Lake Lugano Tours and Activities

Lake Lugano
Photo by Romain Gisiger
Photo by Hooi Theng
Photo by Cubicle Traveller
Photo by Suzanne Vidal


Enjoy the stunning scenery, Mediterranean climate and charming villages of this lake on the Swiss-Italian border.

Straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, Lake Lugano offers the best of both countries. Enjoy its year-round Mediterranean climate and sparkling blue waters while majestic snowcapped mountains beckon in the distance.

Nearly two-thirds of Lake Lugano falls in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, while the rest is in Lombardy in northern Italy, sandwiched between the much larger Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. Unlike its expansive neighbors, Lake Lugano is more like a large, winding river because it averages only about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) in width.

The best way to discover the lake is on a boat tour. Choose from dozens of cruise options. Admire the opulent lakeside mansions in Morcote or watch the fishing boats coming in and out of Porlezza.

The lake’s perimeter is dotted with charming villages, but Lugano is its hub. This glamorous city is known as the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland.” Explore its winding streets, full of one-of-a-kind shops and quaint restaurants. Visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, whose bell tower is an iconic symbol of the city. Peruse the unique exhibits from Oceania in the Museum of Cultures.

Explore the mountains surrounding Lake Lugano. Ride the train from Capolago to the top of Monte Generoso, where you are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views. Funiculars leading to the summits of Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè run throughout the day.

Enjoy Lake Lugano’s subtropical climate in one of its many green areas along the lake. At Scherrer Park in Morcote, sculptures mesh seamlessly with a variety of tropical plants. Walk among palm trees and olive trees at Belvedere Park in Lugano.

Although you could spend days on Lake Lugano and not run out of things to see and do, it is also conveniently close to some of the area’s other top destinations. Milan is just 1.5 hours south by car. In less than 3 hours, you can be skiing the slopes of St. Moritz or sampling the famous chocolates of Turin. Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are also just a short drive away.

Plan a trip to see Lake Lugano

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Popular places to visit


Top Lake Lugano Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Villa Sassa

Villa Sassa

4 out of 5
Via Tesserete 10, Lugano, TI
Villa Sassa
Hotel Admiral

Hotel Admiral

4 out of 5
Via Geretta 15, Lugano, Paradiso, TI
Hotel Admiral
Novotel Lugano Paradiso

Novotel Lugano Paradiso

4.5 out of 5
Viale San Salvatore 11, Paradiso, TI
Novotel Lugano Paradiso
Hotel Splendide Royal

Hotel Splendide Royal

5 out of 5
Riva Antonio Caccia, 7, Lugano, TI
Hotel Splendide Royal
LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel

LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Piazza Cioccaro 5, Lugano, TI
LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel
Hotel De La Paix

Hotel De La Paix

3.5 out of 5
Viale Giuseppe Cattori 18, Lugano, TI
Hotel De La Paix
Villa Principe Leopoldo

Villa Principe Leopoldo

5 out of 5
Via Montalbano 5, Lugano, TI
Villa Principe Leopoldo
Best Western Hotel Bellevue Au Lac

Best Western Hotel Bellevue Au Lac

4 out of 5
Riva Antonio Caccia 10, Lugano, TI
Best Western Hotel Bellevue Au Lac
ibis budget Lugano Paradiso

ibis budget Lugano Paradiso

2 out of 5
Via Geretta 10, Paradiso, TI
ibis budget Lugano Paradiso
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do in Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano boasts a vibrant cultural scene, highlighted by the annual Lugano Festival, where visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of performances, concerts, and art exhibitions. The picturesque surroundings also offer opportunities for hiking, boat trips, and exploring charming villages. With its stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences, Lake Lugano is a perfect destination for a memorable getaway.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Lugano

When visiting Lake Lugano, consider using Expedia’s search tool to customise your stay based on budget and location, sorting options from lowest to highest price. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. To save on transport, explore the area by walking or using local buses, which are often affordable. Enjoy free activities like strolling along the lakefront or visiting local parks. Aim to travel during the shoulder seasons for cheaper rates and fewer crowds, ensuring a wallet-friendly and enjoyable experience.

  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your Lake Lugano hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.