Boutique Shopping In Lugano

Lugano is the financial centre of the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, and its shops reflect that, with a concentration of fashion, jewellery and watches in the old town that attracts visitors from Milan and beyond. The shopping streets are compact and mainly pedestrian, so they can be covered on foot in a morning, and they are set among arcades that keep walkers dry in rain and shaded in summer. Combined with cafés and the lake a few steps away, the experience is closer to an Italian passeggiata than to the busy shopping of a larger city.

The main street is Via Nassa, a long, narrow street running from Piazza della Riforma toward the lake, lined on both sides by arcades with shops under the old houses. It is the oldest and best-known shopping street in Lugano, and its stores include international fashion houses, jewellers and watchmakers, as well as perfume, leather goods and a handful of local firms. The architecture is as much a part of the experience as the merchandise: the porticoes have stone columns and vaulted ceilings, and there are glimpses of courtyards and staircases through open doors. Window displays are carefully done, and browsing is pleasant even if you do not buy anything.

For a different atmosphere, the area around Via Cattedrale and Piazza Dante, on the slope toward the railway station, has smaller, more individual shops. Here you find independent boutiques, antique and curiosity dealers, galleries, bookshops and gift stores selling craftwork from Ticino, such as ceramics, textiles and jewellery, along with food specialities like cured meats, cheeses, chocolate and wine. Prices are generally lower than on Via Nassa, and the shopkeepers often have time to talk. The slope can be steep, which is worth bearing in mind if you have heavy bags, and the funicular from Piazza Cioccaro to the station provides a lift back to the top.

Food shopping is also part of the visit. A market is held in the central squares on certain mornings of the week, where farmers and florists sell produce, cheese, bread and flowers, and permanent delicatessens offer Ticinese and Italian products. Bakeries and chocolatiers sell sweet treats, and the local Merlot wine is a popular gift. Lugano is also a good place to buy Swiss watches and jewellery, though prices are high and it is wise to compare and ask about guarantees and tax refunds for non-EU visitors.

For bargain hunters, a large outlet centre in nearby Mendrisio, a short train or car ride from Lugano, offers discounted fashion, sportswear and household goods from many brands, and it is a favourite of visitors from northern Italy. A visit there takes several hours.

Shops in Lugano generally open on weekday mornings and stay open until the early evening, with some closing for a lunch break, and many are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly. Opening hours change, so check individual shops. The area suits shoppers, window-gazers and couples, and it combines well with the old town and the lakefront. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles, and bring a bag for purchases. Early weekday mornings are the quietest and the best time for browsing.