Article
Lugano: The Best of Italy...in Switzerland
Published on April 2, 2026
After a week spent visiting the storybook villages of Alsace and adventuring through Lucerne and to the summit of Mount Pilatus, we were ready for our final major stop of the trip: Lugano! Located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, and a stone’s throw from the Italian border (literally right across Lake Lugano), the Italian influence here is strong! Lugano feels unmistakably Italian, from the language spoken to the more laid-back rhythm of daily life. It also served up some of the best Italian food I’ve had to date!
Day 1
We kicked off our first day in Lugano with an easy, under-two-hour train ride from Lucerne. The gorgeous scenery of Switzerland makes transit between regions feel like an experience in itself! Once in Lugano, we took the funicular from the train station to the city center, and had a short walk to our hotel, Hotel Walter Au Lac. Though we arrived to grey skies, nothing can take away from the majestic view of Lake Lugano, sandwiched between Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore. Our hotel was in a prime location to appreciate this view, especially from its rooftop terrace!
After dropping off our luggage, we headed out for a casual walk down Lungolago di Lugano, Lugano’s lakeside promenade, and popped in and out of shops as we acquainted ourselves with the town. We ended our day with dinner at La Tinèra, and immediately made a reservation there for the following night! Apparently, border cities don’t miss when it comes to Italian food, and this reminded me of our stay in Menton, France – technically not Italy, but somehow home to some of the best Italian meals you’ll have.
Days 2 & 3
We woke up to more rain on our second day in Lugano, but honestly, it kind of worked in our favour. We started with an easy half-day trip to Morcote, a quaint village worth visiting just a short bus ride from Lugano. The weather gave the whole place a quiet, mystical feel. With mist rolling over Lake Lugano and nobody else around, it felt like we had truly stumbled upon a hidden gem. We spent the morning just wandering its narrow and winding streets, climbing up stairs to different viewpoints, including a “Swing the World”, and taking in the scenery through the fog.
After a couple hours in Morcote, we headed north to visit the city of Locarno, on Lake Maggiore. We took a mix of bus and train to get there, which took about an hour. We walked around town, grabbed lunch at Sapori Pizzeria, then walked along the promenade by the lake before heading back to Lugano for the evening. It’s no surprise that we ended up back at La Tinèra for dinner, which was somehow even better the second time around. It’s a restaurant our family continues to talk about to this day!
It was incredible to experience the regional contrasts across Switzerland, and Lugano really surprised me. I loved how different it felt from the rest of Switzerland, from the language to the overall feel. It’s also a great location to base yourself, as it allows for easy day trips to other Swiss towns, as well as to places in Italy like Milan, Lake Como, and Bellagio. Our trip through Switzerland ended on a great note, and our final Italian meal was the perfect send off to our next destination: Milan, Italy.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Start planning your adventure now!
Browse curated tours, activities, and experiences — book directly and skip the queues.
Some links on Planned With Care are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Follow in my footsteps...
Lugano: The Best of Italy…in Switzerland
Located in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, and just a stone’s throw from the Italian border, the Italian influence in Lugano is strong! From the language spoken to the more laid-back rhythm of daily life, and some of the best Italian food I’ve had to date, Lugano is worth a visit!
A Long Weekend in Cannes: Relaxing on the Riviera
A great flight deal was all it took to turn last Labour Day weekend into a spontaneous trip to Cannes. While Cannes is best known for its film festival and luxury feel, I chose this location to enjoy a few days of sandy beaches and swimming in the sea. A long weekend was just the right amount of time to soak up the sun in Cannes while leaving room for some sightseeing in and around the city!
Lucerne & Mount Pilatus: Switzerland from Sea to Sky
Lucerne was the perfect city to introduce me to Switzerland. We spent only two days there: one becoming acquainted with the city, and the next ascending to the top of Mount Pilatus. I can’t recommend this excursion enough. The experience was unforgettable, and, despite my fear of heights, I would do it again. Being surrounded by the beauty of the Swiss Alps felt like standing inside of a postcard!
One Week Wandering Madeira
The Portuguese island of Madeira is, without a doubt, the most breathtaking place I’ve experienced with my own eyes. Its incredible views are endless, and the variety of things to do is impressive for such a small island. In the span of a single day, you can find yourself hiking above the clouds, taking a cable car down a steep mountainside, and enjoying the sunset while swimming in the sea.
Exploring Alsace: France’s Fairytale Wine Region
The picturesque region of Alsace is situated in France, right on the German border and not far from Switzerland either. I couldn’t get enough of its colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and storybook feel. Visiting Alsace feels like stepping straight into a fairy tale!
Highlights of the Côte d’Azur: A French Riviera Travel Guide
Following a week spent traveling through Amsterdam, Paris, and Provence, we decided to end our trip on a relaxing note in the French Riviera. The Côte d’Azur has lots to offer, including easy day trips, good food, and beautiful coastline views.
A Morning in Èze, and a Quiet Afternoon Discovering Gorbio
Walking the winding streets of Èze felt like stepping straight into a storybook. Inside this hilltop village, you’ll find countless gorgeous viewpoints and panoramic views of the sea and surrounding towns below. I highly recommend adding this stop to any French Riviera itinerary!
A Taste of Provence: Exploring Avignon and Aix-en-Provence
Growing up hearing the famous song about “le pont d’Avignon”, it felt surreal to finally visit in person! The charming city of Avignon, located in the heart of Provence, was the perfect place to stop for a couple of nights before continuing our journey to the French Riviera.
Discovering Malta: Magic in the Mediterranean
Though Malta hadn’t been on my radar for long, as soon as I started researching this beautiful country I knew I had to plan a visit ASAP. This tiny, one-of-a-kind island nation is brimming with history and never-ending ocean views (just my style)! If it weren’t so far away, I’d have gone back already. Until then, I’ll be encouraging everyone I know to experience the magic of Malta for themselves.
Intro to the Azores: One week on Saõ Miguel Island
It started over a bottle of wine and conversation that went something like: “Have you ever heard of the Azores?” “The what?” That girls’ night conversation turned out to be surprisingly productive. The trip was incredible, and Saõ Miguel Island was unlike anything we’d ever experienced. Our most repeated phrase quickly became: “The pictures just don’t do it justice”.
Dublin & Beyond: 4 Days of Irish Charm
Dublin is a laid-back city full of heart. Whether you’re wandering its cobblestone streets or exploring the coast and countryside, Dublin makes an incredible base for a few unforgettable days in Ireland.
Tried & True: Where to Eat and What To Do in Amsterdam
There’s something about Amsterdam that’s captured my heart and keeps drawing me back. Maybe it’s the gezelligheid – a Dutch word that captures a sense of warmth, coziness, and connection. This 5-day itinerary is a curated collection of recommendations highlighting the experiences I’ve loved and that make the city truly special. I hope this guide helps you craft a trip that ends on a high note – no pun intended!
5 Days in Amsterdam: Culture, Canals & Character
There’s something about Amsterdam that’s captured my heart and keeps drawing me back. Maybe it’s the gezelligheid – a Dutch word that captures a sense of warmth, coziness, and connection. This 5-day itinerary is a curated collection of recommendations highlighting the experiences I’ve loved and that make the city truly special. I hope this guide helps you craft a trip that ends on a high note – no pun intended!
Your Journey,
Planned with Care
Explore
Travel Guides
Social
Need help planning your trip?
From quick questions to custom itineraries, I’m here to help make your trip effortless and unforgettable!