I’m only going to be in Lugano for one day arriving by train ON SEPT 5th, before boarding Bernina Express next morning.
Anyone have input on what to do in/around a quaint part of town or if there are good Day tour of city, maybe a reputable guide?
Also looking for decent hotel not too far from Bernina Express train station and town?
Appreciate your thoughts.
I fit a one day/one night stay in Lugano between Locarno and Bellagio, and I'm so glad I did. My mission was to go up Monte San Salvatore. There is also Monte Bre. The thing I didn't have time to do is take a boat down the lake to the apparently pretty village of Morcote. Can't wait to go back so we can do that. Lugano is a sophisticated small city and is uniquely beautiful. Enjoy.
I visited Lugano as a day trip from Milan a few years ago. I walked around the old town (not very big, didn't take very long), went up the funicular for absolutely amazing views, and spent some time wandering through the lake side park. Very enjoyable but didn't feel I need a tour of any kind. Didn't do any kind of side trips to other towns on the lake. Here's my photos - https://andiamo.zenfolio.com/p937201521
Important point: The Bernina Express doesn't run from Lugano. It runs from Tirano to Chur. Details here: https://www.rhb.ch/en/panoramic-trains/bernina-express
There is a once-per-day BUS which runs from Lugano to Tirano, to connect with the Bernina Express.
Timetable here: https://www.fahrplanfelder.ch/fileadmin/fap_pdf_fields/2020/90.731.pdf
Depart Lugano (station forecourt) 10:00, arrive Lugano 13:00.
Bernina Express depart Tirano 14:25, arrive Chur 18:19
There are lots more trains Tirano to Chur, but only one bus.
As regards Lugano. I would spend half my time in Lugano town, just exploring and walking along the lakefront. I would spend the other half taking a boat trip on the lake. Make sure the boat trip includes stopping at Morcote. Why Morcote?, click here for photo or google for more.
Hotel: Lugano town centre is on lake level, the station is up a hill behind the centre. The two are connected by a funicular. Any hotel in the town centre near the bottom of the funicular would be good.
