Lugano Tourism - Travel to Lugano
Lugano is a lake-side city in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of southern Switzerland. Part of a temperate micro-climate, Lugano offers palm-trees, picturesque boulevards, stunning views of the lake and Alps, and plenty of opportunity of outdoor and indoor activities. Lugano also makes a good base for visiting other cities and sites in the area.
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Get into Lugano
Travel to Lugano By Plane
Lugano has a small international airport with flights arriving from many European cities especially France and Germany. Milan's airports are 1 1/2 hours away by bus or train and are served by easyJet. Swiss Air offers discount web special prices to Lugano from many parts of Europe.
Travel to Lugano By Train
Trains leave for Zurich (31/2-4hr) and Milan (40min-1hour) as well as Geneva (6 hrs, 1 train-change). Note that getting to Geneva or points west it is sometimes faster to go via Zurich as the trains are more frequent and faster.
Travel to Lugano By car
Travel to Lugano By Bus
Travel to Lugano By Boat
Note that much of the lake is actually in Italy so bring your passport if you plan on exploring by ferry.
Get around in Lugano
Lugano is small enough to get around on foot, and many of the streets are pedestrian-only, but the hills above the lakefront are very steep so the bus might be a better option on the way up to the train station if you have a lot of bags. Taxis can be found on the main roads. Ferries and Funiculars are great options for seeing the views.
See Lugano
List attractions that people come to this city for, such as museums, palaces, churches, temples, historical buildings, squares, parks, monuments, statues, streets, zoos, etc. You can also note here general information about attractions, such as discount tourist admission passes, need for a guide, weather warnings, good walking routes, general areas to hang out in, etc.
Do Lugano
- Swimming
- Boating
- Hiking
Learn
Buy
All the major labels and designer boutiques can be found here, as well as the usual Swiss and Italian knick-knacks.
Eat - Travel to Lugano
Budget
<-- Name of Restaurant, Address (extra directions if necessary), phone number (email, fax, other contact if possible). Days and times open. One to three sentences about the food, service, atmosphere, view, specialties, music, what have you. $lowprice-$highprice (extra price info). http://www.restaurant.example.com/ -->
Mid-range
Splurge
Drink
In the summer your best bet is just to wander along the lakeside promenade and open air bar/cafes. Check local listings for clubs and shows as venues come and go with the seasons.
Sleep - Lugano Tourism
There are a wide range of hotel options right in town, from atmospheric B&Bs to posh four stars to comfy and communal hostels. Be sure to book ahead in the summer, but the rest of the year it's possible to just show up and find something as long as your budget is flexible.
Budget
- Youth Hostel Lugano, Via Cantonale 13 (extra directions if necessary), (91) 966 27 28 (lugano@youthhostel.ch).
Mid-range
Splurge
Contact
There are a few internet cafes in town, try near the train station.
Stay safe - Lugano Tourism
Lugano is as safe as most cities in Switzerland, but the density of expensive purses, watches, and sunglasses may make pick-pockets more of a problem. The usual cautions apply to walking alone late a night, especially after bars and clubs close before dawn.
Get out
Trains leave hourly for Milan where you can transfer to any destination in Italy.
External Links for Lugano Tourism
