Lugano is a city that combines Swiss precision with Italian flair, making it an ideal destination for a variety of guided and self-guided tours. Whether you’re looking for panoramic views from Monte San Salvatore, a leisurely food adventure, or a deep dive into local history, Lugano offers options that suit all interests. We especially enjoy the 3-Hour Monte San Salvatore Tour with Funicular Ride for its stunning vistas and relaxed pace, and the Self-Guided Food Tour for those who want to explore local flavors at their own speed.
Lugano’s terrain and charming streets lend themselves well to walking tours, but there’s also enough variety in experiences to keep your itinerary exciting. From private guided walks that uncover hidden corners to boat trips across Lake Lugano, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy this scenic city. Below, we’ve rounded up the 11 best tours—each offering a unique way to see, taste, and experience Lugano.
1. Lugano: 3-Hour Monte San Salvatore Tour with Funicular Ride
At number 1, this Monte San Salvatore tour is a compact way to enjoy Lugano’s most iconic natural landmark. The tour lasts around 3 hours, including a scenic funicular ride that offers breathtaking views as you ascend to the summit. Once at the top, you’ll get a 360° panorama of the city, lake, and surrounding mountains.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of a gentle walk and the stunning vistas from the mountain’s multiple viewpoints. The tour also includes a visit to a small monastery turned museum, as well as options for lunch at one of the two restaurants on the mountain. The reviews are consistently high, with travelers praising the friendly guide, Marco, who speaks multiple languages and shares fascinating tidbits about Lugano’s history and the mountain’s significance. With a reasonable price of $24 per person, it’s a fantastic way to get a quick but memorable taste of the region’s natural beauty.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers short on time who want a scenic, relaxing experience with great photo opportunities and local insights.
2. Lugano: Self-Guided Food Tour
For those who love exploring a city through its cuisine, the Self-Guided Food Tour offers a delectable day out. Priced at $110, it allows you to discover Lugano’s culinary scene independently, visiting five carefully selected spots recommended by locals.
The tour involves sampling regional specialties, sipping local drinks, and wandering through areas most travelers might miss. You receive detailed instructions that guide you to authentic eateries, off-the-beaten-path sites, and hidden corners of the city. Reviewers highlight that this tour introduces them to refined, flavorful dishes and warm welcomes at every stop. It’s ideal for food lovers who prefer flexibility and want to tailor their experience to their pace.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for self-sufficient travelers eager to taste local flavors beyond the usual tourist spots.
3. Lugano: 2 hours Private walking tour “Splendid Lugano Tour”
Number 3 on our list is the Splendid Lugano Tour, a private experience designed to showcase Lugano’s main sights in just two hours. This tailored walk covers key highlights like the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Via Nassa, and the lakeside promenade, ending at the picturesque Piazza della Riforma.
What sets this tour apart is the personalized attention from your guide, who shares insights into the art, architecture, and local stories behind each landmark. Reviewers rave about the guide Marco’s knowledge and friendly approach, making it a top pick for travelers wanting an intimate, informative introduction to Lugano. The price of $189 for up to three people makes it a good value for a private experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a flexible, private overview of Lugano’s highlights with a personal touch.
4. Lugano: Guided Walking Tour to Gandria with Boat Cruise
A charming way to combine nature, history, and local culture, this Gandria tour takes about 5 hours. The trip begins with a 1.5-hour walk along the Olive Tree Trail from Lugano to the tiny village of Gandria, famous for its colorful houses and lakeside charm. After wandering through the village, you’ll enjoy a meal at one of its cozy restaurants before taking a boat back across Lake Lugano.
The tour’s real strength is the balance of walking, sightseeing, and relaxing boat cruise. The guide, Jason, is known for being personable and knowledgeable, sharing stories about the area’s history and local life. The price of $24 per person offers good value when you consider the boat trip and full experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who enjoy a leisurely mix of walking, eating, and cruising with a local expert.
5. Best of Lugano: Private Walking Tour with a Local
Number 5, the Best of Lugano Private Tour, combines the best of guided sightseeing and local insights. For $55 per person, you’ll explore neighborhoods, discover hidden spots, and get insider tips from your friendly local guide.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility—your guide can customize the route based on your interests, whether that’s art, architecture, or local life. Reviewers highlight the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, making it a great way to see Lugano at your own pace. The tour lasts between 2 and 6 hours, so you can spend as much or as little time as you like.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed exploration with an authentic local flavor.
6. Lugano: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
For a more in-depth private experience, this Private Guided Tour offers a 2-hour walk led by a knowledgeable local. Costing $72 per person, it explores Lugano’s main sights like the old town, San Grato Park, and key lakeside spots.
The guide, Tej, is praised for his patience and detailed explanations, helping visitors feel like they’re exploring with a friend. The tour covers hidden secrets and popular sites, giving a well-rounded introduction to the city’s culture and scenery. It suits those wanting a slightly longer private tour without dedicating an entire day.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a personalized, immersive walk that includes some hidden surprises.
7. Lugano: Private Guided City Tour
Number 7, the Lugano private guided city tour, is a shorter 2-hour experience. It aims to hit the main highlights such as Lake Lugano, the city’s historic streets, and the Swissminiatur Park. While reviews are mixed with a low rating of 1.6/5, it still offers a quick glimpse of key sites for those in a rush.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a brief overview, but consider comparing it with other private options for a more personalized experience. The tour includes visits to the museum of Swiss and international art, adding a cultural touch.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers with limited time but needs to be aware of mixed reviews regarding guide quality.
8. Lugano: Private Guided Tour with Wine, Beer, or Gelato
Number 8 offers a flavorful twist on sightseeing. The Private Guided Tour with Wine, Beer, or Gelato combines scenic walks with tastings, lasting about 2 hours for $TBD. You explore scenic spots and then indulge in a local drink or dessert—perfect for those wanting a relaxed, sensory experience.
The guide introduces you to the regional culture through tasting sessions, making it ideal for travelers who want both sights and flavors. It’s a personalized experience tailored to your tastes, with options to focus on wine, beer, or gelato.
Bottom Line: Designed for food and drink lovers looking for a laid-back, tasty introduction to Lugano.
9. Lugano: Private Walking Tour
The Lugano Private Walking Tour covers 1.5 hours and focuses on Lugano’s ancient sites, such as Celtic and Roman relics, as well as the Grand Café al Porto. Costing $384 for a group of up to 15, it’s a comprehensive way to explore Lugano’s layered history.
The tour offers a mix of history, architecture, and stories about Lugano’s strategic importance over centuries. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts or travelers who want a deep dive into the city’s past with a knowledgeable guide.
Bottom Line: Best for history buffs or larger groups wanting a thorough, private exploration.
10. Lugano – Private Walking Tour
Number 10 is a slightly more luxurious option, priced at $522 for up to 20 people. This Private Walking Tour emphasizes Lugano’s frescoed churches, the Reformation Square, and scenic parks with panoramic lake views. It’s suited for those wanting a more leisurely, elegant experience.
The tour emphasizes beautiful art, architecture, and relaxing atmospheres, making it great for travelers who prefer a calm, cultural stroll. While it’s pricier, it offers a comprehensive view of Lugano’s charm.
Bottom Line: A good choice for groups seeking a refined, laid-back tour with plenty of photo-worthy stops.
11. Stresa and the Borromean Islands: Italian Lakes Private Tour
Rounding out our list, this Stresa and Borromean Islands tour is a full 9-hour day trip from Lugano. It combines visits to Lago Maggiore, the stunning Borromean Islands, and nearby Swiss scenery. This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive experience of the Italian lakes and Swiss mountains in one day.
The highlight is the historic villas and lush gardens against the snowy Alps backdrop. The tour is suited for travelers who love combining sightseeing with a touch of luxury, and it’s a great way to see a different side of the region.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those with a full day to spare and an interest in Italian lake scenery and aristocratic villas.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When picking a tour in Lugano, consider your budget, interests, and time. For a quick but scenic overview, the Monte San Salvatore trip offers excellent value. If you’re a foodie, the Self-Guided Food Tour or the Wine, Beer, or Gelato Tour deliver tasty, relaxed experiences.
History enthusiasts might prefer the Private Guided City Tour or the Deep Dive into Lugano’s Past. For larger groups or romantic couples, private options ranging from 2 hours to full day trips provide flexibility and tailored attention.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time and guide.
Final Thoughts
Lugano offers a versatile mix of experiences, from panoramic mountain vistas to intimate walks through historic streets. For travelers on a budget, the funicular tour is a steal, while food lovers will find joy in self-guided tastings. History buffs and culture seekers will appreciate the private history tours, and those seeking luxury can indulge in full-day excursions to the Italian lakes.
No matter your style, these tours highlight the best of Lugano’s scenery and local charm. Choose the one that best matches your interests, plan ahead, and enjoy your trip to this Swiss-Italian crossroads. Early booking helps ensure you get your preferred experience—so don’t wait too long to reserve your spot.