Discover Lugano: Your Perfect Weekend Getaway
- Stefan
- Apr 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 4
If you’re looking for a weekend escape that feels a little more Italian than Swiss, Lugano is the perfect choice. Sitting right on Lake Lugano, surrounded by palm trees and mountains, the city has that relaxed Mediterranean feeling that makes you slow down almost immediately.
I’ve been to Lugano several times over the years, often in autumn for its chestnut festival, and every visit has that same warm, sunny energy. It’s one of those places where you can just sit by the lake with an espresso, listen to the church bells, and not feel the need to rush anywhere.
Where is Lugano?
Lugano is located in southern Switzerland, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. It lies on the shores of Lake Lugano, nestled between two picturesque peaks: Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore. Due to its location south of the Alps, Lugano enjoys a milder climate than cities in the north, often basking in sunlight even when the rest of Switzerland is shrouded in fog. The town isn’t big, which makes it perfect for a weekend stay. You can walk almost everywhere, from the old town to the lake and from one mountain view to the next.
Why I Love Lugano
What makes Lugano special for me is its weather, food, and character. Even in late autumn, it often feels like spring down here. The city's charm lies in the mix of Swiss efficiency and Italian energy. It’s a bit more lively and spontaneous than the German-speaking parts of the country, yet it remains clean, safe, and well-organized.
The food is another tempting reason to visit. From polenta and local sausages to slow-cooked game dishes and roasted chestnuts, Ticino cuisine is hearty and delicious. There’s so much to do in and around Lugano that it’s ideal for a weekend trip.
How to Get to Lugano
By Train
The train is the best way to reach Lugano. There are direct connections from Zurich, Lucerne, and Basel. Thanks to the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the journey is both fast and scenic. Especially during summer or holiday weekends, taking the train helps avoid the notorious traffic jams in the Gotthard tunnel.
By Car
Driving is another option, but be sure to check traffic conditions at the Gotthard beforehand. An alternative route from Zurich is the scenic San Bernardino Pass, which is less busy. If traffic is heavy, you can cross into Italy for some Sunday shopping, as supermarkets there remain open while Swiss ones are closed.
Ticino Ticket
When you stay at one of Ticino’s 500+ partner accommodations for at least one night, you’ll receive the Ticino Ticket. This pass grants you free public transport throughout the canton and discounts on many funiculars, boats, and attractions. It’s a fantastic value and simplifies getting around.
Where to Stay in Lugano
We love staying at Hotel Colibrì, which is perched high on Monte Brè and offers stunning panoramic views over the lake and city. It's a peaceful spot full of charm. For something more local, we've also booked Airbnbs near Morcote, a quiet lakeside village not far from Lugano. However, Vernate felt a bit remote for a short weekend trip.
What to Do in Lugano: Top Activities for Your Weekend Trip
Explore the Old Town and Lake Promenade
Start your weekend with a stroll through Lugano’s historic center. The cobbled streets and lively piazzas provide a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The lakeside promenade is picturesque and perfect for an evening walk.
Eat Polenta at La Tinèra
La Tinèra is my favorite restaurant in the city. Tucked away in the old town, it serves traditional Ticinese dishes like polenta with pork ribs or local sausage. It’s a beloved spot for locals, creating a cozy, authentic ambiance.
Ride the Cable Car Up Monte Brè
Monte Brè offers breathtaking views of Lugano and Lake Lugano. Take the funicular to the top and enjoy a stroll, a meal with a view, or the peaceful surroundings. It’s the ideal spot to watch a sunset and capture stunning photos.
Visit Parco Ciani
Parco Ciani is a serene lakeside park right in the city center. With palm trees, fountains, and shaded walking paths beneath old trees, it’s a perfect spot to relax, have a picnic, or let the kids play.
Discover Monte San Salvatore
Another popular viewpoint, Monte San Salvatore, is just as impressive as Monte Brè. You can either hike up or take the funicular from Paradiso. At the summit, you’ll find a small museum, walking trails, and panoramic views extending all the way to Italy.
Take the Ferry to Gandria
A short boat ride from Lugano leads to Gandria, a peaceful, car-free village on the lake. The picturesque stone alleyways and lakeside terraces create an inviting atmosphere for exploration or a leisurely lunch by the water.
Visit the Chestnut Festival
If you’re in town during October, don’t miss the annual chestnut festival in Lugano. The aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air, complemented by food stalls, crafts, and live music in the old town. It's a delightful way to dive into local traditions.
Adventures at Monte Tamaro
About 30 minutes from Lugano, Monte Tamaro is filled with outdoor excitement. There is a zip line, mountain coaster, and numerous hiking trails promising panoramic views. It's a fantastic destination for families or anyone seeking activity and adventure.
Hike the Gole della Breggia
The Gole della Breggia is a breathtaking natural gorge with hiking trails that navigate past waterfalls, cliffs, and fascinating geological rock formations. It’s both scenic and educational, featuring informative panels that explain the area's ancient history.
Walk the Ancient Olive Trail
The Sentiero dell’Olivo (Olive Trail) runs alongside the lake, winding between Gandria and Castagnola. This peaceful, scenic path is flanked by old olive trees. It offers exceptional lake views, with plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Great Day Trips from Lugano
If you’re staying in Lugano for more than a weekend, there are some amazing places nearby that are easy to reach by train, car, or boat. These are a few of my personal favorites, and all of them can be done in a day.
Visit the Verzasca Valley
The Verzasca Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Ticino. The emerald-green river winds through the mountains, with the famous stone bridge, Ponte dei Salti, in Lavertezzo right in the middle of it all. The water looks inviting, but it’s cold even in summer. You can swim, have a picnic on the rocks, or walk along the trail that follows the river. The whole valley feels calm and untouched, and even the bus ride from Locarno is scenic. If you go early in the morning, you’ll have the bridge almost to yourself.
Head to Ascona or Locarno on Lake Maggiore
Ascona and Locarno sit next to each other on Lake Maggiore and are easy to reach from Lugano. Locarno has a long lake promenade lined with palm trees, cafés, and small boats. Take the cable car up to Cardada for a beautiful view of the lake and mountains.
Ascona feels a bit more intimate and laid-back. It has narrow alleys, art galleries, and small piazzas with restaurants right by the water. I usually take the train to Locarno, walk along the lakeside to Ascona, have lunch there, and head back in the evening.
Cross the Border to Como or Menaggio in Italy
One of the nice things about Ticino is how close it is to Italy. From Lugano, you can reach Como or Menaggio in less than an hour.
Como is perfect if you like shopping and city life. Visit the Duomo, have a coffee on the square, and walk along the lake. Menaggio is smaller, with beautiful lake views and good restaurants for lunch.
If you have a car, do a loop around the lake from Lugano to Menaggio to Como and back. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the region and a great mix of Swiss and Italian charm.
Take the Train to Milan
If you want a change of scene, take the train to Milan. It’s just over an hour and makes a great day trip.
You can visit the Duomo, walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and stop for lunch or an aperitivo in one of the small side streets. Milan can be busy, but it’s a fun contrast to the slower pace of Lugano.
Visit Swissminiatur in Melide
Just a few minutes from Lugano, Swissminiatur in Melide is a fun and easy trip, especially if you’re traveling with children. It’s an open-air miniature park with over a hundred models of famous Swiss landmarks, from castles to mountains and trains.
It’s surrounded by gardens and mountain views, and you can get there by train, bus, or even on foot along the lakeside path. It’s a lighthearted way to spend a couple of hours and see a little bit of all of Switzerland in one place.
When to Visit Lugano
Spring and autumn are the best times for Lugano. In October, the Festa della Castagna fills the streets with the smell of roasted chestnuts, music, and wine. In summer, the town is lively with outdoor concerts and boat trips. Even in winter, Lugano stays mild and sunny when much of Switzerland is covered in snow.
FAQ: Lugano Weekend Trip
Is the Ticino Ticket still included with hotel stays in 2025? Yes. Most hotels and apartments still offer it. It covers free public transport across Ticino and discounts on funiculars, boats, and attractions.
What’s the best way to reach Lugano from Zurich? Definitely by train. The two-hour ride through the Gotthard Base Tunnel is quick, comfortable, and scenic.
What language is spoken in Ticino? Italian. But English and German are widely understood, so you’ll have no trouble communicating.
What can I do in Lugano if it rains? Visit the LAC Lugano Art and Culture Center, stop by a museum, or enjoy coffee and pastries at Grand Café al Porto. If you’re in the mood for chocolate, head to the Aeschbach Chocolatier in Root.
Can you swim in Lake Lugano? Yes, the water is clean and calm. There are several spots for swimming, like Lido di Lugano and San Domenico Beach.
What else is nearby worth visiting? Bellinzona with its castles is an easy train ride away, and Locarno and Ascona make great day trips for anyone who loves lakeside walks and Italian-style cafés.
