A Guide to Lugano, Geneva, and Their Stunning Lakes

Lugano and Geneva are two Swiss cities that share a similar vibe: the same tranquility, the same fickle weather, and the same lakeside setting.

LUGANO

Lugano is a small city of about 65,000 people, nestled along the lake of the same name in the Ticino canton in southern Switzerland. This region is heavily influenced by Italy, from the food to the language.

Our arrival in Lugano felt a bit austere: empty streets, rain, and an unseasonably cold chill for mid-summer.

In short, we had to duck into the first restaurant we found in the city center: Orologio restaurant. The service was impeccable and the meal was excellent for such a high-end spot (George Clooney has even been known to stop by, and the best sommelier in Switzerland works there). We still felt a little out of place, though, since we were dressed in our casual vacation clothes!

When we stepped back outside, it was still raining and the streets were still deserted. We headed to the lakefront for a boat tour, the weather was still gloomy, but at least there were a few more people around!

Eventually, the weather shifted, the sun finally peeked out, and the city of Lugano lit up. The temperature climbed, and we were suddenly glad we had our sunscreen.

From the boat, we toured the lake and soaked in the magnificent colors and light of the landscape. We also learned that smugglers once built tunnels here to move tobacco between Switzerland and Italy.

After our hour-long boat ride, we went for a stroll in Parco Civico (also known as Parco Ciani) right on the lake. It’s a stunning and very relaxing setting.

Afterward, we wandered through the city center.

GENEVA

Geneva is Switzerland's second-largest city, with 200,000 residents. It’s located in the far west of the country, right on the French border. It’s arguably the most famous city in Switzerland, known for its financial sector, the United Nations headquarters, and Lake Geneva.

As the crow flies, it’s only 218 km from Lugano to Geneva... but the Alps stand in the way. So, you either take a 50-minute flight or drive around the high mountains to the south (about a 4-hour trip, heading down into Italy and back up through France).

Compared to Lugano, Geneva is much more dynamic, with busier streets and plenty of restaurants and bars. It’s a historically interesting city, and the monuments you can visit are proof of that.

We felt a certain harmony between the old and the new, and the streets are truly pleasant to walk.

A quick tip: try to avoid driving into the city center, as parking is expensive. We paid over 20 CHF for 7 hours of parking, which is roughly 20€!!!!

We started by exploring the city center, which is also the oldest part of town. The center has so much charm, from the facades and staircases to the cobblestone streets.

Here are a few places I recommend visiting.

St. Pierre Cathedral and the Russian Church of Geneva

Entry to St. Pierre Cathedral is free, but you’ll have to pay if you want to climb the tower for a beautiful view of Geneva.

The Russian Church has striking architecture: 9 golden "bulbs" that are quite unusual for Western Europe.

These two monuments are just a few minutes' walk from each other.

Place du Bourg-de-Four

This is a busy square where people love to meet up.

It’s a great spot to rest after a long walk, sip a drink on a terrace, and people-watch. We took advantage of the sun in the late morning, which was a good call because the early afternoon turned rainy!!!

Place du Molard and Rue du Rhône

For shopaholics, these two areas are perfect, all the major luxury brands have boutiques here. There’s also a department store similar to Galeries Lafayette called Globus, which was quite nice.

We saw some incredible cars driving through this neighborhood, reminding us that Switzerland, and Geneva in particular, is a paradise for the ultra-wealthy.

Jardin Anglais and the Flower Clock

The Jardin Anglais (English Garden) sits right on the edge of Lake Geneva. At the entrance to the park, you’ll find the famous Flower Clock, impeccably manicured and changing colors with the seasons.

You can see the Lake Geneva fountain from this park.

Lake Geneva and its Jet d'Eau

Lake Geneva is the largest freshwater basin in Europe.

We hopped on a boat (a "mouette") for a quick 45-minute tour. We got to see the Jet d'Eau, which shoots up to 140 meters high, it’s impressive! The view of the crystal-clear blue lake and Mont Blanc is splendid!!!

Definitely something not to be missed if you come to Geneva.

The Botanical Garden

Located on the banks of Lake Geneva, this park is incredibly pleasant.

With over 3,000 plant species and a rainbow of colors, it’s really nice to feel like you’re in the heart of nature while still in the city.

The United Nations Headquarters and Place des Nations

This is a must-visit; the buildings are imposing, and the flags serve as a reminder that people can get along regardless of their nationality.

You can also see the famous Broken Chair, a sculpture located in the square.

That wraps up our discovery of Geneva and Lugano :)