This Mesmerizing Lakeside City In Europe Delightfully Blends Swiss And Italian Culture

The lakeside city of Lugano has to be one of the most fascinating destinations in all of Switzerland. A far cry from the drop-dead Alpine views of many Swiss locations, Lugano is a mesmerizing mix of sun, history, and Mediterranean charm set on the shores of Lake Lugano. It is one of the warmest places in all of Switzerland, and one of the only places in the entire country where you can see palm trees set against a backdrop of the Alps. 

Lugano is a major city in the southern Swiss canton of Ticino. The area was once controlled by the Duchy of Milan to the south, but became part of the Swiss Confederation in the 16th century.  Owing to its proximity to the Italian border and its status as a holiday destination, modern Lugano has developed a mixed identity of Swiss and Italian cultures that make it a truly unique place to visit.

Thanks to its location near major tourism and transportation hubs like the bustling but vastly underrated Milan and Zurich, getting to Lugano is a breeze. Like elsewhere in Europe, the best way to arrive in Lugano is by train. Several trains run multiple times a day from Milano Centrale and Zurich Main Station, with the journey from either taking under two hours to complete. The Lugano train station sits on a hill, providing you with a stunning, birds-eye view of the surrounding mountains, glittering lake, and city below.

Billed as Switzerland's "Little Italy," Lugano maintains a laid back, relaxed mindset that is more Italian than Swiss. As European travel expert Rick Steves notes, this is not a place where people live to work, but rather work to live. It helps that the city is exceptionally beautiful. Around every historic corner comes either a glimpse of Lake Lugano, or the towering mountains to the north.

A taxi or bus from the train station can take you anywhere in town. However, taking the funicular down into the city center is a better way to experience the city, especially if you are only there for a day trip. The funicular drops you right into the city center, where you are greeted by cafés like the Grand Café al Porto, which has been in operation since 1803. From there, walk to Piazza della Riforma, which is the true heart of the city.

This is where you will experience the city's cultural blend. Markets are open on Tuesdays and Fridays, sharing a whole host of local foods and craft goods. Stately houses surround the square, which is the location of the yearly Festa d'Autunno (Autumn Festival). This brings together vendors, musicians, craftspeople, and businesses from across Ticino to showcase the best of this blended culture. Also make sure to swing by the MASI Lugano art museum for a glimpse at some great works by both Italian and Swiss artists. 

Of course, the primary natural wonder of Lugano is Lake Lugano itself. A large glacial lake measuring 34 miles long, there is so much to do in and around this beautiful stretch of water. The lake can be best experienced on a boat, which you can do on a tour with the Lake Lugano Navigation Company. They offer a number of different cruises, including catered lunch and dinner cruises that make for a great romantic date. If you fancy walking, the Lugano promenade takes you along the lakefront and passes by restaurants, cafés, and parks where impromptu concerts enliven the already beautiful scenery.

Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Switzerland if you didn't get some top-rated mountain experiences in the mix. Fortunately, Lugano has Monte Bré and Monte San Salvatore. Mont Bré can be reached by cable car and offers astounding views of the lake, city, and mountains further north. Similar views can be found on San Salvatore, which is accessible via a 15 minute funicular ride.

Elsewhere in the city, places like Parco Ciani offer a relaxing atmosphere filled with flower gardens, palm trees, and modern art sculptures. Overall, you won't be at a loss to see why this unique Swiss city continues to draw tourists year after year.