Located in the southern part of Switzerland and in the Ticino region of the country, Lugano is Switzerland’s 9th largest city. Again an easy day trip from Zurich, Lugano is a delightful mix of the old and the new. While it is a prominent banking and financial hub, the city with its parks, fountains and historic buildings exude a vibe that is distinctly medieval. It is also one of the sunniest cities in the country which makes it a great idea for a visit even in winters. With a distinct Mediterranean flair, this city has earned the moniker ‘Rio of the Old World’. And if you are here just for a day, here is a quick list of things to see and do.
Soak in the Medieval Vibes in the City Centre: replete with heritage buildings, fountains and shopping outlets, the historic city center of Lugano is best explored on foot. Apart from Via Nassa which is a shopper’s paradise, do not miss the Palazzo della Posta which is the Lugano Post Office building built between 1909-1911.
The Palazzo Riva di Santa Margherita in the middle of the city center is one of the three Riva palaces in Lugano. The Baroque building dates back to the mid 18th century and while the exterior is rather sober, the interiors are filled with fine artwork including frescoes, stuccowork and coffered ceilings.
Park Hopping: Dotted with several green spaces, Lugano is home to several parks with the Ciani Park, San Michele Park, San Grato Park and Tassino Park being some of the notable ones. During summer these spaces are brimming with flowers making it a spectacular sight. Filled with statues, fountains and manicured lawns some of them even have specifc trails which allure both tourists and visitors alike. From roses to rhododendrons and conifers to cacti, the diversity of plant species in these parks is not only mind boggling but makes them a haven for rest and relaxation.
Take a Stroll along Lake Lugano and the Promenade: Arguably one of the best places in the city, Lake Lugano is an oasis of blue that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The promenade is the perfect place to walk, jog or even just relax on one of the benches. The lakeshore promenade also leads to parks like the famous Belvedere Gardens which is definitely worth a visit.
Admire the City’s Art and Culture Scene: If you are someone who likes to chase art on your travels, Lugano does not disappoint. The city’s parks and squares are full of classic sculptures and exquisite murals. You can find plenty of them on the lakeshore promenade. Many of them are by contemporary artists like Pierino Selmoni, Selim Abdullah and Piero Travaglini.
The LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura is a center dedicated to performing arts and is located in the center of the city. Overlooking the lake, this aesthetically designed building hosts a number of music and dance shows, events, exhibitions and the like. Apart from catching shows here, one can also visit the Art Museum of Italian Switzerland housed within the complex.
Visit Morcote: Just over 30 km from Lugano is the beautiful village of Morcote. Voted as the prettiest village in Switzerland in 2016, Morcote with its winding alleys, historical stone buildings, vintage archades and famous churches, forms for an insightful visit. Whether you choose to visit the Santa Maria del Sasso church or explore its winding streets or enjoy a gelato while gazing at the lake, Morcote does not disappoint.
Click here and here to read about other day trips from Zurich.
