Lugano holidays

How to reach Lugano

Flight time: There are no direct flights to Lugano. Flights to Milan, the closest airport, from London typically take around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Transfer time: From Milan Malpensa Airport, the easiest way to reach Lugano is by train. You can take a shuttle from the airport to Milan’s central station and then hop on a direct train to Lugano, taking about 1 hour.

Price:

• The airport shuttle to Milan’s central station costs around €10.

• The train from Milan to Lugano is roughly €20–€30 for a one-way ticket.

• A taxi or private transfer from Milan to Lugano will cost between €120 and €150.

Best time to visit Lugano

This will depend on what you want to do on your trip; some events are seasonal, and the weather may also play a part in your decision.

April to May: Spring brings mild weather, with temperatures between 10–18°C; rainfall is moderate, ranging from 60–100mm, and you can expect around 6–8 hours of sunshine per day. This is the ideal time to explore the lake and museums before the summer crowds pitch up.

June to August: During Lugano’s high season, the town takes on a life of its own with outdoor festivals and lakeside activities. Average temperatures are around 18–24°C with plenty of sunshine, making dining out at one of the many lakeside restaurants an appealing option.

September to November: Although it’s shoulder season, there’s still a buzz about the place. Average temperatures range from 10–15°C, but the crisp autumn air is perfect for taking in the lake and Lugano’s many lovely parks.

December to March: Temperatures range from 1°C to 8°C, and there are 4–6 hours of sunshine per day. Rainfall is relatively low, around 50–80mm per month, with occasional snow in the surrounding mountains.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the official language, but you’ll find many locals also speak German and French. English is widely understood.

• Local habits and customs: The Swiss are known for their punctuality and politeness, so being on time and respectful of local manners will go a long way. It’s not customary to tip; if you’re impressed by the service, round up your bill to the nearest franc.

• Currency: Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful.

• Getting around: There are single tickets and day passes (Carta giornaliera) available. The main departure and arrival station (Lugano Centro) for local buses is 200m from the lakefront at the corner of Corso Pestalozzi and Via Pretorio, with services to Fornaci Park and Ride (Line F); Paradiso Funicular (Line 2); Brè village (Paese) (Line 12); and Lido (Lines 2 and 3).

• Electricity and plug types: Switzerland uses Type J plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Switzerland operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Lugano

With its compact cluster of Italianate piazzas and extensive tree-lined promenades, Lugano is the most alluring of Ticino’s lake resorts. Its old alleys and winding lanes are full of commerce, whether in the form of enticing delicatessens and boutiques or graceful, villa-style hotels and apartment buildings.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Monte Brè: The twilight views over the lake from the summit of Monte Brè, with a warm southerly breeze blowing and the toot and rumble of cars rising from a bed of twinkling lights, could melt the hardest of hearts.

• Cattedrale San Lorenzo: Knocking all the architecture into a cocked hat are the fabulous views from the cathedral’s terrace, embracing the Old Town and the lake beyond.

The best districts

• Piazza della Riforma: The centre of Lugano is this huge, café-lined square perfect for eyeballing passers-by over a coffee.

Museums

• Museo d’arte della Svizzera Italiana MASI-LAC: The galleries of the Museo d’arte della Svizzera Italiana occupy two floors – downstairs there’s an annually changing collection of pieces from the permanent collections (anything from John Constable to Paul Klee), while the upper floor is given over to temporary exhibitions.

• Museo d’arte della Svizzera Italiana MASI: MASI presents a changing cycle of pieces from its extensive collections: in contrast to MASI-LAC, the paintings exhibited here are from the 19th century and earlier, with both Swiss and international artists represented.

Parks and gardens

• Parco Ciani: Stretching along the lakefront, Ciani is the city’s largest park, all manicured gardens, fountains and sculptures.

• Villa Heleneum Gardens: Part of the villa of the same name, these gardens are smaller and more intimate than many, with lovely paths that wind through the trees and flowers.

Historical monuments

• Cattedrale di San Lorenzo: The exterior of Lugano’s principal church is characterised by an impressive Renaissance portal, and inside, some splendid fragments of medieval frescoes can be seen.

• Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli: Inside, the wall separating the nave from the chancel is covered with a monumental Leonardo-esque fresco of the Passion and Crucifixion painted in 1529 by Bernadino Luini, as well as St Sebastian, graphically pierced by arrows.

Day trips in the area

• Bellinzona: Atmospheric, often-bypassed town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is dominated by its three castles.

• Locarno: Ticino’s most stylish lakeside resort – a hint of the Mediterranean, and host to one of Europe’s most popular film festivals.

• Gandria: A picturesque fishing village just outside Lugano, there are few quieter, more alluring corners at which to hole up: the precipitous wooded slopes opposite seem almost completely devoid of habitation.

Activities for families in Lugano

Lugano offers more than enough to keep kids happy on their Lugano holidays, from outdoor adventures to interactive experiences.

• Swissminiatur: Located in Melide, just 10 minutes from Lugano, Swissminiatur is a cool miniature park that showcases Switzerland’s most famous landmarks in scaled-down form.

• Lido di Lugano: Families will love this lakeside beach area, which comprises swimming pools, water slides and a sandy beach with shallow water.

• Adventure Parks: Just a short drive from Lugano, Monte Tamaro adventure park features zip lines, toboggan runs, treetop rope courses and a whole bunch more.

Free things to do in Lugano

Lugano has plenty to offer if you’re looking for budget-friendly activities. From local walking tours to free cultural events, you can keep your spend down to a minimum.

• Free walking tours: The tourist office runs free guided walks in English (mid-March to mid-Oct Mon & Thurs 10am; 2hr). Other tours include Monte San Salvatore, Gandria and Monte Brè.

• Annual festivals: Early July sees the star-studded free concerts of Estival Jazz, which in the 1950s and 1960s hosted luminaries such as Dexter Gordon and Ornette Coleman; the lineup these days is just as strong. The Autumn Festival celebrates local food and culture with free entry to many events.

• Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC) free events: Keep an eye on the LAC’s calendar as many of their events are free.

Nature and outdoor activities in Lugano

Whether you’re into gentle hikes or adrenaline-pumping sports, there’s something for everyone to do on holidays to Lugano.

• Hiking: For a leisurely, low-key walk, explore the lakeside paths around Parco Ciani; for more adventurous treks, the trails up Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore are just the ticket. Both mountains are accessible via funicular, and from there, you can hike or simply enjoy the vistas.

• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): Lake Lugano has become a hugely popular spot for paddleboarding; boards can be rented from several stations along the lakeside.

• Mountain biking: The trails around Monte Tamaro are particularly popular, offering both challenging routes and easier paths suitable for all levels.

Local dishes in Lugano

Lugano’s cuisine is strongly influenced by its near Italian neighbour, but that’s not to say that you can’t enjoy traditional Swiss food too.

Some typical dishes

• Risotto alla luganese: A local variation of the classic Italian dish, this risotto is creamy and flavoured with saffron and local Ticino wine.

• Polenta: A staple in the Ticino region, polenta is made from ground cornmeal and often served as an accompaniment to meat dishes. Cooked slowly to achieve a creamy texture, it goes well with cheese and mushrooms, with some gravy too.

Meat dishes

• Luganighetta: Ticino sausage made from a blend of pork and spices; it’s grilled or fried and served with risotto or polenta.

• Brasato al Merlot: A slow-cooked beef stew made with Merlot wine. Tender after several hours of cooking, it’s usually served with polenta or mashed potatoes.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Pesce persico: Perch from Lake Lugano, pan-fried and served with lemon and butter.

• Lavarello: Also known as whitefish, lavarello is another lake fish that is commonly served in restaurants around Lugano.

Sweets and desserts

• Torta di pane: This traditional bread cake is made from leftover bread soaked in milk, mixed with nuts, dried fruits and cocoa powder, then baked.

• Amaretti: Light and crunchy almond-based biscuits that go down a treat with afternoon coffee.

Local drinks

• Merlot: Ticino is famous for its Merlot wines, a rich red variety that pairs beautifully with the local cuisine, especially meat dishes.

• Grappa: A traditional Italian spirit made from grape pomace, usually consumed as a digestif after a meal.