Its role as capital of Italian-speaking Switzerland almost guarantees that Lugano's selection of merchandise will include a cosmopolitan blend of Teutonic and Mediterranean merchandise. Most of it can be viewed along either side of the resort's main shopping street, via Nassa.

You'll find five floors of department-store shopping at everybody's favorite large store, Manor, Piazza Dante (tel. 091/912-76-99; www.manor.ch). A roughly equivalent department store, with some gift items and more of an emphasis on foodstuffs, groceries, hardware, and housewares, is Migros, via Pretorio 15 (tel. 091/913-72-13). If you're looking for chocolates and pastries, head for a bakery that many locals remember from their childhood, Münger, via Luvini 4 (tel. 091/985-69-43; www.munger.ch).

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.