The largest Italian city outside Italy, Lugano has been rivals with pricier neighbor Como for centuries. This border city (1/3 of its eponymous lake is Italian) is a charming exemplar of the architecture its southern neighbor is known for. Its palm trees complete the illusion of being somewhere else. Stroll the picturesque boulevards, and enjoy this city's excellent shopping, then venture beyond. Staying at a hotel in Lugano gives you a pass good for free public transportation throughout the surrounding Italian-speaking Ticino canton, including the network of ferries crisscrossing Lake Lugano. A classic activity is to ride a boat (as part of a cruise, or on your own) to one of the "grottos" across the lake, then tuck into one of the authentic rural meals these picturesque restaurants specialize in.

The Swiss take on nearby Lake Como

After a memorable meal at a grotto, take advantage of your pass to branch out further. The town of Gandria makes a nice end to a 45-minute hike, but you can get the best views from the boats plying Lake Lugano. Even more charming is Morcote, with its winding streets, and the view from the 15th century cliffside Chiesa Santa Maria del Sasso. Bellinzona, the capital of the Ticino canton, features three UNESCO-protected castles, partially linked by an extensive system of walls. The Castlegrande provides the best views of the other castles, and the town below. After lunch there, you can continue on to colorful Ascona, on Lake Maggiore. For a taste of traditional Switzerland, visit the isolated, dramatic Verzasca Valley, which you can explore by boat, then panoramic train.

Things to do in Lugano

Lugano's boulevards bedecked with palms are well worth strolling, especially if you're fond of shopping, but one of the town's classic activities involves taking one of the many ferries that are free for those staying in hotels in town to one of the grottos along the lake. These restaurants offer excellent, authentic meals in picturesque locations. Lake Lugano offers plenty more, so feel free to travel further, and explore the nearby lakes, dramatic valleys deeper in the Ticino canton, or the regional capital, Bellinzona, with its three UNESCO-protected castles. Lugano's traditional rival, Como is always calling, and an easy half hour train ride away. When we send you your customized itinerary, you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package, or consider adding later.

Lugano Private City Tour with Wine & Gelato Tasting

Castelgrande & Bellinzona Half-Day Private Day Trip

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Lugano

Name: JayWay Travel Lugano Switzerland Tour Packages
Brand: JayWay Travel
Rating: 4.92 (3 reviews)

Spend some time in Lugano on a tour that takes in other cities in Switzerland and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Lugano and other destinations throughout Switzerland and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

A Week of Swiss Food and History

Lugano, Lucerne, Zurich

8 Days

from$4,050 pp^*

Swiss & Italian Mountains and Lakes

Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano, Como

10 Days

from$5,275 pp^*

Switzerland's German and Italian Delights

Lucerne, Interlaken, Lugano, Zurich

11 Days

from$5,450 pp^*

The Heights and Highlights of Switzerland

Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano, Interlaken, Zermatt, Geneva

15 Days

from$7,025 pp^*

The Varied Charms of Italy and Switzerland

Rome, Florence, Milan, Lugano, Lucerne, Zurich

15 Days

from$7,825 pp^*

The UNESCO Highlights of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria

Geneva, Bern, Interlaken, Lugano, Zurich, Munich, Salzburg, Hallstatt,...

18 Days

from$10,875 pp^*

Switzerland From B to Z

Lucerne, Bern, Geneva, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lugano, St. Moritz, Zurich

21 Days

from$10,425 pp^*

* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.

Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

Where to stay in Lugano

All of the accommodation options we offer in Lugano have been hand-picked, and provide the perfect base for exploring this beautiful city. From a former convent now home to a restaurant popular with locals, to the hilltop home of Kaiser Wilhelm II's brother-in-law, and a luxury hotel resembling a giant yacht, we have plenty of memorable options. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary, we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Luxury Heritage Hotel

Historical hotel with great lakeside location, spacious rooms, and beautiful new spa.

Modern Design Hotel

Good value contemporary hotel in a lively, central area.

Classic Modern Hotel

Elegant, modern, classy, and very centrally located hotel.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Lugano, based on 3 reviews

Lori & Roy

New Jersey

Flawless planning and attention to detail. Made our trip so wonderful

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy, Switzerland
Itinerary : Milan, Como, Lugano, Tirano, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Lucerne
Rating :

4.75 / 5

Blanca, Elizabeth, Gabriel, Olga, Isett & Marisa

Florida

All hotel exceeding our expectations, very clean, excellent food and service. Very knowledgeable staff. Our most favorite experience was travel to the Rheinfalls on Zurich. I can summarize trip with JayWay as amazing and extraordinary.

Year : 2023
Visited : Switzerland
Itinerary : Lugano, Lucerne, Zurich
Rating :

5 / 5

Jane & Joseph

North Carolina

If you want a turn key private tour with all arrangements provided, JayWay Travel is the Company to use. First Class Company all the way!

Year : 2022
Visited : Switzerland, Czech Republic
Itinerary : Lugano, Zurich, Prague
Rating :

5 / 5

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Lugano

How can I get around Lugano?

For about $10, you can get a Lugano Card, which offers free use of public transportation, including funiculars.

How long should I stay in Lugano?

Lugano and its alluring environs call for at least 2 nights, if not three. With its neighboring UNESCO-listed sites, not to mention Lake Lugano's lidos and grottoes, and neighboring Italy, there are plenty of places that will make those days pass by quickly.