Has anyone been to Lugano Switzerland? Our daughter is studying abroad next semester and will spend 9 weeks in Lugano and of course as good parents....we must stop in and visit with her to make sure she's behaving <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> We will have a week or so to tour the area, any helpful advice is appreciated!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

We spent several days in Lugano and absolutely loved it. There was so much to see and do there. Our hotel was outstanding - Hotel Dante Lugano. It is located right at the bottom of the funicular. Their breakfast was great and I still crave their hot chocolate. It was so thick and yummy, the spoon practically stood up by itself in the mug. You can walk to the main part of town and visit a fantastic department store where you will find many amazing products. You can take a local bus and go to a huge funicular and ride way, way up high to an old church and such a scenic view from up so high; you could see many alps. There are many lively outdoor eateries in the evenings which provided great entertainment. Many people go to the beach area of Lake Lugano for swimming. There was a fun cruise up the lake which we enjoyed. We absolutely loved our stay there and would love to return some day. Our flight to and from Lugano was from Milan, Italy - about 60 miles away if I remember correctly. We took trains from the airport to Lugano. I wish I knew how to attach photos here but I guess you can look it all up online and see the same things.

Thank you for the response! The hotel looks like the perfect location for us, we'll inquire. At this point we are not looking to rent a car, the public transportation looks too convenient. The lake cruise is high on our list. We would like to venture out and sightsee some, did you take the train to nearby towns/cities? if so any recommendations that are easy day trips? Thank you <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

I can't say enough how great that hotel was. We did not rent a car. There was no need to do so. Local transportation was excellent to get wherever we wanted to go. We did not do any day trips because we had traveled through other towns on our way to Lugano. We really didn't want to leave there and lose the time - there was so much to see and do. You must take the series of funiculars up to the top of the mission. It is a ride you won't forget. The view is awesome - such beauty from up so high.