Arzo Travels

WHAT TO DO IN MONTREUX – PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO

If you are planning your Montreux itinerary, you are probably wondering about the best things to do in Montreux. If so, then this post is for you. Here is where to go, what to see, and many more travel tips (incl. where to stay, how to get around, and more) for your Montreux trip.

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MONTREUX TRAVEL TIPS

Montreux is so extremely pretty that you should add it to your Switzerland itinerary. Montreux probably has the most beautiful promenade in all of Switzerland, and there are many great things to do in Montreux!

Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva, with the stunning Alps in the background, Montreux is one of Switzerland’s most charming places I have visited so far. And I have been to Switzerland regularly in the last 12 years, that is why you can find many more posts on Switzerland here.

If you have been to Montreux, then you probably agree with me. I am sure that the charm of this cute town (it actually is quite small) will make you fall head over heels in love. At least, I was smitten within the first two minutes.

I was close to skipping Montreux because I thought the accommodation prices were out of line. Luckily, I did not, and I ended up staying not one but two nights in the gorgeous region of Montreux-Vevey. I revisited Montreux again for a day in August 2021. And it was as pretty as I remembered.

Location

Montreux Riviera stretches over 25km along the shores of Lake Geneva from Lutry to Villeneuve. Montreux itself is a town on the northeastern shores of Lake Geneva – close to Villeneuve.

Distances:

• Lausanne is just about 30km
• Geneva is about 100km
• Bern is about 90km

How to Get to Montreux

Arriving in Montreux by train: I arrived by train and took the famous panorama train, “Golden Pass Line,“ from Lucerne via Interlaken, Zweisimmen to Montreux. This is probably one of the nicest ways to arrive, as you pass rolling hills, pristine lakes, and cute little Swiss towns before you come upon the vineyards of the region.

Arrive in Montreux by boat: Another beautiful way to arrive in Montreux would be by boat, either via Lausanne or Vevey. It is no less spectacular, and you´ll see that boat cruising is on the itinerary as well.

Arrive at Montreux by car: Montreux is not a car-free town, so driving there in your own car, or with a rented one, is also a good way to arrive. However, parking is always the trickiest part of driving in Switzerland. If your hotel does not have parking spaces and is located in the “town center,“ you might have to pay a little fortune for parking.

How to Get Around Montreux

Montreux itself is pretty small, so it is easy to get around by walking. Also, Montreux – as it is in most parts of Switzerland – has superb public transportation, which makes it easy to get from one place to another.

This includes trains, buses, and boats. You can easily get to places like Geneva, Lausanne, or Vevey by boat.

It might take a while (Lake Geneva is one of the biggest lakes in Europe), but it is also a great way to see places from another angle.

Swiss Travel Pass

If you use public transportation, I recommend getting a Swiss Travel Pass. I visit Switzerland often, and most of the time I get one – even if it’s a road trip. It is only for non-Swiss residents though.

• It allows you to use trains and buses without any extra costs.
• You can also do boat cruises on Lake Geneva and many other lakes in Switzerland without additional costs.
• It also gives you a 50% discount on most mountain rides (you can get up via cable car/funicular for half of the price, and if you follow my tips, you will need it twice).
• Also, you can visit Chateau de Chillon without any extra costs.

The initial prices for a Swiss Travel Pass are quite high – but it pays for itself if you get around via public transportation and are active in Switzerland for more than three or four days. So, check out prices for boats and trains and then calculate if it is a good option for you. 

For me, it usually makes sense as I am very active and use public transportation/mountain rides often (even if I road trip Switzerland). 

I also love boat rides – which means many, many boat cruises for me whenever I have a Swiss Travel Pass. Check out prices for a Swiss Travel Pass here.

Where to Stay in Montreux

Unfortunately, as mentioned in the beginning, you cannot expect to get a bargain sleeping in Montreux. I paid about 200€ for 4-star accommodation even though the Montreux Jazz Festival was over.

For jazz fans, the first two weeks of July might be the best time to visit; for anybody else, I would advise skipping these weeks. In 2022, it takes place from 1. July to 16.July 2022.

Here are a few well-rated hotels in Montreux:

• Luxury Hotels in Montreux: For one of the most luxurious experiences in Montreux, check out Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. This 5-star hotel has a great location and is best known amongst those who like to indulge. From romantic hotels to design hotels, here are the most luxurious places.
• Mid-Range Hotels in Montreux: As mentioned above, I stayed at the lovely 4-star hotel Eurotel which you can check out here – I was more than happy with my choice.
• Budget Hotels in Montreux: Okay, there are not really budget-friendly hotels in Montreux. Accommodation around Lake Geneva is just pretty expensive. Find out about the best budget hotels in Montreux.

Whichever hotel you opt for, I would strongly suggest a hotel close to the promenade. Ideally, get a room with a lake view (admittedly, it is more expensive). You can find cheaper hotels close to Montreux.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN MONTREUX AND BEST PLACES TO VISIT

Okay, let’s get started with the best activities in Montreux.

Montreux Promenade

I estimate that Montreux consists of 50% flowers and 40% promenade (I have neglected Lake Geneva in this calculation), and the rest of Montreux makes about 10%. Though this is probably exaggerated, it is not exaggerated to say that the Montreux promenade is full of flowers at a certain time of the year.

Flowers, flowers, and more flowers are lined up along the promenade in all different shapes and colors. The clear water of Lake Geneva and the picturesque mountains make Montreux pretty perfect to me!

Since the promenade is so gorgeous, I recommend starting the day with a stroll along the promenade (though it is even more charming in the evening). 

• Free to visit 
• Open 24/7, all year round

Lake Geneva

The region of Montreux makes it pretty easy for people to swim in Lake Geneva. There are so many spots that allow you to jump into the lake. Sometimes there are even some loungers provided to the people for free. Plan for some time to rest, swim, and enjoy this lovely atmosphere.

• Free to visit 
• Open 24/7, all year round

Freddie Mercury Statue

Walking along the promenade will also lead you to some of Montreux´s points of interest. You´ll stumble upon the famous Freddie Mercury statue, which is located right next to the water.

Freddie Mercury was a British singer of the rock band Queen. He settled in Montreux because of its serenity and he acquired a recording studio, where he recorded six albums including his last album with Queen: “Made in Heaven”. 

Once a year, there is even a free event that takes place in Montreux around September 5th (the birthday of Freddie Mercury) celebrating the singer during the Freddie Celebration Day.

After all these years, he still seems to have loyal fans, as I saw fresh flowers by the statue that is standing there since 1996 (he died in 1991). 

There are even Freddie Mercury walking tours that allow you to follow in his footsteps. Prices start from around 29 CHF – you can find out more here.

Strolling along the promenade, you’ll find more interesting statues, so look at both sides of the promenade.

• Free to visit 
• Open 24/7, all year round

Chateau de Chillon

Once you have strolled and rested at the promenade, you can visit the lovely Chateau de Chillon. It is one of the most popular sights in Montreux (or actually very close to Montreux).

Chateau de Chillon is visible from the Montreux promenade, and there are plenty of signs to direct you.

You can walk or take the boat from the boat station (right next to the tourism office of Montreux). I seriously recommend walking, though. There are enough seating options and reasons to take photos along the way, so even though it is only about 3km, it took me more than an hour to get there.

The chateau was quite busy when I visited, which did not come as a surprise given its fame and the very good weather. Dogs are not allowed inside, so my dog and I just stayed outside.

If you plan to visit the castle, you might plan for about an hour to see it.

Right next to the castle is a pier from where boats bring you back to Montreux. But there are also buses and trains going back, or you can just walk back.

• Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Prices: Ticket prices 13.50 CHF, free with a Swiss Travel Pass – Audio Guide 6 CHF

Lake Geneva Boat Tour

Switzerland has so many gorgeous lakes, and without a doubt, Lake Geneva is the queen (to me). Not only, mist mostly because of its size. After all, it is one of the largest lakes in Europe, and its color never ceases to amaze me. 

So the fun part of getting to Vevey (which I will talk about in a minute) is to hop on a boat very “early” in the morning and, from there, see the vineyards and Vevey. Boats start operation around 9, or 10 am.

• With a Swiss Travel Pass, you can do the boat tours without any additional charges. You can even do a boat tour to Geneva or Lausanne.
• Check out prices for a Swiss Travel Pass here.

Vineyards – Lavaux UNESCO

Between Lausanne and Chateau de Chillon are several routes overlooking Lake Geneva and the vineyards at the same time. Lavaux – the land stretching from Lutry to Vevey – has been listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage site since 2007. This vineyard boasts 10,000 terraces, dotted with wine-producing villages and stunning views all along the way.

I had only a few hours for the vineyards, so here is what I did: I arrived in Vevey by boat (but it is also easy to get there by train or bus). From Vevey boat station, I walked a few hundred meters to the train station and took a train to Chexbres, where I got out.

It depends on how much time you have and how much effort you want to put into it, but I highly recommend a visit.

I did not have too much time, so I decided to walk to the first viewing point, Dezaley. There are some signs along the way, though they are a bit irregular, so I was not the only one feeling a bit lost.

From the Chexbres train station, it takes about 20-30 minutes, and the views are amazing. 

There are enough seating options to enjoy the views (and free fountains with fresh drinking water). You could also go for a wine tasting. For that, ask at the tourism office in Montreux or Vevey (the tourist office in Chexbres was closed when I arrived in the afternoon).

• Free to visit 
• Open 24/7, all year round but the vineyards 

Vevey

From the vineyards in Chexbres, head back to Vevey by train. You could also walk down from Chexbres, which should take about 1.5 hours.

Vevey is a small village by Lake Geneva, and it offers some beautiful spots to rest, chill, or swim. So after visiting the vineyards, it is the perfect place to continue your Montreux sightseeing tour.

You´ll find enough restaurants/cafes to have lunch in Vevey. Vevey is a tiny town that can be discovered on foot in a short amount of time. It is worth spending about 1/2 day in Vevey (including some chilling time).

If you are with kids and it is warm, you will love the free pools for kids. Where else will you find free pools for kids right next to a lake that is so clear that you could swim there, too?

Vevey also has a beautiful, old town, which is worth checking out, and some other attractions as well.

I try to avoid Nestle products for several reasons, but Nestle has their main office here, which you could visit. However, though it is a kind of magnet for visitors, let´s focus on the positive sides of Switzerland.

The famous fork – Fork of Vevey – is also located in Vevey. 

• Plan for at least half a day to see this cute town.

I took a boat back to Montreux (about 20 minutes) and recommend having dinner there because evenings in Montreux are just lovely. Or you also add a trip to the museum of Charlie Chaplin which is also in Vevey.

Charlie Chaplin Museum – Chaplin’s World by Grévin

Freddie Mercury was not the only prominent person in love with Montreux – Charlie Chaplin was another superstar who lived in Montreux/Vevey. 

If you are a Charlie Chaplin fan, you are probably interested in visiting Chaplin´s World, which you can check out here. Find out about his life in Montreux – he spent more than 25 years of his life here. 

Chaplin’s World by Grévin opened in 2016 at the former Chaplin family home, the Manoir de Ban, in Corsier-sur-Vevey. You can discover his personal belongings, learn about his childhood, enjoy the park of his ten-acre estate.

• Opening hours: Open every day, April to October from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, November until 24th December from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (different opening hours between Christmas and New Year´s Eve).
• Prices around: 25 CHF for adults

Montreux Biennale

Every two years, Montreux is home to a special art festival – the Biennale. In 2008, it took place for the first time and since then, it takes place every second year.

I actually stumbled upon it by accident when I visited Montreux for the second time and LOVED it. I am – normally – not much into art but this is a special art exhibition that even I enjoyed! You will find many art pieces along the shores of Lake Geneva – which is absolutely lovely!

Since it is an open-air museum that lasts for 3 whole months, the pieces must be made of materials withstanding the sun, rain, and wind.

• It is free to visit. 
• Open 24/7 for three months every second year (now, it is still going until the 24. October 2021).

Rochers de Naye

If you have some more time, you could visit the famous Rochers de Naye – another popular Montreux tourist attraction in the region. It is a mountain overlooking Lake Geneva near Montreux and Villeneuve and stands at 2,042 meters above sea level.

On my last day in the region, the weather was lovely, but I could see the clouds up in the air. So I decided not to go up, though I am a fan of getting up the mountains.

The best part is that, for the lazier ones, Switzerland has ways to get up the mountain without hiking (a.k.a. there is a cogwheel that gets you up).

• It takes about one hour via cogwheel to get to the summit of Rochers de Naye

Montreux Jazz Festival

Okay, this is an extra. Montreux is extremely famous for its Jazz festival. It is held annually in early July in Montreux on the Lake Geneva shoreline. It is actually the second-largest annual jazz festival in the world (just after Canada’s Montreal International Jazz Festival).

During that time, it gets jam-packed (and, of course, even more expensive), and it is probably the best thing to do in Montreux in summer. However, if you aren’t into jazz (like me), then you probably had never heard of it before.

Just keep that in mind when planning your Montreux trip!

• It takes place from Friday 1. July to Saturday 16. July 2022
• The average ticket price is around $1000

Christmas Market in Montreux

If you visit Montreux in December, you will get to experience the magical Christmas Market in Montreux. You have many stalls on the promenade, the Loggers’ Village, the Gourmet Space, the light show, Medieval Magic at Chillon Castle and Santa’s House at Les Rochers-de-Naye, and more – the Christmas Markets in Montreux is known as one of the best in Switzerland.

• It takes place from 19 November to 24 December 2021

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST MONTREUX ACTIVITIES

Though Montreux is not the first destination that comes to people’s minds when thinking about Switzerland, it is an absolutely amazing place. I hope you have gotten some travel inspiration for Montreux.

Whether you visit in summer, fall, or winter – Montreux is always a good idea and hopefully, this post has helped you find out about the best things to do in Montreux.

• More beautiful places to visit in Switzerland: 20 most beautiful towns and villages in Switzerland.
• Best things to do in Switzerland: Find out about 25 fun things to do in Switzerland
• Find out about the best places to stay in Switzerland.
• Check out my 10-day Switzerland itinerary

 

WHAT TO DO IN LUGANO, TICINO

Lugano is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland – the beautiful, lively, and fun city is the perfect place to visit for a few days. Whether you are an outdoors lover, art enthusiast, or just enjoy the city life, Lugano has something for everyone.

LUGANO TRAVEL TIPS

And if you are now wondering about the best things to do in Lugano – its best attractions – and are looking for more travel tips, this Lugano itinerary is for you. I tried to create an itinerary and cluster the activities that you can combine easily. However, you do not have to follow/use it as a 2-day itinerary (or longer), and can just get some inspiration for what to do in Lugano.

Lugano Facts

Lugano is the biggest city in Ticino (with about 67,000 inhabitants) and Switzerland’s third largest financial center (which also means it is quite expensive).

However, Lugano actually feels rather small (not comparable to Zurich or Geneva). 

Visiting Lugano feels like you are visiting a beautiful town in Italy, with many buildings done in the Lombardy style. But no, I have to remind myself that I am in Switzerland – the abundance of Swiss flags everywhere definitely helps.

Lugano’s history dates back to the 10th century and was the object of ongoing ducal disputes (Como and Milan) until it became a Swiss dominion in 1513. It became part of the Swiss Confederation in the 18th century.

Lugano is located about 273 meters above sea level – Lake Lugano sits a few meters below it.

Best Time to Visit Lugano

Lugano, and Ticino in general, can be visited at any time of the year. Due to its southern location, you have milder temperatures in fall, winter, and spring compared to the rest of Switzerland. So, there is theoretically no bad time to visit. However, we can never 100% rely on the weather in Switzerland. Also, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip.

• While it gets colder in the winter months, it usually does not snow at low altitudes, and you can explore Ticino off-season. However, it also means it might be too chilly to spend long hours at the promenade or spend a day at the beach (or the lake, in this case). In the winter months, hiking is also impossible if you are not equipped with special winter hiking gear.
• I have one rule for Europe: Avoid the summer months of July and August.
• If possible, visit in May/June or September and early October because it will be, as far as we can rely on the climate these days, still warm yet not hot, and hotel prices should drop in expensive Switzerland. Since I am a teacher and am stuck to my school holidays, I envy the people who can visit in the shoulder season and do not have to visit in the hot summer months.
• Even though many Swiss visitors come in these off-season months, it is still less crowded than in the busy summer months, when it can also get quite hot.

Which Language is Spoken in Lugano

In Switzerland, there are four official languages.

• German
• French
• Italian
• Romansh (a minority language)

In Ticino – and thus Lugano – Italian is the main language. Many people also speak German, and in the tourism sector, basic English is widely spoken.

Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano – a glacier lake – lies in southern Switzerland and Northern Italy. Most of the lake (63%) is located in Switzerland though. It lies about 271 meters above sea level. Locals often refer to the lakes as “Lake Ceresio.” 

Fun Fact: Once upon a time, it was connected to Lake Como. 

And while Lake Lugano looks absolutely clean and clear, it was once one of the most polluted lakes in Switzerland. People were forbidden to swim in the lake in the 1960s and 1970s.

It has gotten much better now, but it remains unclear whether it will be totally healthy anytime soon.

In Lugano, there are several options for swimming – I will tell you more about it later, but bring your bathing suit if the weather allows it.

Swiss Travel Pass

If you use public transportation, I recommend getting a Swiss Travel Pass. I visit Switzerland often, and most of the time I get one – even if it’s a road trip. It is only for non-Swiss residents though.

• It allows you to use trains and buses without any extra costs.
• You can also do boat cruises without additional costs – and you can cruise Lake Lugano with the regular boats to get around.
• It also gives you a 50% discount on most mountain rides (you can get up via cable car/funicular for half of the price, and if you follow my tips, you will need it twice).

The initial prices for a Swiss Travel Pass are quite high – but it pays for itself if you get around via public transportation and are active in Switzerland for more than three or four days. So, check out prices for boats and trains and then calculate if it is a good option for you. 

For me, it usually makes sense as I am very active and use public transportation/mountain rides often (even if I road trip Switzerland). 

I also love boat rides – which means many, many boat cruises for me whenever I have a Swiss Travel Pass. Check out prices for a Swiss Travel Pass here.

How to Get to Lugano

Lugano is, unfortunately, a bit remote. However, it is still easy to get to Lugano thanks to an extensive rail network and great roads.

• BY PLANE: Lugano does not have an airport. You could fly into Zurich or Geneva or Milan (Bergamo) and then get to Lugano by train.
• BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Its remote location makes getting to Lugano a bit more time-consuming, but within 2-4 hours, you are normally in Lugano from most places in Switzerland.
• BY CAR: Driving in Ticino is my least favorite part of driving in Switzerland. The drivers here drive like… Italians. Also, it can get busy during rush hour. However, there are paid parking spots and you can stay longer than a few hours but they are not in an abundance. 

How to Get Around Lugano 

• Many activities mentioned here can be visited on foot. You can walk to most attractions if you are semi-fit.
• For this Lugano itinerary, you could get around by car. However, I do not recommend it. I parked my car outside the city center (when I visited this summer, I left my van in a camping site and just got around via public transportation). The city center is quite busy and parking spots are rare. Also, parking in the small villages is not a fun task. Plus, you will be faster with public transportation most of the time. 
• You can rely on good, extensive, and punctual buses and trains if you need public transportation. I used buses within Lugano several times, and I will let you know when I felt the need to hop on a bus for this itinerary.
• Also, there is a funicular from the train station to the old town. It is just a short ride – it might be tempting to use to get back to the train station after a long day of walking and exploring.
• My favorite mode of transportation is – and probably will always be – boats. I used boats several times (sometimes just for fun) and had the most scenic rides. Lake Lugano is a beauty, and boat cruises are a great way to get around.

How to Save Money on Your Lugano Trip

Besides the Swiss Travel Pass, you can save money by bringing a water bottle with you. There are some water fountains spread throughout Lugano where you can refill your bottle with fresh water. It is better for your wallet and better for the environment – and in Switzerland, you will be happy about every $ you can save (yes, Ticino, and especially Lugano, are very expensive).

• For more budget tips in Switzerland, check out this post.

More Travel Tips

If you are looking for more – general – tips for Switzerland, check out my posts.

• Packing list for Switzerland
• Road tripping Switzerland
• General travel tips for Switzerland
• Check out my Locarno travel guide

Top Things to Do in Lugano

So, without further ado, here are my tips for the city of Lugano, as well as the stunning surroundings of Lake Lugano.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata

One of the first sights in Lugano awaits you right in front of the train station. The train station stands at 335 meters above sea level, and Lake Lugano is at 280 meters. This means that from the train station, you are already getting spoiled with some lovely views.

Once you step out of the train and the station or drive past the train station by car, you will have a lovely view of Lake Lugano, the city, and the scenery! And of the church Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata.

Walk down the steps and head to the church – it looks as beautiful from the inside as it does from the outside, though it is not as spectacular when compared with “other Italian churches.” But it is on your way to the old town, so it will not even take up much of your time.

• You can visit it for free!

Old Town of Lugano

After visiting the church, head towards the old town. It is just a few meters below the church and an easy walk, even though it is on a slight downhill. You will pass some colorful buildings, and there you have the typical narrow streets that characterize many Swiss/Italian old towns.

You will also find little shops selling souvenirs, food, and more, plus bars and restaurants.

I would be lying if I said that Lugano’s old town is stunning, but it is worth visiting, and strolling around should not take too much time.

• One of the free things to do in Lugano

Piazza delle Riforma/Piazza Manzoni

The town center of Lugano is relatively small, so it won’t be long before you reach the two main squares. They are both located next to each other and just in front of the promenade.

Piazza della Riforma, also known as Riforma Square, is the main square of the city.

You will find beautiful buildings here, like the Town Hall (Palazzo Civico), which dates back to the 19th century. Look out for the five statues between the court and entrance.

Often you will find events, especially in the summer months. And on Saturdays from 8 am – 5 pm, there is a market of antiques and handicrafts in the Canova and Maghetti areas.

The big fountain at Monzani Square is pretty unique, and there are several fountains you can get water from.

When you are at the water fountain, you are already at the stunning Lake Lugano!

• These are free activities in Lugano

Lake Lugano Promenade

The promenade of Lugano is a loooong promenade, and you might not be able to stroll all the way. However, if you come from the old town, you are already at the boat station. 

There are several piers, and you could take a boat cruise (more on that below). Next to the boat station, you will also find the “I <3 Lugano” sign. 

With Lake Lugano in the background, this is a pretty Instagrammable place in Lugano.

This part of the promenade, around the boat station, is nice, but not the nicest part. Later, you will get to see more of it.

• Another free thing to do in Lugano

Boat Tour Lake Lugano

Okay, there are different options on how to continue your day. One of my suggestions is to do a boat tour. I already talked a bit about Lake Lugano earlier, but as the official lake expert that I am, I can assure you that Lake Lugano is a gem.

Cruising Lake Lugano is scenic! The water color and the small villages on the shores of the lake make cruising a pretty pleasant experience.

If you want to take it more slowly and not do many sporty activities, I recommend getting from Lugano to Gandria. You normally have indoor and outdoor seats on the boats which makes boat cruising enjoyable regardless of the weather.

This boat ride takes – unfortunately – only about 30 minutes. However, here is some good news: there are more opportunities to do boat trips. 

• With your Swiss Travel Pass, you can do the cruises on the Swiss side of the lake for free.

Gandria

Gandria is a small, cute former fishing village – perched at the bottom of Monte Bre – that is quite popular amongst visitors. Many people hike from Monte Bre to Gandria. However, you can also get to Gandria by boat if you are not up for the 2-3 hour downhill hike.

There are not many attractions in Gandria. What you can do is walk the narrow or enjoy a meal/drink at one of the grottos with terraces.

I recommend walking from Gandria to Castagnola – and walk the Olive Grove Trail.

Olive Grove Trail

One of the top things to do in/around Lugano is walking/hiking the Olive Grove Trail from Gandria to Castagnola. It is an easy walk/hike, about 3 kilometers long, through the countryside.

You can start in Gandria and just follow the signs – you will find many ancient olive trees where several olive groves have recently been planted. Along the way, you will also find a lot of information about olives and their production in Lugano. Parts of the hikes were along trees that spend shadow, but not all of the walk, so bring sunscreen. You will also find water fountains (1 or 2 if I remember correctly) and a toilet along the way.

The walk (I do not consider it a hike as it is mostly a flat path and does not include much downhill or uphill hiking) is beautiful. You have great views of Lake Lugano basically throughout the whole duration of the hike.

If you want, you can continue the walk back to Lugano – or take a bus from Castagnola and get out at Lido di Lugano. 

• The Olive Grove Trail is free and open 24/7.

Lido di Lugano

You might want to spend some time in the water now – if you want, visit the lido in Lugano. It is an open-air pool complex with a sandy beach and green areas, popular in the summer months. There are several pools – perfect if you need to cool down.

• There is an entrance fee for the lido, and if you plan a visit, do not forget your swimsuits and towels.

If you just want to rest, skip the lido and keep walking for another 2-3 minutes to get to this park.

Parco Ciani

If you get out at the bus stop at Lido di Lugano, you can either spend some time at the lido or rest at this beautiful park. It was probably one – if not THE – most favorite part in Lugano.

Parco Ciani is considered the green heart of Lugano, with a size of 63,000 square meters. It is one of the most beautiful parts of Lugano.

This part of the promenade is also really stunning! It is located right at the shores of Lake Lugano – thus, the park comes with great views! Also, this is the place to rest and chill – the meadow is really inviting! You have plenty of flowers and small art installations, which makes it fun to walk around.

• There is no entrance fee, and it is open 24/7.

Monte Bre

So, if you are a hiker, I suggest heading to Monte Bre peak first. Then you can continue the itinerary by hiking down Gandria and walking the Olive Grove Trail.

However, if you do not want to do too much physical activity (there is a hike for day 2 in Lugano), then get up Monte Bre via funicular. Monte Bre is one of the most popular trips from Lugano. It sits at 933 meters above sea level and offers fantastic views of the Alps, Lake Lugano, and Lugano.

Up there, you can do (more) activities like cycling or hiking – or just enjoy the beautiful views!

• Return tickets for Monte Bre funicular are around 25CHF (discount with a Swiss Travel Pass)

Bre

A few meters below Monte Bre, you will find a small village named Bre.

Explore this place that is scattered with art testimonials – Bre was home to several artists like Wilhelm Schmid. You will also find the Wilhelm Schmid Museum, which houses his art and his library.

• Tip: If you are on a budget and do not want to spend money on the funicular to get up Monte Bre, you can also take the bus up to Bre. From there, you have to do a 15-20 minute hike up to get to the summit of Monte Bre.

Now, let’s talk about day 2 in Lugano. I suggest starting with a(nother) mountain trip. This time, it is about Monte San Salvatore, also known as the “Pan di Zucchero,” as it looks like the Sugarloaf Mountain in Brazil.

Monte San Salvatore

If you plan to visit a mountain peak in Lugano, then it could (should) be Monte San Salvatore. Standing at 912 meters above sea level, it is easily accessible by funicular.

The views from Monte San Salvatore are splendid – Lake Lugano is without a doubt a beauty, and here it presents itself from its best side! You will also find a church, a restaurant, and a small museum at the top.

You can then hike down to Morcote – I highly recommend doing the hike. It is a very steep downhill hike! It took me about 5 hours, with stops along the way. 

However, if you have problems with your knees, do not have proper hiking boots, or if it rains, I advise you to skip the hike.

How to get there: From Lugano, go to Paradise station by boat or bus. Then, take the funicular to go up. You could also hike up and then take the funicular to get down.

• You might want to use a funicular to get up Monte San Salvatore which does cost about 20€ one way – 50% off with the Swiss Travel Pass

If you opt for the hike, you will see the following villages- mentioned below – along the way. If you decide not to hike, you can add these places to your itinerary and get there by bus!

Carona

Hiking down to Morcote will make you pass picturesque Carona – it is a small yet charming village with lots of sculptures and other art gems, like a copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.

You can also visit Parco San Grato in Carona, where you will find – amongst others – camellias and rhododendrons.

Those who enjoy swings will be happy to hear that one of the “famous” swings is also at the park. However, you have to do more uphill walking (add another 20 minutes for the detour) to get to the swing, but it is probably well worth it.

Vico Morcote

Then continue your hike and have a last stop before you arrive in Morcote. Above Morcote, you will find Vico Morcote nestled amongst vineyards and woods. It is a very small area, yet very charming.

The church in Vico Morcote looks beautiful from the outside, and walking the streets of Vico Morcote was also lovely! This is a small gem, and if you hike down Monte San Salvadore to Morcote, you will pass it along the way.

If you get to Morcote via boat/bus, and do not enjoy uphill walking, hen you can take a bus to get to Vico Morcote.

Morcote

When in Lugano… you have to visit Morcote! Morcote was named the most beautiful village in Switzerland in 2016 – and I can assure you, that title was well deserved.

It is an extraordinarily pretty village on the shores of Lake Lugano.

There are several ways to arrive in Morcote, which is just 10 km south of Lugano. 

• You can hike down from San Salvatore to Morcote – this hike is quite popular and it would be your last stop. And what a stop.
• If you do not want to hike, you can get to Morcote by boat. Either way, do not skip this village.

Whether you enjoy the views of the famous church with Lake Lugano as a backdrop, try one of the “Swing the World“ swings, stroll the promenade and the old town, or visit Scherrer Garden, you will not regret visiting Morcote.

Then you could head back to Lugano by boat, or if it is still “early,“ you could get on a boat and then stop in Melide.

• Most activities in and around are free to visit.
• Check out my detailed Morcote itinerary.

Swissminiatur

Between Lugano and Morcote, you will find Switzerland’s largest open-air museum – Swissminiatur – in the village of Melide.

There are128 mini-models of houses, castles, and monuments distributed throughout the 14,000 square meter park, including well-known sites such as the Heidi Village, the castles of Burgdorf and Chillon, and the Federal Parliament in Bern.

And there are 18 model trains traveling between the buildings on approximately 3.5 kilometers of tracks, as well as operating rack railways, cable cars, suspension railways, and ships.

• Entrance fee for adults – around 19CHF 
• 10% discount if you buy tickets online, 50% off with a Swiss Travel Pass

More Activities in Lugano

Here are a few more activities in Lugano you might be interested in.

Watersports

With a pretty lake like Lake Lugano, you can expect quite a few water sport activities. Swimming, kayaking, diving, SUP, windsurfing, sailing, boarding, and water-skiing – there are lots of options.

Mountain Biking

There are almost 400 km of trails for mountain bikers in the region of Lugano. I still cannot wrap my head around how people ride their bikes in these crazy mountains, but if you are a mountain biker, you might love riding these “streets.“

FINAL THOUGHTS ON A PERFECT LUGANO ITINERARY

Lugano is a beautiful city. I enjoy it every single time I visit and always find new places and attractions. It is lively and lovely, and the scenery and outdoor activities are impressive.

Then there are the pretty, pretty villages along the shores of the lake. There are many reasons to visit here, and hopefully, this post has helped you figure out what to do in Lugano for your own trip.

WHAT TO DO IN MORCOTE, TICINO IN 1 DAY OR LONGER

In this post, you will find out about a beautiful village named Morcote. Wait, did I say A beautiful village? I actually meant THE most beautiful village in Switzerland. Here is more about the best things to do in Morcote, how to get there, and many more travel tips.

Morcote – a small village located in the canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland – was named the most beautiful village in Switzerland in 2016. Each year, the Swiss public chooses the most beautiful village with less than 3000 inhabitants (Morcote has less than 1000 inhabitants actually), and Morcote beat more than 100 competitors.

But is it really that beautiful? Well, I chase gorgeous places in Switzerland – I am a huge fan of this small country and am always on the hunt for stunning locations. 

And I have found many pretty, charming, breathtaking spots like Interlaken, Valposchiavo, or Montreux. However,  I can say that Morcote is indeed the most beautiful village in Switzerland, I have visited so far.

Once you visit, you will quickly understand why. Morcote is just the perfect mix of Switzerland and Italy, and you just have to love it!

It is an exceptionally pretty place – Morcote, I have fallen in love with you!

TRAVEL TIPS FOR MORCOTE

And if you plan to visit Morcote – and also fall in love – here, you will find my travel guide for Morcote. Find out what makes the place extraordinarily beautiful, where to go, and what to see, plus more travel tips.

Morcote is located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino – at the southern shores of beautiful Lake Lugano. It is one of the most southern areas in all of Switzerland, but just 10 km south of Lugano.

Best Time to Visit Morcote 

Morcote, and Ticino (like Locarno) in general, can be visited at any time of the year. Thanks to its southern location and its climate, you have milder temperatures in fall, winter, and spring compared to the rest of the country.

• While it gets colder in the winter months, it normally does not snow at low altitudes, and you can explore Ticino off-season. 
• I normally suggest for Europe: Avoid the months of (late) June, July, and August. If possible, visit in May/June or September and early October because it will be – as far as we can rely on the climate these days – still warm yet not hot, and hotel prices should drop in expensive Switzerland.
• Even though quite a lot of Swiss visitors come in these off-season months, it is still less crowded than in the busy summer months, when it can get also quite hot.

Language

In Switzerland, there are four official languages.

• German
• French
• Italian
• Romansh (a small minor language)

In Ticino, Italian is the main language, but many people also speak German and in the tourism sector, basic English is also widely spoken.

Lake Lugano

While Morcote is located at 272 meters above sea level, Lake Lugano is around the same. Keep that in mind, when you read about altitudes.

Also, it is interesting to know that Lake Lugano – a glacier lake – lies in southern Switzerland and Northern Italy. Most of the lake (63%) is located in Switzerland though.

And while Lake Lugano looks absolutely clean and clear, it had actually been one of the most polluted lakes in Switzerland, and people were forbidden to swim in the lake in the 1960s and 1970s.

It has become much better now – but it remains unclear whether it will be totally healthy anytime soon.

Swiss Travel Pass

If you use public transportation, I recommend getting a Swiss Travel Pass.

• It allows you to use trains and buses without any extra costs.
• You can also do boat cruises without additional costs – and cruise Lake Lugano with the regular boats to get around.
• It also gives you a 50% discount on most mountain rides (you can get up via cable car/funicular for half of the price).

The prices are quite high – but I have bought them myself, and it pays off if you get around via public transportation and are active. If you just plan to visit Morcote and stay there for a few days, it might not make sense financially. 

So, check out prices for boats and trains and then calculate if it is a good option for you. For me, it usually makes sense as I am very active and use public transportation/ mountain rides often (even if I road trip Switzerland). 

I also love boat rides – which means many, many boat cruises for me.

How to Get to Morcote

Morcote is a bit remote, so getting there might be time-consuming. However, it can be quite a scenic way to arrive to Morcote – and it is worth it!

• BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: If you are in Lugano, you can take a public bus to get to Morcote. It takes about 30 minutes. Buses run quite frequently (but not very often), and if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you can use the bus for free.
• BY BOAT: The most scenic way to get to Morcote is undoubtedly by boat. From Lugano – and other villages at the shores of Lake Lugano – you can hop on a boat and get an impressive first glimpse of Morcote from the water. Boats run frequently – check out the times here. The timetable might look a bit messy and confusing at first, but once you have figured out from which village/city you want to start, it is easy to navigate through. Also, pay attention on which days the cruises are.
• HIKING TO MORCOTE: There are several hiking trails – you can just walk from Lugano to Morcote. However, the most scenic and popular way to hike to Morcote is from Monte San Salvatore to Morcote. The hike takes a couple of hours and includes some steep downhill hiking, but it is worth it. The views you get along the hike are top-notch.
• BY CAR: You can also get to Morcote by car from Lugano or Italy. However, it is a small village, and parking might be difficult – especially during peak season.

Save Money in Morcote

Besides the Swiss Travel Pass, you can save money by bringing a water bottle with you. There are some water fountains spread throughout Morcote where you can refill your bottle with fresh water. It is better for your wallet and better for the environment – and in Switzerland, you will be happy about every $ you can save (yes, Ticino is also very expensive).

• For more budget tips in Switzerland, check out this post.

THINGS TO DO IN MORCOTE

Okay, let´s talk about the places/things to do in Morcote. As mentioned, it is a tiny village so there might not be tons of activities, but these attractions are pretty great!

Visit the Church Santa Maria del Sasso

• Free activity in Morcote
• Address: Sentee da la Gesa, 6922 Morcote,

One of the most outstanding attractions in Morcote – if not in all of Ticino – is the Santa Maria del Sasso Church. It might look like any other church in Ticino, but its location makes it very special.

If you hike down from San Salvatore, you will be pleased to hear that you do not have to climb the 404 steps to get to the church. You can just walk your way to the church on your hike down.

However, if you come from the promenade or the old town, you will have to do some serious stair climbing if you want to visit the church and get that epic view with the lake in the background. 

Nonetheless, it is worth it! It was – is – one of the most charming and Italian-like places I have seen in Switzerland. Every single step was worth it.

Also, you will find the Sant’Abate Church and a small square in front of it, where you can take a rest, and you can, of course, also visit the church. 

Next to it is also the cemetery that might be worth checking out.

Swing the Swing

• Free attraction in Morcote
• Geo location:  45.92374, 8.91415

Okay, once you are at the church, you are almost at “the“ swing. Do not give up yet, but continue going up. You will find small signs pointing you to the direct location.

After another 5 minutes or so you will see THE swing – it offers excellent views of the village and is fun. Especially after all the steps, swinging also gives you a fresh breeze.

You are wondering which swing I am talking about? “Swing the World“ is a project by two young people from Ticino with a goal in mind: encouraging people to spend more time outdoors. The homemade swings are in unique spots around Ticino (and now also outside in the beautiful area of Valposchiavo).

You will find more swings, e.g., in Ascona and also when you hike down from Monte San Salvatore to Morcote.

Stroll the Promenade of Morcote

• Another free activity

Of course, you have views of the fantastic Lake Lugano when strolling the promenade. But you will also find historic buildings along the promenade from the 17th and 18th centuries. The buildings have been restored and belonged to royals – you might see coats of arms on the houses that tell you about the owners.

Here, you will also find the boat station, restaurants, and small little shops selling unique products and souvenirs.

Discover the Town

• Free thing to do in Morcote

The small medieval village center of Morcote has cute narrow streets with charming old buildings. Pay attention to the small details – like the facades. This is what makes the old town cute and special.

You will also find the small San Rocco church which is dedicated to the patron saint of plague victims. It was built between 1548 and 1553 by Morcote’s villagers.

However, as cute as the old town is, it surely is not the highlight of Morcote. It is really small and I think, you will be “done” in less than 30 minutes. However, make sure to also road some other parts of Morcote without having a fixed route but just take your time to walk along.

Scherrer Garden / Parco Scherrer

• No entrance fee for the garden
• Closed in the winter months
• Opening hours: 15 March to 08 November from 10 am to 5 pm – in July and August from 10 am to 6 pm

The beautiful Scherrer Garden gives Italian vibes! Known as the “Garden of Wonders“, Anton Scherrer built the park.

He bought the land in 1930 and created this little place on Earth – a veritable Garden of Eden covering more than 15,000m².

The statues, the design, the architecture – here you will find Italy at its best. It seems that quite some people skip the park and just go for the Santa Maria del Sasso church and the views – this, my dear friends, would be a huge mistake. Scherrer Garden is pretty and does not have an entrance fee! I mean, enough reasons to visit, or?

It is about 500 meters from the boat station, and there is some step climbing in the park, but nothing major. Also, this is another perfect place to rest.

Hiking to/from Morcote to Monte San Salvatore  

• Free/cheapish thing to do 
• You might want to use a funicular to get up Monte San Salvatore which does cost about 20€ one way – 50% off with the Swiss Travel Pass

As mentioned before, hiking around Morcote is a wonderful way to explore this region. One of the most popular hikes is from Monte San Salvatore (912 meters above sea level) to Morcote at about 272 meters above sea level.

You can get to Paradiso station from Lugano and then take the funicular to get up beautiful San Salvatore.

From there, hike down to the cute village of Carona Vico Morcote and then continue your downhill hike to Morcote – you can also do it the other way around and hike from Morcote to San Salvatore.

If you plan to do this, schedule in about 3-6 hours at least.

Lake Lugano Boat Trip

• Free with a Swiss Travel Pass

One great way to see Morcote from a different angle – but also other beautiful villages at the shores of Lake Lugano – is by doing a boat cruise. 

I have visited Morcote twice. The second time I was in Lugano and had some spare time. And boat cruises on Lake Lugano are really scenic and fun. Also, some fresh breeze seemed to be a great idea on hot days.

Lake Lugano has a gorgeous water color, and cruising is so much fun! Also, you can reach places like Lugano quite easily by boat.

The cruises on the Swiss part of the lake are covered with your Swiss Travel Pass. The boats do not run very often but several times a day, so check the times.

Swimming in/Around Morcote

• Free activity in Morcote

Lake Lugano is one of my favorite lakes in the country – it has a stunning color that shimmers nicely on a sunny day.

And though I am not so much a (lake) swimmer, Lake Lugano is one of the best places to hop into the water. You are not allowed to just hop into the water at the boat station of Morcote.

If you want to dip your feet into the lake, you can do it near the boat station. However, If you plan to take a day off and swim in the lake, you can do so at several places in Morcote e.g., either near the Garavello multi-story car park (towards Figino) or at the lakeshore at San Bartholomee.

Visit Vico Morcote

• Things to do Near Morcote for Free

Above Morcote sits the beautiful town/village of Vico Morcote, at 442 meters above sea level. The church looks pretty stunning, and when I hiked down from Monte San Salvatore, I got confused and thought it was the church in Morcote, but that is another one.

However, the streets here look very Mediterranean and were beautiful with all the flowers. 

If you do not plan to do any hiking, take the bus up there and just stroll the streets and enjoy the views.

Visit Lugano

Of course, Lugano is a must-see place if you are in Morcote. You might do a day trip from Lugano to Morcote – but if you make Morcote your base, make sure to add this beautiful and lively city to your Morcote itinerary.

It is much bigger than Morcote so it is great if you are looking to have more action, then head to Lugano for a day or a few hours.

Whether you get there by car, bus or train – Lugano is worth a visit. Check out my Lugano post for more information.

Morcote Castle

If you stay one full day – or longer – in Lugano, you can also visit Morcote Castle (Castello di Morcote), which sits at 475 meters above sea level. It was built on the ruins of a Lombard Tower around the year 1100.

It was gifted to the Paleari family in the 16th century, who had previously bravely refused to support the Dukes by sending troops – which ended in the victory of the Confederate forces. Two underground corridors connected the fortress with the village.

I did visit it myself – just saw it from a distance – but that is the info I got from a leaflet from the tourism office in Lugano. If you plan a visit, I recommend asking the tourism office for more details.

Swissminiatur

• Entrance fee for adults – around 19CHF 
• 10% discount if you buy tickets online, 50% off with a Swiss Travel Pass

Between Lugano and Mercote you will find a small village named Melide – here you will find Switzerland’s largest open-air museum- SwissMiniature.

There are 128 models of houses, castles, and monuments distributed throughout the 14,000 square meter park – including well-known sites such as the Heidi Village, the castles of Burgdorf and Chillon, or the Federal Parliament in Bern.

18 model trains travel between the buildings on approximately 3.5 kilometers of tracks. There are also operating rack-railways, cable cars, suspension railways, and ships.

This place is – like many places I have mentioned here in my Mercote travel guide – the perfect place for families and people of all ages.

You can get there from Morcote by boat, bus, or car.

CONCLUSION: BEST MORCOTE ACTIVITIES

Morcote was rightfully – if I may say so – named as the most beautiful village in Switzerland.

It ticks all the boxes of a charming and pretty village – it is medieval, colorful, lively & lovely, offers great views as well as many options to rest and relax. 

Morcote, I am sure I will be back, and in the meantime, enjoy your time in Morcote!