April 2016

Lugano is a Swiss border town conveniently accessible by train from Milan. We have bought tickets in advanced from Trenitalia and were lucky to get at €18 return. The journey would take just slightly over an hour and the EuroCity train terminates at Zurich.  Like most European trains, its clean, comfortable and departs on time. From Milan, choose your seat on the left on enjoy the view of the lake approaching Lugano town. There was an announcement that passport may be required to be inspected on-board, but that was just left as an announcement.

Lugano train station is situated on a steep hill and descending by foot to the town below is easy. But getting back up is totally a different story. You could run out of breath and may require a couple of stops for short rest. The funicular is under upgrading works and expected to complete by November 2016 but there is a shuttle bus called ‘Funibus’ that will bring you to about mid way of Lugano town at a cost of 1.10 CHF. You can catch this shuttle bus outside the train station and it runs about every 10 minutes.

Lugano is a small town with a couple of banks if you care to open a Swiss account. Many branded shops around and as many shops selling watches which Switzerland is famous for. Not cheap though as the high-end pieces can cost as much as a compact car.

The town fringes Lake Lugano and looking beyond the lake, it gives the feeling of tranquility. The town is very clean and slow-paced and you feel relaxed walking around.