Location: Lugano
Top Things to do in Lugano
The 10 Best Things to do in Lugano, Swiss Alps
Perfectly positioned on a lake with the Alps at its back, lucky Lugano has a little bit of everything. Ride a cable car up Monte San Salvatore or Monte Bre for sunny panoramas of lake, rivers, mountains and red-roofed buildings. Explore the town's churches, cathedrals and the expressive and colorful Piazza della Riforma. Sample some slow-cooked Ticinese cuisine, explore the lake on a boat or spend the day at the lido with its Olympic-sized pool.
Restaurants in Lugano
1. Monte Bre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 868 reviews
Reviewed By MandyAndMark_13 - Adelaide, Australia
We caught the funicular railway to the top - amazing views. Had a coffee there at one of the cafes and just took in the views. We then walked to Bre village (about 2km) and had lunch at a restaurant there - it was well sign posted and a fairly easy walk. We caught no.12 bus back to Lugano. Great day out and the weather was perfect.
2. Monte San Salvatore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,260 reviews
Reviewed By italiauno2017 - Cincinnati, United States
Beautiful cloudless skies provided an excellent day for the funicular ride to overlook the Lugano area for miles in all directions. I opted not to walk down because of the steepness of the path, but a number of hikers were coming up and I do mean steep.
3. Lido San Domenico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Za036 - Lugano, Switzerland
Since we have been there, we think, the bar has find a new management. Small card with yummy food, super friendly service and well... the view is just amazing! There's no pool and you can just jump in the lake (mainly to inform the one with small people) but it's so worthy! A short walk for the parking before the beginning of the Sentiero dell'Ulivo, or if you feel to walk more (about 20-25) parking in Gandria, the scenario is amazing.
4. Church of S. Maria degli Angioli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By petecmalta - Island of Malta, Malta
Walking along the beautiful lakeside, we decided to cross the road and visit this small church. Upon entering, we were quite surprised to see a beautiful fresco depicting the 'Passion and Crucifixion of Christ' covering the whole wall of the nave. As it turns out, this Renaissance fresco defined by its expressiveness and vividness is Switzerland's most famous.
5. Lido di Lugano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
6. Lake Lugano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,524 reviews
Reviewed By D9239EBbillb
Be sure to take a lake boat ride covering as much of the lake as you have time for, but most importantly, the stretch between Lugano and Porto Ceresio. That route will take you to Paradiso where you can take the funicular up to the top of Monte San Salvatore for a 360-degree view of the entire area, the casino at Campione (Italy), Brusino's funivia (we loved the restaurant at the top - what a view!) and the scenic gem of a town, Morcote.
7. The Olive Grove Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By 82manuelal - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Near Hotel Fischer, in Gandria, the sentiero dell'olivo is to start; very nice view to the lake and mountains, exotic nature and sometimes olive tree's and her explications, very interesting walk.
8. Piazza della Riforma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By CidB_12 - Atlanta, United States
Picturesque area in town across from the beautiful lake Lugano. Great shops to browse and plenty of restaurants and cafes to feed your cravings.
9. Centro storico Gandria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By laserralugano - Gandria, Switzerland
It’s so picturesque and charming that one does not understand why it isn’t more touristy, why it’s not packed with souvenir boutiques and selfie sticks vendors... one might wonder, but not regret it! Enjoy this gem while it lasts, as long as it is still a little village close to Lugano with shaded little alleys and a couple of wooden decks on the lake from where you can take a refreshing dive. No need to pay the entrance to no lido, no fancy sun beds... just true, authentic lake life!!! All restaurants here are good, seriously! There is no tourist trap cafè. People working here seem to love what they’re doing and the quality is there to prove it. You can not visit Lugano without taking a walk, a boat or a bus out to Gandria. Do NOT take the car here though. It is off limits for cars and trying to find a parking will just ruin the experience. Go with your feet, or rent a Standup paddle. Anyway, go.
10. Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By 503sergiym - Dublin, Ireland
Situated on the hill with beautiful view of Lugano lake opens from the front of cathedral. Cathedral itself is a masterpiece. Must be seen.
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