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Lugano

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About Lugano

Lugano, nicknamed as the Monte Carlo of Switzerland, is a popular tourist's destination in Switzerland known for its laid-back lifestyle and lovely scenic beauty, which entices tourists and wanderlust travellers from all over the world to its shorelines. A number of mountains, parks, Mediterranean style squares and arcades, and mountainous viewpoints surround the city that is a traffic-free historic township. In this city, you will surely fall for the amazing Italianate architecture, promenades by the side of the lakes, parks on the waterfront, shopping streets and full of life squares with arcades and restaurants.

It is also famous for being the residence of the Nobel Prize winner, Hermann Hesse. The city of Lugano has also got a deeper connection with artworks and artisans. There are a number of centres, which promote the ancient artwork and architectural styles. You will also find countless museums like Museum of Cultures, Gabinetto di storia naturale, Swiss Customs Museum, Fondazione Gabriele e Anna Braglia Lugano, etc in the city where many popular artworks by some of the famous artists are on display starting from Klee, Jawlensky, and Renoir to Degas. With Switzerland trip packages you can explore an array of experiences in Lugano, allowing you to indulge in the city's diverse offerings and create memories that last a lifetime.

Thanks to the amazing climatic condition of the place, that makes tourism a bliss. The climatic conditions remain moderate all through the year with temperature lying in the range of 5 degree celsius to 25 degree celsius. The hottest month of the year is July and the coldest month of the year is January. If you haven’t been to this amazing place, then it is surely the time to pack your bags and head out in search of liberty in this surreal beauty of Switzerland.

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Lugano FAQ's

Which are the must attractions to visit in Lugano?

Here are some of the must-visit attraction in the city of Lugano:

1. Summit Monte Bre
Mountain Bre is considered to be one of the sunniest places in Switzerland. It offers a mesmerizing view of the valley and the Alps from the peak. You can take a funicular ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy the panoramic views going up. If you are an adventure enthusiast, then it would be better to hike through the mountainous routes to the top. 

Location: 6979 Lugano, Switzerland

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2. Piazza Della Riforma
Piazza Della Riforma is the main township square of the city of Lugano. A number of shops and restaurants surround this place and it is undoubtedly the main place of business. Apart from being the trade centre, it also hosts a number of festivals all through the year to keep the city life full of joy. Tourists love to hang out with their loved ones in this place and go on city exploration tours. 

Location: 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

3. Lago di Lugano
Lago di Lugani offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains. This place is very famous for boat tours and allows visitors to capture wonderful scenery from the water. This is a great place to spend your late afternoon in the city of Lugano Switzerland. Tourists love to take short boat rides in the turquoise blue waters and spend some time relaxing and in the middle of the panoramic views. You will be awe-struck with the glimmering delightful natural beauty. 

Location: Ticino, Lombardy

4. Swiss Miniatur
Swiss Miniatur is one of the important places in the city of Lugano Switzerland, which is visited by tourists from all over the world. You can spend your time exploring the miniature replicas of many famous buildings and structures of Switzerland in an idyllic setting with a variety of flowers and lush greenery. Your kids will literally fall in love with the scenic beauty.  

Location: 6815 Melide, Switzerland
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM only on Saturdays and Sundays. 

5. Parco Civico
Parvo Civico happens to be a large beautiful park that is located on the shore of Lake Lugano. It is packed with stunning lush green gardens and countless monuments. When you are coming over to this place, you should make sure that you have sufficient time to wander through every single corner of this place.

In this place, you will find a lot of playgrounds and beaches where your kids can spend some playful time and you can relax and enjoy the enthralling scenery. The gardens are known for their collection of various flowers rich in vivid colours, which offer a remarkable sight. The best time to visit this place would be in the morning and evening hours. However, it remains a bit busy in these hours, so you can try to come a bit early so that you can get a bench to sight the views.

Location: 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
Timings: 6 AM to 11 PM

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6. Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta happens to be one of the elegant lakeside villas that are filled with artworks. Apart from being a villa, it is also a botanical garden with a wide range of flowers and lush greenery. The artworks in the museum include some of the famous works of Canova, Migliara, Thorvaldsen, and Hayez. Tourists love to spend time in the garden and indulge in kayaking, sailing, etc. 

Location: Via Regina, 2, 22019 Tremezzina CO, Italy
Entry Fee/Price: 50 euros
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM

7. Santa Maria Degli Angioli
Santa Maria Degli Angioli is a church of the former convent that is located at the end of the fashionable shopping street facing towards the lake. The best part of this church is its interiors. It houses a number of impressive art treasures and a wall covered by a single fresco, which measures 30 meters in length and 12 meters in width.

The walls are also filled with larger than life figurines that are modelled after various patrons of this place. It has the masterpiece of Bernardino Luini, which depicts passion, and Crucifixion of the 16th century. Santa Maria Degli Angioli also has the famous artwork of Luino, Last Supper in one of its sidewalls, which was moved to the church from one of the monasteries that are situated close to it.  The artworks on display and intricate design elements of the times gone by entices tourists from all over the world.

Location: Piazza Bernardino Luini 6, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
Timings: 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM

8. Valle Verzasca
Valle Verzasca is one of the famous architectural marvels in the city of Lugano Switzerland. It is a 220-meter long dam that holds the distinction of being the highest dam in Europe. It is much popular for being picturized in the opening scene of GoldenEye when James Bond jumped off from the dam.

The dam has a significant position in the tourism landscape of the city because of the astounding unspoiled natural beauty of the valley and its rocky course. In the course of your visit to this wonderful place, you will also get a glimpse of many ancient water systems and reservoirs, which were carved into the stones. The best way to soak in all that this place has to offer is taking a bus ride along the river, which offers several stops in between so that the passengers can get down at places and walk along the trails. 

Location: Canton of Ticino, Switzerland

9. The Bellinzona Castles
The Bellinzona castles are listed as one of the famous UNESCO world heritage sites. It is the meeting point of the three important north-south routes over the alpine passes of St. Gotthard, San Bernardino, and Lucomagno. The castles display the glorious past of the city and its medieval defensive architecture in the Alps.

In those times, the Milanese Rulers in the second half of the 15th century built double circuit walls to provide added protection to the castle. This place is worth exploring for its amazing and beautiful Italian style townhouses and magnificent wall paintings of the 16th century. 

Location: Salita Castelgrande 18, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
Entry Fee/Price: CHF 30 for a family or CHF 50 with the shuttle
Timings: 10:30 AM to 4 PM

10. Centovalli
Centovalli, an iconic place in Europe offers the most scenic train rides from Locarno to Domodossola following the stony tracks that are constructed high above the Melezza River and some of its tributaries. With time, the snow melting from the Alps that caused each of these rivers to carve a deep valley and are named as Centovalli because of 100 such rivers.

You can enjoy the scenic surrounding of this place on slow-moving charming vintage rail cars that go slowly and allow its passengers to have a look at the steep and wooded ravines as the train crosses 83 bridges on its way to the destination. 

Location: Ticino, Switzerland

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Which are the famous things to do in Lugano?

Let us now explore some of the famous things to do in the city of Lugano:

1. Soak in the wilderness of the Lake Lugano
The lake Lugano Switzerland is filled with lush green natural magnetism as well as wood-clocked slopes that plummet into the water. Your sense will certainly be delighted with views that you would sight once you step onto the famous waterfront promenade. The lake is spread over a large area and is considerably deep.

There are a number of excursion trips available at this place, which tourists can enjoy to their fullest. Tourists love to go on morning cruise tours by paddle steamer from jetties at the Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano. The cruise on the lake Lugano will offer a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding in the course of morning cruise and views of city lights twinkling on the lake during the nighttime cruise.  

Location: Ticino, Lombardy
Timings: Open 24 hours

2. Hiking tours at the famous Monte San Salvatore
Monte San Salvatore is known as Lugano's mountain and a monolith that stands tall on the southern skyline. It is about 900 meters tall and offers amazing 360-degree views of Lugano Switzerland. You will be taken up to the precipitous slopes from the suburb of Paradiso in just 12 minutes by a funicular ride.

This is one of the most loved adventure spots where tourists come from all over the world to go on adventurous hiking tours. The hiking route navigates them through Carona or ventures along the ridge to the lakeside town of Morcote. The hike takes close to just one hour, so you can also think of skipping the ride on a funicular. 

Location: Ticino, Switzerland
Timings: Open 24 hours

3. Exploration tours at the famous Centro Storico
Centro Storico is considered to be one of the oldest centres of Lugano and is certainly a delight for tourists to explore. The centre is packed with various Renaissance and Baroque churches, convents, palazzi and arcaded squares. Tourists love to go on evening walks and explore the famous Piazza Riforma, which is edged by a tall pastel-painted house.

You can also pay a visit to the striking façade of the Neoclassical city hall on the southern boundary. If you are at this place on Tuesdays and Fridays, then you should try to wake up early and shop some farm fresh produce like cold cuts, flowers, cheese and fruits from the local market on Piazzale Ex Scuole.

Location: Lugano, Switzerland.
Timings: Open 24 Hours

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4. Shopping errands at the busy streets of Via Nassa
Via Nassa, one of the famous shopping centres in Lugano located close to the waterfront and curves with the bay as it enters into the old centre of the city. The arcades provide a sheltered place for stallholders to trade. These markets have become one of the coolest ways to get around in the summer season with upmarket boutiques, department stores, food emporia, jewellery shops, cafes and whatnot. Come here in the late summer afternoons and spend some time in the full of life atmosphere of this place.

Location: 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

5. Visit the enchanting lakeside park of Parva Civico
Parvo Civico is one of the enchanting lakeside parks that entices tourists and hosts a number of amenities like the convention centre and Cantonal library. Tourists love to come here in the course of sunset to sight wonderful and enchanting views of Lugano Switzerland around the curve of the bay.

If you are visiting this place in the daytime, then you will definitely be awe-struck with the alluring vistas of Monte Bre and Monte San Salvatore. It is located closer to the city centre and it appears carefully wrapped intended gardens with flower beds, shrubs, and palms.

Location: 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
Timings: 6 Am to 11 PM

6. Offer prayers at the holy Chiesa di Santa Maria Degli Angeli
Chiesa di Santa Maria Degli Angeli is a former monastic church that is believed to be sober on the outside and extravagant on the inside. The church is spread over a large area from the entrance to the chancel and happens to be one of the very first Renaissance Fresco in Switzerland.

Bernado Lunini, who happened to be one of the famous artists of those times painted the holy Chiesa di Santa Maria Degli Angeli in the year 1529.  The painting represented some of the famous passions and crucifixions of Christ.You can come over to this place and offer prayers and seek blessings of the lord. 

Location: Via Loreto 16, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM

7. Marvel at the views from Cattedrale San Lorenzo
Cattedrale San Lorenzo is considered to be one of the real treasures in the city of Lugano that is carved out from white limestone and Carrara Marble. The cathedral dates back to the 16th century and was constructed much earlier than many other Romanesque buildings. You will find three portals sculpted with Medallions and Renaissance motifs like various birds and Puttoes.

The best part of this place is its rose window that is adorned with various cherubs and it is sculpted in the early 1570s. The terrace of Cattedrale San Lorenzo boasts mesmerizing views of the lake and mountains. If you are a nature lover, then come over to this place and soak in all the essence of the nature and spend some time in relaxation.

Location: Via Borghetto 1, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
Timings: 06:30 AM - 06:00 PM

8. Visit the Hesse Museum
The Hesse Museum was created at the very first home in the village of the Nobel prize winning German Author named Hermann Hesse. He had contributed a lot to the society in the course of his stay in this place. Some of his famous works include Steppenwolf, Siddhartha, Narcissus and Goldmund.

The museum exhibits many personal belongings of the author like photographs, books, typewriters, watercolours, and much more.  If you  are a history buff and love to have knowledge about the times gone by then come over to this museum and explore all the important relics of the ancient days.

Location: Ra Cürta 2, 6926 Collina d'Oro, Switzerland
Price: 8.50 CHF
Timings: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM only on Saturdays and Sundays

9. Embrace the olive tree trail
Olives have been one of the important parts of Gandria's heritage along with the silk trade and smuggling. You will find the sunny slopes of Bre Mountain to be a dense olive tree plantation. Tourists love to go on a short leisurely walk through these slopes from Gandria to Castagnola.

On the routes, you will also come across panels that offer information about the olive trees and their association with the villages nearby. The scenic surrounding feels more like the Mediterranean than central Europe. Most of the grooves in this place are more than a hundred years old and there has been a number of efforts to reintroduce cultivation of olives. 

Location: Castagnola or Gandria

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What are the most romantic things to do in Lugano?

Here are some of the romantic things to do in the city of Lugano Switzerland in the course of your trip with your beloved partner:

1. Embrace the amazing view of Parco Del Tassino
Parco Del Tassino is a wonderful place that houses a beautiful rose garden and some wonderful collections of shrubs and trees. Come over with your beloved and click some memorable snaps while walking through the beautiful plantations and sighting panoramic views of the distant hills.

2. Go on an olive trail at Sentiero dell'olivo
Sentiero dell'olivo offers some well-curated walks and sights of the scenic surrounding for visitors. If you are coming with your beloved partner, then you can take daybreak to spend a day in a peaceful setting. It would certainly be wonderful to walk along the side of the lake hand in hand and stop over at some of the fancy little bars and cafes and have something refreshing.

3. Santuario Della Madonna d'Ongero
Santuario Della Madonna d'Ongero is considered to be one of the important landmarks in the city as it is a historic as well as religious site. The beautiful church is set in the woods and tourists love to stroll in and around the church and soak in the true essence of peace and tranquillity.

You can come here with your beloved partner and offer prayers at the places of worship and set up some couple goals together. Tourists love to spend some in the premises of Santuari Della Madonna d'Angelo because of its astounding beauty.

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Why is Lugano famous for visiting?

Lugano Switzerland is famous for a number of reasons starting from being one of the most loved picturesque landscapes in Switzerland and quasi-Mediterranean scenery of the lakeside to host of various film festivals and home to the famous nobel prizewinner Hermann Hesse. Tourists choose to come over to this city for its laid back lifestyle and lovely scenery all around.

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What currency is used in Lugano?

The currency used in Lugano is Swiss Franc. The Franc can be divided into 100 centimes, which is also known as Rappen in German-Speaking Switzerland. You can find notes for 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 1000 Frances and coins for 5, 10, 20, and 50 Centimes as well as 1, 2, and 5 Francs.

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How can we reach Lugano?

Lugano is a very well connected city of Switzerland. The nearest airport to Lugano is Milan Malpensa airport, which is situated at a distance of 47 km from the city centre. You can get a direct flight to the airport from all major cities of the world.  You can also travel by road from Switzerland to Lugano. The distance between the two cities is about 184 km via A2 and it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to cover the distance.

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Which is the best time to visit Lugano?

The best time to visit the city of Lugano starts from the month of March to the month of April. It is the spring season in Switzerland and offers wonderful climatic conditions favourable for tourism. so, if you wish to make the most out of this place then plan for spring season tours.

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Is Lugano worth for visiting?

Yes, it is definitely worth visiting this wonderful city in Switzerland. It offers some of the best stays in the nation and gives you a sense of relaxation with its tranquillizing scenic panoramic views.

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Is Lugano in Switzerland?

Lugano is in Switzerland however, it has been inhabited by a large number of Italian speaking residents. Lugano is situated in the Canton of Ticino and is surrounded by Arogno, Bioggio, and Brusimpiano.

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Is Lugano safe to travel?

Lugano is considered to be one of the safest cities in the whole of Switzerland. The crime rate is very low and the officials are at all times alert to take care of any issues. However, when you are heading out for city tours in the bustling streets, you should be very careful about your valuables and expensive accessories or else you will fall prey to the pickpockets.

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Can I swim in Lake Lugano?

You can swim in Lake Lugano and go hiking to various mountains of Switzerland crossing the lake. The lake is known for its clear freshwater and offers a number of activities for the tourists coming to this place from all parts of the world.

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What language do all speak in Lugano?

The language spoken in Lugano is Italian. You will find most of the signboards written in both Italian and Swiss language. If you are well versed with Italian, then you would have no problem spending your vacation.

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How do we get from Lugano to Bellagio?

If you wish to travel from Lugano to Bellagio, you need to catch the 631 bus to Menaggio that goes through Mazzini and then car or a ferry ride to reach Bellagio. However, if you wish to avoid the ferry ride, then you can take a vehicle from Lugano via Menaggio via Mazzini. This takes about 2 hours to cover the distance.

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How far is Lugano from Zurich?

The air distance between Zurich and Lugano is about 154 km however the road distance is about 213 Km. It takes about 3 hours to cover the distance between the two cities. You can take public transport to reach Lugano from Zurich.

Do we need a visa to travel to Lugano?

Only citizens of the United States having a valid tourist passport are allowed to stay for a period of 90 days in Switzerland without obtaining a Schengen Visa. However, all other nationalities need to apply for a valid visa before coming to this place. If your stay is scheduled for a short period of time, then you can apply for a tourist visa and if you want to stay longer, then you need to apply for a long term work visa.

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Which are the adventure activities to do in Lugano?

Here are some of the adventure activities that you can try out in the course of your trip to Lugano:

1. Bungee Jumping from the famous Verzasa Dam
Located in Ticino, Switzerland, Verzasca Dam has been one of the top favourite places for adventure junkies to try out bungee jumping. Jumping from a great height with a large elastic cord will certainly make your beats of your heart halt for some seconds.

Jumping off the cliff will surely be a great thrill.  The activity is of one hour and starts from around INR 15000 per person. The activity is carried out under strict supervision of experts and all safety measures are taken care of by the administrators.

2. Boggera Canyon in Ticino
If you are keen to explore the underwater kingdom then there is no better activity than trying out the famous Boggera Canyon. Diving deep into the waters, you will be able to be close with marine animals and corals. 

3. Tandem Paragliding from Monte Tamaro
Paragliding is at all times most sought after adventure sports in hilly areas. Thanks to the elevation of Mount Tamaro, which makes paragliding a bliss for tourists coming over from all parts of the world. The favourable climatic condition at the hills makes paragliding a very relaxing sport. When you are visiting Lugano, make sure you find time for trying out these nerve wracking sports and satisfy your adrenaline rush.

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Which are the famous places for shopping in Lugano?

Here are some of the famous places for shopping in Lugano:

1. Fumagalli Moda
It is one of the much-loved places for shopping men and women clothing. It would certainly be an expensive choice to shop from here but the quality of the products do feel value for money. This place is widely held for its fashionable overcoats and sophisticated handbags and accessories. 

2. Orion
Orion is one of the most sought after places for shopping jewellery. You can get a wide range of luxury jewellery and watch collections at this place. All goods available at this place are more or less affordable and value for money. Men can go for a Chic Wrangler watch for only 200 Franc and Women can shop amazing local jewellery and handmade accessories.

3. Manor
The manor is one of the largest shopping centres of Lugano and it happens to be one of the widely held places for cosmetics and perfume collection, which is spread over a single floor. The rest of the mall has apparel stores, shoe stores, and grocery stores. You can come over to this place and get whatever you wish to shop.

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Where is the best italianate architecture to see in Lugano?

Check out some of the best Italianate architectures in the city of Lugano:

1. Scherrer Park
It happened to be one of the former residences of a wealthy and well-established textile merchant named Arthur Scherrer. This property is divided into two parts – the Baroque composes one area and Renaissance style of gardens and the other is an Asian theme landscape of bamboo forest, which has some Siamese and Indian style buildings. 

2. Church of San Francesco
Church of San Francesco is one of the historic centres of the city that dates back to almost the 14th century. The interiors of this place display stunning frescoes and have undergone a recent restoration to pump up the architectural marvel. If you want to make the most out of this place, then you can come over in the time when the Vienna Symphony is organizing a number of classical concerts. 

3. Fondazione Monte Verità
It is a utopian artist colony which was established back in the year 1900. At the present time, it has been converted into a cultural centre built with close resemblance to the Italianate style of architecture. It hosts various national and international conferences. You can also find a number of hotel complexes, restaurants, parks, museums, and teahouses built in a similar fashion.

Lugano Reviews

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Parag Joshi
Reviewed: 01 Feb 2024
4.0/5
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