Lugano, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#977
46.00501, 8.952028
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lugano is a picturesque city located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, known for its stunning lakesides and mountain views. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 63,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average download speed is 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CHF ≈ 1.06 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, reputed for its high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/S sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Credit Suisse and UBS cater well to expatriates. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels to short-term rentals on Airbnb and local agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted across retailers and eateries. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo provide numerous short-stay options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Lugano offers affordable rates starting at CHF 40 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces Lugano is a popular coworking option with modern amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Caffe D'Arte offers a cozy environment with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized by the Lugano Entrepreneurs network. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats Lugano Facebook group hosts monthly gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Lugano, alongside local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Lugano offers bike rentals through Bike Sharing services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lido di Lugano, approximately a 15-minute walk from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Swiss International Air Lines offers regional flights from Lugano Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lugano Airport connects to major European airlines like Lufthansa. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to A2 and A13 highways for smooth regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lugano Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for buses and trains are available for CHF 75. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains connect Lugano with major cities like Zurich and Milan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ospedale Italiano is the primary healthcare facility in Lugano. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Wellness Lugano offers various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Studio in Lugano provides a range of fitness classes and equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia Lido offers laundry services near the lake. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats is widely used for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Risotto with Saffron, a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Caffè Mondo offers a wide variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pasticceria Doretto is known for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercato di Lugano, a weekly market with fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local marketplaces like Coop.ch offer grocery orders online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Migros provides home delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife district around Piazza della Riforma features numerous bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Negroni offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Ristorante Vigna offers an extensive selection of local Swiss wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food trucks can be found near the lakeside promenade. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many Italian restaurants, such as Grotto Morchino, offer diverse menus. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Monte Brè offers stunning views and hiking trails. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo d'Arte Moderna hosts contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola showcases historic architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli, famous for its stunning frescoes. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Lugano Festival showcases local and international artists every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town features charming medieval streets and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro della Città hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Open-air markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Piazzale della Riforma. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Jazz festivals are held annually in August. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout the city, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Lugano Cooks offers hands-on culinary classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleria d'Arte Moderna showcases modern works in the heart of the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palazzo Civico, the City Hall, is renowned for its architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Lugano is known for its rich Italian cultural influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parco Ciani offers tranquil walks along the lake. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Northern Ticino’s Val Grande National Park is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Lugano offers numerous scenic paths along the lake. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Ponte della Resega for panoramic views of the landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands at Lake Lugano attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the nearby hills. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Swiss Post provide reliable parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Repair Lugano offers a variety of services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Lugano Language School offers diverse courses in Italian and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca di Lugano offers quiet reading spaces and study rooms. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Giovanile organizes events for youth engagement. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Over offers a space for gamers to connect. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Lugano offers not just gambling but also entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 220,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 300,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 252,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 4,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 384,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 304,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approx. 24.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approx. 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 7.7% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax; however, wealth tax applies. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% to 5% depending on the municipality. |