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• Lugano

Luxe on a budget: 5 days in Lugano

Experience Swiss charm without breaking the bank in stunning Lugano.

22 June 2023

Lugano, Switzerland is a stunning destination that offers plenty of budget-friendly activities for travelers. Visitors can explore the beautiful scenery of Lake Lugano, which provides the perfect backdrop for picnics and hikes. Additionally, the city's historical center offers numerous opportunities to explore local culture and architecture, including the Lugano Cathedral, followed by a tasty lunch at one of the city's affordable eateries.

Travel plan

• Check into Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano, a cozy wooden lodge with friendly staff.
• Sip a cappuccino at Pasticceria Confetteria Maraini, a charming café with vintage decor.
• Take a stroll along the palm-lined promenade of Lake Lugano, soaking up the scenic view.
• Visit the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli to admire the stunning Renaissance frescoes.
• Satisfy your hunger with pizza at Ristorante Pizzeria San Marco, a local favorite.

• Have breakfast at La Favola, a family-run bakery with delicious croissants and pastries.
• Learn about Lugano's history at the Museo Cantonale d'Arte, with works by Swiss and Italian artists.
• Admire the stunning view from Monte Brè, accessible by funicular and perfect for a picnic.
• Visit the Hermann Hesse Museum, dedicated to the famous German-Swiss author who lived in Ticino.
• Enjoy a candlelit dinner at Grotto delle Fate, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Ticinese cuisine.

• Take the train to Como, Italy, just a 30-minute ride away from Lugano.
• Visit the magnificent Villa Olmo, with its Italian-style gardens overlooking the lake.
• Explore the medieval streets of Como's historic center, Piazza del Duomo, and admire the Gothic cathedral.
• Savor pizza at Pizzeria Capri, a casual spot with delicious thin-crust pies.
• Enjoy gelato at Gelateria Lariana, known for its creamy, artisanal flavors.

• Have breakfast at Ristorante Zucchero, a charming café with homemade granola and fresh fruit.
• Hike to the top of San Salvatore, a mountain with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding Alps.
• Relax at Parco Ciani, a lush park with fountains, sculptures, and a romantic promenade.
• Visit the Swissminiatur, a miniature park with an impressive collection of scaled-down Swiss landmarks.
• Watch the sunset with drinks at The View Lugano, a rooftop bar with panoramic views.

• Have breakfast at Coffee Berry, a trendy café with delicious sandwiches and specialty coffees.
• Shop for souvenirs at Via Nassa, Lugano's main shopping street with designer boutiques and jewelry shops.
• Admire the frescoes at the Chiesa di San Rocco, a beautifully restored Baroque church.
• Enjoy a final meal at Grotto della Valle, a rustic restaurant with hearty portions of polenta, cheese, and meat.
• Depart feeling rejuvenated and inspired by Lugano's beauty and charm.