After soaking up the scenic beauty and exploring all the things to do in Lugano, from its lush parks to chic shopping districts, consider extending your adventure with day trips from Lugano. These excursions offer a glimpse into the diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry surrounding this picturesque Swiss city, ranging from serene lakeside towns to rugged Alpine terrains.

Venturing beyond Lugano, you’ll discover the myriad things to do in Switzerland, where every journey uncovers something new—from the historic cobbled streets of Bellinzona’s castles to the breathtaking vistas of the Swiss Alps. Each destination enriches your travel experience, connecting you with the natural beauty and historical depth of the region.

Choosing where to stay in Lugano is crucial for travelers wanting to seamlessly blend urban exploration with natural escapades. The right accommodation ensures you are well-placed to enjoy Lugano’s cosmopolitan allure while being close to prime locations for day trips, offering the best of both worlds.

Discover Best Day Trips from Lugano, Switzerland

1. Lake Como, Italy

View from a hillside path looking down on the colorful picturesque village of Varenna, Italy, on the shores of Lake Como.
View from a hillside path looking down on the colorful picturesque village of Varenna, Italy, on the shores of Lake Como.

Lake Como, just across the Italian border, is famed for its stunning scenery, elegant villas, and the charming town of Bellagio. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, explore lakeside towns, and savor Italian cuisine.

Distance: Approximately 35 km

Travel Time: About 40 minutes to 1 hour by car or train

Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Scenic boat tours, lakeside towns like Bellagio, elegant villas

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Villa del Balbianello: $12
  • Ferry to Bellagio: $10
  • Lake Como Botanical Gardens: $8

Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio

Travel Tip: Consider a ferry ride from Como to Bellagio for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding villas.

Experience Lake Como

2. Milan, Italy

Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano, Italy, one of the largest churches in the world.
Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano, Italy, one of the largest churches in the world.

Milan, a global fashion and design capital, offers a blend of modern and historical attractions, including the magnificent Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” and upscale shopping districts.

Distance: Approximately 80 km

Travel Time: About 1 to 1.5 hours by train or car

Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” upscale shopping districts

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Entrance Fees:

  • Milan Cathedral: $15
  • “The Last Supper”: $20 (advance booking required)
  • Sforza Castle: $10

Budget: Approximately $70-$150 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Piazza del Duomo, Sempione Park, Navigli District

Travel Tip: Book tickets in advance to see “The Last Supper” as it’s a popular attraction with limited access.

Experience Milan

3. Bellinzona, Switzerland

Montebello Castle in Bellinzona, Switzerland.
Montebello Castle in Bellinzona, Switzerland.

Bellinzona, known for its three well-preserved medieval castles (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), offers a dive into Swiss history and culture. The castles, old town, and weekly market are key highlights.

Distance: Approximately 30 km

Travel Time: About 30 minutes by train or car

Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Three UNESCO-listed medieval castles, Bellinzona old town, local market

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Entrance Fees:

  • Castelgrande: $8
  • Montebello Castle: $6
  • Sasso Corbaro Castle: $6

Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Bellinzona Castles, Piazza Nosetto, River Ticino

Travel Tip: Visit on a Saturday to experience the vibrant local market.

Experience Bellinzona

4. Lake Maggiore, Switzerland

Caldè is a hamlet of Castelveccana on lake Maggiore, also called verbano, in the Province of Varese in the Italian region Lombardy.
Caldè is a hamlet of Castelveccana on lake Maggiore, also called verbano, in the Province of Varese in the Italian region Lombardy.

Lake Maggiore, stretching between Switzerland and Italy, is known for its picturesque islands, such as Isola Bella with its baroque palace and gardens. The lakeside town of Locarno in Switzerland is also a must-visit.

Distance: Approximately 45 km

Travel Time: About 1 hour by car or train

Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Borromean Islands, Isola Bella palace and gardens, lakeside town of Locarno

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Isola Bella Palace and Gardens: $20
  • Borromean Islands Ferry: $15
  • Locarno Madonna del Sasso: Free

Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Isola Bella, Locarno Promenade, Cannobio

Travel Tip: Take a boat trip to the Borromean Islands, especially Isola Bella for its stunning palace and gardens.

Experience Lake Maggiore

5. Verzasca Valley, Switzerland

Hiking Trail at the famous Roman Bridge called Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo, Verzasca Valley, Ticino Canton, Switzerland.
Hiking Trail at the famous Roman Bridge called Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo, Verzasca Valley, Ticino Canton, Switzerland.

Verzasca Valley is renowned for its crystal-clear green waters and rustic charm. Highlights include the Roman bridge at Lavertezzo and hiking trails offering scenic views.

Distance: Approximately 30 km

Travel Time: About 40 minutes to 1 hour by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Roman bridge at Lavertezzo, crystal-clear Verzasca River, scenic hiking trails

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Roman Bridge (Ponte dei Salti): Free
  • Verzasca Dam Bungee Jump: $250
  • Hiking Trails: Free

Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Lavertezzo, Corippo, Verzasca Dam

Travel Tip: Bring swimwear for a refreshing dip in the Verzasca River, but be mindful of the strong currents.

Experience Verzasca Valley

6. Bergamo, Italy

Italian historic landmarks and beautiful medieval town Bergam, Lombardia, Italy.
Italian historic landmarks and beautiful medieval town Bergam, Lombardia, Italy.

Bergamo, an Italian city with a rich history, boasts a beautiful medieval upper city, Città Alta, encircled by Venetian walls. Its narrow cobbled streets, historical buildings, and panoramic views are captivating.

Distance: Approximately 95 km

Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car or train

Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Città Alta (Upper City), Venetian walls, Piazza Vecchia

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Entrance Fees:

  • Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Free (donations welcome)
  • Bergamo Funicular: $5
  • Palazzo della Ragione: $8

Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Città Alta, Bergamo Funicular, Parco dei Colli

Travel Tip: Take the funicular to Città Alta for an easy and scenic ascent to the old town.

Experience Bergamo

7. Lucerne, Switzerland

Aerial view of the Old Town of Lucerne, wooden Chapel bridge, stone Water tower, Reuss river, Rigi mountain and Lake Lucerne, Switzerland.
Aerial view of the Old Town of Lucerne, wooden Chapel bridge, stone Water tower, Reuss river, Rigi mountain and Lake Lucerne, Switzerland.

Lucerne, nestled amidst mountains and known for its preserved medieval architecture, is a picturesque Swiss city. Don’t miss the Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and the old town.

Distance: Approximately 155 km

Travel Time: About 2 hours by car or train

Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, medieval old town

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Entrance Fees:

  • Chapel Bridge: Free
  • Lion Monument: Free
  • Swiss Transport Museum: $30

Budget: Approximately $60-$120 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Lake Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Old Town Lucerne

Travel Tip: Enjoy a lake cruise for a different perspective of the city and surrounding mountains.

Experience Lucerne

8. St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz, Switzerland.
St. Moritz, Switzerland.

St. Moritz, a luxury alpine resort town in the Engadin valley, is famous for its winter sports, glitzy lifestyle, and beautiful summer hiking trails. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike.

Distance: Approximately 150 km

Travel Time: About 3 hours by car or the scenic Bernina Express train

Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Luxury alpine resort, winter sports, summer hiking trails

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Entrance Fees:

  • Bernina Express: $80
  • Corviglia Ski Pass: $60 (seasonal)
  • St. Moritz Museum: $12

Budget: Approximately $100-$200 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Lake St. Moritz, Piz Nair, Diavolezza Glacier

Travel Tip: Take the Bernina Express for one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

Experience St. Moritz

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Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/lugano-l2524?activity_type=dayTrip

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