Just one hour from Milan by train, Lugano is the perfect counterpoint to the pace of Design Week—an easy, elegant escape where inspiration shifts from exhibition halls to lake, landscape, and lifestyle.
Where We Stayed
We checked into Hotel Splendide Royal, a classic lakefront property that sets the tone immediately. Think timeless interiors, gracious service, and views across Lake Lugano that invite you to slow down.
It’s refined without feeling overdone—exactly the kind of setting that allows you to reset after a full week of movement.
What We Explored
Lugano is best experienced at a gentle pace. Start with a walk along the promenade, where the lake meets a curated mix of gardens, public art, and beautiful storefronts. From there, wander through the luxury boutiques in town—an effortless blend of Swiss precision and Italian style.
A visit to the Parco Ciani botanical gardens is a must. Lush, layered, and impeccably maintained, it’s a reminder of how powerful nature is when thoughtfully curated.
How We Got Around
The ferry system becomes part of your daily rhythm. Moving from stop to stop across Lake Lugano, each destination offers a new perspective on the region.
One highlight: taking the funicular up Monte San Giorgio for a simple but perfect moment—spritzes and pizza at the top, overlooking the water below.
Where We Ate
Dining in Lugano is grounded, seasonal, and deeply connected to place.
- Ristorante Al Faro offers a more refined, intimate dinner experience.
- Alpe Vicania feels like stepping into a countryside gathering—alfresco, relaxed, and beautifully unpretentious.
- Ariva balances elevated cuisine with a contemporary energy that feels right for the setting.
And yes—gelato twice a day is non-negotiable. It quickly becomes part of the routine.
Why Visit Lugano After Milan Design Week? A Designer’s Perspective
What makes Lugano so compelling is its balance. It’s polished but not precious, designed but not overdesigned. The materials, the light, the landscape—it all aligns with what we’re seeing in design right now: a move toward restraint, authenticity, and experiences that feel considered rather than curated.
If Milan is about discovery, Lugano is about is where ideas settle, refine, and quietly inspire what comes next.
