Guide to Lugano for Business Travellers

As one of southern Switzerland’s most picturesque cities, Lugano offers a refreshing alternative to traditional business hubs. Nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano and surrounded by Alpine peaks, the city blends Italian charm with Swiss efficiency. Whether you’re attending a global conference, hosting meetings, or looking to unwind in nature after a busy workday, Lugano provides an inspiring backdrop for productivity. This guide will help you make the most of your time in Lugano, from travel tips to top meeting venues and the best ways to relax and recharge.

Getting Around

Despite its serene, lakeside setting, Lugano is extremely well connected and easy to navigate.

Rail: The Swiss Federal Railway (SBB) provides reliable and scenic train services from Zurich and Milan. The ride offers a smooth journey with onboard workspaces and is ideal for regional connections.

Buses: Local buses and the funicular make it easy to get around the city and access popular business and leisure destinations. The Lugano Card provides free or discounted access to many public transport options.

Taxis: Taxis are available throughout the city, and Uber operates in Lugano for convenient ride-hailing.

Walking & Cycling: Lugano’s compact layout and lakeside paths make walking a practical and enjoyable way to explore. The city also offers rentable e-bikes for quick, scenic commutes.

Boats & Pedal Boats: For a uniquely Lugano experience, consider renting a boat – perfect for short leisure moments between meetings.

Meeting & Conference Venues

Lugano offers a variety of state-of-the-art venues tailored to every kind of business gathering. Whether this be intimate meetings or large-scale trade shows, this city has a plethora of options.

  • Palazzo dei Congressi
    • Situated between Parco Ciani and the lake, this central convention centre features a range of rooms suitable for hybrid events and has a maximum capacity of 1,130 guests.
  • Centro Esposizioni (Lugano Exhibition Centre)
    • Southern Switzerland’s largest exhibition space, accommodating up to 10,000 attendees. This venue has a strong sustainability ethos, focussing on renewable energy, food waste reductrion and local supplier collaborations.
  • Villa Ciani
    • A neoclassical gem overlooking the lake, this elegant venue is perfect for boutique conferences and private receptions. With eight frescoed rooms and flexible layouts, this venue provides a premium, memorable experience.

Things to Do

Business might be your primary reason for visiting, but Lugano’s natural beauty and cultural offerings deserve some space in your schedule. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, there’s plenty to enjoy:

Make the most of the outdoors:
  • Lake Lugano: Take a guided boat cruise or rent a paddleboard to enjoy the water. The views of the surrounding Alps and lakeside villas are the perfect setting for a peaceful interlude.
  • Parco Ciani: One of Switzerland’s most beautiful parks, located right in the city centre. Ideal for a post-meeting walk, morning jog, or alfresco lunch. Its lakeside benches and landscaped gardens offer tranquillity and inspiration.
  • Monte Brè: Ride the funicular to the summit for breathtaking views of Lugano and beyond. With hiking trails and traditional Swiss restaurants, it’s a great option for group excursions or some solo downtime in nature.
  • Monte San Salvatore: Another favourite for panoramic views — this time accessed via cable car. At the top, find walking trails, a mountaintop chapel, and viewpoints perfect for photos or quiet contemplation.
Explore the culture Lugano has to offer:

When your schedule allows, Lugano offers a range of cultural venues to feed your creativity and make the most of your time outside of meetings. Also, Lugano’s culinary scene reflects its Swiss-Italian heritage – warm, flavourful, and rooted in tradition.

  • LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura: A striking centre for theatre, music and visual arts. With its contemporary architecture and top-tier performances, it’s a great place to wind down after a busy day.
  • Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana (MASI): Dive into Swiss-Italian culture at MASI, where permanent collections meet ever-changing exhibitions. It’s a refined way to spend a free hour.
  • Swissminiatur (Melide): Located just outside Lugano, this open-air miniature park features more than 100 detailed models of iconic Swiss landmarks — ideal for a light-hearted cultural break or family-friendly visit.
  • Lugano Old Town: Charming and historic, the Old Town’s cobbled streets are lined with cafés, boutiques, and markets. Perfect for a relaxed stroll or casual business lunch.

Accommodation

Lugano offers a great selection of business-friendly hotels, many with lakeside views, in-house meeting rooms, and wellness facilities to help you recharge after a productive day. Whether you’re planning a multi-day event or a quick overnight trip, our specialist Business Travel Team can recommend the perfect accommodation. Or explore and book via LOGiC, Inntel’s dedicated online platform.