Lugano and Milan on a Shoestring Budget

  1. Day 1: Milan Cathedral
    Directly in the city center

    The Milan Cathedral is a famous landmark and a great introduction to the city. The rooftop view is worth the climb.

  2. Day 2: Sforza Castle
    23 minutes (1.5 miles) from Milan Cathedral

    Tour the centuries-old fortress turned museum and marvel at the artistic masterpieces. Free admission.

  3. Day 3: Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
    16 minutes (1.1 miles) from Sforza Castle

    A history-rich library housing musical scores, manuscripts, famous paintings like the famous Portrait of a Musician by Leonardo da Vinci. Reduced admission available with Milan Museum Card.

  4. Day 4: San Lorenzo Church
    30 minutes (1.9 miles) from Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

    San Lorenzo Church is one of the oldest churches in Milan, built in the 4th century. It is an oasis of calm with stunning architecture that will impress.

  5. Day 5: Santa Maria degli Angeli
    1 hour and 15 minutes (42.2 miles) from San Lorenzo Church

    In Lugano, visit the beautiful church home to the largest panorama of Lugano painted by artist Baldassarre Longhena. It's tucked away from the town center and worth taking an enjoyable stroll to get there.

  6. Day 6: Monte San Salvatore
    30 minutes (1.8 miles) from Santa Maria degli Angeli

    The mountain offers fantastic views of the city and lake. You can ride the funicular up to the peak or hike up the trails. It's worth the effort for the breathtaking panorama.

  7. Day 7: Lake Lugano Boat Tour
    20 minutes (5.5 miles) from Monte San Salvatore

    Take a two-and-a-half-hour boat tour where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains. It's the perfect way to end the trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Milan Cathedral (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sforza Castle (2-3 hours, free)
  • Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (2-3 hours, €15 with Milan Museum Card)
  • San Lorenzo Church (1-2 hours, free)
  • Santa Maria degli Angeli (1-2 hours, free)
  • Monte San Salvatore (2-3 hours, CHF 30 for round trip by funicular)
  • Lake Lugano Boat Tour (2.5 hours, CHF 100 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €15-€30 + CHF 130-210 per person

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the famous Last Supper painting, visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and exploring the Navigli district in Milan. Also, in Lugano, there are many other stunning mountains to hike like Monte Bre and Monte Brè. If you have less time, consider skipping a museum or church or taking a shorter boat ride on Lake Lugano.

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