Locarno travel guide

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Introduction to Locarno

Welcome to Locarno! This City in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland is a bucket list destination, home to many famous attractions, including Piazza Grande, Locarno–Madonna del Sasso funicular, and Castello Visconteo di Locarno - Museo Civico e Archeologico. In this ultimate travel guide to Locarno, you will learn everything you need to know before booking your ticket to Switzerland. Discover the day-to-day life of the 16,012 people who call Locarno home and explore the town’s fascinating history, rich culture, and distinct architecture.

Top services in Locarno

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Locarno, Switzerland. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Locarno, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Switzerland. Check out the best things to do in Locarno. Compare the rates and services of the 5 types of stays and 1 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Locarno with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Locarno from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Locarno with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Locarno travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the town of Locarno!

Learn more about Switzerland

With destinations such as Locarno, a trip to Switzerland needs no further explanation. Spanning over 41,285 square kilometers, Switzerland is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Switzerland has something to enchant every traveler.

In Locarno alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Piazza Grande, Locarno–Madonna del Sasso funicular, and Visconteo Castle. Thus, a trip to Switzerland becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Switzerland offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Switzerland. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Switzerland and its offers.

What to see in Locarno

Photo of Madonna del Sasso Church above Locarno city and the Maggiore lake in Ticino, Switzerland.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Locarno, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Locarno offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Locarno travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the town so special.

Top attractions in Locarno

With its blend of traditional and modern culture, Locarno is more than just a wonderful town in Switzerland. It's a hub for diverse experiences, boasting top attractions that range from historical landmarks to modern marvels, offering a glimpse into Switzerland's rich heritage and innovative spirit.

One popular place to visit in Locarno is the unforgettable Piazza Grande. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the town, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn't miss on your trip to Locarno.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Locarno, check out our list of top attractions below.

Map of attractions

Take a closer look at the town map below for the exact locations of all the top attractions in Locarno.

Where to stay in Locarno

Photo of Locarno panoramic view. Locarno is a town located on the shore of Lake Maggiore in the Ticino canton in Switzerland.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a town as fantastic as Locarno is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience. The best place to stay in Locarno usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodations in central Locarno offers a ton of benefits.

Staying in the heart of the town allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Locarno and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Locarno planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Locarno, you'll find 5 different types of places to stay, catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Switzerland can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the luxury hotels in Locarno. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in the town, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Locarno.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Locarno in the following sections.

Popular types of accommodation in Locarno

A trip to Locarno means opportunities to relax at any of the 5 different types of places to stay in the town. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Locarno provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all the choices available in the town, Hotel Garni Muralto is one of the top picks of travelers in Locarno. Hotel Garni Muralto is a 3-star stay with an average rating of 4,400 stars out of 5 from 4 guests. The hotel is located at Via Sempione 10 and boasts many great utilities, including room service, free wi-fi, and bar.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Locarno. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Locarno, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose CASA DOYA - Appartamento vintage. For approximately 65 EUR, guests can book a comfortable single room at this popular vacation rental apartment, which also offers free wi-fi, air conditioning, and more.

Below is a list of all 5 different types of places to stay in Locarno. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Top hotels in Locarno

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Locarno for the unique experience they provide. Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Locarno provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Locarno are created equal, finding the best in the town often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Locarno.

Hotel Eden Roc offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Locarno. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out H4 Hotel Arcadia Locarno, the top 4-star hotel in the town. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Locarno, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Hotel Garni Muralto, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in Locarno. Travelers are encouraged to book early, as these hotels quickly reach capacity. Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel in Locarno by clicking the cards.

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Search for accommodation in Locarno

Finding the perfect stay for your visit to Locarno is made easy with our search tool. With just a few clicks, explore a range of available hotels and accommodations, complete with prices and amenities for easy comparison. Simply input your check-in and check-out dates, along with the number of guests and rooms needed. Start planning your trip to Locarno effortlessly now!

Car rentals in Locarno

Photo of waterfront promenade in Locarno. Locarno is a town located on the shore of Lake Maggiore in the Ticino canton in Switzerland.

To navigate Locarno effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 1 car rental companies in Locarno, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Locarno, Switzerland below.

Search for car rentals in Locarno

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful town of Locarno. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Locarno, Switzerland, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Popular destinations to visit after Locarno

Photo of Green gardens decorated with palm trees and flowers at springtime in the center of Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland.

The town of Locarno is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Switzerland. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Switzerland has it all.

Each destination in Switzerland offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Switzerland that are as magical as the town of Locarno. The most popular travel destinations in Switzerland are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in Switzerland

When unsure about where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Switzerland. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Most popular countries in Europe

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