along streets and stairways that are creased with hairpin turns, and pop into the 15th-century Church of St Viglio, the facade of which has historic memorials to members of important local families.

Across the water is the Swiss Customs Museum, detailing the smugglers’ ingenious schemes and the efforts of customs officers to counter them.

11. Olive Tree Trail

Along with smuggling and the silk trade, olives are also a big part of Gandria’s heritage.

The sunny slopes of Monte Brè are terraced with olive trees, and you can take a leisurely walk through these groves on a 3.5-kilometre trail.

The route stretches from Gandria to Castagnola and feels more like the Mediterranean than Central Europe.

Some of the groves are hundreds of years old, and there are also new efforts to reintroduce olive cultivation.

The path is well signposted and as you go you can read 18 panels with information about the olive trees and their relationship with these two villages.

12. Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana

Since 2015 the diverse art collections of the Ticino Canton and the city of Lugano have been combined under the umbrella Museo d’Arte della Svizzera (MASI). This has two locations, one inside the brand new LAC building in the south of the city, near the start of Via Nassa.

And the other is the Palazzo Reali in the centre of the city.

The LAC is the venue for modern and contemporary art and major temporary exhibitions.

While the collections from the 15th to the 20th century in the Palazzo Reali warrant as much time as you can allow.

The standouts are pieces by Swiss-Italian masters from the Baroque like Giovanni Serodine and Giuseppe Antonio Petrini.

13. Swissminiatur

On the Melide Causeway at the foot of Monte San Salvatore is an open-air museum that, true to its name, renders all of Switzerland’s big landmarks in miniature.

The park has 130 models of churches, manor houses, castles and landforms like the Matterhorn.

These are mostly on a scale of 1:25 and wreathed in flowerbeds and woodland.

Kids will also be wild for the miniature railway that wends through the park.

This is 3.5 kilometres long and has 18 model trains zipping along its tracks.

Also keep an eye out for the park’s funiculars, cars on the motorways and boats zipping over the lakes.

14. Lido di Lugano

East of the Parco Civico, the Lido di Lugano is a kind of holiday resort all within walking distance of the city.

There are several outdoor pools, including one with toys and obstacles for kids, an Olympic-sized pool, medium pool and diving pool.

The Lido also has a sandy beach where you can lounge in front of San Salvatore and the hulking mass of Sighignola on the opposite shore.

You could also go swimming in the lake, pause for lunch at the beach bar, and catch movie screenings on the lawns on summer nights.

15. Piadine

Lugano’s cuisine, like the city’s culture and geography, is at the meeting point between Switzerland and Italy.

And that cross-pollination is encapsulated by the Lugano-style piadine.

Very satisfying if you’re on the go, and an antidote to city’s very upmarket cuisine, a piadina is a flatbread wrap that comes with almost anything you like.

It will normally be filled with some combination of cold cuts, prawns or ham, different types of cheese, salad and vegetables like aubergine.

Piadine can be fresh or grilled, and the heated version resembles a taco or quesadilla.

15 Best Things to Do in Lugano (Switzerland):

• Lake Lugano
• Monte San Salvatore
• Centro Storico
• Parco Civico
• Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli
• Cattedrale San Lorenzo
• Hesse Museum
• Olive Tree Trail
• Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana
• Swissminiatur
• Lido di Lugano

Things to do in Lugano

When you visit Lugano you might feel like you’re enjoying a Mediterranean break rather than a holiday in southern Switzerland.

This is not surprising as the city is located in the Italian-speaking Ticino region, an area renowned for its eclectic blend of Swiss-Italian architecture, culture, cuisine and climate.

The city sits proudly on the shore of Lake Lugano, its glacial waters fringed by palms and piercing Alpine summits. The great outdoors features high on many a tourist agenda, with hikers making the most of the pretty scenery. 

The pace is leisurely here; enjoy a cruise on the lake or a lazy afternoon spent exploring one of the many gardens. 

If you prefer to be a little more active, there are plenty of things to do in Lugano, Switzerland for you, too. Let’s explore a few of the best ways to spend your time in Lugano.

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Top things to do in Lugano

Cruise on lake lugano .

Though rather narrow, Lake Lugano is very deep, reaching depths of 288 metres in places. The lake has a rugged beauty that never fails to charm, and a cruise across the tranquil waters will allow you to call on two countries at once – 63% of the lake lies in Switzerland and 37% in Italy. 

Cruises have been operating on the lake since 1848 when the very first steamer took to the water to ferry eager passengers. Nowadays, there’s a wide variety of cruises on offer, with most operating between April and October. 

Take your pick from a range of excursions, including those traversing the northern area of Lugano, Porlezza and Gandria. Or opt for a journey that includes access to some of the lake’s most popular attractions including the  San Salvatore  funicular and the Monte Generoso cogwheel railway.

Another fantastic option is to cruise to Melide where you can visit Swissminatur, or to Morcote, one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland .  

Evening cruises (usually operating throughout July and August) are also available. 

One particularly popular evening cruise is the Grotti cruise, which allows passengers to disembark at a stop of their choice and enjoy a delicious Ticinese meal at a local grotto, before boarding a later boat for the return journey. 

We dined at Grotto dei Pescatori and had a delicious meal in a fabulous setting.  The sunset over the lake was gorgeous. Dinner reservations are highly recommended.

Most Lake Lugano cruises are fully covered with the Swiss Travel Pass .

Explore the Old Town 

Lugano Old Town is delightful, with its Baroque and Renaissance places of worship, charming palazzi and squares. Piazza Riforma, Lugano’s main square, is pretty as a picture, bordered by pastel-hued buildings.

It’s not dissimilar to Piazza Grande in Locarno on Lake Maggiore , which is also lined with grand 19th-century buildings.

In the evenings the piazza really comes to life, with tourists and locals alike enjoying the hospitality of the numerous bars and eateries. 

Piazza Riforma is also where you’ll find the city’s annual Christmas market which runs from the end of November to early January.

The Old Town is also home to the Neoclassical City Hall and Lugano tourist office, handy if you want to find out more about the region. 

Foodies should venture to Piazzale Ex Scuole early on a Friday or Tuesday, where you can browse the market stalls – this place is a feast for the senses, with vendors selling colourful blooms and appetizing produce.  

Head south, and you will stumble upon Via Nassa – a haven for shoppers. Under the arches, you will find stylish boutiques, chic jewellers, vast department stores, and cafes offering welcoming refreshments. 

This part of town is also home to one of Lugano’s most important churches – Santa Maria degli Angioli (Saint Mary of Angels), home to what is considered the most remarkable Renaissance fresco in Switzerland.

Painted by the Italian artist Bernardino Luini (circa 1480-1532), it represents the Passion and the Crucifixion.

If you’d like to learn more about the city from a local, why not join a guided tour like this 1 hour city tour? > Click here to check details and prices.

Where to eat: Bottegone del vino

Located right in the heart of the Old Town, Bottegone del vino offers indoor and outdoor dining for 40 patrons.

With a menu that changes daily and an extensive wine list, the restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy a cosy meal for two or a dinner with friends.

We recommend it for the wonderful service and delicious meals which are reasonably priced. The staff were spot on with the wine recommendations, too.

Sample the local cuisine with Taste My Swiss City Lugano  

Another must-do for foodies is a Taste My Swiss City Lugano self-guided tour. The tour will take you to all the hidden gems that you won’t get to experience if you just stick to the tourist trail. 

Follow the route at your own pace and indulge in the gastronomic delights that Lugano has to offer. Visit six different establishments – all recommended by locals – where you can try the traditional food and drinks for which they are best known.

This is a fun and tasty way to explore Lugano and can be enjoyed either during the day or in the evening. > Click here to check prices.

Visit Parco Ciani

Situated right beside Lake Lugano and covering an area of 63,000 square metres, Parco Ciani is the green heart of Lugano. 

With beautifully manicured English-style lawns, beds of colourful flowers, statues and fountains and the water lapping gently at its edge, this is where locals and visitors flock for rest and relaxation.

The most-photographed spot in Parco Ciani is the set of wrought iron gates right on the lake shore in front of Villa Ciani, a former private villa which dates back to the 1840’s.

Cool off at Lido di Lugano

A short stroll from Parco Ciani is the Lido di Lugano, the perfect place to cool off on a summer’s day.  With a lakeside beach and numerous swimming pools, the Lido is suitable for all ages.

There’s a large lawn area, changing rooms, showers and toilets, and a snack bar.

The Lido is open from the beginning of May until mid-September from 9am until 7.30pm. 

Ride the Monte Brè Funicular Railway

East of Lugano, you will find the suburb of Cassarate, home to the Monte Brè funicular railway. Built in 1912, the railway climbs 925 metres in two sections.

The first section runs from Cassarate to Suvigliana, and the second from Suvigliana to Monte Brè via Albonago, Aldesago and Brè Village.  It operates from the first Saturday of March until January 6 (excluding Christmas Day).

Monte Brè is described by some as the sunniest of all the Swiss mountains and the views it provides are pretty impressive, too. It’s also one of the most popular attractions in Lugano.

At the top, you can enjoy the fabulous panorama of the city and landscape beyond, extending as far as Monte Rosa and the Bernese Alps.

If you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat at one of the two restaurants where you can enjoy your lunch with a side of spectacular scenery!

It’s worth stopping off to take a stroll around Brè Villaggio. This quaint village not only offers spectacular views from the terraces of its restaurants but it is also the starting point for a number of hikes.

Brè is also home to the Wilhelm Schmid Museum, and an artistic path that leads through the village, introducing visitors to the artworks of famous artists from both Switzerland and internationally. 

You can either get off the funicular at Brè village, or hike down via an easy path (around 30 minutes). There is a wonderful viewing platform on the hiking trail just before you reach the village.

After spending some time in Brè village you can either take the funicular back to Lugano or take bus #12 to Lugano Centro. It departs from the village square twice per hour.

Monte Brè prices

Regular fares from Cassarate to Monte Brè cost around CHF 25 per adult. A 50% reduction applies to children (6 to 16 years) and holders of the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card.

You can buy tickets for the funicular at the bottom station or pre-book a 4.5 hour tour from Lugano which includes the funicular ride and a visit to the village of Brè. > Click here for further details and to check prices.

How to get to Monte Bre from Lugano :

From Lugano Centro (Stand A), you can take bus #2 to the stop called Cassarate Monte Brè. Buses operate every 15 minutes and the journey time is just five minutes.

If you are travelling from Lugano train station (Lugano Stazione), the journey will take an extra five minutes. Board bus #2 at Stand B at Lugano station.

Explore Morcote or Gandria 

Two of the prettiest villages in Switzerland, Morcote and Gandria are both worthy of a look – just don’t forget your camera! 

You will find the enchanting village of Gandria on the eastern slopes of Monte Brè. 

Once frequented by smugglers who came up with clever scams to traffic their wares, the village is now a haven for those who enjoy a quiet stroll in pretty surroundings. 

It may be tiny but Gandria is still a delight to visit.  The 16th century church of San Vigilio will surprise you with its baroque interior, and the maze of narrow streets and steep steps are just made for exploring!

How to get from Lugano to Gandria:

Allow around 15 minutes to reach Gandria by car via the Strada di Gandria.  It’s a distance of 6.5 kilometres. 

If you don’t have a car, you can reach Gandria by boat. It takes just 15 minutes to cruise from Lugano Centrale pier to Gandria. Tickets can be purchased at the pier or are just show your Swiss Travel Pass when you board.

For a more personal experience, why not pre-book a guided walking tour to Gandria along the Olive Tree Trail?  You’ll then have time to explore the village before cruising back to Lugano (boat ticket included). > Click here for more information and to check prices.

Where to eat: Locanda Gandriese

If you’d like absolute lake frontage when you dine, you can’t go wrong with Locanda Gandriese.

The restaurant offers a good selection of dishes that can be enjoyed either indoors or on the outdoor terrace which is directly above the lake. We recommend it for the friendly service and delicious meals.

Morcote is another gem and, in 2016, was voted as the most beautiful village in Switzerland. It’s also included in the Swiss Federal Inventory as a site worthy of protection. 

Known as the Pearl of Ceresio, Morcote is made up of archaic monuments. Amongst these are ornamental fountains, the Tower of the Captain – part of the village’s original defence walls – and a terraced cemetery. 

The crowning glory, though, is the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso, in Renaissance Baroque style, which was built in the mid-16th Century by Morcote villagers.

Morcote is also home to Scherrer Park where visitors can admire a large collection of subtropical flora and artworks in beautifully manicured gardens. 

How to get to Morcote from Lugano: 

Getting to Morcote by car takes around 25 minutes from Lugano. 

If you don’t have your own vehicle, there are various options to reach Morcote:

You can catch a #431 bus from the Piazza Rezzonico PostAuto stop in Lugano.  The trip to Morcote (Piazza Grande stop) takes 30 minutes. Or you can take a train from Lugano to Melide (7 minutes) then connect to a #431 bus to Morcote (11 minutes).

Finally, you can board a boat at Lugano Central pier for a 50 minute cruise to Morcote, or join a round-trip sightseeing cruise to Morcote – > click here for details .

Where to eat: Restaurant Posta

There’s no better location for lunch in Morcote than Restaurant Posta which is right on the waterfront.

Serving a wide selection of pizzas, pasta and meat dishes, the restaurant’s outdoor terrace is the ideal place to soak in the tranquil scene of Lake Lugano whilst enjoying a tasty meal.  

Discover Switzerland in miniature

A model village of sorts, Swissminatur is situated on the Melide Causeway at the base of Monte San Salvatore. 

Here, you will find many of Switzerland’s greatest landmarks and historic buildings, from manor houses to churches and castles – all painstakingly recreated in miniature. 

Everything is constructed on a 1:25 scale – from the pretty flowers in the borders to the railway that winds its way through the park.  

Swissminatur will delight children of all ages but adults will appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into creating this mini theme park.

How to get to Swissminatur from Lugano:

Melide is 6.5 kilometres from Lugano and will take you around 12 minutes to reach by car. 

The boat ride from Lugano takes 28 minutes. (Melide Swissminatur stop on request).

Train – From Lugano Centrale it is a 7-minute journey to Melide, then an easy 10-minute walk to Swissminatur.

You can find handy tips about driving in Switzerland in our comprehensive guide here .

Shop until you drop at FoxTown Factory Stores

If you’re a fan of shopping – and getting a bargain – you will be in your element at the FoxTown Outlet which is located 15 kilometres from Lugano in Mendrisio. 

There are 160 stores offering a multitude of products – from luxury clothing to sporting goods and household items.

Brands on sale at discounted prices include adidas, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and Timberland.

You can buy quality items at heavily reduced rates (sometimes up to 70% less than the original retail price), so it’s worth having a good look around! 

Parking isn’t a problem (there are over 1000 spaces), and if you get peckish, you can head to one of the nine food areas.

FoxTown Lugano is open 7 days a week from 11am to 7pm.

How to get from Lugano to FoxTown: 

If you are travelling by car, it takes around 25 minutes to get to FoxTown via the A2 motorway.

At least two train services operate per hour from Lugano to Mendrisio San Martino station.  The journey takes just 17 minutes and FoxTown Factory Stores is a two minute walk from Mendrisio San Martino station. 

Ascend Monte San Salvatore

Monte San Salvatore stands at over 900 metres tall and is situated in southern Lugano. Board the funicular railway (based in Paradiso) and take the 12-minute journey to the summit. 

There you will witness the most amazing views, see the city of Lugano and its imposing lake from above and marvel at the vistas of the Alps. 

Why not enjoy a meal on the terrace of Ristorante Vetta or visit the Museum San Salvatore where you’ll find a collection of rare religious art, the history of the lightening research centre which explores the historical significance of storms and an exhibition featuring rocks, minerals and fossils of the region?

If you’re feeling energetic, follow the trail for Carona, or skip the funicular and take the hour-long walk back down. 

The Monte San Salvatore funicular runs from morning to late afternoon, from March to November, with trips every 30 minutes. In summer the last trip is at 11.00 pm.

How to get from Lugano to Monte San Salvatore:

From central Lugano, you can catch an urban train on line #10 from Lugano to Lugano Paradiso. It’s then a  5-minute walk to the funicular station. The funicular ride takes just 10 minutes.

Paradiso is less than two kilometres from central Lugano and takes around five minutes to reach by car.  Parking is available at the funicular station.

You can also pre-purchase tickets on the Monte San Salvatore funicular which include a guided tour of Lugano.  > Click here to check details and prices.

See how chocolate is made at Chocolat Alprose Factory

If you’re a chocolate lover, a visit to the Chocolat Alprose Factory at Caslano is a fun thing to do in Lugano.  

From Monday to Friday, visitors can watch chocolate being made through glass windows before tasting free samples in the shop.

There’s also a small museum that shares the history of chocolate-making.

How to get from Lugano to Chocolat Alprose:

By car – It takes around 20 minutes to reach Caslano from Lugano. 

Train – The journey from Lugano FLP station to Caslano takes just 22 minutes.

Need help planning your Swiss trip? Read our suggested 7, 10 and 14-day Switzerland itineraries in this article.

Visit the Jungle of Ticino Zoo (Zoo al Maglio)

Meet over 200 animals from around the world at Zoo al Maglio in the valley of the Magliasina river.

Lions, snow leopards, wallabies, raccoons, turtles, gibbons and many species of birds are just some of the animals housed at the zoo.

The zoo is open 365 days a year and is located at Via ai Mulini 14, Magliaso.

> Click here to pre-purchase your admission tickets to Zoo al Maglio.

How to get from Lugano to Zoo al Maglio:

By car – Allow 20 minutes to get to Zoo al Maglio from Lugano by car.

By train – If you’re using public transport, regular train services depart Lugano FLP station for Magliaso (21 minute ride).  The zoo is 600 metres from the station.

Head up to Monte Generoso 

Monte Generoso’s rack railway has been transporting passengers from the lakeside town of Capolago to the summit since 1890 and it’s still a popular excursion today.

The mountain summit (at 1704 metres above sea level) is the main vantage point in the Canton of Ticino with views stretching from the Apennines to the Alps. 

Amongst the peaks you can see from Monte Generoso are the Matterhorn and Jungfraujoch.

The mountain’s rugged plateau is also the ideal viewing platform to admire the many lakes and valleys below, and handy information boards will help you to identify them.

Inside Fiore di pietra (stone flower), an impressive building created by the famous architect, Mario Botta, you’ll find two restaurants.

There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and an astronomical observatory where you can look through a 61 centimetre-diameter telescope.

On your descent from Monte Generoso (during summer), keep an eye out for Haflinger horses which graze on the mountain’s pastures.

> Click here to buy your Monte Generoso rack railway tickets.

How to get from Lugano to Monte Generoso:

By car – It’s 14 kilometres from Lugano to Capolago-Riva san Vitale railway station. The trip should take you around 20 minutes.

By train – Regular trains depart on the S10 line from Lugano TILO station for Capolago-Riva san Vitale. Journey time is 14 minutes. 

The Monte Generoso rack railway departs from Capolago-Riva san Vitale at 9:25, 10:35 and then at 35 minutes past every hour until 16:35.  Descents commence at 10:15, then at 11:45 and 45 minutes past every hour until 17:45.

Monte Generoso is accessible from the beginning of April until early November.

How to get to Lugano 

Lugano has its own airport ( Aeroporto Lugano ), located near the A2 Milan-Basel highway. Flights from Zurich and Geneva fly into the city, with an approximate flight time of 50 minutes.

The nearest international airport is Milan Airport, which is 47 kilometres from Lugano. 

Zurich to Lugano 

You can travel from Zurich to Lugano by train (there are around 11 trains per day, leaving every couple of hours). The journey will take you approximately 2 hours 50 minutes.

If you prefer to drive, you can make it from Zurich to Lugano via the A4 and A2, covering a distance of 207.2 km. The journey will take on average just under two and a half hours. 

Geneva to Lugano 

If you’re travelling from Geneva, you will need to allow longer for your trip. The average train journey takes around 5 hours 50 minutes. There are around 25 trains per day, and they leave approximately every 25 minutes.

If you’re driving, you can take the A1 and A2. The Geneva – Lugano journey covers around 433.5 km and will take around 4 hours 40 minutes. 

St Moritz to Lugano 

You can also travel to Lugano from St. Moritz on the Bernina Express train and bus. The fabulous narrow-gauge train offers breath-taking views from its panoramic carriages.

The train travels between St Moritz and Tirano in Italy, crossing the Bernina Pass, on a journey of approximately 2.5 hours.

You can then transfer to the Bernina Express Bus, for the leg from Tirano to Lugano (or vice versa), which takes approximately 3 hours 20 minutes. 

Milan to Lugano 

Board the train at Milan Central Station for the 1 hour 48-minute journey to Lugano. There are approximately 29 Milan – Lugano trains running every day.

If you are travelling by car, the trip is around 79.4 km along the A9 and A2 – taking approximately 1 hour 25 minutes. 

Visitors who prefer to take an organised tour can join a full day Como, Lugano and Bellagio tour from Milan. > Click here to check further details and prices.

Como to Lugano

Lake Lugano and Lake Como are not far from each other and it only takes 40 minutes to drive from Como to Lugano.  Como-Lugano train services are frequent and also take just 40 minutes.

The city of Como is the most convenient place to get from Lake Como to Lugano by train.

Travel times from other popular Swiss destinations:

Locarno – Lugano: 50 minutes by car / 1 hour by train

Lucerne to Lugano:   2 hours by car / 2 hours 15 minutes by train

Interlaken to Lugano: 2 hours 44 minutes by car / 4 hours 30 minutes by train

Planning a trip to Switzerland? At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers. Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide. 🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭

Where to Stay in Lugano 

As you’d expect in a city with a population of around 64,000, there are plenty of Lugano hotels to choose from.  Below are a couple of the most popular places to stay in Lugano. You’ll find more options in our article on 10 of the best hotels in Lugano . 

Hotel de la Paix Lugano – 4*

Right in the heart of Lugano, and just a short walk from the lake, is the Hotel de la Paix Lugano.

This 4-star hotel offers guests a taste of traditional elegance with all the modern comforts that are expected today.

There are a range of rooms and suites to choose from, all with free WiFi, two restaurants and an American bar and lounge. 

> Click here to check prices for Hotel de la Paix Lugano

Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola – 5*

This 5* resort is located in beautiful subtropical gardens across the road from Lake Lugano.

Previously the home of a noble family, the property was transformed into a hotel in 1885 and has been one of Lugano’s most sought after destinations ever since.

The hotel offers a range of rooms, suites and two bedroom apartments which all have either park or lake views.

There are three restaurants (one with 1-Michelin star), three bars, a heated indoor pool, a private lakeside beach and wellness area at this exceptional hotel.

> Click here to check prices at Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola

Guesthouse Castagnola

Located in Castagnola at the foot of Monte Bre, Guesthouse Castagnola is the perfect place to call home when you visit Lugano. 

The three rooms (including one apartment) in a 16th century villa have been tastefully renovated by the owner Kristina and feature everything you need for a comfortable stay.

A delicious breakfast is available each morning and Kristina is on hand to provide tips for sightseeing and dining out.

The property is easily reached by bus from Lugano Centro (10 minute journey).

> Click here to check prices at Guesthouse Castagnola

There are plenty more options if you prefer to book an apartment or Airbnb.

Lugano has a selection of apartments and B&Bs to choose from, and if you’d rather go camping, Lugano offers the ideal location and climate to do just that.

Lugano Weather

From June to August, you can expect relatively sunny mornings, the temperature is usually quite pleasant – warm to hot, with a slight breeze blowing in from the lake.

The afternoon/evening sometimes brings a thunderstorm along with it.  

During winter – from December to February – the weather is chilly, but not as cold as it is in some Swiss cities. You will usually get one or two rainy days, but winter is the driest of all seasons here. 

Snow tends to fall at least once a year, but the mild winds keep it from being permanently icy. Night frosts can lower the temperature significantly, so wrap up warm if you’re visiting! 

You can check the average temperatures for Lugano here .

Final Thoughts

No matter how you prefer to spend your time, you’re sure to find plenty of things to do in Lugano.

From a relaxing lake cruise to a mountain excursion, from tasting the local cuisine to shopping, there’s a reason for everyone to visit Lugano, Switzerland.

Like to know more about the beautiful canton of Ticino? Read our Ticino Travel Guide here >>

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Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

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3 Days in Lugano on a Budget: Best Things to Do in Lugano, Switzerland

Switzerland is not the first country that comes to mind when you think about budget travel. However, it doesn't mean you can't find anything affordable when traveling around Switzerland. 

Lugano is known best for the lake with the same name in Switzerland, and this Italian-speaking region of Switzerland offers so many budget-friendly things to do! 

Augusta from Mini Me Explorer will share how you can spend 3 days in Lugano without breaking the bank.

The city is easily accessible from other Swiss cities like Zurich or Basel , and there are so many great destinations you can visit on day trips from Lugano, Switzerland!

Table of Content

Best Places to Visit: Top 3 Day Trips from Lugano, Switzerland

Everyone thinks that Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Well, it is not true – at least not always.

You can visit Lugano, the main city in the Italian speaking area of Switzerland, without having to break the bank.

Lugano is where Switzerland meets Italy. Situated around 80 kilometers from Milan , you can find so many cruise trips from Milan to Lugano easily. Lugano is where you can see palm trees growing at the foot of mountains, and where you can have amazing adventures on a budget.

Not many people know that the local tourist office, Lugano Region, offers three tours with the best things to do in Lugano for just 10 CHF (about the same as $10 USD). The tours even include transportation either to nearby villages or mountains, which otherwise would cost way more than that!

For all the three tours as we spoke, you can go directly to Lugano Region tourist office in Piazza Riforma. Some tour options conduct in different days. So there they are!

Day 1 – A Day Tour to Gandria

Started from 10 AM to 2.30 PM, it is best to do the tour by the end of June to mid-October. Gandria is a quaint old fishing village about an hour walk from Lugano, along with a panoramic path overlooking the lake.

From Gandria, you can return to Lugano by boat. Alternatively, you can also join this guided walking tour with boat cruise from Lugano .

Day 2 – Lugano-Monte San Salvatore Tour

The day tour from Lugano to Monte San Salvatore will last for a few hours, approximately from 10 AM to 1 PM. The best time to do this tour is around mid-June to the end of October.

You will reach the top of Monte San Salvatore by funicular, and from there you can enjoy the most amazing view over the Gulf of Lugano.

The funicular itself leaves from the suburb of Paradiso, so on your way there, you will also pass two amazing places: the brand new LAC museum and concert hall, as well as the Santa Maria Degli Angeli Church, with its frescos by Bernardino Luini, a disciple of Leonardo.

Day 3 – Lugano-Monte Brè Tour

If you visit Lugano around mid-May to mid-October, it is best to spare some time to have the tour from Lugano to Monte Brè from 12.50 AM to 5.30.

This tour will take you to the quaint village of Monte Brè, first by boat to the suburb of Cassarate, and then you'll continue the journey by funicular to the panoramic viewpoint of Monte Brè.

Views from the area are amazing, and by visiting this area, you will probably understand why people call Lugano “the Rio de Janeiro of Switzerland”.

The Gulf with the San Salvatore Mountain in the background looks like a miniature of Rio with its Sugarloaf Mountain. You will also stroll through the village, with its ancient buildings and modern works of art.

Other Tours in Lugano, Switzerland

Just for your information, there's also some free walking tour where you can join in from April to October. These tours will take you around the city, and last for only 2 hours from 10 AM to 12 PM.

If you join all these tours, your meeting point will be from Lugano Region tourist office in Piazza Riforma, except for the last tour mentioned as it starts from the railway station.

There are also some other tours conducted on the other days, like the “Unexpected Classic Tour” on Monday or “Lugano through the Eyes of An Architect Tour” on Thursday. On Saturday, you can also join the “Lugano Guided City Walk”.

For this, you need to make a reservation in advance for any tour chosen, be it for the paid one that costs only 10 CHF or for the free tour. To make a reservation, you can go directly through the Lugano Region website or also by phone on +41 58 220 65 05.

For the paid tours, you will also need to present your voucher. Just note that for kids from 6 to 16-year-old, they will pay half the price for only 5 CHF, while it's free for the younger kids.

Conclusion: More Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Lugano, Switzerland

Not much. 10 CHF will enable you to buy 3 bars of Swiss chocolate, or 3 scopes of ice cream, but definitely not a restaurant meal. Not even a starter or a salad.

However, you can have a sandwich and a soft drink (the best ones are from Brezelkonig at the station) or a large slice of delicious pizza at Gabbani, via Pessina.

Sports-wise, there are a few options. You can rent a bike for 75 minutes and cycle around the city, or an e-bike for 60 minutes.

First, you need to register on Publibike and download the app. In summer, you can also enjoy the swimming pool at Lido di Lugano for 5 CHF from 12 AM to 2 PM during the weekdays, or after 4 PM every day. If you opt the alternative, of course you've some 5 CHF left for a drink or ice cream.

If you are into yoga, Lido Riva Caccia also offers free lessons from 9 AM to 10 AM every Saturday morning in the summer. The entrance to the lido is only 6 CHF so you'll have some spare change for coffee.

If you're about to travel with kids, take note of the other two places that are recommended for your little ones: the Museum of Natural History (free and there's a playground nearby in Parco Ciani) and the Museo in Erba, where kids can discover art through play for 5 CHF.

Contributor: Augusta from Mini Me Explorer

Behind minimeexplorer, there are three Swiss moms (Jenny, Alexandra and Augusta) with 8 kids aged from 2 to 8 years old. Their blog covers family travel as well as local attractions in Ticino and Switzerland in general. 

Disclaimer: 

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

Like my post?

Getting here and around

Move freely and efficiently to and within the region of Lugano.

In less than 2 hours by train from Zurich and 1 hour from Milan, Lugano is perfectly connected on the north-south axis and to the best-served international airports. Whether by public transport, car, bicycle or even boat, the close distances and extensive network will allow you to reach any place with total peace of mind.

Lugano by Airplane

Lugano – agno airport.

The airport of Lugano, which is situated South of the Alps between Zürich and Milan, has two main functions. The first is that of ensuring fast connections between the Insubric region and the main Swiss and European centres; the second is that of making the region easily accessible both to the numerous tourists and businessmen.

• Easy parking
• The airport infrastructure is small and convenient and well suited to the requirements of airline traffic
• Short boarding times

Connections to Lugano

An efficient 24 hrs. on 24 hrs. TAXI service guarantees a fast and efficient connection to the Lugano City Centre in about 20 minutes. Taxi Lugano-Airport +41 91 605 25 10

Pick-up Hotels

Many hotels offer their guests free transportation to and from the airport; ask your hotel for information and inform them of your arrival.

Shuttle Bus

From Lugano-Airport there is a convenient shuttle bus to reach the city centre.

Shuttle Bus Service

+41 79 221 42 43 [email protected] www.shuttle-bus.com

JetCar Rent

+41 91 600 26 27 [email protected] www.jetcarrent.ch

+41 78 241 38 79 [email protected] www.ticinogo.com

VIP Helicopter / Jet Charter Business

Air-dynamic.

Via Aeroporto 6982 Agno +41 91 751 10 00 [email protected] www.air-dynamic.ch

Milano – Malpensa Airport

Useful information if you are planning to arrive at Milan-Malpensa. Lugano si only 1 hour away.

This international airport is situated in the area between Busto Arsizio, Gallarate and the Ticino River. It is at about 48 Km from the centre of Milan and at about 60 Km from that of Lugano (Switzerland). The fact that Malpensa is situated in one of the most industrialized area of Europe makes it the ideal crossroads for intense market flows. Today, the opening of the new airport ensures an elevated number of national, European and intercontinental flights. Malpensa is a new hub, a great pole of attraction and sorting centre both for air, road and railroad traffic, which is targeted towards the new century.

Taxi docks are located at the arrivals, ground floor, output port 6 of Terminal 1 and door 4 of Terminal 2.

Malpensa Airport is also served daily by a Shuttle Bus to Chiasso, Mendrisio and Lugano. Detailed information on timetable and ticket prices may be found on the web site of the promoting company:

• Malpensa-express – Giosy Tours SA

Lugano by car & bus

Lugano is served by the motorway axis that directly connects Northern Europe to the Mediterranean.

Coming from Milan

Take the Laghi A9 motorway in the direction of Como-San Gottardo or the A8 motorway in the direction of Varese-Stabio (Gaggiolo). Advised exit: Lugano Sud.

Coming from Zurich

Take the A2 motorway in the direction of San Gottardo-Chiasso-Italy. Advised exit: Lugano Nord.

Please remember that to drive on Swiss motorways it is necessary to be equipped with the motorway sticker that is to be applied onto the car windshield (the cost: CHF 40.-, valid from January to December) it may be purchased at Customs (Gaggiolo - Stabio, Ponte Tresa, Chiasso).

Useful links

• Road Traffic Information provided in real time by the Swiss Touring Club
• Webcam A2 Motorway - Airolo Nord Images supplied by AET (Azienda Elettrica Ticinese)
• Webcam A2 Motorway - Airolo Sud Images supplied by AET (Azienda Elettrica Ticinese)
• Flixbus FlixBus provides bus trips to Lugano

Lugano by Train

Ffs rail service.

0900 300 300 Purchasing tickets or Obtaining Information by Phone (1.19/Min. SFR). By dialling this number it’s easy to order tickets in a fast and convenient way, to book seats or ask information.

Lugano Region Tourist Information Office at SBB-Station

[email protected]

Connections to City Centre

About 10 minutes.

Sassellina Funicular

The funicular railway leading from the Piazza Cioccaro station and vice versa. CHF 1.30.- per person. Every day from 05:00 to 24:00. Continuous races lasting 92 sec. each one.

+41 91 922 88 33 Fixed cost for every run CHF 15. - (Station – Centre / Centre – Station).

Useful inks

• TILO Treni Regionali Ticino Lombardia
• FFS Trains Online/ Station of Lugano All the trains and updated departure times from the Lugano Station
• FFS Travel Online All timetables and the possibility of booking your ticket online.
• Omio Compare train options to Lugano with the option of sorting by price and duration. Coach services are also available.
• TrainLine European trains and buses at your fingertips.
• Teletext Information on railroad traffic

Lugano by Bike

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Lugano, and no visitor should leave without experiencing it. Even if you only pedal around for a few hours, riding a bike is an must- experience in Lugano.

Renting a bike or taking a guided cycle tour is a great way to discover the region and can be quite an adventure. Exploring the city on a bike lets you see more in a day, while blending in with the locals at the same time. Here you'll find all you need to know about cycling in Lugano, including where to hire a bike or MTB, cycling transportation rules and bike friendly accomodations.

• Bikes on public transport
• Bike friendly accommodations
• Bike rental