2 Days in Lugano: Best things to see, do, and eat
Wondering what to see in Lugano in 2 days? Imagine lakeside walks, hilltop views and charming villages. Find out how to best enjoy this city in 48 hours!
Planning a weekend in southern Switzerland and wondering what to see in Lugano in 2 days? This guide will help you make the most of your visit to one of Switzerland’s most charming cities.
With just 48 hours, you can explore elegant promenades, take a funicular up to panoramic viewpoints, relax in peaceful lakeside villages like Gandria and Morcote, and enjoy some truly delicious food along the way.
What to See in Lugano in 2 Days?
This 2-day Lugano itinerary will show you how to experience the best of the city without rushing.
Day 1 Itinerary: City Walk, Monte Brè and Sunset Dinner
Day 1 is dedicated to discover the city itself, enjoying a scenic ride up to Monte Brè and ending with a sunset dinner in the hills.
Morning: Lake Promenade & Parco Ciani
There’s no better way to start your first day in Lugano than with a calm walk by the lake. But first, breakfast.
Here there are a few cozy spots loved by locals and visitors:
- Mauri Concept: Bagels, pancakes, avocado toast
- Pane & Zucchero: Fresh pastries, cappuccino, classic brunch
- La Serra: Toast with salmon, cinnamon rolls
When you have finished your breakfast, take a walk along the Lugano lake promenade, starting from the city center and heading south toward Parco Ciani.
Along the way, you’ll spot:
- The famous "I ❤️ Lugano" sign (great photo stop!)
- Red benches overlooking the lake
- Pedal boats available for rent if you want to explore the lake from the water
Midday: Monte Brè Funicular & Bre Village
After your walk, it's time to go up! From the Cassarate area (just outside the city center), you can take the Monte Brè funicular.
At the top, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Lugano, the city and the Alps, along with a peaceful forest trail that leads to the village of Brè.
🖼️ Don’t miss: Brè is home to several public artworks, part of the Arte Brè project. You’ll find modern sculptures and wall art scattered through the village.
Afternoon: Swimming or Culture
How to spend your afternoon? It depends on your mood (and the weather). Here are two great options.
Option A - Take a dip at Lido di LuganoIf the sun is out and you want to completely relax, head to the Lido di Lugano, a lakeside pool and beach area just 15 minutes from the city center.
Option B - Discover Lugano’s cultural sidePrefer museums and architecture? Don’t miss LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura): a modern arts center right by the lake, hosting exhibitions, concerts and performances all year round. Even if you don’t catch a show, the building itself is worth a visit for its unique design and the scenic location.
Evening: Dinner in the Hills
To wrap up your first day in Lugano, head back to the village of Brè or stay on Monte Brè for a sunset dinner.
We recommend:
- Ristorante Salotto Brè - A warm, family-run restaurant known for homemade dishes and local wines
- Grotto Castagneto - A traditional Ticinese grotto with cozy vibes and regional specialties, perfect for an authentic Lugano dinner experience
Day 2 Itinerary: Gandria, Morcote and Monte San Salvatore
Your second day in Lugano takes you out of the city center and into the peaceful charm of lakeside villages.
Morning: Walk the Olive Trail to Gandria
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast by the lake: many cafés near the promenade open early and offer outdoor seating.
If you’re staying in the city center, you’re just steps away from the start of the Olive Grove Trail (Sentiero dell’Olivo), a scenic path that runs along the eastern edge of the lake.
The Olive Trail connects Lugano to the tiny village of Gandria, offering incredible views of the water, olive trees and surrounding mountains. It’s flat, easy and perfect for a morning walk.
Distance: About 3.5 km (around 1 hour, one way)☕ Break tip: Once you arrive in Gandria, grab a coffee or a juice on one of the terraces by the water.
Midday: Boat to Morcote + Lunch
From Gandria, hop on a boat for a mini cruise across the lake. Boats leave regularly and stop at places like Melide, Campione d’Italia and finally Morcote, one of Switzerland’s prettiest villages.
Once in Morcote, take your time exploring its narrow streets and lakeside promenades. For lunch, choose a table with a view in one of those places:
- Osteria Portici - Fresh lake fish and pasta surrounded by rustic charm
- La Terrazza sul Lago - Beautiful views and Mediterranean dishes
After lunch, take a stroll through the enchanting Parco Scherrer, filled with exotic plants and statues. Then make your way up to the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso, a peaceful spot above the village that rewards you with breathtaking views of the lake.
Afternoon: Monte San Salvatore
Now it’s time for one last view from the top! Head back to Lugano (or directly to the Paradiso neighborhood) and catch the Monte San Salvatore funicular.
The ride takes you up to one of Lugano’s most stunning viewpoints. From the summit, you can see: Lake Lugano stretching in both directions, the Italian Alps in the distance and tiny villages nestled along the shoreline.
There’s also a café/restaurant at the top where you can enjoy a pastry, a drink or just sit back and relax.
Evening: Pizza Night in the City
After all that nature and walking, it’s time for something simple and satisfying: pizza!
Here some of our recommendations:
- Spaghetti Pomodoro - Their margherita pizza is a must, thin crust, fresh tomato sauce and just the right amount of mozzarella. Don’t skip also the homemade tiramisù.
- Acqua e Farina - Go for the Neapolitan-style pizzas straight from the wood-fired oven.
After dinner, take one last walk along the lake, grab a gelato and enjoy Lugano at night.
How to Get to Lugano?
Lugano is easy to reach, whether you’re coming from Italy or another part of Switzerland. Thanks to its location near the border, you can get there by train, car or even by plane via nearby airports in Italy.
✈️ Flying to Lugano
There’s no major international airport in Lugano, but three big airports in northern Italy are just a short distance away.
📍 Nearest Airports to Lugano:
- Milan Malpensa (MXP): 1 hour 15 min by shuttle or train + transfer
- Milan Linate (LIN): 1 hour 45 min by train from Milano Centrale
- Bergamo (BGY): 2 hours by bus to Milano Centrale + train to Lugano
🚆 Taking the Train
Lugano has a modern, well-connected train station just a few minutes from the city center. Trains are frequent, comfortable and scenic; especially if you're coming from Zurich or Milan.
Popular Train Routes:
- From Milan: ~1 hour (direct, no changes)
- From Zurich: ~2 hours
- From Como: ~40 minutes
💡 Tip: If you're traveling in Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save on trains and boats.
🚗 Do you need a car to enjoy Lugano?Not really. Lugano is a compact city and you can walk almost everywhere. Public transport (funiculars, buses, boats) works smoothly and gets you to all the main sights.
Where to Stay in Lugano?
Lugano offers something for every budget, from stylish 5-star hotels with lake views to cozy hostels and modern apartments.
Here are a few top picks depending on your travel style and budget:
- The View Lugano, stunning lake views, 5-star service, spa and fine dining
- Hotel Admiral, rooftop terrace, seasonal pool, modern rooms and a short walk to Lake Lugano
- Lugano Center GuestHouse, contemporary comfort, rooftop sun terrace and a quiet location close to everything
- ibis Lugano Paradiso, cozy rooms, 24/7 service and a great location at a budget-friendly price
Prefer to stay in a quieter area? Gandria or Morcote also offer lovely guesthouses and lakeside views, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Conclusion
With just 2 days in Lugano, you can see a lot without feeling rushed. From lake views and hilltop villages to great food and peaceful walks, this city is full of small surprises. Enjoy the slow pace and make the most of your weekend in southern Switzerland.
We are a Milan-based Travel Blog that aims to be your ultimate guide to the best attractions, food and drink, and things to do to inspire you when planning your holiday!
Do check out our website regularly for awesome travel and expat tips!