LUGANO – ITALIAN GEM IN SWITZERLAND

Lugano is truly a nice Italian city in Switzerland. of The nature in Switzerland is really amazing on pictures, but when I first saw it from the train I was stunned. A day trip, exactly a half-a-day trip to Lugano started when we catched a train from Milano to Como, then from Como to Lugano. Because everything is so close, and both places are small we decided for a day excursion to visit them both. I would repeat that day without thinking. How to spend a day in Lugano? Lets see.

          PIAZZA DI RIFORMA

TRANSPORTATION

Lugano is a city in Switzerland, located near the boarder with Italy, an it is a part of Italian Speaking canton Ticino. As I said before, I have travelled by a train from Com. There are also direct trains from Milano, same as from other places nearby. The tickets can be both online as well. Prices are from 5 to 30 euros in one direction, depending what connection you choose. Other options are buses, airplane, car, but if you ask me I believe that train is the best and cheapest option for this roadtrip.

IMPORTANT INFO

Lugano has around 65 000 inhabitants, and with that being said, it is 9th largest city in Switzerland. Old city is on the lake, while train station are on the top of the hill so you can go on foot, use furnicular, or bus. Apart from that you can also use taxi services. I believe you can see it best by walking around and about, especially if you go from the stations to the city center. After you can head towards the lake and the park, and before you go back to the stations you can visit the best view point in Lugano. Some of you will just stood amazed, and other will not stop taking pictures. While on the lake, take a ride, or rent-a-boat, whatever pleases you best.

Language  – Italian

Currency –  Swiss Franc

Shops open at 8,9 in the morning and close around 6,7 in the evening. On Saturday they close early, around 4,5 in the afternoon.

Banks open from 8.30 and close at 4pm, but only on the working days. They are usually closed over the weekend.

SIGHTSEEING FOR A DAY IN LUGANO

If you decided to take a walk from the station to the center the first sight you will see is the lake and of course beautiful Cathedral of San Lorenzo. While walking you will see cute narrow streets with gardens of cafes, beautiful buildings like on the square Piazza di Riforma, and fun Chess square. Not far away there are also Touristical organization and Town hall, and before the lake is square Piazza Rizzero Rezzonico. Nearby is square Piazza Alessandro Manzoni, and above it Museum of Art of Swiss and Italian artists, Palace Galleria, Main post office and Palace Alhmbra. Right next to it are Independence square and statue Eros Bendato. In park Ciani you can see Palace of Congress and Villa Ciani. The advice is mostly to walk around the lake and enjoy the old town.

IMPRESSIONS AFTER I SPENT A DAY IN LUGANO

A day or even half a day trip is more than enough to see and enjoy this pretty little place. If you decide to spend longer here, you can see some places and nature outside the city. If you are here for the weekend, visit mountains Bre and San Salvatore, or go to Lakes Como, Maggiore. And if you stayed on some other lakes or places nearby, you can visit Lugano. Whatever you decide, you will have enough time to enjoy the ride on the lake, view from the highest point in Lugano and relax at the restaurant.