Is Lugano worth visiting? Absolutely! The beautiful Lugano Lake region offers lots of fun things to do around every corner. If you are wondering what to do in Lugano, we have selected for you the 7 best attractions, places, and outdoor activities that must be added to your bucket list. So here it goes, our final selection of the top 7 things to do in Lugano:
The Top 7 Things to Do in Lugano
Ticino, Switzerland
The Top 7 Things to Do
in Lugano
Ticino, Switzerland
by Ana Alexa, 15th of April 2024
#1 of 7
Do a spectacular paragliding flight
Excellent weather conditions makes Lugano one of the best places in the world to experience a paragliding tandem flight! It is no surprise that paragliding is currently rated as the #1 attraction of Ticino on TripAdvisor. Get ready to enjoy breathtaking views of lakes and mountains with the well-know safety standards of Switzerland. Therefore, if you are wondering what to do in Lugano, don’t miss the chance to experience a paragliding flight with FlyTicino. For the best view, we recommend flying from Monte Tamaro (see below).
#2 of 7
Discover endless adventures at Monte Tamaro
If you plan to travel in Ticino between April and the beginning of November, keep in mind Monte Tamaro, since it is considered as one the 10 best things to do in Lugano! In Rivera (about 20 minutes drive from Lugano) a gondola will take you to a stunning height of 1530 meters (5000 feet). Once there you can spend an unforgettable day taking part in all sorts of activities, like an exciting zip line descent, spectacular paragliding flights (to be booked in advance), coaster bob descents, and many other adventures!
#3 of 7
Visit the sunniest mountain in Switzerland
Since 1908, the Monte Brè Funicular has been part of Lugano’s history. In just over 10 minutes the funicular will enable you to reach the top of Monte Brè, famous as the sunniest mountain in Switzerland. An escape from the city to find yourself surrounded by beautiful nature and breathtaking views of the Lugano, Switzerland. This is the atmosphere at the top of Mount Brè (933 m a.s.l.). Hiking, mountain biking, art and culture or just relaxing. Leave the stress of the city behind you and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
#4 of 7
Discover the fascinating Parco delle Gole della Breggia
The park of Gole della Breggia is a truly magical place. In this region of the Canton Ticino, thanks to the water excavation action of the Breggia river, a rocky section dating back to 80 million years ago has surfaced! In the rocks, there are numerous finds of ancient seas like fossils and remains of underwater landslides prior to the appearance of man on Earth. This fascinating Geopark is the first of its kind in Switzerland and we highly recommend to add it to your Lugano’s bucket list.
#5 of 7
Explore the ancient gold mine of Sessa
The Gold Mine of Sessa is a unique chance to explore the history of mining in Ticino. Until 2015 the mine was abandoned to neglect and oblivion and was hidden in the bushes. The entrance had become inaccessible, although in the last century miners had dug more than two kilometers of underground tunnels. Nowadays the galleries have been recovered, maintaining their historical peculiarities and the beauties of their original pieces of equipment, making them safe and accessible to the public (tours must be booked online and in advance).
#6 of 7
Get the best view ever on top of Monte Lema
Monte Lema is a unique gift of nature and is considered by many people to be one of the most beautiful mountains of Lugano, Switzerland. From its summit at 1620 meters, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Lugano Lake, the snowcapped Alps of Canton Bern, and the peaks of impressive glaciers. You can get on top of Monte Lema by taking a cable car in Miglieglia (aprox. 30 min drive from Lugano). For adventure lovers, Monte Lema is also a great spot for paragliding, hiking and mountain biking.
#7 of 7
Walk along the beautiful Olive Trail
For those who love walking, the Olive Trail is definetely one of the best things to do in Lugano. This route starts from Gandria and winds along the shores of Lake Lugano, surrounded by beautiful ancient olive trees and others planted more recently. The route is very well marked and along the path you will find several panels with information on the olive trees. In Gandria we also recommend to visit to the traditional workshop Ceramiche D’arte, where handmade artifacts are still produced the traditional way.
