Lugano offers visitors the chance to live in the lap of luxury and indulge in dolce vita. Surrounded by the soaring Swiss Alps and lapped by the sparkling waters of Lake Lugano, this chic Swiss city blends beauty, Swiss harm and Italian flair. If you only have one day in Lugano or can only take a quick Lugano day trip, then we will help you find the best way to spend your day.

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Lovely Lugano

Switzerland is a country of rather uneven thirds. It is split between, French, German, Italian and Romansh. The heart of the Italian-speaking sector is undoubtedly Ticino, (it is the only fully Italian Canton) and the heart of Ticino is Lugano. Lugano has been Swiss for over 500 years but still feels distinctly Italian (and not just because its best airport link is Milan). Here you’ll find pizza, pasta and plenty of Aperol. If yu are lucky enough to visit during summer (mid-June to early August) then check out the Lugano Festival listings for all kinds of jazz, blues, world music and other banging beats!

Funiculi Funicular – Head Up the Mountain

Start your day by taking in a view of Lugano from above. The best way to do this is by taking the funicular up the steep sides of San Salvatore.

Visitors board the funicular and head skywards for about five minutes. Then, cross a platform and bird an even steeper funicular. If you want great views, sit on the floor at the front, if you want a seat then take the top row as you’ll get a lovely view through the roof. These lifts will whisk you up to around 910m (2,990 ft) above sea level.

Soak Up the View at Chiesa Monte San Salvatore

The church, named for the same San Salvatore is perched right up on the top of the hill. It is a steep climb from the funicular if you are going quickly but the sweeping views give a great excuse to stop for breath. Thank your lucky stars that you didn’t visit during the church’s first 800 years of history when the only way to reach it was to hike all the way up the mountain.

Pop into the pretty little interior before heading into the side. The stairs here will take you up and out to the roof. Some of them hang over the edge of the church and can be a bit challenging for those with a fear of heights. If you can stomach them, however, you’ll have the most stunning views out across the lakes and Lugano town.

Linger Over Lunch at Porto Bello!

Back down the hill, and a short bus ride away, you will find Porto Bello! (The exclamation mark is part of the name, I’m not just yelling at you). This is a wonderful spot for lunch as it sits on the end of a canal leading to the lake. There is a lively inner room but if you can, book a table in their outside space. If it’s chilly, they roll down the windows, keeping it warm and dry. If it is warm and sunny, it is all opened up and you have a lovely lake breeze accompanied by the gentle tinkle of mast lines. It’s very atmospheric.

Porto Bello offers a menu full of fresh, delicious Swiss Italian fare. They are especially well known for their super fresh seafood prepared to perfection. Tender octopus with crispy edges adorns salads, frutti de mare is bursting with fishy goodness and even the burgers are juicy and delicious. Start

Plus, they make great spritzes!

Take a Post-Lunch Stroll in Parco Ciani

From Porto Bello, head west across the bridge and into the lush greenery or Parco Ciani. This pretty stretch of green is lined with neat flowerbeds and is full of people taking in the relaxing ambience. The edge is licked by lake water and the Congressional Palace sitting proudly at its centre gives it a rather regal feel.

Continue along the promenade and you will encounter more strolling citizens as well as those who are out for some healthy competition at the giant chess board, or sitting on one of the myriad benches, taking in the view across the lake.

Explore the Lake with SNL

After seeing the water from above, and walking along its edge, there is no doubt that it is time to get out onto its shifting surface. Pick up a ticket at Lugano Centrale and hop on the next boat that comes by. You have a few options including stopping at one of the famous grotto restaurants by the lakeside, just enjoying the sights without disembarking or hopping on and off at different stops. If you stop anywhere, we recommend the gorgeous little town of Gandria.

Gander at Gandria

Gandria, is a charming village at the bottom of Monte Bre, on the shores of Lake Lugano. Its stone buildings and cobbled streets haven’t changed for over 100 years and so it is an evocative spot for a wander. Have a nosy inside the Chapel of San Rocco, which dates back to 1645, check out the Swiss Customs Museum (open 12-5 Tuesday to Sunday) and explore the lakeside cemetery. La Bottega di Gandria has a lakeside terrace right by the boat stop so it is a nice place to wait with a beverage for your return boat. You could also choose to walk back along the Olive Trail but at 12 miles, you would ideally need to head out here in the morning and skip San Salvatore.

Sip on a Spritz

The aperitivo culture in Lugano is strong and so why not indulge in a spritz or two before dinner? Caffe Caruso in the corner of Piazza della Riforma does a great Aperol spritz, a slightly cheaper but equally yummy Hugo spritz and has a very healthy wine list. If you are here for an apertitivo, you may be treated to some accompanying nibbles (a la Venetian ciccheti). Going to the bathroom here is an adventure into the bowels. It is worth noting that they take cash only and if you pay in euros, you will get a rather unhappy exchange rate and the change will be in Swiss francs. Best to bring francs in the first place.

Do a Spot of Shopping on Via Nassa

Just around the corner is Via Nassa, a 300m long shopping street full of luxury goods under pretty porticos. Shops shut at 18:30 or so which means, after a spritz or two, you have just enough time to make a slightly unwise decision, picking out a fancy handbag or piece of sparkly jewellery. Of course there are some souvenir shops too if your budget doesn’t stretch to the likes of Swiss timepieces. (If yu are visiting on a Sunday, all of these shops will be shut).

Savour a Piece (or 8) at Pizzeria del Sole

For the best pizza in Lugano, you need to head up the hill to Pizzeria del Sole. I wanted to show you how good the pizza was but we all demolished our pizzas before remembering to take any pictures. Instead, here is a link to their menu. All the ingredients are super fresh with the seafood being prepared exceptionally well, even when its on top of a pizza! It is incredibly popular so we recommend booking in advance.

Pizzeria del Sole is a 20 minute bus ride on the number 7 bus which stops right outside. Alternatively, you could take the 5 or 461 and make your way up the hill by foot for another 10 minutes. If you are taking a Milan to Lugano day trip then you don’t need to take the trip up the hill for this pizza as there is plenty in Milan. However, if you are taking a day trip from elsewhere in Switzerland, then it is worth the pilgrimage.

Final Thoughts on this Lugano Day Trip

As our train skirted the edge of Lake Lugano, the sun glinting on the water, we were sad to leave. Even with the sneaky two days we had, it didn’t seem like long enough. We hope this will help you make the most of your Lugano day trip and that you have a wonderful time in this most exciting mix of Swiss and Italian cultures, all played in the most gorgeous location.

Rosie xx