Lugano Itinerary 1 Day

A Day in Lugano - Perfect 24 Hours Guide

Set amidst the quaint cottages, picturesque lakes, stunning mountains, and their scenic valleys, Lugano is a favorite destination in Switzerland for many. Lugano is located in the southern part of Swiss terrain and is the largest town of Ticino. Wherever you go during your 1 day in Lugano, you will find a mix of Swiss and Mediterranean vibes at everything, be it the culture, cuisine, or architecture. Use this 1-day Lugano itinerary to explore the best of this Monte Carlo of Switzerland.

How to spend 1 day in Lugano?

Morning

The first thing to enjoy in the morning will be a trip to Monte Brè. If you can reach here at the time of sunrise, it would be the best thing. You will experience the breathtaking views of the mountains, enjoy a hike to the natural treasures, and also have a Swiss culinary delight. From here, you can visit the places like Parco San Michele, Museum of Cultures, and capture the delightful views of the Lake Lugano in your camera. To enjoy the lakefront views, it would be a great idea to stop at Parco Civico. The tulips lining the lake are mind-blowing. Head to the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence and spend some quiet time here.

Afternoon

Take a trip to Monte San Salvatore in the afternoon. It will take 20 minutes to reach here by car from the cathedral. Gazing at the endless horizon and the stunning views of the Alps from Monte San Salvatore is something you must experience during 24 hours in Lugano. You can spend some time at the alpine green space of Parco San Grato and then visit Swissminiatur. The miniatures present in this amusement park will take you on the visual tour of entire Switzerland. Before the evening approaches, start off your drive to Villa del Balbianello and enjoy the views of Monte Generoso on the way.

Evening

The Villa del Balbianello is where you should spend your evening in Lugano. Overlooking the lake Como, this picture-perfect villa dates back to the 12th century and has been featured in many popular films. You can spend 1 to 2 hours in this villa to see the unique collection of the explorer Mr. Monzino and understanding the history of the building. Just 10 minutes by car is another beautiful house called Villa Carlotta which is famous for its huge landscaped gardens. Come back to the city and indulge in souvenir shopping.

Since Lugano has a plenty of natural beauty to discover, it is difficult to see each of it when you have just a day to explore. This 1-day itinerary of Lugano offers some of the best ones.