Experiences in Lugano

At Lake Lugano, it is wonderfully easy to escape one’s daily routine: by enjoying a sunbath below palm trees, cruises on the lake or hiking tours through magnificent landscapes.

This self-guided tour allows you to discover Lugano from the perspective of its street art.

On the 3.5-kilometer-long "Sentiero dell'olivo" strtetch, 18 information boards bring you closer to the history and scientific nature of olive tree growth and the oil won from olives.

Located between Monte San Salvatore and Monte Arbostora at an altitude of just under 700 metres, the botanical gardens are a mecca for park visitors and plant lovers – particularly in April and May, when the azaleas and rhododendrons form a fragrant carpet.

The San Michele Park sits high above Lugano and offers spectacular views of the city, the lake and the mountains. The typically southern vegetation is sure to thrill many of its visitors too.

An Ayurvedic break for women in an Indian oasis with a view of Lake Lugano.

The Piazza della Reforma is Lugano’s main square and is an inviting place for tourists and locals to relax as they enjoy the many bistros and restaurants.

Smuggling, drug enforcement, financial crime, migration, precious metal control, species and cultural asset protection – visitors to the Customs Museum gain an insight into the everyday work of border guards and customs officers in Switzerland, from the foundation of the Confederation in 1848 to the present day.

Located on the shores of Lake Lugano, this 63,000 square metre park constitutes the city’s green lung. Here you can recover from the hustle and bustle of the city as you walk along paths lined by magnificent centuries-old trees.

The Monte Tamaro lies in the triangle between Lugano, Bellinzona and Locarno. It is famous for the Santa Maria degli Angeli church designed by Mario Botta and the scenic ridge walk from Monte Lema.

From the past to the present: There are a whole host of architectural jewels from the 20th and 21st century to discover on this walk through Lugano.

Tassino Park, a glorious haven of peace, is graced with lush vegetation thanks to its sun-drenched position. If you like roses and English-style gardens then this is the place for you. What is now Tassino Park was at one time the hunting lodge of the wealthy Enderlin family, who in the 19th century were the owners of a beautiful villa on the hill of Tassino.

An aquatic playground for water lovers of all ages: Switzerland’s newest spa complex.

Lugano’s home mountain and pinnacle of enjoyment - that’s San Salvatore! The striking mountain south of the town boasts 360° views over the lake and environs, far south and to the high Alps in the west.The funicular railway up this landmark mountain starts in Lugano-Paradiso.

The Lugano swimming resort "Lido", a place which everyone loves in Lugano, has managed to preserve its attractiveness and charm throughout years.

First branch on foreign soil of the "Musée en Herbe", Paris, which, for the last 25 years, has been organising didactic exhibitions on art and ethics for children.

Practical, environmentally friendly and appealing: PubliBike’s bike hire system is the ideal way to explore the area around Lugano without getting stuck in traffic or wasting time looking for a parking space.

The sledding course above Lugano surprises visitors not only with a high fun factor but also with a magnificent view of the valley.

Located in the heart of the city, opposite the Museo d'Arte, Lido Riva Caccia features a floating wooden deck that rocks gently to and fro like a boat.

Past and present: this exceptional tour through classical Lugano is packed with surprises for visitors. Historic figures appear along the way, presenting scenes from the past in entertaining ways.

In Lugano, the fox takes chasers across the entire Mediterranean-style town. You'll search for secret treasure and will need to rescue knights, decipher ancient lettering and follow traces of blood.

Choose the tasting most agreeable to your palate at one of the producers in the Lugano Region and let yourself be inspired by the various food and wine tasting events offered throughout the year.

Villa Negroni is one of Ticino’s most important villas. One of the reasons is the valuable expansive garden surrounding the villa. There is a clear division into two contrasting elements: an Italian flower garden and an English-style park.

Founded in 2015, after just a few years the Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI Lugano) has become one of the most visited art museums in Switzerland.

The old centre of the village of Brè is studded with artistic details and sculptures. Discover works by local artists, such as Wilhelm Schmid or Pasquale Gilardi “Leièn”.

Since September 2015, LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura) has been an impressive platform for contemporary creativity from southern Switzerland. The building by Ticino architect Ivano Gianola offers visitors art across 2500 square metres and a modern theatre and concert hall with space for 1000 guests.

It's worth making the trip here just for the views of the city and Lake Lugano. Opposite stands San Salvatore, Monte San Giorgio looms above the lake and dam of Melide and the Valais Alps can be seen to the west.

Siddhartha, Narziss and Goldmund or Klingsors letzter Sommer - some of the most important works by Hermann Hesse were written in Montagnola, in the Casa Camuzzi. Today you can visit the Museo Hermann Hesse - located in an idyllic spot above Lake Lugano.