Visitor Information -- The Lugano Tourist Office is at Riva Albertolli 5 (tel. 058/866-66-00; www.lugano-tourism.ch). From April to October, hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 5:30pm, and Sunday 10am to 5pm. November to March, it's open Monday to Friday 9am to noon and 2 to 5:30pm, and Saturday 10am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 5pm.

City Layout -- The center of town is piazza Riforma, dominated by a neoclassical city hall constructed in 1844. From here, you can explore the ancient streets of the Old Town on foot.

Lugano is built along several lakeside quays, of which Riva Albertolli, Riva Vincenzo Vela, and Riva Antonio Caccia are the most important. They are ideal for long, leisurely walks. They run from piazza Cassarate to piazza Paradiso.

Other major squares of Lugano, also by the lake, are Piazza Riziero Rezzonico and Piazza Alessandro Manzioni, the latter with gardens.

The biggest park of Lugano, also opening onto the lake, is the Parco Civico, site of the casino, the Palazzo dei Congressi, and the town's large swimming pool.

Directly east of the center is Castagnola, a suburb and site of the Villa Favorita, with its celebrated collection of art.

Towering over Lugano are two hills, Monte San Salvatore, at 898m (2,945 ft.), and Monte Brè, at 918m (3,011 ft.). They're ideal for full- or half-day excursions.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.