Discover Lugano, Switzerland in 48 Hours

Switzerland has always been on our travel bucket list, but little did we know that Lugano, nestled by the lake and framed by the Alps, would steal our hearts. If you’re like us—a couple who loves to mix a bit of nature with city sophistication—Lugano is a hidden gem. In just 48 hours, we found ourselves captivated by its charm, where Swiss precision meets Italian flair. Here’s how we spent two unforgettable days in Lugano, and how you can, too.

Planning Your Romantic Escape to Lugano

Location: Lugano is tucked away in the southern part of Switzerland, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. It’s just a scenic 1-hour train ride from Milan, making it super accessible.
Best Time to Visit: May to September is perfect for warm weather and outdoor activities, but we’ve heard that the fall colours in October are just as magical. If you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temps, consider visiting in the spring or early fall.
Cost: Let’s be real—Switzerland isn’t the cheapest, but you can make it work for a range of budgets. Expect to spend around CHF 200-400 per day as a couple, which covers meals, accommodation, and activities.

Day 1: Embracing Lugano’s Natural Beauty and Culture

Breakfast by the Lake

Our first morning in Lugano started with a leisurely breakfast at Grand Café al Porto, right by Lake Lugano. The café vibe is cozy, the coffee is strong, and the view of Mount Brè with the sun rising over the water—absolutely breath-taking. For about CHF 10-15 each, we had fresh croissants, Swiss cheeses, and, of course, some of the best coffee we’ve ever tasted.

Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC)

After fueling up, we made our way to Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC), a modern cultural centre that hosts everything from art exhibits to live performances. We managed to catch a matinee (tickets range from CHF 20-80), and it was such a unique way to start the day. If you’re into art, culture, or just cool architecture, this is a spot you don’t want to miss.

Afternoon at Parco Ciani

Lugano is beautiful, but Parco Ciani takes the cake. It’s the city’s oldest park, with towering trees, perfectly manicured lawns, and views that make you feel like you’re inside a postcard. We strolled hand-in-hand through the park, stopping every now and then just to take it all in. If you’re looking for a place to slow down and enjoy the moment, this is it.

Lunch at Gabbani: Ticino on a Plate

When lunchtime rolled around, we headed to Gabbani, a charming deli and restaurant that’s famous for its local Ticinese dishes. We shared a plate of homemade risotto, paired with a crisp glass of Lugano Wine (about CHF 25-40 each), and honestly, we’re still dreaming about that meal. Lugano’s food scene is a mix of Swiss and Italian, and you get the best of both worlds.

Monte Brè Excursion

With full stomachs and happy hearts, we set off for Monte Brè, a mountain known for offering some of the best panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and the city below. The funicular ride up (around CHF 25 round-trip) was an adventure in itself, and the hiking trails at the top were perfect for exploring. Whether you’re into hiking or just want to take in the views, Monte Brè is a must.

Evening by the Lake

We ended our first day by the lake, watching the city lights twinkle on the water as the sun set behind the mountains. Sitting there, with a glass of wine from a nearby café, was the perfect end to a perfect day. A glass of wine here will set you back about CHF 8-10, but the experience? Priceless.

Day 2: A Day of Art, Shopping, and Scenic Sunsets

Morning at the Lugano Arte e Cultura

We started our second day by heading back to LAC to check out their rotating art exhibit. We love modern art, and Lugano’s galleries didn’t disappoint. If you’re into art like we are, spending a couple of hours here (entrance fees are about CHF 12-15) is well worth it.

Shopping in Via Nassa

No trip to Lugano is complete without wandering through Via Nassa. This street is a shopper’s dream, lined with boutiques selling everything from luxury Swiss watches to the best chocolates you’ll ever eat. Even if you’re just window shopping, this historic street gives you a glimpse into Lugano’s upscale side.

Lunch at Ristorante Manora

For lunch, we hit Ristorante Manora, which offers a variety of options at reasonable prices (around CHF 20-30 per person). The terrace views over the city made it even better. It’s one of those places where you can kick back and enjoy a leisurely meal, which we definitely did.

Afternoon Exploring Museums

With a full belly and a bit of time on our hands, we visited the Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana (MASI). The museum gave us a deeper understanding of Lugano’s cultural history, and it was fascinating to see the blend of Italian and Swiss influences. Entry is around CHF 10-15, and it’s worth it if you love art and history.

Sunset at Parco San Michele

To cap off our Lugano adventure, we found our way to Parco San Michele for one final sunset. This park is slightly elevated, so you get sweeping views of the lake and the city. As the sun dipped below the mountains, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for every moment we spent in this magical place.

How to Get to Lugano

From Milan: Traveling to Lugano from Milan is both quick and scenic, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you’re already in Italy. The train ride takes just over an hour, with direct trains running regularly throughout the day. You can take the Trenitalia or SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) services, with ticket prices ranging from CHF 25-30 (EUR 25-30) per person, depending on how far in advance you book and the class of service you choose. The trains depart from Milano Centrale station and arrive at Lugano station, which is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the city center.
From Como: If you’re already in Como, Italy, Lugano is even closer—just a 30-40 minute journey by train. Trains run frequently between Como San Giovanni station and Lugano, with one-way tickets costing around CHF 15-20 (EUR 15-20) per person. Like the Milan route, the scenery between these two lakeside towns is breathtaking, with plenty of rolling hills and water views along the way.
From Zurich: If you’re coming from further north, such as Zurich, the train ride takes around 2 hours 15 minutes on the efficient Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). Tickets range from CHF 30-50 per person depending on when you book, and the ride takes you through the stunning Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest railway and deepest traffic tunnel in the world. Though a bit longer than the Milan or Como routes, the journey is smooth and offers plenty of Swiss countryside charm.

Tips for Couples Visiting Lugano

Where to Stay: There’s no shortage of places to stay in Lugano. For luxury, we recommend Hotel Splendide Royal (starting at CHF 300 per night), but if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Hotel Delfino is a great option (around CHF 150 per night).
Dining: Meals range from CHF 20-40 per person depending on where you go, but there’s plenty of delicious, affordable food in town if you know where to look. Don’t miss the chance to try local wines!
Getting Around: Lugano is very walkable, but if you want to use public transport, a day pass costs around CHF 8.

Extra Activities for Couples in Lugano

Boat Tours on Lake Lugano: For about CHF 15 per person, you can take a romantic boat ride across the lake.
Local Markets: The Mercato di Lugano is a great place to pick up fresh cheeses, chocolates, and souvenirs.
Wine Tasting: Don’t forget to try Lugano Wine at one of the local bistros.

Why Lugano Is Perfect for a Couple’s Getaway

For us, Lugano was the perfect mix of nature, culture, and romance. Whether we were hiking through mountains, sipping wine by the lake, or exploring the city’s art scene, every moment was special. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and create memories that will last a lifetime.