One of the best day trips from Milan is a visit to Lugano, Switzerland. Despite heading to another country, you can reach Lugano in less than 75 minutes from Milan (even shorter if you are visiting Lugano from Como!). Check out my guide on how to spend one day in Lugano, Switzerland.
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How to Get to Lugano, Switzerland
If you are arriving from Milan, it is easiest to book a train out of the Milan Central Station. This route stops on and near Lake Como, so if you are traveling from there, use the same instructions. You can purchase tickets via Trenord and will see there are direct routes leaving every hour or so, which helps make planning your one day in Lugano fairly flexible.
A one-way ticket costs €15 and the total trip time is just under 90 minutes. I suggest to arrive at the train station early to validate your tickets (needs to be stamped at the machine if printed or checked-in online through the app). If you book with Trenord, you are taking a regional train so there are no assigned seats.
Don’t forget to bring your passport or EU ID. You are visiting another country so this must be with you. Once the train crosses the Switzerland border, the border patrol does a quick walk-through of the train and you may be asked to show your passport or ID.
TIP: You may want to take a screenshot of your tickets ahead of time as phone service will change heading from Italy to Switzerland. Since Switzerland is not in the EU, this may affect your Wifi or data (whether you live in the EU, are using an international travel plan, relying on Wifi, etc.).
Things to do in Lugano, Switzerland
There are actually quite a few activities to do in Lugano, so feel free to choose a couple things that stand out or expand some over a couple days if you plan to stay overnight.
Don’t forget, Switzerland can be quite expensive and operates of the Swiss Franc (CHF). Be sure to plan accordingly.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence
Shortly after you exit the Lugano train stop and as you make your way into the town center, you will stumble upon the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence. It is worth stopping in for a few minutes to see the beauty.
It is originally a church from the Middle Ages that was rebuilt in the 15th century! I’ve even seen weddings take place here on several occasions.
Soak in the Views from Monte Bre
Another fun activity during your one day in Lugano is to enjoy the views from the top of Monte Bre, either via hiking or taking the funicular.
The hike up takes an average it takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail starts next to the Suvigliana Funicular stop. You can pack some snacks and picnic at the top, eat at the Osteria Funicolare, or just soak in the rewarding views. To get back down, you can either backtrack your steps or fast track with the funicular that departs every 30 minutes.
If you are not up for the hike up, but still want to enjoy the views you are able to take the funicular all the way to the top. The total ride should take about 10 minutes. Just pay attention to the seasonal closing times or else you’ll be hiking back down!
Enjoy a Boat Tour on the Lake
During your one day in Lugano you must explore the lake. You can purchase tickets at the Societa Navigazione del Lago di Lugano office located on the lake and decide which schedule is best for you. The length of the trip depends on which tour you select.
While there isn’t a guide speaking and giving you insight, it is a nice chance to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Eat Lunch at a Grotto
Grottos are the restaurants located along the other side of the lake that are only accessible via boat. During your one day in Lugano I suggest booking either a lunch or a dinner at one for a memorable meal. You can align your reservation with the boat schedules (it is Switzerland so they are quite timely). I do recommend trying to call or message them and book ahead.
Some of the popular ones are: Grotto Descano, Grotto dei Pescatori, and Grotto Teresa. Be sure to order some of the traditional regional plates!
Relax at the Lido (in Summer)
If you want to enjoy the water and sun, you can head to the Lido di Lugano. A lido is a beach club. The Lugano one provides access to a beach bar, changing facilities, lake entrance, multiple pools (adult and children’s) and plenty of green space to relax.
Every day it is open from 9AM – 7:30PM. On a summer day it makes a nice retreat, so pack your suit! It costs about 10 CHF per adult, but if you are staying overnight in Lugano your hotel may be able to offer a discount.
Wander Parco Ciani
You have to make sure you spend some of your time in Lugano visiting Parco Ciani. There are beautiful botanical gardens and the park has a gorgeous walkway along the lake. During the summer there are usually various events hosted in the park as well.
Try Swiss Chocolate or a Cup of Gelato
Of course before you finish one day in Lugano you must try or buy some Swiss chocolate. Two of the local favorite shops include Vanini and Laderach. However, if you care for a delicious cup of gelato, I recommend heading to Gelateria Veneta.
That completes my guide on how to spend one day in Lugano, Switzerland! I hope you enjoy your visit to Lugano and let me know if you plan to do any other activities that I missed.
You may also enjoy these additional guides:
- A Day Trip from Milan: Visit the Borromean Islands
- My Favorite Hidden Gems in Milan, Italy
- How to Spend One Day in Bergamo, Italy
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