Ticino is Switzerland’s sun-kissed secret—an Italian flair wrapped in Swiss precision. With its sparkling lakes, palm-lined promenades, and alpine peaks, this region feels like a perfect blend of Mediterranean charm and Swiss beauty. Whether you’re savoring local Merlot on a terrace overlooking Lake Lugano, exploring the cobblestone streets of Bellinzona’s castles, or hiking through lush valleys with panoramic views, trust me, Ticino will steal your heart. Let’s dive into the 15 top attractions you can’t miss in this stunning corner of Switzerland!
Coolest Things to Do in Ticino
Visiting Ticino? Stroll along the palm-lined promenades of Lugano, cruise across Lake Maggiore, or explore the colorful streets of Ascona. Hike through the stunning Verzasca Valley, take in panoramic views from Monte Brè, or wander the medieval halls of Castelgrande in Bellinzona. Whether you’re here for lakeside relaxation or alpine adventure, Ticino offers the perfect blend of Swiss and Mediterranean charm.
1. Stroll the palm-lined streets of Lugano
Lugano is where Swiss precision meets Italian charm, making it one of the most exciting cities in Ticino. Nestled along Lake Lugano, this destination offers a mix of lakeside relaxation, high-end shopping, and cultural hotspots. Take a stroll along the Lugano Promenade, lined with palm trees and flower gardens, leading to Parco Ciani, the city’s most beautiful park. Art lovers will appreciate the Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC), a modern cultural center hosting concerts and exhibitions. If shopping is on your list, head to Via Nassa, where luxury boutiques sit alongside quaint local shops.
- Short on time in Switzerland? This Lugano walking tour with a local guide hits the city’s highlights in just one hour.
One of my favorite experiences here was enjoying a cappuccino at a café in Piazza della Riforma, watching the city buzz with energy. The views of the Monte Brè and San Salvatore mountains reflecting on the lake were breathtaking. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or just passing through, Lugano’s streets offer something for everyone.
2. Go canyoning through Ticino’s rivers
If you’ve ever wanted to rappel down waterfalls and jump into crystal-clear pools surrounded by untouched wilderness, this canyoning experience delivers exactly that. It’s a four-hour adventure through some of Switzerland’s most stunning gorges, led by certified guides who know every twist, turn, and safe landing spot. The team at EPIC Canyon includes all the gear you need, plus a waterproof camera to capture your best mid-air moments.
The experience starts at their base in Claro, where you’ll change and get briefed before heading to the canyon. Expect a 15 to 45-minute hike to reach the starting point, then it’s all navigating natural water slides, rappelling down rock faces, and making jumps that’ll get your heart racing.
After your adventure, grab lunch at one of the grotti in nearby Bellinzona for polenta and local wine in shaded stone courtyards.
3. Swim in the emerald waters of Valle Verzasca
Valle Verzasca is a dream for nature lovers, offering emerald-green waters, medieval bridges, and scenic hiking trails. Located just a short drive from Locarno, this valley is famous for the Ponte dei Salti, a stunning double-arched bridge dating back to the 17th century. The Verzasca River flows beneath it, forming crystal-clear pools perfect for swimming on warm days. For adventure seekers, the Verzasca Dam, featured in the James Bond movie GoldenEye, offers a thrilling 220-meter bungee jump—one of the highest in the world.
I’ll never forget dipping my feet in the ice-cold waters of the river after a long hike. The smooth, weathered rocks make the perfect spot for a picnic with a view. The valley also has charming villages like Sonogno, where you can try local specialties like polenta with cheese. If you want a mix of adventure and relaxation, Valle Verzasca is a must-visit.
4. Cruise across Lake Maggiore
Straddling Switzerland and Italy, Lake Maggiore is one of Ticino’s most breathtaking spots, offering stunning lake views, island excursions, and charming lakeside towns. The Swiss side includes Ascona and Locarno, known for their promenades and cultural scenes. One of the best things to do here is take a boat ride to the Brissago Islands, home to a botanical garden with exotic plants. If you’re visiting in summer, the Moon and Stars Festival in Locarno brings live music right to the lakefront.
I spent an afternoon enjoying a fresh seafood lunch at a lakeside restaurant in Ascona, watching sailboats glide across the water. The combination of warm sun, gentle waves, and a glass of Merlot del Ticino made for an unforgettable moment. Whether you explore by boat, hike the surrounding hills, or simply relax by the shore, Lake Maggiore is pure magic.
- Cruising Lake Maggiore? This Lake Maggiore day trip from Milan visits Stresa, Borromean Islands, and Isola Bella effortlessly.
5. Tour Lake Maggiore by bike
E-bikes make everything better, and this 50km ride through Ticino’s lake country proves it. You’ll cover way more ground than you would on foot, hitting quiet villages, pristine waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints around Lake Maggiore without feeling like you just ran a marathon. Stefano, your guide and certified UCI mechanic, knows these routes like the back of his hand and keeps the pace comfortable while still giving you a solid workout.
The four-hour tour includes stops at small valley towns where locals actually live, plus a refreshing dip in waterfall-fed pools that feel worlds away from tourist crowds. You’ll end in Ascona, Ticino’s most famous lakeside village, with its palm-lined promenade and cafe-dotted piazza.
Pack cycling clothes and bring a swimsuit for that waterfall stop. The tour starts at 9 a.m., so fuel up beforehand.
6. Ride the funicular up Monte Brè
For one of the best panoramic views in Ticino, take a trip up Monte Brè, the sunniest mountain in Switzerland. Located just outside Lugano, this peak can be reached by funicular from Cassarà or by hiking for those who love a challenge. From the top, you’ll get breathtaking views of Lake Lugano, Monte Rosa, and even parts of Italy. The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with scenic hiking and biking trails leading to charming villages like Brè and Gandria, where traditional Ticinese stone houses and local restaurants await.
I took the funicular up and hiked down through the peaceful forest, stopping in Brè for a plate of risotto ai funghi at a cozy grotto. The combination of fresh mountain air and delicious local food made it an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re after adventure or just a quiet escape with unbeatable views, Monte Brè delivers.
- My tip: Take the Monte Brè funicular tour from Lugano for stunning lake and mountain views.
7. Wander the colorful village of Morcote
Dubbed the “Pearl of Ceresio,” Morcote is a picture-perfect village on the shores of Lake Lugano. Known for its colorful waterfront, narrow alleys, and Mediterranean gardens, this former fishing village is now one of Ticino’s most charming destinations. The highlight here is the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso, perched on a hillside with stunning lake views. Climbing its 400+ steps is worth the effort, especially when you reach the panoramic terrace at the top. Another must-see is Scherrer Park, a unique garden filled with exotic plants and sculptures from around the world.
I wandered through the quiet streets, stopping for a scoop of gelato before sitting by the lake, watching swans glide across the water. It felt like a hidden slice of Italy tucked within Switzerland. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with a mix of history, nature, and lakeside charm, Morcote is the perfect spot.
8. Relax at Splash e Spa Tamaro’s pools and saunas
Sometimes you need a break from hiking and sightseeing, and this sprawling spa and waterpark combo in Rivera delivers exactly that. Start with four hours to bounce between a Himalayan salt sauna, a traditional hammam with underwater music, an iodine brine pool set in a serene garden, and a snow room that’ll jolt your circulation back to life. The sauna rituals and Kneipp path round out the wellness experience.
Once you’re properly relaxed, switch gears at the waterpark with seven thrilling slides, including the Twister and Cannon Bowl. The outdoor pool offers panoramic mountain views, while the indoor pool features over 80 water jets and a bar where you can grab drinks without leaving the water.
Your ticket covers four hours, but you can extend your stay for a small fee if you’re not ready to leave.
9. Tour the medieval Bellinzona castles
The Bellinzona Castles—Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro—are some of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Switzerland. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites date back to the Middle Ages and were built to defend the region from invasions. Castelgrande, the largest, sits atop a hill in the heart of Bellinzona, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Montebello, slightly higher up, has an impressive museum showcasing medieval weapons and armor, while Sasso Corbaro, the smallest but highest, offers the most secluded experience.
Exploring the stone walls and hidden passageways made me feel like I had stepped into a medieval legend. I ended the visit at a local grotto, trying Brasato al Merlot, a slow-cooked beef dish, paired with a glass of Ticino red wine. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just love scenic views, the Bellinzona Castles are a must-see in Ticino.
- Roaming Bellinzona’s medieval castles offers panoramic views and rich history on a Castelgrande private tour.
10. Eat at a traditional grotto restaurant
Ticino’s grottos are rustic, family-run eateries that serve traditional Swiss-Italian dishes in a cozy, nature-filled setting. These old stone taverns, often tucked away in forests or near rivers, offer simple but delicious local specialties like polenta with braised beef, luganighe (Ticino sausages), and risotto ai funghi. Some of the best grottos can be found in Maggia Valley, Monte Carasso, and near Lugano, where wooden benches and stone tables create an authentic, down-to-earth dining experience.
I visited Grotto Valletta near Lugano, where I sat under chestnut trees, enjoying a plate of homemade gnocchi with a glass of Merlot del Ticino. The relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality made it feel like eating at a friend’s home. If you want to experience the heart of Ticino’s food culture, visiting a grotto is an absolute must.
11. Relax by the lake in Locarno
Locarno, Switzerland’s sunniest city, sits on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore and is a fantastic mix of lakeside relaxation and cultural attractions. The Piazza Grande, the city’s lively main square, hosts the world-famous Locarno Film Festival every summer. Just outside the city, you’ll find the Madonna del Sasso, a stunning hilltop sanctuary with incredible views over the lake. For outdoor lovers, the nearby Cardada-Cimetta cable car ride takes you from palm trees to alpine peaks in minutes, offering one of the best panoramas in Ticino.
I spent a lazy afternoon at Lido Locarno, a lakeside swimming area with pools and thermal baths, perfect for unwinding. Later, I grabbed a torta di pane from a local bakery—a traditional Ticinese dessert made from bread, raisins, and cocoa. Whether you’re here for festivals, history, or just to soak up the sun, Locarno is an ideal lakeside getaway.
- Strolling Locarno’s lakeside and historic streets is effortless with this Locarno walking tour with a local guide.
12. Take the scenic Centovalli Railway
The Centovalli Railway, meaning “One Hundred Valleys,” is one of Switzerland’s most scenic train rides, connecting Locarno with Domodossola, Italy. This 52-kilometer route winds through deep gorges, past waterfalls, chestnut forests, and charming alpine villages. The vintage-style train crosses 83 bridges and 31 tunnels, offering incredible views along the way. One of the best stops is Intragna, a picturesque village with a historic clock tower and a small local museum showcasing the region’s past.
I hopped off at Verdasio to take the cable car up to Rasa, a tiny car-free village surrounded by meadows and hiking trails. It felt like stepping into another world, far removed from modern life. Whether you ride the train straight through or stop along the way, the Centovalli Railway is an unforgettable journey through Ticino’s most untouched landscapes.
13. See art and performances at LAC Lugano
For a dose of culture in Ticino, Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC) is the place to be. This modern arts center, located on the shores of Lake Lugano, hosts world-class performances, including opera, ballet, theater, and contemporary dance. The building itself is a masterpiece, with sleek architecture and massive glass windows offering lake views. Inside, the MASI Lugano Museum showcases an impressive collection of Swiss and Italian art, blending classical and modern influences. The venue also holds seasonal art exhibitions, workshops, and interactive events, making it an engaging cultural hub.
I attended a live orchestral performance in the concert hall, where the acoustics were absolutely stunning. After the show, I strolled through the lakeside gardens, soaking in the evening atmosphere. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious about local culture, LAC is a fantastic place to experience Ticino’s artistic side and creative energy.
14. Shop the local farmers’ markets
If you want to experience Ticino like a local, visiting one of its farmers’ markets is a must. These markets, held weekly in cities like Bellinzona, Lugano, and Locarno, are a feast for the senses. You’ll find fresh produce, homemade cheeses, cured meats, honey, and locally made olive oil. Bellinzona’s Saturday market is one of the most famous, taking place in the heart of the medieval city, surrounded by stunning architecture.
I picked up a wedge of Formaggio d’Alpe, a rich, mountain-made cheese, and paired it with fresh bread from a nearby stall. The vendors were friendly and eager to share their food stories, making the experience even more special. If you love discovering regional flavors, Ticino’s farmers’ markets are the perfect place to taste and shop for authentic Swiss-Italian delicacies.
15. Hike or funicular up Monte San Salvatore
Nicknamed the “Sugarloaf of Switzerland,” Monte San Salvatore offers one of the most panoramic views in Ticino. Located just south of Lugano, this mountain is accessible via a funicular ride from Paradiso, climbing nearly 912 meters in just a few minutes. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Lugano, the Po Valley, and even the snow-capped Swiss Alps. For those who love hiking, a scenic trail leads down to Carona, a charming hillside village with beautiful gardens and old churches.
I took in the 360-degree view from the San Salvatore Chapel’s rooftop, feeling like I was on top of the world. Afterward, I grabbed a coffee at the Vetta restaurant, where the outdoor terrace offers an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you hike, take the funicular, or just relax and enjoy the view, Monte San Salvatore is a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Monte San Salvatore offers stunning panoramic views with this Monte San Salvatore funicular tour from Lugano.
