Lugano on the lake of the same name is the largest city in Ticino and the economic and cultural centre of Italian-speaking Switzerland. The city blends southern urban life with Swiss urbanity: palm-lined promenades, piazzas, upmarket shopping streets and a lively cultural scene define the character. The Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore frame the lakeside city and are reachable by funicular or cable car.

The old town around the Via Nassa and the Piazza della Riforma is lively and home to museums including the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura and the Museo d'Arte della Svizzera italiana. In summer the Lugano Festival and Estival Jazz take place. Boat trips on Lago di Lugano to Gandria and Morcote are classic excursions.

Lugano is reachable by SBB from Zurich in around 2.5 hours or from Bellinzona in around 25 minutes. By car, take the A2 motorway from the Gotthard. Parking is available in the city centre and by the lakeside.