Tours & tickets

Piazza Riforma

Your guide will lead you through the city, to Cassarate, up to Monte Bré and back down to the bottom of the mountain. Meet your guide at the Lugano Region tourist office in Via Magatti 6, Lugano. Start at the city’s heart with a boat ride to the little harbor of Cassarate.  Then, after getting on the funicular, enjoy the splendid views of the city center at your feet as you reach Lugano’s most uncontaminated summit. You will also get the chance to admire the fantastic panoramic view, which, on clear days, stretches all the way to Mount Rosa. Take a stroll and explore the small village of Brè, where life runs at a slow pace, while taking a look at the typical Ticinese houses, the church and the works of art.  Explore Monte Bré at your own pace, soak in the stunning views over Lake Lugano, the city and nearby mountain tops. The return ticket on the funicular, to get back down to Cassarate is included in your tour, from there you can arrange your individual return to Lugano.

Your guided excursion begins on the lakeshore, where you can take a look at some cultural and artistic sites, such as the LAC Lugano Arte Cultura and the Santa Maria degli Angeli Church. Then, make your way toward the funicular. The Gulf of Lugano is special for having 2 mountains that demarcate its borders: Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore.  After reaching the top with the funicular, take in the breathtaking views. Enjoy some free time to explore and have a picnic before it’s time to ride the cable car back down, concluding the tour. During your time on the mountain, benefit from a discount at the panoramic restaurant and check out all of Monte San Salvatore's activities, sure to please gourmets, sports enthusiasts, and lovers of culture and nature. Head off on a variety of hiking trails, which provide the opportunity to discover truly unspoiled nature, or try your hand at climbing on the “Via Ferrata”. On Monte San Salvatore, there is even space for culture; the Museum San Salvatore is home to a precious collection of rare religious art. It also features an exhibition dedicated to rocks, minerals, and fossils, in addition to rooms that illustrate the history of the confraternity over centuries and the history of the lightning-research center, which sheds light on the historical significance of storms for the region.

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.

A visit to Lugano may not be defined as such if you don't include Gandria, a romantic and picturesque place. In this magic and incredibly charming location, take a dive into the past and discover how people used to live once upon a time. In the company of a guide, walk to Gandria and while you leisurely stroll up and down the village streets, a boat will be waiting for you to bring you back to Lugano. Gandria is a romantic locality nestled on the shores of Lake Ceresio that may be reached either by land or by the lake. The town’s center is closed to traffic and is an oasis of peace with its picturesque tiny streets and stairs that offer glimpses of great views and gorgeous landscapes. At the center of the town see the 16th-century church of San Vigilio with its outstanding baroque interior and the high late-medieval belfry. On the lake opposite Gandria, discover the Museum of Swiss Customs. Along the trail from Cantine di Gandria to Caprino, there are several grotti, an ideal place to take shelter from the heat and to have the opportunity of getting a taste of the typical Ticinese cuisine (costs not included).

Experience Lugano through the lens of a local, capturing both the iconic views and the photogenic charm of hidden corners. Navigate from the iconic Piazza Riformacapturing its vibrant café culture to the emblematic Cathedral of Saint Lawrence renowned for its intricate façade details. Uncover their unique roles in the daily life of locals, from being a beloved meeting point to a scene straight out of a postcard. Experience Lugano intimately, as your Local reveals the stories behind famed postcard scenes, blending photogenic imagery with personal anecdotes. This experience offers a distinctive view of Lugano, combining picturesque highlights with authentic cultural insights, making it a can't-miss experience for any visitor.

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.

On this immersive guided walking tour of Lugano, every step unveils a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. You'll explore vibrant neighborhoods filled with elegant architecture and cozy cafes, getting a sense of the city's evolution from medieval roots to a modern cultural center. Your expert guide will lead you to the tranquil shores of Lake Lugano. Here, surrounded by azure waters and majestic mountains, you'll stroll along scenic pathways, soaking in panoramic views and discovering local stories that highlight the area's natural and cultural significance. Delve into Lugano's rich artistic heritage as your guide shares insights about the city's role as a hub for artists and art enthusiasts. Learn about the cultural diversity and creative spirit that define Lugano's art scene, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that has attracted artists from around the world. Throughout this walking tour, you'll not only witness Lugano's beauty but also experience its essence, leaving with cherished memories and a newfound appreciation for this captivating Swiss city. Whether you're drawn to history, art, or simply seeking to explore a scenic gem, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.