Lugano City

In the southern part of Ticino which is called "Sottoceneri" the largest city of the canton can be found: Lugano. Located on the north shore of Lake Lugano, it is surrounded by the two mountain peaks of Monte Brè in the east and Monte San Salvatore in the west. As a congress and cultural centre, the city is important for Switzerland and attracts many visitors thanks to its mild climate. 

Lugano is not only the third largest financial centre in Switzerland, where numerous Swiss banks and companies are based, but also a city of flourishing parks, historic palaces and religious buildings. The magnificent historic centre, the mountain panorama, the lake as well as countless events form a Mediterranean flair. Lugano and the surrounding area are a hospitable region that offers numerous opportunities for leisure activities. 

Come on a tour with your estate agents from Engel & Völkers Lugano and learn more about the various sights, as well as the real estate market of the city.

The tour begins at one of the most exclusive museums, the Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC), which is located right on the waterfront. Since 2015, this new art and cultural centre offers different exhibitions in the fields of visual, musical and performing arts. Insider tip from Engel & Völkers Lugano: visit the slightly hidden courtyard between the LAC and the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli and enjoy the silence in the cloister of the former Franciscan monastery - a little paradise!

We continue our tour on Via Nassa - when it comes to shopping, you will not find a better address. The famous street attracts with exclusive watch and jewelry shops, as well as designer boutiques and leads to Piazza Riforma - the second stop of our city tour and centre of public life.

The main building on the southern-looking square is the Neoclassical Town Hall, which also houses the Tourism Information Office. Enjoy the atmosphere in the spacious arcaded square with a caffè in one of the typical bars. In summer, regular concerts and events take place here, such as the "Blues to Bop" or the "Lugano Long Lake" festival. Ferries leave regularly from the pier right across the square taking you to scenic villages such as Gandria or Morcote.

Follow Via Canova leaving the main square and after a few steps you will reach our second shop in the centre. Engel & Völkers Lugano offers a large portfolio of residential properties around Lake Lugano. Feel free to enter and let us advise you in a personal conversation on your real estate matters. Every Saturday the handicraft and antiques market takes places right in front of our doors.

We continue our tour to the east, pass the Casino of Lugano and arrive at a small square on the lake shore, the "Rivetta Tell", on which stands a William Tell statue. The lively square is a meeting place for many inhabitants, it is common to stroll, eat ice cream, play chess or go for a ride on one of the romantic pedal boats.

An iron gate with the Lugano coat of arms leads into the green lung of the city: the Parco Civico. An idyllic walk along the lakeshore, exotic subtropical plants, modern art and cheerful flowers with picturesque views proves how beautiful Lugano and its surroundings are. On approximately 63'000 square meters, the park offers peace seekers, as well as active enough space and variety. In the evening, especially on Thursdays, many young people and students from the nearby "Università della Svizzera italiana" meet for an aperitivo where the Cassarate River flows into Lake Lugano. After sunset, the city transforms into an impressive sceenery of light, which reflects sparkling in the lake. No matter the season, the Parco Civico is always worth a visit thanks to the exhibitions at Villa Ciani and the Natural History Museum.

Our tour ends at the Lido Lugano. It offers a fine sandy beach on the lake, a heated Olympic swimming pool with diving tower, beach volleyball, indoor football and many other leisure activities, such as open air cinema in the summer. Every year, the big public swimming, where the participants cross the lake from Caprino over a distance of 2500 meters ends here.

The real estate situation in Lugano

Real estate buyers can benefit from an excellent infrastructure in one of the most important financial centres in Switzerland - regardless of whether mobility, shopping, recreation, culture or education - all of this can be found  in the immediate vicinity. For the people who live here, this residential location is simply extraordinary: living in the heart of the city, in the neighborhood of the best sights and leisure facilities and mostly in close proximity to their workplace. 

In the past years, many old apartments have been extensively renovated, which has increased their value and attractiveness in regard of sale immensely. But also high-quality modern architecture can be found inbetween the magnificent palaces of Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau and the Renaissance. In general, prices in central locations are least affected by fluctuations of the market due to persistently high demand what makes them attractive for investors.

It is the mix of Mediterranean flair, cosmopolitan positive people, rich architectural diversity amidst a magical mountain scenery that makes Lugano such a special place to live in. 

Would you like to learn more about sales and rental opportunities in the centre? With Engel & Völkers Lugano you have found a partner for the successful marketing of your property and the sovereign advice when buying your dream property. Trust in many years of experience and our well-thought-out sales strategies as well as our reputation as an internationally renowned real estate broker. We look forward to welcoming you in Lugano!