Lugano holidays

This lively beach has a mix of sand and large grassy spots for relaxing around. Plus, there’s diving boards and a pool to make a splash. It’s not free to enter, but there are sun loungers, showers, changing rooms, a bar and café and picnic tables. To get there you can either walk or hop on bus no.1.

Set on a floating promenade with wooden decking, this stylish lido is a great place to soak up the sun. You’ll find sun loungers, a snack bar, toilets, changing rooms, and even live music. You can either walk there or take no.2 or no.3 bus.

The local market sets up every Tuesday and Friday from 7.30am – 14.30pm, with stalls bursting with fresh produce, colourful flowers, local cheese, and tasty cold cuts – perfect for picking up picnic supplies or sampling a slice of local life.

Head to Via Cattedrale and Via Pessina, where you’ll find a mix of souvenir shops, local crafts, sports stores and boutiques run by local artisans – great for browsing and picking up something unique.

Stroll down Via Nassa in the Swiss Luxury District, where you’ll find elegant boutqiues and designer brands like Hermès, Gucci and Prada. There’s also plenty of jewellery and Swiss watches to pick from too.

For a refreshing drink, head to Bigatt Restaurant or Ariva Restaurant & Bar, then take a stroll along Lugano’s lakeside promenade. Wander through peaceful spots like the Belvedere Gardens and take in the soft sunset colours reflecting off the calm waters.

Lugano comes alive in the evenings with plenty of vibrant spots like Seven Alma or Lugano Marittima at Foce del Cassarate. For a night of music and dancing, Club Seven inside the Casino di Lugano, offers stylish vibes and expertly crafted cocktails on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the LongLake Festival – a lively summer event with live music, street performers, theatre and food stalls.

Lugano’s food scene has a tasty mix – traditional Ticino dishes share the menu with Mediterranean and international flavours. You’ll find everything from cosy taverns called grottos and lakeside spots to chic Michelin-starred restaurants. For a taste of local, try the saffron risotto with luganighetta sausage, a fresh local sausage. And don’t miss visiting a local brewery or wine cellar for a tasting experience.

Porto Bello serves up fresh, seasonal dishes with front seat lake views. It’s a relaxed, yet stylish spot for both lunch and dinner, with both indoor and alfresco dining. Tuck into fresh fish, local cold cut platters or a juicy burger – all paired with a crisp local wine.

La Piazzetta is a go-to spot for lunch, drinks, or dinner with a view. Famous for its wood-fired pizzas and classic Ticino dishes, it’s the perfect place to settle in on the rooftop terrace and enjoy panoramic views of the city and lake.

The buses run every 10 to15 minutes during the day and are well connected around the city and nearby areas. All public transport is free with the Ticino Ticket which you’ll get with your stay.

You can hop on a 50-minute boat from Lugano to Melide, home to the famous Swissminiatur park, or head to Morcote, known as the ‘Pearl of Ceresio’ with its narrow streets and lush gardens. Another popular route is the ferry to Gandria, a quaint fishing village nestled on the lake’s edge.

Lugano’s funiculars are an easy and scenic way to explore nearby peaks. The Funicular Monte Brè takes you from the city centre to Monte Brè’s summit in about 10 minutes, while the Funicular Monte San Salvatore runs from Paradiso up to Monte San Salvatore.

If you’re looking to explore beyond Lugano, hop on a train from the city centre to major Swiss cities like Zurich or cross into Italy with a trip to Milan. Grab a window seat as the scenic alpine landscapes and charming towns along the way are not to be missed.

Lugano’s city centre is mostly pedestrianised, making it easy and pleasant to explore on foot. Wander the cobbled streets and narrow alleys, then head down to the palm-lined lakeside promenade for a leisurely stroll with views of the water and mountain peaks.

For a charming lakeside stroll, try the Sentiero di Gandria. This gentle 1-hour walk starts and ends between Castagnola and Gandria, winding along the shore through quaint villages, olive groves, and lush woodland. Along the way, be sure to stop at La Bottega di Gandria – a local gem that’s a gourmet bar, shop, info-point and art gallery all in one.

Starting and finishing in Collina d’Oro, follow the trail, tracing the paths once wandered by the famous writer Hermann Hesse. Take in the peaceful lakeside views, charming villages, and get a glimpse into the inspiring surroundings that influenced his work. This loop takes about 1 hour 20-minute to complete but don’t miss the museum and literary café on the way for a pit stop.