Ticino, Switzerland · Europe
Lugano works well as a base: 5 minutes from Cadempino, 23km from Lake Como.
Lugano is a town located in Ticino, Switzerland. With a population of 63,185, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Lugano sits in Switzerland, where you drive on the right. It's in the Europe/Zurich time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Lugano to your route.
Lugano ( loo-GAH-noh, UK also luu-GAN-oh, Italian: [luˈɡaːno]; Ticinese: Lugan [lyˈɡãː]) is a city and municipality within the Lugano District in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland. It is the largest city in both Ticino and the Italian-speaking region of southern Switzerland. Lugano has a population (as of DecemberRead more
2020) of 62,315, and an urban agglomeration of over 150,000. It is the ninth largest Swiss city.
The city lies on Lake Lugano, at its largest width, and, together with the adjacent town of Paradiso, occupies the entire bay of Lugano. The territory of the municipality encompasses a much larger region on both sides of the lake, with numerous isolated villages. The region of Lugano is surrounded by the Lugano Prealps, the latter extending on most of the Sottoceneri region, the southernmost part of Ticino and Switzerland. Both western and eastern parts of the municipality share an international border with Italy.
Described as a market town since 984, Lugano was the object of continuous disputes between the sovereigns of Como and Milan until it became part of the Old Swiss Confederation in 1513. In 1803, the political municipality of Lugano was created, following the establishment of the canton. Since 1882, Lugano has been an important stop on the international Gotthard Railway. The rail brought a decisive contribution to the development of tourism and more generally of the tertiary sector which are, to this day, predominant in the economy of the city.
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Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Lugano.
Lugano offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Lugano is located in Ticino, Switzerland, Europe. The coordinates are 46.0101 latitude, 8.9600 longitude.
Lugano has a population of approximately 63,185 people, making it a town in Switzerland.
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Essential numbers in Switzerland
Motorway vignette (toll sticker) required: buy at the border or online. Roadside assistance (TCS): 140.
Full driving guide for Switzerland8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Former fishing village stacked against the hillside at Lake Lugano's southern tip: arcaded lanes, palm-lined quays and the 400-step climb to Santa Maria del Sasso; voted Switzerland's most beautiful village in 2016.
10 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
A stunning 18th-century lakeside villa on a wooded promontory of Lake Como, famous as a film location for Star Wars and James Bond.
20 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
A grand 18th-century lakeside villa on Lake Como famous for its botanical gardens with azaleas, rhododendrons, and Canova sculptures.
22 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
The 220 m arch dam of GoldenEye's opening leap, voted the greatest movie stunt of all time: where the Val Verzasca road crosses the crest and a commercial 007 bungee jump operates in season.
22 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
The pearl of Lake Como, set on a promontory where the lake's two southern arms divide, lined with grand villas and gardens.
23 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Italy's most glamorous lake surrounded by Alps, dotted with elegant villas, gardens, and charming lakeside villages.
23 km · about 25 min drive
coastal drive
A winding lakeside road hugging Lake Como's western shore with tunnels, villa gates, and views of snow-capped Alps reflected in deep blue water.
24 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
A historic funicular climbs from Como city to Brunate for a sweeping balcony view over the lake and Alps.
24 km · about 25 min drive
April to October
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