Things to Do in Lugano Switzerland: Live Like a Local

Looking for the best things to do in Lugano? This sunny Swiss city in the Ticino region mixes Italian flair with Swiss charm, making it one of the most relaxing spots in the country. You’ll find palm trees along the lake, colorful piazzas like Piazza della Riforma, and plenty of spots for good food and local wine. Take a boat ride on Lake Lugano, wander through the Old Town, or head into the hills for Ticino wine tours and beautiful vineyard views. From lakeside strolls to mountain lookouts, Lugano is full of easygoing ways to enjoy the best of Swiss-Italian life.

Best things to do and see in Lugano Switzerland

Wander at Piazza della Riforma

Piazza della Riforma is where Lugano wakes up and shows off. With its pastel facades, clinking coffee cups, and a gentle buzz of locals and travelers, this is the perfect place to kick off your day. Grab a seat at a sunny café, sip a strong espresso, and let the rhythm of the city ease you into vacation mode. There’s no rush here, just vibes, views, and maybe a pastry (or two) before you dive into the rest of Lugano.

Stroll through Parco Ciani

Just steps from the city buzz, Parco Ciani is Lugano’s lush little escape. Think palm trees, peaceful paths, and plenty of benches to sit and pretend you’re in a movie montage. Locals nap in the shade, travelers snap pics by the lake, and the whole place smells faintly of flowers and freedom. Bring a picnic, take your time, and let the park do its magic, this is your soft landing into Lugano life.

Visit the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli

Don’t let the simple outside of Santa Maria degli Angioli fool you, inside, it’s a whole different story. This little Renaissance church right in central Lugano is home to one of Switzerland’s most jaw-dropping frescoes: The Passion and Crucifixion by Bernardino Luini, a student of Leonardo da Vinci. The artwork stretches across the church wall in full dramatic flair. Even if you’re not usually into churches or paintings, this one has a way of pulling you in.

Tour the San Lorenzo Cathedral

Climb your way up to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, yes, it’s a bit of a hike from the train station, but trust us, the view is worth every step. Perched above Lugano with front-row seats to the lake and rooftops below, this spot is pure photo gold. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful mix of Gothic bones and Baroque flair that reflects Lugano’s rich, layered past. It’s quiet, grand, and just the kind of peaceful pause you’ll appreciate between espressos and lake strolls.

Relax at a lakeside promenade

For a laid-back afternoon in Lugano, nothing beats a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Starting right from the city center, this breezy path lets you soak in postcard-worthy views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains, especially magical when the sun starts to dip. You’ll find plenty of tempting spots to pause along the way, grab a gelato, sip a glass of Ticino Merlot, or settle into a terrace for a lakefront meal. No rush, no schedule, just you, the view, and the sweet rhythm of Swiss-Italian living.

Visit the Lugano Art and Culture Center (LAC)

LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura is where Lugano shows off its creative side, and does it with flair. This sleek modern space brings together music, theater, and visual arts under one roof, with everything from cutting-edge exhibitions to opera and dance performances. Even if you’re just popping in, the architecture alone is worth the stop. Want proof that Lugano’s more than pretty views and piazzas? LAC is your answer.

Take the funicular to the top of Monte Brè

Take the funicular up to Monte Brè, one of Lugano’s iconic peaks, for a scenic ride that ends in unforgettable views. At the summit, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking panoramas of Lake Lugano, the rolling Swiss Alps, and even northern Italy on a clear day. It’s the kind of spot where you can hit the hiking trails or just settle into a sunny terrace with a plate of pasta and a glass of wine, soaking in the view and the moment.

Best things to do around Lugano in Switzerland

Explore the wine of southern Switzerland

Just 35 minutes from Lugano, the vineyards of Ticino make for a delightful day trip in one of Switzerland’s sunniest regions. Set along scenic hillsides, this area is best known for its Merlot, a legacy of early 20th-century replanting efforts that turned the grape into a local star. Explore picturesque towns like Mendrisio and Bellinzona, where historic wine cellars and sweeping views await. Thanks to the region’s mild, Mediterranean-style climate, visits are especially pleasant most of the year. Many wine estates welcome guests for tastings and tours, often with flexible booking and free cancellation. It’s an easy escape into wine country without ever straying far from the shores of Lake Lugano.

Head to Morcote

Just 25 minutes from Lugano by car or boat, Morcote is often called one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, and it’s easy to see why. Tucked along the lake, this charming spot is all steep stone stairways, Renaissance arcades, and lush terraced gardens. A walk along the waterfront feels like stepping into a postcard. Climb up to the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso to admire its serene setting and remarkable frescoes. From the top, the views over Lake Lugano are nothing short of spectacular.

Visit Bellagio and Lake Como’s stunning shores

In the mood for a cross-border adventure? Bellagio is just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lugano, and the journey itself is part of the magic, think winding roads through alpine valleys and stunning lake views around every corner. With its postcard-perfect setting and relaxed Italian vibes, Bellagio is a favorite getaway for both Swiss and Italian day trippers, and it’s easy to see why.

Discover the laid-back beauty of Locarno

Tucked between the mountains and the shores of Lake Maggiore, Locarno is a sun-soaked escape just an hour from Lugano. Famous for its film festival and relaxed Mediterranean vibe, the town is full of quiet charm. Think palm-lined promenades, cozy piazzas, and a hilltop sanctuary with panoramic views. You can wander the historic center, ride the funicular to the Madonna del Sasso, or simply unwind by the lake with a gelato in hand. It’s the kind of place that invites you to take your time, and enjoy every moment of it.

Ready to explore more? Dive into our guide on the best things to do in Locarno Switzerland!

Step into the medieval magic of Bellinzona

Just a short train or car ride from Lugano, this historic capital of Ticino is known for its trio of UNESCO-listed castles, dramatic stone walls, and charming old town. Stroll beneath ancient arches, browse the Saturday market, or climb up to Castelgrande for panoramic views over the valley. With its blend of Swiss heritage and Italian flair, Bellinzona offers the perfect mix of culture, history, and mountain scenery, all without the crowds.

Discover the best things to do in Bellinzona Switzerland!

Good to Know before visiting Lugano in Switzerland