4 Days of Budget Bliss in Lugano, Switzerland

Experience the beauty of Lugano, Switzerland without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Lugano is a picturesque town in southern Switzerland, well-known for its beautiful parks, stunning lake views and charming cobblestone streets. Travelling on a limited budget, tourists can enjoy free activities like hiking in the surrounding hills, exploring the historic town center and swimming in the refreshing waters of the lake. For a taste of Switzerland's famous chocolate, the Alprose Chocolate Factory offers free tours with plenty of samples to enjoy.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Lugano!

  • Check in at Hotel&Hostel Montarina, a cozy and affordable option.
  • Stroll around the city center and admire the stunning views of Lake Lugano.
  • Take a funicular ride up to Monte San Salvatore and enjoy panoramic vistas.
  • Indulge in delicious Swiss food at Chalet Suisse Restaurant.
  • End the day with a refreshing swim in the lake.
Day 2

Culture and Nature

  • Explore the art exhibitions at Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana.
  • Walk through Parco Civico, a picturesque park with lakeside views.
  • Hop on a boat tour to admire the surrounding mountains.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth at Meridiani, a chocolate connoisseur's paradise.
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening at the hotel's outdoor terrace.
Day 3

Sightseeing and Adventure

  • Visit the stunning, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bellinzona Castles.
  • Take a scenic train ride to Swiss Miniature, a park with miniature versions of Swiss landmarks.
  • Hike up to Monte Tamaro and experience thrill with their Adventure Park with ropes and zip lines.
  • Try Italian cuisine with a Swiss twist at Ristorante Firenze.
Day 4

Last Day on Lake Lugano

  • Rent a bike and cycle around Lake Lugano.
  • Visit the renowned Hermann Hesse Museum.
  • Treat yourself to some retail therapy at Via Nassa, Lugano's most glamorous shopping street.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Grotto Castagnola, a rustic restaurant with beautiful lake views.
  • Savor a gelato from Gelateria Artigianale DolceVita, arguably the best in Lugano!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Lugano, Switzerland by plane is to fly into Lugano Airport (LUG) which is about 6km from the city center. Several airlines such as Swiss Air, Lufthansa and EasyJet have regular flights to and from Lugano.

Car

If you decide to drive, the best way to get to Lugano is to take the A2 highway and then take exit 49 for Lugano Sud.

Train

If you prefer to take the train, the best way to get to Lugano is by taking the train to Lugano Railway Station. There are direct train connections to Lugano from major European cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Milan.

Boat

Getting to Lugano by boat is possible in the summer months as there is a regular boat service run by the Swiss Navigation Company which offers routes from Lucerne, Zurich, and other cities around Lake Lucerne and Lake Zurich.

Bus

The best way to get to Lugano by bus is to take the Flixbus which offers direct connections from cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Milan.

Destination

Lugano

In the land of Swiss chocolate and cuckoo clocks lies the quaint town of Lugano. Don't be fooled by its peaceful exterior though, there's more to this town than meets the eye...

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Discover the Best of Lugano in One Day

Lugano is a stunning city situated in the Swiss Alps, known for its picturesque views of Lake Lugano and its surrounding hills. Tourists can explore the city's charming old town with its elegant shops and cafes, or take a relaxing stroll along the lakeshore promenade. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the nearby mountains.