Top 18 things to do and attractions in Melide

One of my favourite place. The view was breathtaking from the top. We took the funicular and changed in another funicular to the peak. We got charged cfh50 for 1 adult and 3 kids for return and chf47 for one way with ticino tickets discount which i think is not right. We decided to walked all the way down. Not recommended with young children.

Must visit here. Trek will take at least 2 hours. Or use the funicular. Runs every 30 mins. I saw some children and parents climbing the trek. They did well.

Monte San Salvatore is an absolute must-do if you're in the Lugano area. I went up on a day when the weather wasn't ideal, so the visibility wasn't perfect, but the experience was still incredible. The funicular ride up is a treat in itself, offering some great views on the way. Once you get to the top, it's easy to see why this spot is so famous. The panoramic view is simply stunning. Even with bad visibility, you get a beautiful perspective of Lugano, the sparkling lake, and the surrounding mountains. The feeling of being up there, with that vast landscape stretched out before you, is truly special, it's incredibly peaceful and awe-inspiring. I could have spent hours just soaking it all in. There are also a couple of restaurants at the top, and a short walk to a church that's worth checking out. If you're looking for a relatively easy trip with a massive payoff in terms of scenery and a feeling of pure tranquility, this is the place. I highly recommend it.

We wanted to see the famous San Salvatore and we loved the amazing view. It is breathtaking. Especially that the weather was amazing. Yet, we found the funicular too expensive. Once you are up, we can take a picnic and seat there to enjoy the view or you can eat at the restaurant. If you like to hike, then I would recommend to walk all the way down (2h approx).

Worth visiting, funicular is going up every 30 minutes and it's 50% with the Swiss Travel Pass or some other discount tickets. You can also hike all the way up, it is approximately 2 hours of hiking. Lovely view of the lakes and the region, Lugano is also worth exploring especially during summer.

In order to get here you need to reach Paradiso Stazione and then take the funicular, the ticket for which is 32 CHF return (Ticino cards offer discounts). The funicular is every 30 minutes. The view to Monte San Salvatore is absolutely stunning and what I like the best is that the place is accessible for elderly people who have difficulties walking. Before getting here you may want to check any of the web cams available online to see if weather is suitable. When you get off at the upper station of the funicular the distance you need to walk to the main viewing platform is not more than 5-10 min. There is a cafe there. From there you can do a short trek (20 min. the most) and you can reach a church. Climb the stairs and you will have a magnificent view.

Amazing views. Fun hike down to Melide. (Proper hiking shoes necessary, poles can be useful.)

A wonderful place of culture. The building has enormous space inside, it is far bigger than the outside reveals. Good restaurant and nice little shop. The building also serves as a concert hall.

Great event venue, suitable for a whole range of different event types, from cultural and artistic to business gatherings.

lovely museum, very big space. almost wish there was more to look at.

Beautiful modern building right on the lake in downtown Lugano. Beautiful vistas from every window… not to mention the great exhibits. Spent a lovely morning there and then you can have coffee in the courtyard cafe!

This art center never disappoints. The natural lighting and high-ceiling spaciousnesses encourages an inner calm and bolsters the ability to reflect. It is the opposite of most places in an urban environment, so you are invited to slow down. The events and artists are absolutely top quality and the acoustics for musical performances is good. I will get a season pass for 2023 for sure. It’s just such a good place to spend time.

The exposition on Ernst Scheidegger resonated deeply with me and I greatly enjoyed it. (Streams of Spleen on the other hand, not so much). The staff was lovely, there is storage for coats and other personal items, and entry is free with the Swiss Pass.

Great Place with mixing of Nature, History and Fashion. Unique views. Surely prices for everything is high as a touristic place but it worth it! If you are here, you can easily visit Como city in Italy as well. 30 mins to drive.

Great park on top of the mountain. Very nice temperature difference than down on the lake, for a great escape from the heat. There are some play structures, a zip line, swings for the kids, some walking paths, sculptures, botanical gardens for the adults. Very enjoyable and educational as well. There are also locations for picnics and grilling, but camping and lighting fires is prohibited. There are a number of public water fountains as well with clean and fresh tasting water. The scenic overlook offers a great view. The panoramic trail however is long and arrives at the top where there is only a weather station and no view. The walk in the wood though is very pleasant and non technical, although there are some slight grades.

The most amazing view we could have gotten in Lugano region. Can see a huge portion of the lake and coast. The garden is also absolutely stunning. Clean and well kept with prestine public WC.

Beautiful place with stunning views, easy to walk. There is also a restaurant, and swing for children, garden is perfect.

Wounderfull mountain view, relaxed atmosphäre and free

Beautiful park! Absolutely stunning views over the lake, some art there too, botanical gardens, playground for kids, barbecue place as well, and a viewpoint with the swing! WOW, it really got it all! Recommended!

Nice place to visit if you wanna see the beautiful view of Lake Lugano. It was not so easy going up as the path we took was the narrow one, you need to watch your step as there are some roots of the trees and rocks..but if you are to up to some little challenge then definitely worth it. There are some benches you can take a rest and enjoy the view.

The botanical garden of San Grato offers unique natural characteristics, but also an exceptional panoramic view on the immediate surroundings and on the peaks of the alpine chain. Visiting the park you’ve got the sensation of entering an enchanted world, where colors and odors of azaleas, camellia and rhododendrons make you feel unforgettable emotions. The park lies behind the majestic Monte San Salvatore on 690 meters on the charming peninsula just 10km from Lugano. It belongs to the municipality of Carona that towers above the Lake. The park is situated in an exceptional position from a scenery point of view. The park with a size of 62000 square meters has the greatest collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and conifers in Insubria, in terms of variety and quantity. The park is also a great place to stop during the hike from Monte San Salvatore, through Carona with its picturesque hamlet to Morcote, and for mountain bikers needing a break after some single trails on the peninsula. In the center of the park there is a restaurant that offers delicious meals, accompanied by an authentic smile and a great view. Carona can also be reached by public transport from Lugano in just 20 minutes. (Ticino.ch)

Peaceful place....no English no euro

If you enjoy his story or his writing, you will enjoy this experience.

Small but very interesting. They also have live events, like reading, ...

Beautiful museum! Recommended for everyone who likes Hesses literature.

Well while it's amazing to visit the place where some of the best literature ever written was born, unfortunately it's not very tourist friendly. The entire museum is mostly mementos and texts but no English language anywhere. What a shame considering the importance of Hesse to the entire world.

It’s not spectacular, but it’s a treasure if you like Herman Hesse and his writings. The museum is well situated, but it could benefit from a more modern approach. One has the feeling that there isn’t a coherent story told with the exhibition, that there are too many things crammed into a relatively small space, certainly all aspects of Hesse’s life, but the take home message is missing. On the other hand, this doesn’t matter if you like to discover small details and find out new things about the author.

This review is only for the “Footsteps of Hermann Hesse walk” which is about 1 hours around the museum. If you prefer not to walk along main streets with car traffic then I don’t recommend this walk. I went on this walk with my baby and my dog but ended up turning around when I realised a significant portion of the walk is on narrow sidewalks on trafficked streets. I was expecting a more pedestrian dedicated path but this isn’t what I found. I’m sure the museum is lovely and I would like to visit once it’s open again (closed now for the season) I hope I don’t affect or confuse the grade of the walk with the experience at the museum but couldn’t find where to review the path on Google.

I visited Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli mainly for the famous fresco and it truly lived up to the hype. The artwork by Bernardino Luini took my breath away. From the outside it looks simple, but inside, it’s unforgettable.

Location is Awesome but not well maintained compared to other Churches in Lugano... But the view from the roof is the main attraction...Top view of Lugano is just awesome.... Every one should visit if you are visiting Lugano..

Beautiful church. You'll be surprised when you hear the story about the paintings inside

If you enjoy art, do not miss the most significant Renaissance fresco in Switzerland within the Santa Maria degli Angioli church (cornerstone laid in 1499). Painted by a local artist Bernardino Luini (b1480) in 1529, just three years before he died. The church contains a description (in Italian) outlining the meaning of the different figures in this wall size fresco. This church was founded by Reformed Followers of St. Francis beginning with Brother Silvesti in 1439 during a tumultuous time for the region. Problems included the ongoing fight between the Guelphs & Ghibellines (Pope Supporters vs Roman Emperor supporters), the territorial disputes between aristocrats and the onset of the plaque. The church is not encrusted with gold but rather embodies a calmness one usually associates with the divine. For that and providing written historical context to educate the visitor, I gave it 5 starts

Absolutely stunning views and the most quaint little church. Would recommend the visit and a visit inside the church. We were very privileged to see how Italian people live in this stunning place.

Home to the most famous Renaissance fresco in Switzerland painted by Bernardino Luini; who studied under Leonardo da Vinci. The church itself was built in 1499-1500.

Hints : There are concerts there on the weekends Influenced by Leonardo davinci Themplar signs on the walls Don’t miss it !

Parco Ciani is a delight to visit anytime of the year but particularly during the blossoming summer and spring months with all the colorful flowers and clear refreshing lugano lake that looks like a scene out of a fairy tale dream. The place is family friendly, yet very romantic and has all the amenities visitors might need from free public toilets which are clean and usable, to gelato and coffee sellers during good weather ... its a place to relax and unwind at the very heart of the beautiful city of lugano overlooking its majestic lake.

So beautiful and colourful! You can spencer the whole day there! Mountains, łąkę, flowers, palm trees in the park. Places where you can sit and just admire what is around you! At the beginning of July the water in the łąkę was very warm🙂

I really enjoyed visiting the park, it was a wonderful experience. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming, making it the perfect place to relax. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful spot to spend some time.

Lovely park, magnificent scenery right on the beautiful lake with plenty of flowers. Don’t miss while in Lugano.

Absolutely beautiful park with views towards Lugano lake. You can rest on a bench and admire the nature. The park is well maintained with flowers and green grass. Ducks are wandering. No entrance fee. Close to the park entrance is a gate where lots of people stop and take pictures. Beware of homeless people - we had interaction with one asking for money but he was not dangerous.

Nice park with a beautiful view. We visited during a city festival, so there were a lot of little events happening at the same time across the whole park and the rest of the city. Really cool experience overall.

If you're planning a trip to Lugano, this is the perfect place. Spectacular views, beautiful flowers, and well-maintained parks. If the weather is warm, you can swim and have a wonderful time.

The funicular ride was easy. There are two places to eat there. Both offer different dining experiences. We were there at lunchtime. Views were great and this is a worthwhile experience.

Monte Bre is a must visit for anyone in the wonderful city of Lugano. The views and the atmosphere at the top is so relaxing, the energy feels like an intense state of meditation with plenty of green spaces, very crisp air and moderate temperature. Compared to Mt San Salvatore, it's located at the north part of the city, has way more green areas so one can spend long time just chilling at the top laying on lush green grass or sitting by the many benches scattered around the top, it just felt way more relaxing and inviting. Just like Mt San Salvatore, the funicular is 25 min walk from the city center, and the ride to the top takes 10 min done on two stages (so expect a change of funicular in the middle and please do remember to book a return ticket because ticket office is not open all the time at the top, but one can always approach the funicular driver to purchase return ticket in case need be). Both monte bre and Mt San salvatore have a nice Resturant at the top to enjoy a light meal or drinks while taking in the remarkable views of lake lugano and adjacent mountain tops.

The most beautiful panoramic view. Require a 3hr to finish hiking the whole mountain.

PRETTY EXPERIENCE WITH THE CABLE CAR. The view is amazing you gotta see

Enjoyable hike with beautiful views. If you’re short on time, I’d recommend Monte San Salvatore.

Monte Brè is a must-visit destination, a charming peak overlooking Lugano from above. The funicular ride is smooth, and once at the top, the panoramic views are simply breathtaking. Perfect for those who enjoy peace, relaxation, and stunning natural scenery.

Climbing to the top on foot is an incredible feeling, and there’s an amazing view up there. You might have experience it and once you reach the very top, you should have a cold beer

This is worth a visit. The kids liked it. It's not big, but it's great for 1-3 hours. It has a food station and nice cool-down water mist everywhere, as it can get hot without the shade. I expected a bit more due to the rating, but I'd still recommend it if you haven't been. There is also a small train that kids loved and an arcade where you can play all kinds of games. Also bring your swimsuits for after, Melide is beautiful and has a Lifo next to it, ot even walking 10 more minutes, an almost private strand we enjoyed and swam afterwards.

Swissminiatur is a must-visit—especially for families and travelers like me who are interested in learning more about Swiss history and culture. The place is very well-curated and organized, with plenty of infographics available in English. There’s so much to see that we actually lost track of which areas we’d already visited, but it’s easy to find your way around with the map. They truly did an amazing job creating this miniature version of Switzerland! It inspired us to visit and discover more of the country’s cantons in the future. Just to add, there’s also a café, restaurant, and ice cream shop inside. The staff are very kind and accommodating too, which made the visit even better. We went on a weekday, and since it was a rainy day, there weren’t many people around. It actually made the visit even more relaxing. We got to explore at our own pace and take photos without the crowd.

Great fun. We spent almost 90 minutes walking round here to see everything it has to offer. Lots of models of places of interest in Switzerland, with trains running throughout the whole display. Make sure you hang around the bobsleigh model for a few minutes to see it in action.

Great park to visit with your children, with the condition to not be in a rainy day as everything is outside. They have a snack and a small shop inside. Very close to the train station. You can get a discount with the Ticino ticket provided by your hotel, plus with this Ticino ticket you get free train trips so no need to take the car.

Not to miss if you go to Ticino! Been there as a kid and now with my kids. Amazing replicas of Swiss landmarks, a great way for discovering next trip ideas and spend an afternoon wondering in a beautiful place learning about Switzerland and appreciating the work of passionate craftsmenship.

This place is verry impressive. Working model trains and working cable cars. amazing details on the models so many famous Swiss landmarks.

What a beautiful spot Who ever thought about this place he is a legend Very organized opened museum The staff was very friendly and kind Highly recommended

This is such a gem. It’s completely free and it’s absolutely stunning. I’ve got some beautiful pictures here. You should take an hour or two to fully take it in and enjoy it. It was bigger than expected, so that was a nice surprise. If you’re visiting Lugano or you’re near by, it’s worth checking it out.

This is easily one of the best parks I have ever visited. I absolutely loved the unique country and era themes of the various sections of the park. It felt like walking through different historical periods, which made the exploration truly captivating. Despite the exhaustion after returning from the Chiesa Di Santa Maria, the journey through the park was so worthwhile and beautiful. This place is an absolute must-see and I would recommend it to anyone!

A True Gem! Parco Scherrer is an absolute must-see, and the fact that admission is free makes it an even greater find. It's a truly delightful park, located on a slight hill, which offers pleasant walks and beautiful views. The park is very well-maintained and thoughtfully designed, featuring a variety of distinct areas. You'll discover stunningly reconstructed environments, like the beautiful Asian section, that are meticulously cared for. It’s the perfect size—not too large, so you can explore everything without feeling rushed. Every corner of the park is well-arranged and feels like a new discovery. This place truly is a magnificent gem. I highly recommend a visit!

What a beautiful park and so many interesting, different buildings. I will for sure come back and attend a guided tour.

Delightful park on the steep hillside above Morcote. A fascinating story of Scherrer and the design elements of this park. It is so peaceful yet interesting, and as you climb higher the views get better. An unexpected bonus was that there is no entry fee.

Absolutely amazing and outstanding. The garden is amazing. The view is beautiful. It is free entrance. The village is also very cute. It is a must to visit.

I can’t believe it doesn’t cost a thing to visit such a beauty. It is absolutely stunning!

Loved it. No frills about it. Wonderful customer service.

I visited the Museum of Cultures in Lugano on June 2nd and was captivated by the “African Design: The Metals of Power” exhibition. The intricate metalwork pieces showcased the profound cultural significance and craftsmanship of various African communities. The museum’s serene setting in Villa Malpensata added to the enriching experience.

Nice little museum with an excellent exhibit on Japanese art when we were there. Very friendly staff. It's a great stop on the way to or from San Salvatore.

strange ART, very intersting

Amazing location! Beside the little permanent exhibition, some parallel exhibitions are dedicated to foreign artists

the museum was a well managed and interesting exhibition.

Beautiful museum with really well curated collections

I visited this fair to help one of my friends that was presenting there. More just for commercial luxury design and not innovative contemporary ones.

Well organized as a COVID-19 Vaccination Center. Waiting for the better time when it will be used again for nice events and exhibitions.

Top Organization! Big Events in town 😉

Currently an efficient Covid-19 testing center, but normally an exhibition centre

This place is huge! Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Interesting expo, got some ideas for the house

Well organized vaccination

The poorest run train station in Switzerland. At 9am on a working day there is just one person at the counter with lots of people waiting. Avoid travelling through Lugano if possible.

Pleasent place especially with good weather, some good food places around the lake with a nice view. In general really cool but also a more expensive place.

Lugano Train Station isn’t very big compared to major stations like Zürich’s, but it has its own special charm. The highlight is definitely the stunning view over Lake Lugano , it’s truly breathtaking and makes arriving or departing feel extra special. Inside, the station is clean, organized, and well-equipped. You’ll find small shops, kiosks, and places to grab food, drinks, chocolates, or gifts, everything you might need for your journey. Despite its modest size, it feels welcoming and convenient. If you’re traveling through Ticino, Lugano Station is one of those places where you’ll want to pause for a moment just to enjoy the view.

The refurbished station looks very nice and modern since renovations were completed last year. Plenty of F&B choices, with at least three options to get your morning paper: the ground floor entrance, near the funicular station and the kiosk on the train platform.

Definitely a place to be. Serene and beautiful panoramic views from every corner around the lake. Best place for Bicycling.

The best place to live! You feel on holiday 365 days a year. The city is small, but offers what you need. It has breathtaking panorama and it’s close to Milan and Zurich. It is not too crowded, but still a pulsing and alive city!

Nice station with a few shops and self-service machines for coffee and snacks. Direct access to the funicular with lockers for your bags. Just outside the station you can already enjoy a beautiful view of the city.

(Translated by Google) A road with short stretches of stones and very deteriorated asphalt. But even with the “Corsa” the tremendous climb is worth it (May 2024) (Original) Una strada con brevi tratti a sassi e asfalto spezzo molto deteriorato. Ma anche con la “Corsa” vale la tremenda salita (Maggio 2024)

(Translated by Google) Nice route. The top is small, rocky but allows you to refresh yourself comfortably. It is recommended to continue up to Monte Pravello through the trenches and tunnels. (Original) Bel percorso. La cima è piccolina, rocciosa ma permette di ristorarsi un comodità. Consigliato proseguire fino al Monte Pravello attraverso le trincee e i cunicoli.

(Translated by Google) Suggestive location but with too many antennas (Original) Località suggestiva ma con troppe antenne

(Translated by Google) This view is unbelievable and makes the constant climb worth it. (Original) Unfassbar diese Aussicht, macht den steten Aufstieg wieder weg.

(Translated by Google) Superb destination for trekking and MTB lovers, many paths to discover and breathtaking landscapes, the trench of the Cadorna line and the tunnels that cross the mountain are absolutely worth a visit! (Original) Stupenda meta per gli amanti del trekking e della Mtb,tanti sentieri da scoprire e paesaggi mozzafiato,da visitare assolutamente la trincea della linea Cadorna e le gallerie che attraversano il monte!

(Translated by Google) Extremely panoramic place overlooking the whole of Lake Lugano, many testimonies of the Cadorna line with mortar positions, tunnels and trenches. Possibility of combining a visit to the nearby Mount Pravello, rich in many testimonies and wonderful views. (Original) Luogo estremamente panoramico su tutto il lago di Lugano, tantissime testimonianze della linea Cadorna con postazioni di mortai, gallerie e trincee. Possibilità di abbinare la visita al vicinissimo monte Pravello ricco di altrettante testimonianze e meravigliosi scorci.

(Translated by Google) Fairly challenging route (Original) Percorso abbastanza impegnativo

Incredible place

(Translated by Google) The largest private park in Switzerland Former park of Baron Von Tissen Next to the new homes, arches of light were built. (Original) Il Parco privato più grande della Svizzera Ex parco del barone Von Tissen Accanto alle nuove dimore archi di luce costruite.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful location, absolute premier location in a huge park on the lake. Formerly exclusive art gallery of Heinrich von Thyssen. Today the headquarters of an Italian entrepreneur from the food industry. (Original) Wunderschöne Lage, absolute Premierlage eines riesigen Parks am See. Früher exklusive Kunstgalerie von Heinrich von Thyssen. Heute Sitz eines Italienischen Unternehmers aus der Lebensmittelbranche.

(Translated by Google) Simply a beautiful little place on Lake Lugano. Very good to take a short break, enjoy the view over the lake and unwind (Original) Einfach ein kleines schönes Plätzchen am Luganer See. Sehr gut um eine kurze Rast zu machen, den Blick über den See geniessen und die Seele baumeln lassen

(Translated by Google) In a beautiful, well-kept park, on the lake shore, a pleasant walk (Original) In un parco bello, molto curato, in riva al lago, una passeggiata gradevole

(Translated by Google) 😍I loved it, it’s a very simple little cellar and very warm, passionate staff. The wine is very good, nothing to complain about, just excellent!!! (Original) 😍J’ai adorée, c’est une petite cave très simple et personnel très chaleureux, passionné. Le vin est très bon rien à redire juste excellent!!!

(Translated by Google) Good wine, nice, serious, harmonious, genuine. THE TOP (Original) Buon vino, simpatici, seri, armoniosi genuini. IL TOP

(Translated by Google) Natural processing methods and a lot of passion make the wines of this cellar an excellence. (Original) Metodi di lavorazione naturali e tanta passione rendono i vini di questa cantina un'eccellenza.