Top 3 Itineraries in Lugano

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Lugano.

If you only have a few days, Lugano weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Lugano offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Lugano are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Lugano’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Lugano offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Switzerland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Lugano truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Lugano belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Lugano are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Lugano and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Lugano itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Lugano for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Lugano without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Lugano!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Bern, Basel, Neuhausen, Melide, and Genève is one of the best ways to experience Switzerland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Lugano can easily be combined with other top destinations in Switzerland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Bern, Basel, Neuhausen, Melide, and Genève by public transport, renting a car in Switzerland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Geneva

• Arrival city: Genève
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: The Geneva Water Fountain

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Geneva. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Genève

• Destinations: Genève
• Driving distance: 10 km, approx. 58 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: Conservatory and Botanical garden Geneva, The Flower Clock, St Pierre Cathedral, Jardin Anglais, and Bains des Pâquis
• Recommended tour: Chamonix and Mont Blanc Day Trip from Geneva

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Conservatory and Botanical garden Geneva, The Flower Clock, St Pierre Cathedral, Jardin Anglais, and Bains des Pâquis. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Genève, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Lausanne, Gruyères, and Pringy

• Destinations: Lausanne, Gruyères, and Pringy
• Driving distance: 187.85 km, approx. 2 hours and 52 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bern, e.g., Valley Hostel
• Sightseeing: Château de Gruyères, La Maison du Gruyère, The Olympic Museum, and HR Giger Museum
• Recommended tour: Guided Walking Tour in Bern

Spend the day exploring Château de Gruyères, La Maison du Gruyère, The Olympic Museum, and HR Giger Museum. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Bern.

Day 4: Experience Beatenberg, Schattenhalb, Harderkulm, Meiringen, and Engelberg

• Destinations: Beatenberg, Schattenhalb, Harderkulm, Meiringen, and Engelberg
• Driving distance: 242.96 km, approx. 4 hours and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bern, e.g., Valley Hostel
• Sightseeing: St. Beatus-Höhlen, Swiss Caves, Harder Kulm, Aareschlucht, Aare Gorge West Entrance, and Titlis Cliff Walk
• Recommended tour: Exploring Swiss Capital City: Private Walking Tour of Bern

Continue your journey through Beatenberg, Schattenhalb, Harderkulm, Meiringen, and Engelberg, where you can explore St. Beatus-Höhlen, Swiss Caves, Harder Kulm, Aareschlucht, Aare Gorge West Entrance, and Titlis Cliff Walk. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Bern and Basel

• Destinations: Bern and Basel
• Driving distance: 182.11 km, approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Zurich, e.g., Motel One Zürich
• Sightseeing: Mittlere Brücke, Zoo Basel, Bear Pit, and Basler Münster
• Recommended tour: Top of Europe Adventure: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch From Zurich, Switzerland

Drive through Bern and Basel, stopping to visit Mittlere Brücke, Zoo Basel, Bear Pit, and Basler Münster. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Zurich.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Neuhausen and Zürich

• Destinations: Neuhausen and Zürich
• Driving distance: 114.77 km, approx. 2 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Zurich, e.g., Motel One Zürich
• Sightseeing: Rhine Falls, Zoo Zürich, and Lindenhof
• Recommended tour: Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Tour from Zurich

Spend time discovering Rhine Falls, Zoo Zürich, and Lindenhof, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Zürich and Luzern

• Destinations: Zürich and Luzern
• Driving distance: 222.61 km, approx. 3 hours and 17 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lugano, e.g., Hotel Lugano Dante
• Sightseeing: Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and Swiss National Museum
• Recommended tour: Lugano & Morcote, Lake Lugano, private guided tour, from Lugano

Explore Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and Swiss National Museum at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Lugano.

Day 8: Explore Melide, Lugano, and Fürgangen

• Destinations: Melide, Lugano, and Fürgangen
• Driving distance: 258.9 km, approx. 4 hours and 40 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Sion, e.g., Alpen Resort & Spa
• Sightseeing: Parco Ciani, GOMS Bridge (Hängebrücke Fürgangen - Mühlebach), and Swissminiatur

Continue your road trip through Melide, Lugano, and Fürgangen, enjoying the flexibility to explore Parco Ciani, GOMS Bridge (Hängebrücke Fürgangen - Mühlebach), and Swissminiatur and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Sion.

Day 9: Wander Through Montreux, Corsier, and Le Léman (VD)

• Destinations: Montreux, Corsier, and Le Léman (VD)
• Driving distance: 193.04 km, approx. 2 hours and 39 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: Chaplin's World, Freddie Mercury statue, Promenade sur les quais de Montreux, Golden Pass Railway, and Chillon Castle
• Recommended tour: Fondue and wine private Tuk Tuk tour in Geneva

Visit Chaplin's World, Freddie Mercury statue, Promenade sur les quais de Montreux, Golden Pass Railway, and Chillon Castle as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Geneva.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Geneva

• Departure city: Bern, Basel, Neuhausen, Melide, and Genève
• Driving distance: 0.0 metres, approx. 0 seconds

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Geneva. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1754 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Lugano.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Lugano for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 4-day city break in Lugano with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Lugano and Lugano's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 4-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Lugano without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Lugano

Arrive in Lugano and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Parco Ciani.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Ristorante feta is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Lugano's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Lugano by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, Cornèr Arena, Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli, Piazza della Riforma, and Cathedral of Saint Lawrence.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Lugano. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Lugano in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Savor Your Final Moments in Lugano

Spend your last few hours in Lugano soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Lugano in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Lugano, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Lugano travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Lugano offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Lugano itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the town in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Lugano weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Lugano

Arrive in Lugano around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Parco Ciani, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Lugano’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Lugano with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli, stopping by Cornèr Arena for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Lugano and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Lugano

Make the most of your last few hours in Lugano before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Lugano. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Lugano itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Lugano, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Lugano for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Lugano in a way that feels truly unforgettable!