Tours & tickets

Grand Café al Porto

Discover the local cuisine of Lugano in your own way with this self-guided tour. Immerse yourself in Lugano and visit some locations off the beaten track. Start your day at Grand Café Al Porto, which has been a local hub in the heart of the city since 1803. Choose a pastry creation to try along with a hot or cold drink. Stroll on to the next stop, Bernasconi Gastronomia, one of the milestones for gourmet lovers in Lugano and a 100-year-old establishment that continuously adapts itself to the wants and needs of an increasingly dynamic clientele. Try a traditional aperitif with local finger food accompanied by a glass of local prosecco. Next, taste a glass of local wine with local cheeses at your third stop, Bottegone del Vino. Soak in the ambiance of this friendly wine bar-restaurant situated in a buzzing pedestrian district is a small wine-restaurant in the center of Lugano's pedestrian area. Experience the grotto atmosphere of the Ticinese valleys captured in the city center at your fourth stop, Ristorante La Tinera. Taste truly authentic Ticinese cuisine by having a traditional hot dish accompanied by a tazzin (cup) of local red wine. Finish up your culinary journey at the final stop, Vanini, one of the city’s oldest cafes and located in Lugano’s famous Piazza Riforma. Continue exploring the city into the afternoon or evening, taking an ice cream for the road.

Welcome to Lugano, the capital of the Swiss canton of Ticino, where Switzerland has an Italian accent. This city rose out of its strategic position, just below the best alpine passes. These passes were used by Celts, leaving their mark. The same was done by the Romans, leaving Lugano the oldest sacred building in Switzerland. Thanks to the Italian culture and influence, Lugano has a Mediterranean ambience, with its sunshine, vegetation, inviting lake, and shopping. But there is more to Lugano than shopping and relaxation, so come with us to discover the ancient history of this beautiful city. Enjoy the views of the lake under the mulberry trees (a favourite of silkworms, dating from the time when silk was a local industry). Across the lake, we can see the Casinò di Campione, which dominates Campione d'Italia, a tiny Italian enclave surrounded by Switzerland on all sides. Pass Via Canova, the elegant street of Lugano, and also the Palazzo Reali, a museum with exhibits of 19th and 20th-century art. In the middle, we will find Piazza Riforma, known as the living room of the city. Not to miss is also the Grand Café al Porto, the most historic café in town, open since 1803 and a testimony to the 19th movement that led to the unification of Italy by Giuseppe Mazzini and fellow Italian patriots. Also here is where US intelligence officer Allen Dulles (future head of the CIA) met with Nazi and Italian representatives to organize the end of WWII. A flair for history, espionage and glamour is certainly in the air.