What to do in Locarno for a day?

Linda,

Where are you staying in Switzerland? One thing you could consider is to travel to Domodossola by train and then transfer to the scenic Cento Valli Railway to Locarno. Return to Stresa by boat in the evening and then take a train back to your base in Switzerland.

A few thoughts on what to do and see in the town.....

• take the Funicular up the hill to the Madonna del Sasso Franciscan Monastery. I found it very impressive and the views from there are great.
• above the Monastery, take the larger cable car up the hill to Cardada. It's a bit of a pricey trip but the views from the top are incredible, and you can do a bit of light hiking. There's a hotel & restaurant right next to the top cable car station. They have a large patio where you can stop for a fine meal or a "cool one" while watching the Paragliders sail by.
• if you take a short hike from the restaurant mentioned above, there's a viewing platform that extends out over a cliff..... great views.
• if you walk to the right from the cable car and hike uphill a short ways, there are other restaurants there and a small chair lift as I recall. It may or may not be operating while you're there.
• back in Locarno, you might enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront.
• you could visit the Casino and try your luck.
• if you're ready to buy that CH 20K Rolex watch you've always wanted, have a look in the Bucherer jewelry store (even window shopping is fun).
• I vaguely recall, there's a nice park right along the waterfront, a nice place to relax and watch the boats coming and going.

Thanks Ken for that info.

I would be taking the train down from Lucerne for the day, so I anticipate we’ll see nice views on the 2 hr. trip.

The stroll sounds nice and possibly the funicular.

Can anyone recommend some nice cafes or restaurants for a late lunch or dinner?

Linda,

"some nice cafes or restaurants for a late lunch or dinner...."

• the restaurant at the top of the Cardada cable car, or one of the others in the vicinity
• check out the restaurants surrounding Piazza Grande
• if you see a restaurant while you're wandering about, check out the menu and if it looks good, take a chance.

Thanks Ken,

I read some more about Orselina and Cardada. Do you know what the round trip charge is for the cable car to Orselina, and also to Cardada.

Every time I go to a link, like Swiss rail, they don’t give me the price, but just talk about different passes. And then you have to type in all your personal information to even get a quote. It’s frustrating.

Linda,

A few comments on your question.

For the Cardada cable car.....

https://www.cardada.ch/en/timetable-fares/summer-fares

Orselina is not far above Locarno and the Monastery is located in that area. From Locarno you’ll use a Funicular to reach Orselina.

https://www.ticino.ch/en/commons/details/Funicolare-Locarno-Madonna-del-Sasso/992.html

Hope that provides the information you’re looking for.