Lugano in 5 Days: Adventure, Art & Foodie Fun!

Experience pure tranquility in the breathtaking natural beauty of Lugano.

17 June 2023

A trip to Lugano, Switzerland is a perfect escape for anyone looking for a serene and relaxing vacation. With its stunning views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding Swiss Alps, visitors can take breathtaking walks, boat rides or visit the Piazza della Riforma for a bite of traditional Italian cuisine. The city offers an enchanting mix of nature and luxury that would make any tourist feel right at home.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Lugano!

Check into the beautiful, centrally located Novotel Lugano Paradiso.
Take a stroll along the sparkling blue waters of Lake Lugano and soak in the stunning views.
Make your way to the top of Monte San Salvatore via the funicular for panoramic views of the city.
Head to Ristorante Vicania for dinner and indulge in their traditional, homemade pasta dishes.
End your day with a scoop (or two) of artisanal gelato from Amore Gelato.

Day 2

Art, Culture and History

Start your day with a visit to Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana, home to over 4,500 pieces of art.
Make your way to the historic Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and take in the stunning architecture.
Enjoy a traditional Italian lunch at Osteria dell'Oca.
Take a stroll through the picturesque Parco Ciani, featuring vibrant, colorful gardens.
End your day with a visit to the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli for a glimpse into Lugano's rich history.

Day 3

A Day in the Mountains

Start your day early and catch a train to the picturesque town of Bellinzona, home to three stunning castles.
Wander through the UNESCO-recognized Castelgrande and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Enjoy a hearty lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Il Castello, located within Castelgrande.
Make your way to the medieval town of Mendrisio for a visit to the unique and quirky Museum of Customs.
End your day with a trip to the nearby spa town of Bagni di Mendrisio for a relaxing soak in the thermal waters.

Day 4

Foodie Frenzy

Start your day with a coffee at popular local spot, La Finestra.
Take a stroll through the bustling Mercato di Lugano, sampling local cheeses and meats.
Enjoy a Michelin-starred lunch at Arté al Lago, situated on the idyllic lakefront.
Make your way to the Villa Favorita to indulge in some local wine tasting.
End your day with dinner at Grotto al Bosco, serving up authentic Ticinese cuisine in a beautiful, rustic setting.

Day 5

Adventure Awaits

Start your day with a heart-pumping adventure at the nearby Swissminiatur, featuring over 120 miniature replicas of Swiss landmarks.
Take a boat ride on Lake Lugano, exploring the scenic surrounding areas.
Grab a delicious homemade sandwich for lunch at L'articolo Panini & Caffè Bar.
Hike through the picturesque Valle Verzasca, a lush, green valley home to crystal-clear waters.
End your day with a sunset dinner at Ristorante Albergo della Posta, sampling their famous risotto while taking in the stunning lake views.

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