Is Lugano Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lugano, Switzerland
Is Lugano worth visiting? The answer won’t surprise you if you’ve already been to the Ticino area of Switzerland. In short, the answer is a resounding, “YES!”
If you’ve been following my travels from this past June, you’ll know that my mother and I were in Rome for a Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour with What a Life Tours. The following morning, we both went to Fiumicino airport: mum flew home, and I flew to Milan.
Disclosure: Cynthia and I were graciously hosted for our stay (accommodations and meals) by the Ticino Tourism Board and Switzerland Tourism (Swiss Travel Pass). All opinions are solely my own.
From the Milan airport, I took a train to the main train station in the city where I met my friend Cynthia from What a Girl Eats. To cut a long story short, we were both heading to Lugano, Switzerland for two nights. Lugano is in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland, in the gorgeous canton of Ticino. (We stayed in Como for one night, but will share that later.)
Hotel de La Paix
Our base for the weekend in Lugano was Hotel de la Paix, which was about a five minute bus ride from the train station. It was also a five minute walk to the lakefront. The rooms that Cynthia and I had were comfortable, and very clean.
We were also able to see some larger rooms and suites, which had some lovely views of Lugano.
UPDATE: 2022 ~ I spent another few days in Lugano with my daughter and we stayed at Hotel Lido Seegarten which was lovely to be right on the water with beautiful views!
We truly didn’t spend much time at the Hotel de la Paix because as soon as we changed, we went for a walk along the lakefront. Which brings me to the first of my 9 reasons to answer:
Is Lugano Worth Visiting?
9 Reasons you Should Visit Lugano
1. Lugano’s Lakefront and Old Town
Our first experience in Lugano was walking along the waterfront into the Old Town. The views were spectacular.
The Old Town of Lugano is a very intimate part of the city. There are lovely shops, restaurants and places to stay.
The cathedral, which is directly across from the train station, is absolutely gorgeous, inside and out!
2. Grand Cafe al Porto
We had a few hours with a Ticino tour guide named Patricia. She was just lovely, and since she knew Cynthia and I were both foodies, insisted that we see Grand Cafe al Porto.
This cafe is actually perfect for architecture lovers and history buffs, too! The story behind this ancient building is incredible, and it is listed as one of the Historic Places of Italy. It used to be old convent, and was turned into a cafe and meeting place in 1803. If you love history, I urge you to read the story behind this building HERE. (NOTE: unless you read Italian or German, you’ll have to use Google translate).
From the Florentine painter who painted the frescoes, to the secret meeting between the Allies and German officers during WWII and all the famous people who have visited, you will be amazed. Cynthia and I were so disappointed that we didn’t have time to go back and have a proper visit to sit and soak it all in. Be sure to plan it into your visit.
3. Weather
Most people probably don’t conjure up a photo like this when you mention Switzerland, but this is in fact, Switzerland! Lugano’s weather is some of the best in Europe, averaging about 2000 hours of sunshine a year, with particularly minimal cloud coverage. Cloud coverage is 43% in Lugano, compared to 77% in Zurich. Temperatures rarely dip below the freezing mark or above 86 degrees F (30 C).
4. Bellinzona
Not even half an hour away by train, lies Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino. I remember driving on the autostrada a couple of years ago and seeing a castle that simply called my name! In my head, I made a mental note, “Visit Bellinzona!” I was so fortunate that our time in Lugano included a Saturday because that meant we could visit Bellinzona’s marvelous market held on this day each week!
The architecture was hard not to appreciate as we walked towards the market. Some of the detail on the buildings was simply astounding!
When we reached the market, it was almost painful. I just want to buy all the cheese, meat, gorgeous fresh fruit and vegetables and all the products I can’t buy at home! However, without a kitchen and because of customs regulations, I can’t. In future, I will simply have to stay in a place with a kitchen somewhere like Lugano or Bellinzona for a few weeks at a time! Who wants to join me? 😊
Almost everything is locally made and seasonal: the way food should be.
At least I did buy a delicious pastry!
Cynthia and I walked through the entire market and came upon the loveliest square.
Another surprise: an obelisk in Switzerland!
From this point, we turned and saw the turret of a castle and its walls!
Bellinzona Castles
We began walking up a path that led to some better views. Lo and behold, another castle! In fact, Bellinzona has three castles. The Castles of Bellinzona with their defensive walls have been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 (courtesy of Wikipedia).
Walking back towards the market, there was one of the tiniest churches I have ever seen! However, the size didn’t mean it wasn’t another phenomenal sight.
In extreme contrast, I never suspected that there would be such a gorgeous and large cathedral in such a small town. Chiesa Collegiata dei SS Pietro e Stefano (St Peter and St Steven) was another architectural masterpiece for us to see.
We had time for a coffee before jumping on a train back to Lugano.
5. Lake Lugano
Who can resist swooning at lake views like this? Even if you never even go on the water, just looking at this gorgeous lake is better than therapy!
However, I wouldn’t advise the former suggestion. Get out on the lake! Cynthia and I had a great motor boat ride over to a grotto (more to come), but there are public boats to take you, too.
I also spotted this brilliant idea! How fun would it be to take some food to have a barbecue in the middle of the lake? These people know how to live!
Lake Lugano at dusk. Are you still asking, “Is Lugano worth visiting?”
6. Grotte
I won’t spend much time on the grotte because my next post is going to be all about a typical grotto. What you need to know is that you simply must plan to go to at least one. Cynthia and I visited Grotto Descanso on a Cruise and Cook experience to make and eat risotto.
It is, hands down, one of the best culinary experiences I’ve ever had, and I cannot wait to tell you all about it! (If you haven’t signed up for my free subscription, do it now so you don’t miss it.)
Sneak peek of the risotto is below!
7. Monte Bré
One of the most imposing sights from Lugano is Monte Bré. After our visit to Grotto Descanso, we visited Monte Bré by taking a funicular ride to the top. The views on the way up were brilliant.
There is one stop to change trains.
Once at the top, there are hiking trails and magnificent views.
Cynthia and I decided we just wanted to soak in the views with an Aperol spritz (spritz photo above was taken here).
8. Cuisine
Risotto is king in Ticino, and goodness, do they do it well! There is a major Italian influence in the cuisine, given the proximity to Italy and the fact that Italian is spoken here. I loved this about the region (couldn’t you have guessed?) Polenta is also a prominent dish, but there are so many other choices on the menu.
One evening, Cynthia and I had dinner with Laura from Ticino Turismo, at AnaCapri which is directly across from the main train station in Lugano. Dinner was wonderful, from the wine and views, to the excellent Italian dishes. (UPDATE: my daughter and I ate at AnaCapri in 2022, and I no longer recommend it. One reason was the cost of a 1 liter bottle of water was 10 Swiss francs {extortionate price, even in Switzerland} and the food and service were not good).
Here are some other wonderful culinary options from Lugano.
9. Proximity to Other Italian Lakes and Italy
As I stated earlier, Cynthia and I had arrived from Como (the city of Como, which is on Lake Como) which was half an hour away. This gives you an idea of how close other Italian Lakes are in relation to Lugano. Not to mention, the rest of Europe is a hop, skip and a short plane flight or train ride away!
At the end of our weekend in Lugano, Cynthia and I had a toast with my last bottle of Valdo Prosecco 1926, which I had brought from Venice! The patio of Hotel de La Paix was the perfect setting to catch our breath before leaving beautiful Lugano.
Is Lugano worth visiting? You tell me what you think in the comments below.
You can read about Cynthia’s experience, too.
UPDATE 2022: Here are some more photos from Hotel Lido Seegarten.
Thank you to TICINO TURISMO for hosting us!
You’ll find lots of information on their site.
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Is Lugano worth visiting?
My wife and I are thinking of going to lake Como from Millan and then going to Lugano and Bellagio what is the best way to get around there.
My number one choice is by car, second is by train. If you haven’t driven in Italy (tiny, tight roads) before then I’d recommend the train. It’s inexpensive, easy and great views :)
We. Belong to a gourmet club and will host a Swiss dinner party. Looking for gourmet Swiss ideas and ways to do table setting. We will visit Lucerne in September. but only four days
My husband and I are visiting Switzerland and Italy in September. We are flying into Zurich for one night, then headed to Lugano and Lake Como followed by the Dolomites. Would you spend 2 nights in Lugano and 3 nights in Lake Como or 3 nights in Lugano and 2 nights in Lake Como? I’d love your recommendation!
Oh you’re going to have such a wonderful trip, Jennifer! Honestly, I think you would be totally happy doing either option, but I think I’d probably do 2 nights in Lugano and 3 nights near Lake Como because of the larger size of Lake Como. Take a look at the map of Lugano and Lake Como and you’ll see what I mean. Buon viaggio! P.S. Did you see this post on the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni on Lake Como? And there’s this post on the Como area, too.
Headed there in September, really excited and have a itinerary now thanks to this post! The place we’re staying is about 6 miles outside of town and we’ll be arriving by train from Milan. I see that the bus system is pretty good, but would we need to get a taxi that far out. I wonder?? Is there ride sharing there?
Lovely to hear, Collin! I was just there again in June so I have more to share soon. 6 miles outside of Lugano without a car isn’t a great plan if you plan to do things in town. If you do need to get a taxi, it will be quite expensive and don’t think Uber or Lyft are in force there. Is there a reason you’re staying so far out without a car?
Can you drive around Lake Lugano? Is it a safe drive? and how long does it take?
Hi Diane, I’ll answer your second question first as that’s the easy one: yes, it’s very safe! To answer your first question, I’d advise you to look at a map of Lake Lugano and you’ll see that it’s a “leggy” lake. It’s not a round or oblong lake so while you could probably drive its entirety, I don’t know that you’d want to unless you have some reason to do so. Driving around part of it is highly recommended, though! I have driven from Lugano to Porlezza (a small town at the tip of Lake Lugano) and it’s absolutely gorgeous! It’s 10 miles and takes about half an hour, to give you an idea. I hope you go and enjoy Lake Lugano, it’s phenomenal! I was just there again in June! :)
Absolutely gorgeous views! I was totally surprised by the palm trees in your pictures. Not at all what I expected when thinking of Switzerland. (Me thinking of the Swiss Alps) Looks like an amazing trip! Safe travels!
You’re not the only one, Brian! The Swiss Alps are not far from Ticino (the Italian speaking part of Switzerland)! You need to visit!