 Lugano [1] 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.
Get inBy planeLugano has a small international airport [2] with flights arriving from many European cities especially Italy, England, France and Germany. Milan's airports are 1 1/2 hours away by bus or train and are served by easyJet and Ryanair. Swiss International Airline, Flybaboo and Darwin Airline offer discount web special prices to Lugano from many parts of Europe. By trainTrains leave for Zurich (3hr) and Milan (40min-1hour) as well as Geneva (via Zurich or Locarno-Domodossola: 5h30' with 1 or 2 train-change, 6h30' via Milan with 1 train-change). Note that getting to Geneva or points west it is faster to go via Zurich or Locarno as the trains are more frequent and faster. By carBy busThere is a shuttle service between Lugano and Milan - Malpensa Airport. See this link: http://www.starbus.info/pagina_orari.php By boatNote that a small part of the lake is actually in Italy so bring your passport if you plan on exploring by ferry. Get aroundLugano 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. For more information:
See
Do
LearnBuyAll the major labels and designer boutiques can be found here, as well as the usual Swiss and Italian knick-knacks. EatBudgetThe cafeteria in the Manor Department store offers a wide variety of tempting International dishes, ranging from sushi to pasta. Fresh fruits and vegetables arrayed in stylish displays are almost a painting themselves. Wine and beer are available as are a wide range of other beverages. This was one very pleasant discovery on a recent trip. Mid-range
SplurgeDrinkIn 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. SleepThere 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
Mid-rangeSplurge
ContactThere are a few internet cafes in town, try near the train station. Stay safeLugano is as safe as most cities in Switzerland, but the density of expensive purses, watches, and sunglasses may make pickpockets more of a problem. The usual cautions apply to walking alone late a night, especially after bars and clubs close before dawn. Important Numbers
Lost Property Office (Ufficio oggetti smarriti), City of Lugano Police, Via Beltramina 20b. Mon-fri: 7:30AM - 12AM, 1:30PM-5PM Phone: +41-58-8668250 Cope
Get outTrains leave hourly for Milan and Zurich where you can transfer to any destination in Europe.
Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0. Privacy policy About Wikitravel Terms of use |