How To Spend One Day in Lugano Like a Local

Oh, Lugano. What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this beautiful place? If you’re spending one day in Lugano, you really need to prioritize the activity list. There’s so much more to do here than just visit the typical tourist spots. I love off-the-beaten-path locations, but you don’t necessarily need to stray too far from the road frequently traveled to see these places, either. Lugano is relatively small, so everything you need to do and see is within an acceptable distance (good news if you’re only in Lugano for one day). Let’s check out some of the roads less traveled in Lugano, Switzerland.

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Where To Stay In Lugano

LUGANODANTE – We Like You

There’s no shortage of hotels to choose from in Lugano, but if you’re only spending a day here, you’ll absolutely want to stay at LUGANODANTE – We Like You (AKA Lugano Dante Swiss Quality Hotel). They really do like you because what other luxury hotel would arrange themselves smack dab in the center of the city for the convenience of their guests?

LUGANODANTE is located near literally everything. It’s within walking distance of the San Lorenzo Cathedral, Lake Lugano, numerous restaurants and bars, and four minutes from the Lugano Funicular Station. If you want ultimate convenience, this is the spot.

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8 Non-Touristy Things To Do in Lugano (and Nearby!)

1. See the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (Cathedral of Saint Lawrence)

If you only have one day in Lugano, you’ll definitely want to check out the cathedrals and architecture in general. The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo should be at the top of your list.

This cathedral was built in the Middle Ages and rebuilt in the 15th century. The exterior is composed of white marble and features a rose window and busts of King David and King Solomon.

The view from the front of the building takes your breath away as you look out over the terracotta roofs of the old town center and the lake.

The ornate interior of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Lugano, Switzerland, showcasing intricate frescoes and vibrant patterns adorning the arched ceilings and walls. The central aisle leads to the main altar, surrounded by detailed artwork and illuminated by natural light streaming through the windows.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

2. Chill Out in Parco Ciani

If you want just to chill and take in the scenery, this is the ideal location. Parco Ciani is just a massive park with sprawling grounds, footpaths, and lakefront views. Locals love to come here and just stroll on sunny days. It’s definitely an escape from the city and gives a true sense of serenity in the middle of a metro area.

In addition to nature, there’s also a play area for kids, and a natural history museum is located within the park itself. But be careful not to accidentally spend the whole day here because there’s lots more to do!

An elegant wrought-iron gate in Parco Ciani, Lugano, Switzerland, framed by stone pillars and lush greenery, opens to reveal a stunning view of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains. Two stone benches sit on either side of the gate, offering a peaceful spot to enjoy the picturesque scenery under a clear blue sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

3. Climb Monte Brè

Monte Brè is Lugano’s iconic mountain with fantastic views over Lake Lugano, which can be reached by funicular rail. Brè is actually a small village dotted with houses painted by Swiss artist Wilhelm Schmid.

Also, there are other things to do besides climb the mountain. You can hike several trails, mountain bike, and eat at the panoramic restaurant. The observation point gives you views of the entire lake valley, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Monte Rosa and the Bernese Alps! Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses because this is considered one of the sunniest points in Switzerland.

A breathtaking view from Monte Brè in Lugano, Switzerland, overlooking a quaint village nestled among lush green hills and surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Lugano. The scene is framed by towering mountains under a clear blue sky, highlighting the natural beauty of the region.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

4. Hike Monte San Salvatore

This is another mountain loved by locals and features 360-degree views of the valley, Lake Lugano, and the Alps to the south and west. The way to get here is a very old one, dating all the way back to 1200. Today, the Funicolare San Salvatore takes you up the 600-meter journey to the summit. It’s definitely more accessible for us than for the people of the past!

However, suppose you want to experience the journey like an adventurer in history (and maybe regret your life choices). In that case, you can take the path through the villages of Ciona, Carona, Vico, and all the way down to Morcote.

A panoramic view from Monte San Salvatore in Lugano, Switzerland, overlooking the lush green mountains and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Lugano. Tall pine trees frame the foreground, with distant villages and a winding bridge visible along the shoreline under a vibrant, clear sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

5. Drink and Dine With a View at Al Lido

Yeah, I know it might sound like a typical tourist spot, but locals really love this restaurant. It’s a beachfront restaurant with a young and hip vibe and features a Swiss-Italian-style brunch.

Sweet dishes like pies, cakes, and biscotti are popular here. There are also plenty of savory items on the menu, a selection of 10 different cheeses (of course), and a nice variety of Swiss red wines.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the incredible view of Lake Lugano from the beach terrace. That’s really the most significant selling point of this place.

A scenic lakeside view in Lugano, Switzerland, featuring colorful buildings with vibrant shutters and outdoor café seating along the promenade. Trees line the walkway, leading to a serene dock on the water, with mountains providing a stunning backdrop under a clear blue sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Things To Do Near Lugano

Just in case you spend more than one day in Lugano or need more options, here are a few outside of Lugano that are totally worth venturing out to do.

6. Get Artsy at the Hermann Hesse Museum

This one’s for my literature buffs. The Hermann Hesse Museum is located in Montagnola (to the west of Lugano) and showcases memorabilia from the Hesse’s time here for the 43 years leading up to his death.

The museum is actually located in the Camuzzi House, where Hesse famously wrote his masterpieces like Siddhartha and Steppenwolf. Some of his watercolor paintings are also housed in one of the rooms in the museum.

There’s also a park nearby that’s worth a visit, especially during spring and summer.

A room inside the Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola, near Lugano, Switzerland, featuring a vintage desk with a typewriter, surrounded by bookshelves and historical photographs. The room has bright yellow walls and arched windows that open to a view of lush greenery outside. A portrait of Hermann Hesse is prominently displayed on one wall.

PHOTO CREDIT: CREATIVE COMMONS, CC 3.0

7. Visit Bissone

Bissone is a super quaint village along the shoreline of Lake Lugano and the birthplace of famed Renaissance architect Francesco Borromini. The town has many pastel houses and arcades, which photographers frequently capture. In addition, the Chiesa di San Carpoforo is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that’s also worth a short visit.

During the summertime, the Lido Comunale provides access to the lake, as well as a large swimming pool and a lakefront bar and restaurant.

A charming street scene in Bissone, Switzerland, featuring outdoor café seating with white umbrellas along a quaint cobblestone road lined with historic buildings and colorful flowers. A church with a distinctive bell tower is visible in the background, adding to the village's picturesque atmosphere.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

8. Take a Ferry To Morcote

Who doesn’t love a good ferry ride? If you’re down to step outside of the city for a while, hop on a boat to Morcote. This is one of the prettiest towns on Lake Lugano and was even voted the “Most Beautiful Village in Switzerland” in 2016.

It’s a former fishing village set on a hillside with charming alleys to explore and beautiful views of the lake. It’s also home to the historic Santa Maria del Sasso Church towering over the town.

You should also squeeze some time in at the botanical garden Parco Scherrer. It has an assortment of Mediterranean and Asian flora, Greek sculptures, an Egyptian temple, and even a Siamese tea house.

This destination is absolutely worth the short trip.

A picturesque view of Morcote, Switzerland, featuring colorful houses lining the waterfront with a hillside backdrop. The village is crowned by the historic Santa Maria del Sasso church, surrounded by tall cypress trees and lush greenery, with the serene waters of Lake Lugano in the foreground.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

If One Day in Lugano Isn’t Enough

Want to soak up even more of this dreamy mountain town? Stay the night at one of Lugano’s best hotels and enjoy the nightlife at one (or two or three) of Lugano’s unique bars.

If you haven’t yet done so, I suggest taking the train from Lugano to Zurich (or vice versa if you’re starting in Zurich). The scenery is out of this world!