Lake Lugano is the most popular attraction in the city. You can see the lake from just about any vantage point in the city. Simply walk to the lake and bath at any of the over 50 lidos and public bathing establishments. This is also where you'll find boat tours and water taxis that can take you around the lake for a better view. The more adventurous types can rent their own boat or windsurf board, or even scuba dive to get a view of the lake seen by only a few.
Walking anywhere around the city will give you magnificent views of the surrounding Alps. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to make it to the top of the mountains is by taking a cable car, then leisurely strolling around to view the panoramic scenery. Mountain biking and hiking are two very popular mountain activities that offer a healthy way to experience the sights. The numerous mountain trails take visitors around Lugano and into the surrounding villages.
Lugano's historic city center is small enough to enjoy by casually walking through it. Only by slowly seeing the city will you truly appreciate its beauty and splendor. No visit to Lugano is complete without stopping to see the St. Lawrence Cathedral that dates to the 15th century, and the St. Mary of the Angels Church (16th century) with its famous fresco by Bernardino Luini of the Christ's Passion. Other important sites include the Parco Civico, the Piazza della Riforma and the Villa Favorita.
Lugano has a variety of indoor attractions that include art museums, ethnographic museums, natural history museums, historical museums and special museums. There is bound to be a museum that fits your interest. The Art Museum and the Museo delle Culture are two of the more popular museums. Some museums are free while others have an admission price.
If you feel like seeing all the sights, including the historic city center, a couple of mountaintops and the casino without having to plan a single step, then the tourist train is for you. These red "trains" take tourists from sight to sight in comfort and allow you to see the entire city and surrounding area without getting sore feet.
