Last Updated: May 2026
Lugano, Switzerland, is a picturesque city located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, offering a unique blend of Swiss efficiency and Mediterranean charm. It is the largest city in the Ticino region and the ninth largest in Switzerland, with a population of over 62,000 and a metropolitan area exceeding 150,000 people. Nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano and framed by the scenic Lugano Prealps, the city is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, combining glistening lake views with mountainous backdrops such as Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore. As part of our Tauck Switzerland tour, we traveled here from Lake Maggiore — and Lugano quickly became one of the most memorable stops of the entire journey.
Lugano, Switzerland
Lugano is often dubbed the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland” because of its rich cultural scene and appeal among celebrities and wealthy entrepreneurs. The city’s economic strength lies in its financial services sector with over a hundred banking institutions, alongside thriving tourism and trade. Historically, Lugano evolved from a market town dating back to 984 AD, later becoming part of the Swiss Confederation in 1513. The introduction of the Gotthard Railway in 1882 boosted its development, particularly in tourism and financial activities.
Lugano has a charming old town with vibrant piazzas like the Piazza della Riforma, lined with cafés and neoclassical buildings, perfect outdoor cafes and shopping. For art lovers, Lugano boasts the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, a modern cultural hub offering world-class music, theater and visual arts performances. Several museums, including the Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana, showcase an impressive fusion of Swiss and Italian art.
We explored the lakefront and Parco Ciani, a beautiful public park bordering the lake that was alive with activity — a dog event was underway, statues dotted the paths, and flowers were in full bloom. It captures perfectly what makes Lugano so appealing: the unhurried Italian-influenced pace of life wrapped in a well-maintained, quintessentially Swiss setting.
Monte San Salvatore
One of the best mountain experiences in Lugano is ascending to the top of Monte San Salvatore, an iconic mountain offering breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Lugano and the surrounding Alpine landscape. Located just a short distance from Lugano’s city center, the summit can be reached by funicular from the Paradiso neighborhood in about 10 minutes. Alternatively, hikers can choose scenic trails through forested landscapes from areas like Paradiso or Ciona, with several viewpoints along the way. Obviously we took the funicular.
At the summit of Monte San Salvatore, we were rewarded with sweeping vistas over the shimmering lake below, the metropolitan area of Lugano, and the vast mountain ranges including the Swiss Alps. The view was like “being on top of the world,” surrounded by crisp mountain air and the peaceful sounds of nature. There is a small chapel at the summit with a viewing terrace on its roof and a restaurant overlooking the stunning scenery.
Hotel Splendide Royal, Lugano
The Hotel Splendide Royal is a prestigious 5-star luxury hotel known for its elegant blend of Belle Époque architecture and modern amenities. Established in 1887, this historic hotel is situated on the shores of Lake Lugano, offering guests breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It is located in the Loreto neighborhood, just a short walk from Lugano’s city center, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.
The hotel features 93 spacious and tastefully decorated rooms and suites, many of which have balconies with unobstructed lake views. The interior design combines classic elegance with contemporary comforts, ensuring guests a unique and comfortable stay.
Dining at the Splendide Royal is a highlight, with two main restaurants — “I Due Sud,” which holds a Michelin star and features gourmet Italian cuisine, and “La Veranda,” offering contemporary Italian dishes with picturesque views of the lake.
Our view at night. There was a partial lunar eclipse, but it was difficult to capture.
Wine Tasting Cruise
A wine tasting cruise on Lake Lugano offered a unique and memorable way to experience the stunning scenery of the lake while savoring local wines. Departing from downtown Lugano, the cruise went along the shores of the lake, with views of the surrounding mountains, villages, and the serene waters beneath.
During the cruise, we sampled a variety of regional wines from the Ticino area, known for its Merlot and other quality reds, whites and sparkling wines. Guided by expert sommeliers we learned about the unique characteristics of each wine, the vineyards they come from, and the winemaking traditions of the region.
After the wine tasting experience, we took the boat to a little grotto restaurant. The grottos around Lake Lugano are traditional taverns, often accessible only by boat or on foot, and they offer a cozy, rustic dining atmosphere surrounded by nature. The Grotto dei Pescatori in Caprino is reachable only by boat and is famed for its authentic Ticino specialties like fresh fish from the lake, risotto, brasato with polenta, and excellent local wines. The setting was charming with outdoor seating under trees by the water for a relaxed but delicious meal.
Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli
The Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli is a historic and highly significant site on the lakeside promenade. Built between 1499 and 1500 as part of a Franciscan monastery, it houses one of the most famous Renaissance frescoes in Switzerland: the “Passion and Crucifixion” by Bernardino Luini, a disciple of Leonardo da Vinci. This large and lively fresco covers an entire wall, depicting more than 150 figures including soldiers, pious women, and biblical scenes with vivid detail and emotional expression.
Besides the fresco, the church contains other notable artworks by Luini, including a fresco of the Last Supper and a Madonna and Child in the side chapel, making it a treasure trove of early Renaissance art. The church itself has a relatively sober façade overlooking Lake Lugano but is rich in artistic and spiritual significance. It used to be part of the monastery of the Order of Franciscan Friars and was later affiliated with the Reformed Friars Minor of Milan.
The church is located near Piazza Bernardino Luini at the end of Via Nassa, the city’s elegant pedestrian shopping street. Via Nassa runs along the lakefront and is lined with boutiques carrying Swiss watches, Italian fashion and luxury goods — a wonderful stretch for an afternoon stroll after visiting the church.
Visitor Information
Hotel Splendide Royal: Riva Antonio Caccia 7, Lugano. Historic 5-star hotel established in 1887, with lakefront views and a Michelin-starred restaurant. splendideroyal.com
Monte San Salvatore Funicular: Departs from Paradiso, a short tram ride from central Lugano. The 10-minute ascent reaches 912 meters. Round trip approximately CHF 35. Open seasonally April through November. montesansalvatore.ch
Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli: Piazza Bernardino Luini, Lugano. Free entry. Open daily. One of Switzerland’s most important Renaissance art sites — home to Bernardino Luini’s monumental “Passion and Crucifixion” fresco.
Parco Ciani: Free public park on the lakefront near the city center, open daily. Lovely for a lakeside walk among sculptures, fountains and seasonal flower displays.
Practical Tips
Take the funicular to Monte San Salvatore early — morning light offers the clearest views over Lake Lugano and the Alps before afternoon clouds build up.
Book the Michelin-starred restaurant I Due Sud at Hotel Splendide Royal well in advance, especially during peak season. It is one of the finest dining experiences in the Swiss-Italian region.
The Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli is free — one of the great value experiences in Switzerland. A world-class Renaissance fresco by a student of Leonardo da Vinci, at no cost and rarely crowded.
Stroll Via Nassa after visiting the church — Lugano’s elegant pedestrian shopping street runs along the lakefront and connects naturally to the Piazza della Riforma for a coffee at one of the outdoor cafés.
From Lugano we continued on to our next stop, Lake Como, Italy.
FAQ
Why is Lugano called the Monte Carlo of Switzerland? Lugano shares Monte Carlo’s reputation for upscale living, mild climate, beautiful lakeside setting and appeal among wealthy visitors, celebrities and financial professionals. Like Monaco, it combines European glamour with remarkable natural beauty.
What language is spoken in Lugano? Italian — Lugano is the main city of the canton of Ticino, Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region. You will hear Italian in the streets, restaurants and shops, though most residents also speak German and English.
What is Monte San Salvatore? Monte San Salvatore is a 912-meter mountain rising directly above the Lugano suburb of Paradiso. Locally nicknamed “the devil’s peak,” it offers 360-degree views over Lake Lugano, the city and the surrounding Alps, along with a small chapel and restaurant at the summit.
What is the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli famous for? The church contains the “Passion and Crucifixion” fresco painted around 1529 by Bernardino Luini, a disciple of Leonardo da Vinci. Covering an entire wall with over 150 figures, it is considered one of the most important Renaissance artworks in Switzerland — and entry is free.
What wines come from Ticino? The canton of Ticino is best known for its Merlot, which thrives in the region’s mild, Mediterranean-influenced climate. Ticino Merlot has earned international recognition and is the most distinctive wine of the Swiss-Italian region — typically fuller-bodied with earthy, fruit-forward character.
