10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lugano
If you guys aren’t new to the blog, you probably already know that Switzerland is my favorite weekend escape from Paris – especially as every time I think that the country couldn’t surprise me anymore: it suddenly does, such as with my most recent trip to Lugano and discovering its Mediterranean magic.
City view of Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
Despite having seen the rest of the country: from The Alps, Geneva, Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lucerne and even Zermatt – I was still surprised with just how underrated and colorful Lugano was.
Located just on the cusp of the Italian border, Lugano is a Swiss-Italian city that many pass through (as I myself was guilty of that when traveling between Lucerne and Milan a few years ago) – but it’s really not a place you should miss!
View from Monte San Salvatore in Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
As someone who has extensively traveled both Switzerland and Italy, I’m going to break down all of the best things to do in Lugano and why you really shouldn’t miss out on this unique Swiss-Italian paradise.
Is Lugano Worth Visiting?
Yes, Lugano is one of the most stunning places to visit in Switzerland – as this Italian-Swiss city is multi-layered to offer something for everyone. Whether it be hiking, jaw-dropping views, chilling lake-side, shopping, or just tasting your way through Italian cuisine – Lugano is really one of those places that has something for everyone.
Plus, it’s far more scenic than other major cities in Switzerland like Zurich or Basel – making a better spot for those who want both a city but classic mountainous Switzerland views.
As someone who has extensively traveled across all of Switzerland, I’m going to break down all of the reasons why I think Lugano is an extremely underrated place that’s worth seeing on your next trip to Switzerland.
🇨🇭✨ Things Lugano Has That the Others Don't 🇮🇹🍦
🍦 Gelato Everywhere
Lugano gives you something you won't find nearly as much of in other parts of Switzerland: gelato! Its Italian influence means you'll find gelaterias throughout the city, making it feel like you've already crossed the border into Italy.
☀️ Mediterranean Vibes + Swiss Efficiency
Lugano combines a Mediterranean vibe with Swiss efficiency. You get palm trees, lakeside cafés, warm weather, and Italian influence while still having the clean streets, reliable transportation, and organization Switzerland is famous for.
🇮🇹 Easy to Combine With Italy
Lugano's proximity to Italy makes it incredibly easy to include as part of a bigger Europe trip. You can experience Switzerland and then continue straight into northern Italy without having to make a major detour.
😊 Friendly People
One thing that stood out to me in Lugano was how friendly people were. The atmosphere felt welcoming and relaxed, adding to the city's much warmer overall vibe.
🇮🇹 The Sound of Italian
Instead of the harsher sound of Swiss German you'll hear in much of Switzerland, Lugano surrounds you with smooth Italian. It gives the city a much more musical feel in terms of your everyday auditory surroundings.
🌴 An Almost Tropical Feel
Lugano doesn't always feel like the Switzerland you probably have pictured in your head. Between the palm trees, lush mountains, colorful flowers, lakefront promenades, and warmer climate, parts of the city feel almost tropical – something you don't get in the same way in Switzerland's more traditional Alpine destinations.
Swiss city comparison cards: things lugano has that the others don’t: gelato, mediterranean vibe with swiss efficiency, proximity to Italy as a part of a bigger Europe trip, friendly people smooth Italian as opposed to harsh german more musical vibe in terms of your auditory surroundings
How Many Days Should I Spend in Lugano?
Lugano can be seen in a day, but if you want to take a day trip to Mount San Salvatore – 2 full days in Lugano will allow you to better settle into the relaxed vibe this Swiss-Italian city has to offer. This way, you’ll be able to stroll the lakeside promenades, enjoy the grandiose views of nature, and taste amazing Italian food in Lugano without feeling rushed.
Church in Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
10 Reasons Why Lugano is Worth Visiting
1. Take Endless Photos of Chiesa Santa Maria Church
Immediately upon arriving in Lugano, you’ll be greeted with what I believe to be one of the most stunning sceneries outside of a train station in all of Europe – which includes views of Lugano and Chiesa Santa Maria.
View of Chiesa Santa Maria in Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
The all-of-the-sudden jaw-dropping beauty right after stepping off the train had me hooked from the beginning. I quickly realized that Lugano is an extremely underrated place for its majestic, bushy green, mountain views.
Honestly, it was hard to stop taking photos of this view point outside of the train station in Lugano – and even with all the photos I took, nothing could compare to seeing it with my own two eyes.
2. Enjoy the Warm Mix of Swiss Efficiency and Laid-Back Italian Vibes
Most cities in Switzerland take pride in their organized demeanor and timeliness personality, but Lugano effectively sets itself apart from the rest of the Swiss cities.
Offering the best of both cultures with German’s dependable planning and Italy’s warmth, Lugano is an exceptionally friendly Swiss-city that can serve as a great first Swiss city to visit without being bombarded by a million typical Swiss tendencies at once.
Watch me soak into the warmth that surrounds Lugano in my travel vlog below!
3. Relax in Parco Ciani
As I always say in any Switzerland post of mine, this country is mostly made for sitting and being as opposed to seeing and doing.
Knowing that, I sought out the perfect “do-nothing” place in Lugano and came across Parco Ciani – which is like the oddest but most satisfying Swiss-tropical escape in the middle of the city.
Peaceful view from Parco Ciani in Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
I left this park in a complete trance, feeling like I had taken a secret door to paradise. Between the bright pink electric flowers, seagulls oscillating in the sky, and the luscious green mountains in the distance as everyone slowly licked their gelato while strolling along the promenade… it was pretty hard to not be relaxed here.
4. Taste Gelato and Eat Amazing Italian Food on Every Corner
When I say there’s a gelato stand every 100 feet in Lugano, I’m not exaggerating. As Lugano is mere miles away from the Italian border, the city leans heavily into its neighbor country’s cuisine: with endless pizzerias and spots for spaghetti to try.
Street view of Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
Just be warned, pizza and gelato while be strikingly more expensive in Lugano than it is just across the Italian border!
5. Marvel in the Views of Lake Lugano from Monte San Salvatore
In all the Swiss cities I’ve been to before, none of them had a panoramic view or mountain as stunning as Monte San Salvatore in Lugano.
Bridge view from Monte San Salvatore in Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
Although it’s a steep $31 USD for a ticket, I don’t think a trip to Lugano is complete without taking the funicular up to this dramatic viewpoint.
It took me around 2 hours to get to Paradiso, buy tickets for the funicular, go up the mountain, come back down, and get back to the city center of Lugano – so plan accordingly.
If it’s a sunny day, you’ll even be able to see parts of the buildings in Milan – so be sure to bring binoculars!
6. Explore the Charming Old Town in
Most cities across Europe have an old town, and Lugano is no exception – but as someone who has seen dozens of them from Nice to Stockholm, I have to say that Lugano’s is absurdly cute and charming.
Old town with souvenir shops and gelato stands in Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
This is especially perfect for photography lovers like myself. The hills reminded me of a miniature Lisbon, alongside the classic cobblestones and colors that make for a picture perfect old town to explore. There are also lots of restaurants, little shops, and gelato stands to ensure you properly enjoy the aura around you.
7. Have a Leisurely Meal in Piazza Della Rifa
Europe is known for its tranquil plazas that offer nearby city of lakeside views while enjoying a terrace-side meal, and Lugano is no different.
Local street around the corner from Piazza Della Rifa in Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
In Piazza Della Rifa, you can enjoy a wide variety of Italian cuisine right beside the path that hugs the lake and leads all the way to Parco Ciani – offering the perfect blend of both Swiss and Italian culture between the heavenly views and unreal bites of pasta and smooth gelato.
8. Make Use of the Easy Hop to Italy
I personally took the opportunity to visit Lugano when I was on my way to Lake Como from Paris – and I see no reason why everyone else shouldn’t do the same.
As it’s a short 37 minute train ride between Lugano and Como, tourists exploring Europe can use Lugano as a magical bridge between Italy and connecting to the rest of infamous Western European cities – as the trains in Switzerland can easily take you to Germany, France, and more.
Views of Lake Lugano from Monte San Salvadore; September 2026
Plus, you can even take a day trip to Italy from Lugano if you really wanted to – seeing as it’s the last major city in Switzerland before crossing over to Italy.
9. Plan an Easy Day Trip to Lake Majorie
Speaking of day trips from Lugano, it’s only a 30 minute train ride over to the nearby city of Locarno – allowing you the opportunity to see the marvelous Lake Maggiore.
Boats on lake in Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
With a far more relaxed vibe and noticeably less touristic-centric like Lake Como, this is an opportunity to see what is considered to be one of the more low-key, less commercial lakes in Europe – without missing the mark on lakeside magic.
10. Hop on a Stunning Boat Ride to Italy
As I mentioned earlier, one of the coolest things about Lugano is how Italy is just across the pond – literally.
Red bench on promeande in Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
You can easily take a boat ride to Italy and be submersed in the middle of the heavenly-scenery that is Lake Lugano – such as to small Italian cities like Porto Ceresio, Ponte Tresa, and Porlezza.
Just beware that the boats may run less frequently outside of the main summer season between late March to mid October!
Don’t Miss Out on a Trip to Lugano
Overall, if you’re looking for a more laid-back version of Switzerland that makes for the perfect one-night stop or layover in between major European cities and for a taste of Italian food without skimping on the stunning mountainous Swiss-scenery – I strongly recommend putting Lugano on your travel checklist.
Quiet and colorful street in Lugano, Switzerland; September 2026
🇨🇭🏔️🌺 FAQs on Visiting Lugano 🇨🇭🏔️🌺
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Last updated: September 26, 2026