Lugano, Switzerland

Lugano was nice but it isn't as Swiss as other swiss cities. It feels a lot more like Como Italy. I like Lake Como better and loved all the towns along the ferry.
Lugano was nice and pretty and i find the best ever cheesemonger there. I guess after Como Lugano seemed like a let down. Though it was pretty with the mountain and the lake. Its quieter and more laid than Como though. Just with everyone speaking Italian and the layout it feels like Italy. Not Switzerland.
We had an airbnb a block from the lake. But they did have really nice hotels and resorts. Depends on budget.

It's a short train ride anywhere. There is a funicular that saves you climbing up the town's steep incline when walking.
The food is good. But Swiss priced. For Fondue for 3 it was over $200. It's a pretty town but there isnt as much to do as there is in other near by areas. It depends what you want to do.








It's pretty and it's compact. So for a romantic getaway its perfect. Just if you've never been to lake Como I would go there instead. Either way youll likely fly into Milan and take the train?

Down to about 230k. Not enough to stay for free

Granted this has been 20 years ago so take accordingly. We visited both Lake Lugano and Lake Como. I agree that both are very similar and that crossing into Switzerland immediately increases prices massively. However, we had a splurge stay in Lugano. Stayed at the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola. Probably one of the best hotel experiences I've ever had but it was very expensive. The meal at the hotel was one of the best I've ever had (salt dome encrusted fish). Beautiful view of the town and mountains from right on the water.
We stayed in Varenna on Lake Como. It is across the water from its famous neighbor Bellagio but much better prices and you are looking across the water at Bellagio. Easy boat ride across the lake to Bellagio or other lakeside towns. You can get water front lodging in Varenna with a great lake side promenade for a fraction of Lugano prices. Bottom line - you can't go wrong on either one.

We home based out of Como but that was a mistake. The area is great but Como is not the best place to stay. Still it's pretty just that Every other town you go to on the boat is nicer. When i go back I'll likely start in the center or north of the lake. Is just stunning. I cant afford Bellagio but the other shore resorts are amazing. But as far as where to stay we had a spot that was a good walk from the ferry terminal but spent most of our time there on other spots. That boat is just the best. Every stop you can shop, dine or just relax.
Varenna and Menaggio were really nice.
It's a perfect atmosphere. Clear clean water. Mountain towns. Italian food. Steamships.


First Pick is from Como. Near where we stayed. They had a skycar we didn't get to do over the mountain.
They had a nice farmers market in town but other than that this was more a bland modern european small city.


But when you go north every town is vastly unique.








I'm having trouble uploading pictures. I can't get them to load.

Anyway. That entire region is amazing. Just being that they are so close i would look into both. I feel like Como as a whole had more to offer in the area. But as a tight deztination Lugano may suit your needs better. Both are pretty Alpine lakes.
I wanted to do the float plane but they had too many clouds to go up. That's one thing I'm upset i missed.

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Where on Como would you stay?

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I spent a week in Bellagio this summer and 3 nights in Varrena several years ago. I would go back to either tomorrow but would stay in Bellagio and visit Varrena.

I have not made it up to Lugano.

If staying in Milan for a night or two, see a performance at La Scala.