Things to do in Lugano

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Collina d'Oro

Old Town Lugano

Old Town Lugano is located in the Canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano and bordering Italy. Palm trees and outdoor cafes can be seen on the streets, and the Mediterranean-style laid-back atmosphere makes it stand out at the foot of the Alps. Piazza Riforma is surrounded by cafes and restaurants and is a gathering hub for locals. Turning from here into Via Nassa, the old arcades are lined with watch shops, jewelry stores, and boutiques, where you can admire the historic buildings along the street while shopping. The steps of the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence are a great spot to overlook the lake, while the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli houses large frescoes by Renaissance painter Bernardino Luini. Parco Ciani by the lake was originally a 19th-century private estate. Today, it is surrounded by greenery with neat flower beds and is a place for locals to go for morning jogs and picnics. The lakeside promenade connects to the pier, where you can take a boat to tour the lake during the day and visit the small stone-house fishing villages on the opposite shore. If you want to enjoy the view from above, take a cable car up to Monte San Salvatore or Monte Brè, where you can take in the lake scenery, the ridges of the Alps, and the valleys toward Italy. On summer evenings, the lakeside is exceptionally comfortable with a gentle breeze, the outdoor cafes are bustling, and street performances often light up the night, creating a perfect vacation atmosphere.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Collina d'Oro

Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano is a beautiful lake located in Switzerland. Its shores are dotted with many beautiful villages, making it a popular vacation spot for locals and tourists alike. On sunny days, you can swim, boat, and fish on its calm and inviting waters.

No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Italy

Lake Como

Lake Como is a lake carved by glacial movement, with an inverted Y-shaped surface that branches into three arms and a depth of over 400 m. The mild microclimate regulated by the lake allows Mediterranean plants like olives and citrus to grow along the shores, creating a distinct transition to the alpine vegetation on the hillsides. For centuries, the landscape here has attracted numerous artists, and composer Verdi once drew inspiration here. The eastern shore also features the Traveler's Path, a hiking route restored along ancient trails, where climbing to a higher vantage point offers a panoramic view of the Bellagio peninsula at the confluence of the lake's two branches, making it a classic spot to overlook the entire lake region.

No. 9 of Family-friendly Attractions in Switzerland

Parco Ciani

Parco Ciani is located on the shores of Lake Lugano, just a few steps from the train station. It features vast green spaces, ancient trees, and flowers, offering fresh air and a tranquil atmosphere, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially on summer afternoons. Parco Ciani is not only home to various types of trees and flowers but also features many cultural facilities. Among them is the Palazzo Ciani, a well-known museum in Lugano that hosts regular special exhibitions. In addition, the Lugano Convention Centre, theCantonal Museum of Natural History, and the Cantonal Library are also located here.

Swissminiatur

The Swiss Miniature Park is located in the town of Melide, south of Lugano. It is the only miniature park in Switzerland and was officially opened in 1959. There are 130 models of houses, castles and places of interest, as well as children's playgrounds and cafeterias, making it a great place for families. The models in the park are vivid and realistic, and you can see famous landscapes such as the Heidi village of Meinfeld, the castles of Burgdorf and Chillon, the parliament building of Bern and the Duomo of Milan. Interestingly, there are also 3.5 kilometers of tracks between these building model groups, running 18 train models. In addition, the models of cog railways, cable cars, mountain railways and ships are not left behind, showing the developed Swiss public transportation system in its entirety. If you don't have time to travel all over Switzerland, come here for a walk.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Province of Como

Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Babianero is located on the west bank of Lake Como and was originally a monastery founded by Cardinal Angelo. After the bishop's death, the monastery was sold and the gardens and balconies were remodeled. Many films are now filmed here, such as "Star Wars Episode 2" shot in 2002.

Balcone d'Italia

LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Canton of Ticino

Castel Grande

Castel Grande is a World Heritage site in Bellinzona, the capital of the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland. This site is not a single castle, but a defensive system composed of three medieval fortresses: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro, along with extensive defensive walls and the old town ramparts. Bellinzona guards the Ticino Valley, where routes crossing the Alps, such as the St. Gotthard and San Bernardino passes, converge. In the 15th century, the Duke of Milan built long walls to block the valley entrance, enclosing the entire medieval town within a defensive perimeter. This layout, which integrates multiple castles with defensive walls, is rare in the Alpine region and remains remarkably well-preserved.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Milan Cathedral

•Located in the center of Milan, the cathedral is a landmark of Milan •Admire the enchanting hall, towering stone pillars, and dazzling stained glass windows while studying design elements of various styles •On the platform level, you can see the exquisite spires of Milan Cathedral and the statues on top of them. The statues vary in form and are lifelike. △The church has 135 spires of varying sizes, each topped with a statue. Carvings and spires are one of the defining features of Gothic architecture, and Milan Cathedral exemplifies this characteristic to the fullest. As such, it is also the Gothic church with the most statues in the world, featuring approx. 6,000 marble statues in total. △Immerse yourself in the treasures and artistic touches within the magnificent church. Admire the incredible nave and the way light flickers through the stained glass windows. Study the sarcophagi and approach the exquisitely decorated altar.