20 Best Things to Do in Locarno, Switzerland (Don’t Miss These!)

Why Locarno Is One of the Most Beautiful Places in Southern Switzerland

When we first arrived in Locarno, it didn’t quite feel like the Switzerland we expected. Sitting by Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore) with a cappuccino and watching boats drift across the water, the atmosphere felt noticeably different from the alpine towns further north.

Palm trees line the lakeside promenade, colorful buildings surround lively piazzas, and in the evening, people gather for aperitivo on sunny terraces. It’s a mix of Swiss scenery and Italian lifestyle that makes Locarno one of the most unique places in the country.

After living in Switzerland for a few years, we’ve explored quite a bit of Ticino, the Italian-speaking region part of the country near the Italian border. Locarno quickly became one of our favorite places to spend a couple of relaxed days, not just because the town itself is beautiful, but because it’s such a great base for exploring the surrounding nature.

Within 30 minutes, you can be standing at the panoramic viewpoint of Cardada, swimming in the turquoise river in Valle Verzasca, or wandering through the charming streets of nearby Ascona.

In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Locarno, including our favorite viewpoints, scenic nature spots, and easy day trips around Lake Maggiore – plus a few practical tips that will help you plan your visit.

Our Top Hotel Picks in Locarno

• Boutique Stay: Hotel La Palma au Lac
• Mid-Range Option: H4 Hotel Arcadia Locarno
• Budget-Friendly Option: EasyRooms dell’Angelo

Locarno Travel Guide at a Glance

Before diving into the best things to do in Locarno, it helps to know a few basics about the town and what kind of trip it’s best suited for.

Locarno sits in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, right on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, the largest lake in southern Switzerland. The town is known for its sunny climate, palm-lined promenade, and relaxed atmosphere, which is quite different from many destinations in the Swiss Alps.

When we visited, one thing that stood out was how easy Locarno is to explore. The old town, lake promenade, and major tourist attractions are all within walking distance, so you can see a lot without constantly hopping on trains or buses.

At the same time, some of Ticino’s most beautiful landscapes are just a short ride away. Within about 30 minutes, you can reach mountain views, scenic valleys, or charming lakeside villages.

Because of that, Locarno works especially well for:

• a relaxed weekend getaway in Switzerland
• nature-focused trips with swimming, hiking, and viewpoints
• slow travel around Lake Maggiore
• a base for exploring Ticino, including Valle Verzasca and Valle Maggia

That makes it a great destination for a 2–3 day trip or as a base for exploring southern Switzerland, which is why we include two nights in Locarno in our 14-day Switzerland itinerary.

If you’re using Locarno as a base, our Ticino travel guide will help you decide what else to see in the region and how to divide your time between Locarno, Ascona, Lugano, and the surrounding valleys.

Best Things to Do in Locarno, Switzerland

Even though Locarno is a relatively small city, there’s quite a lot to do here, especially if you combine exploring the town itself with a few trips into the surrounding valleys and mountains.

When we first visited Locarno, we assumed it would mainly be a relaxed lakeside town where you spend an afternoon strolling and drinking espresso. While that part definitely exists (and we enjoyed it a lot), we quickly realized that the real magic of Locarno is how much variety there is within a short distance.

Below are the best things to do in Locarno, starting with the places we think every first-time visitor should experience.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of the Locarno attractions and things to do in Locarno before we dive into the details.

Things to Do in Locarno include:

• Explore Piazza Grande
• Visit Madonna del Sasso
• Take the Cable Car to Cardada and Cimetta
• Walk Along the Lago Maggiore Promenade
• Relax at Lido Locarno
• Visit Falconeria Locarno
• Take a Day Trip to Verzasca Valley (Valle Verzasca)
• Explore Maggia Valley (Valle Maggia)
• Visit the Lakeside Village of Ascona
• Ride the Centovalli Railway
• Visit Castello Visconteo
• Stroll through Parco delle Camelie
• Take a Boat Trip on Lago Maggiore
• Visit the Brissago Islands
• Hike Monte Verità
• Take the Locarno Sightseeing Train
• Try Local Food at a Ticino Grotto
• Experience the Locarno Film Festival
• Wander Through Locarno’s Old Town
• Visit the Castles of Bellinzona

1. Explore Piazza Grande

If there’s one place that captures the atmosphere of Locarno, it’s Piazza Grande.

The central square is surrounded by pastel-colored buildings, cafés, and small shops. During the day, it’s a lively place where people pass through the square on their way to shops and cafés.

We ended up walking through the main square several times during our stay. Sometimes in the morning, on the way to grab coffee, sometimes in the evening, when the terraces filled up and the atmosphere felt almost Mediterranean.

If you happen to be in Locarno on Thursday, it’s worth stopping by the weekly market on Piazza Grande. The main square fills with stalls selling local cheese, fresh produce, flowers, clothing, and regional specialties from Ticino.

The square is also famous for hosting the Locarno Film Festival, one of the most important film festivals in Europe. Every August, the entire piazza transforms into a huge open-air cinema with thousands of seats.

Even if you’re only visiting Locarno for a short time, this is the place where you’ll likely start, and probably return to a few times.

2. Visit Madonna del Sasso

If you look up from Locarno’s old town, you’ll probably notice a church sitting high above the rooftops on the hillside. That’s Madonna del Sasso, one of the most famous viewpoints around Locarno.

There are two ways to get there. The easiest option is the small funicular that runs from Locarno train station to Orselina, which only takes a few minutes. From the top station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the sanctuary.

If you enjoy walking, a historic path called the Via Crucis leads from the old town up to the sanctuary. The route takes around 30 minutes and leads through stairways and small paths.

Along the way, you pass a series of small chapels that represent the Stations of the Cross, which makes the route feel a bit like a short pilgrimage path.

We decided to walk up, and it turned out to be one of our favorite little experiences in Locarno. The path keeps climbing gradually, and by the time you reach the sanctuary, it genuinely feels like a small reward. It’s a bit of a climb, but it’s quite a nice way to reach the viewpoint.

When we arrived, we actually spent most of our time on the terrace outside the church. From here, you can look down over Locarno, see the rooftops of the old town, and follow Lake Maggiore as it stretches south toward Italy.

3. Take the Cable Car to Cardada and Cimetta

If you want to see Locarno and Lake Maggiore from above, taking the cable car up to Cardada and Cimetta is one of the best experiences in the area.

From the town, you first take the funicular at the Locarno funicular station to Orselina – the same one used for Madonna del Sasso. Just next to the station, a cable car continues the journey up to Cardada, which sits at about 1,340 meters above sea level.

The ride itself is already worth it. As the gondola climbs the mountain, the view quickly changes from rooftops and palm trees to forests and wide mountain scenery.

When we stepped out at Cardada, the panorama really opened up. On one side, you can look down over Locarno and Lake Maggiore, and on the other side, the mountains of Ticino stretch out into the distance.

There’s a small viewing platform nearby that many visitors head to first. What’s interesting about this spot is that you can actually stand at a point where the lowest and highest points of Switzerland are visible at the same time: Lake Maggiore below and the Dufourspitze in the distant Alps.

If you want an even wider view, you can continue a bit further. From Cardada, a small chairlift takes you up to Cimetta, the highest point in the area. Up here, the panorama is even more impressive, and on a clear day, you can see deep into the Alps.

We ended up spending much longer here than planned – just walking around, sitting on the grass for a while, enjoying the fresh air and the view over the lake.

4. Walk Along the Lago Maggiore Promenade

One of the things we enjoyed most in Locarno was simply walking along the promenade by Lake Maggiore.

The path runs along the lake just below the old town and is lined with palm trees, small gardens, and benches looking out over the water. Boats pass by slowly, people sit by the lake with gelato or coffee, and the whole area has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to spend more time here than planned.

We found ourselves coming back here several times, sometimes in the morning for a walk by the water, and sometimes in the evening when the light over the lake starts to change.

One of the nicest stretches runs between Piazza Grande and Lido Locarno. It’s an easy walk and gives you a good view of the lake as well as the surrounding mountains.

5. Relax at Lido Locarno

On warm days in Locarno, spending some time by the water feels almost inevitable. One place where many people go is Lido Locarno, a swimming area right on Lake Maggiore.

We walked there from Piazza Grande in about 15 minutes, which makes it an easy stop if you want a break from sightseeing. The complex has several indoor and outdoor pools, sunbathing areas, and direct access to the lake, so it’s an easy place to cool off or just relax for a while.

What we liked most was the setting: Swimming with views of the lake and the surrounding mountains makes it feel quite different from a typical pool.

6. Visit Falconeria Locarno

One of the more unusual things to do in Locarno is visiting Falconeria Locarno, a small park where you can watch birds of prey in action.

We weren’t entirely sure what to expect when we went, but the show turned out to be surprisingly impressive. Instead of watching birds from a distance, they actually fly right over the audience.

At one point, an eagle passed just a few meters above our heads, and you could hear the wings cutting through the air before it landed again.

The demonstrations include falcons, eagles, and owls, and the trainers explain a bit about the birds and how they hunt. The whole experience lasts about an hour and takes place in a small open-air arena.

A Note on Ethics

Animal shows aren’t everyone’s favorite activity, and it’s understandable that some travelers question them.

According to the park, many of the birds at Falconeria Locarno are rescued animals that cannot be released into the wild, and the demonstrations are meant to show how birds of prey behave and hunt. The park also participates in breeding and conservation programs for certain species.

Still, whether this type of attraction feels right to visit is a personal decision.

7. Take a Day Trip to Verzasca Valley (Valle Verzasca)

If you have time for a one-day trip from Locarno, this is the one we’d recommend first.

Valle Verzasca is about 30 minutes from town and is famous for its incredibly clear, turquoise-colored river that winds through the valley.

We had seen photos before visiting, but the color of the water is still a bit surprising in person. Depending on the light, it shifts between bright turquoise and deep emerald, and in many places you can see straight to the bottom of the river.

Most people stop in the small village of Lavertezzo, which is home to the famous Ponte dei Salti, a beautiful stone bridge crossing the river.

When we arrived, quite a few people were already sitting on the rocks along the water, some swimming, others just relaxing and enjoying the view.

Even if you only stay for a short time, it’s a really scenic place to walk around and watch the river flow through the smooth rock formations.

If you have more time, it’s worth driving a bit further into the valley. The scenery becomes quieter, and there are several small villages and hiking trails along the way.

8. Explore Maggia Valley (Valle Maggia)

Another beautiful valley near Locarno that’s worth exploring is Valle Maggia.

It’s located just west of town and is known for its clear rivers, small stone villages, and scenic mountain landscapes. Compared to Valle Verzasca, the valley feels a bit quieter and more spread out.

We drove into the valley without a very specific plan and just stopped whenever a place looked interesting, which actually worked quite well here. Along the road, you’ll pass small villages, swimming spots along the river, and hiking trails that lead further into the mountains.

One place many visitors stop at is Maggia village, where the river forms beautiful natural pools between large rocks.

It’s a nice area to slow down for a bit, walk along the river, or simply sit by the water and enjoy the scenery.

9. Visit the Lakeside Village of Ascona

Just a few minutes from Locarno, the small town of Ascona makes an easy and very pleasant outing and is always worth a visit.

Since we live in Zurich, we’ve actually been here quite a few times. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, Ticino has become our go-to region whenever the weather in northern Switzerland turns grey, and Ascona is one of the places we often stop by when we’re in the area.

And whenever we’re in Locarno, we almost always end up stopping by Ascona as well. You can reach Ascona from Locarno in about 10-15 minutes by bus, or walk there in roughly 40-50 minutes.

The main reason people come here is the lakeside promenade. A row of colorful houses faces the water, with cafés and restaurants lining the waterfront.

Most of the time when we visit, we don’t really plan much. We usually walk along the promenade, look for a place to sit by the lake, and just take a break for a while.

Compared to Locarno, Ascona feels a bit smaller and quieter, which makes it a nice contrast if you’ve already spent some time exploring the town.

If you walk a few streets away from the lake, you’ll also find narrow alleys, small shops, and quieter corners that are nice to wander through for a bit.

10. Ride the Centovalli Railway

One activity near Locarno that we didn’t initially plan, but ended up really enjoying, was the Centovalli Railway.

The train runs from Locarno to Domodossola in Italy, passing through a series of valleys and small villages along the way. We had heard it was a scenic ride, so we decided to try a short section of the route. The full journey to Domodossola takes about two hours.

The train leaves directly from Locarno station, and after a few minutes, the scenery changes quite a bit. Instead of the lake and palm trees around Locarno, the route heads into wooded hills, small villages, and narrow valleys.

We didn’t ride the entire route to Domodossola. Instead, we just stayed on the train for part of the journey and then returned later in the day. That already gave us a good sense of the landscape and made for a relaxed half-day trip.

If you enjoy train rides or want to see a different side of the region without driving, it’s a nice experience to add to your time in Locarno.

11. Visit Castello Visconteo

Right near the old town of Locarno, you’ll find Castello Visconteo, a historic castle that dates back to the Middle Ages.

We stumbled upon it while walking through the town and decided to take a look. The castle isn’t huge, but it’s an interesting place if you’re curious about the history of the region.

Today, the building houses a small archaeological museum with exhibits about Locarno and the surrounding area, including Roman artifacts and historical objects found in Ticino.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s still worth passing by for a quick look. The castle courtyard and the surrounding walls give you a sense of how the town was once fortified.

It’s also only a short walk from Piazza Grande, so it’s easy to combine with a stroll through the old town.

12. Stroll through Parco delle Camelie

If you’re visiting Locarno in spring, it’s worth stopping by Parco delle Camelie, a small lakeside garden not far from the city center.

We ended up there during one of our visits to Ticino in early spring, and it was a surprisingly peaceful place to walk around for a while. The park is known for its camellia flowers, and during the blooming season, there are hundreds of different varieties throughout the garden.

Even outside the main blooming period, it’s still a nice spot to take a short walk. The park sits right next to Lake Maggiore, and there are several paths leading through the garden with occasional views of the water.

13. Take a Boat Trip on Lago Maggiore

Since Locarno sits right on Lake Maggiore, it almost feels wrong not to spend at least a little time out on the water. So here’s our favorite activity among the things to do in Locarno.

On one of our visits to Ticino, we decided to rent a small boat in Locarno, and it turned out to be one of our favorite experiences around the lake.

After a quick introduction at the harbor, we were able to head out onto the lake and explore on our own. Within a few minutes, the city started to look quite different from the water.

The best part was simply having the freedom to move around. We cruised along the shoreline for a while, stopped in quieter parts of the lake, and even jumped into the water for a swim.

Of course, you can also take one of the regular ferries on Lake Maggiore, which connect Locarno with places like Ascona or the Brissago Islands. But if you enjoy being a bit more independent, renting a small boat is a really fun way to experience the lake.

14. Visit the Brissago Islands

While exploring Lake Maggiore, you’ll probably notice two small islands sitting just off the coast near Ascona. These are the Brissago Islands, and they make a nice little excursion from Locarno.

We visited them during one of our trips to Ticino and enjoyed the change of pace. After a short boat ride across the lake, you arrive on the larger island, which is home to a botanical garden.

Because of the mild climate around Lake Maggiore, plants from different parts of the world grow here, something you don’t usually see in Switzerland.

We spent about an hour walking around the paths and sitting by the lake for a while. It’s not a huge place, but it’s a pleasant stop if you want to spend some time on the water.

15. Hike Monte Verità

Just above Ascona, there’s a hill called Monte Verità, which is known for both its views and its unusual history.

We stopped here one afternoon while exploring the area around Locarno. The hill overlooks Lake Maggiore, and from the terrace near the top, you get a really nice view over the lake and the surrounding mountains.

What makes the place interesting is its past. In the early 1900s, Monte Verità became a meeting place for artists, writers, and people experimenting with alternative lifestyles. The area developed into a kind of cultural community that attracted visitors from across Europe.

Today you’ll find a park, a small museum, and a restaurant on the hill.

We mostly came for the view and a short walk around the grounds, which made for a relaxed stop before heading back down to the lake.

You can reach Monte Verità from Ascona in about 20-30 minutes on foot, or drive up if you prefer.

16. Take the Locarno Sightseeing Train

While walking around Piazza Grande, you’ll probably notice a small tourist train driving through the streets of Locarno.

We saw it several times while exploring the town and decided to try it on one of our visits. The train leaves from Piazza Grande and does a loop through different parts of Locarno, including the lakefront and some areas outside the historic center.

It’s obviously a very relaxed way to see the town; you simply sit back while the train slowly drives through the streets.

We wouldn’t necessarily call it a must-do, especially if you enjoy walking and exploring places on your own. But it can be a fun option if you want to get a quick overview of Locarno or if you’re visiting with kids.

17. Try Local Food at a Ticino Grotto

One thing we always try to do when visiting Ticino is eat at a traditional grotto.

Grotti are rustic restaurants that originally started as simple places where locals stored wine and food in cool stone cellars. Over time, many of them turned into small restaurants serving traditional Ticino dishes.

We’ve visited a few during our trips to the region, and they usually have a very relaxed atmosphere – wooden tables, simple menus, and local wine.

Typical dishes include things like polenta, risotto, local cheeses, and braised meats, often served with a glass of Ticino Merlot, which is the region’s most famous wine.

It’s not fancy dining, but that’s exactly the point. Grotti are more about sitting outside, sharing a good meal, and taking your time.

18. Experience the Locarno Film Festival

If you visit Locarno in August, the town feels quite different.

Every summer, the Locarno Film Festival takes place here, attracting filmmakers, actors, and cinema fans from all over the world. For about ten days, the town becomes much livelier, especially in the evenings.

We visited Locarno during the festival once, and the atmosphere in Piazza Grande was really special. The square is transformed into a huge open-air cinema with thousands of seats and a massive screen set up between the surrounding buildings.

Watching a film there at night, with the historic square around you and hundreds of people sitting outside, feels very different from a normal cinema.

Even if you’re not planning to watch a movie, it’s worth walking through the square during the festival just to experience the atmosphere.

19. Wander Through Locarno’s Old Town

While Piazza Grande is the main center of Locarno, it’s worth walking through the smaller streets around it as well.

We often ended up doing this without much of a plan, just turning into side streets while exploring the town.

The old town isn’t very big, but that makes it easy to explore. Within a few minutes, you’ll find small alleys, little shops, and cafés that feel much quieter than the busy piazza.

20. Visit the Castles of Bellinzona

About 25 minutes from Locarno, the town of Bellinzona is home to one of the most impressive historic sites in Ticino: the Castles of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We visited them on one of our trips through the Ticino region and were very impressed. The three castles – Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro – sit on the hills above the town and can all be visited in the same day.

The first one most people see is Castelgrande, which rises directly above the old town of Bellinzona. You can either walk up or take a small elevator from the town center.

From the top, you get a great view over the surrounding valley and the rooftops of Bellinzona.

If you have more time, it’s worth continuing to Castello di Montebello, which is connected to Castelgrande by walking paths and old defensive walls.

The third castle, Sasso Corbaro, sits further above the town. It’s the smallest of the three but offers wide views over the valley and surrounding mountains.

How to Get to Locarno, Switzerland

Getting to Locarno is actually quite easy, especially if you’re already traveling through Switzerland by train.

Since we live in Zurich, we usually take the train when we go to Ticino. The journey takes around two hours and passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which connects northern Switzerland with the Italian-speaking south.

Once you arrive in Locarno, the train station is right next to the town center. From there, it’s only a short walk to Piazza Grande and the lake.

From Zurich

The easiest way to reach Locarno is by train from Zurich, which takes about 2 hours with one transfer in Bellinzona.

If you’re combining both destinations, our guide to the best things to do in Zurich can help you plan the northern part of your trip.

From Milan

If you’re coming from Italy, you can reach Locarno in about 2 hours from Milan, usually with a change in Bellinzona or Lugano.

Our Milan travel guide can help if you’re combining the two destinations in one trip.

By Car

Driving to Locarno is also straightforward. From Zurich, the journey takes around 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic.

If you’re planning to explore places like Valle Verzasca or Valle Maggia, having a car can be convenient, but it’s definitely not essential. Public transport in Ticino works very well.

If you’re renting a car for the valleys, our guide to driving in Switzerland covers parking, road rules, tolls, and speed limits.

How Many Days Do You Need in Locarno?

For most people, 2–3 days in Locarno is a good amount of time.

That’s usually enough to explore the town itself, visit places like Madonna del Sasso or Cardada, and take at least one day trip into the surrounding valleys.

When we visit Ticino, we often stay a few days in the region and use Locarno as a base for exploring places like Valle Verzasca, Valle Maggia, or Ascona. But as we live in Switzerland, we also often do day trips to Locarno or Ascona.

If you want to do the same, our 3-day Ticino itinerary shows how we’d use Locarno as a base for exploring Ascona, Valle Verzasca, and Lugano.

If you’re short on time, even one full day in Locarno can still be worthwhile. You can explore Piazza Grande, walk along the lake promenade, and take the funicular up to Madonna del Sasso for the view.

But if you have the flexibility, staying two or three days makes the experience much more relaxed.

Where to Stay in Locarno, Switzerland

If you’re planning a few days in Locarno, choosing the right area to stay can make a big difference. The town is relatively compact, so many hotels are within walking distance of Piazza Grande, the lake promenade, and the train station.

For a first visit, we’d recommend staying near the Old Town or Lake Maggiore, since that’s where most of the main attractions are located. Our complete guide to where to stay in Locarno compares the different areas and includes hotel options for several budgets.

Here are a few great options depending on your travel style:

Boutique Stay: Hotel La Palma au Lac

If you want to stay right by Lake Maggiore, Hotel La Palma au Lac is one of the most popular hotels in Locarno.

The hotel sits directly on the lake promenade, just a short walk fromPiazza Grande, which makes it a great base for exploring the town. Many rooms also offer beautiful views over the lake.

Mid-Range Option: H4 Hotel Arcadia Locarno

Another well-located option is H4 Hotel Arcadia, which sits between the lake and the old town.

It’s within easy walking distance of the main square, the funicular station to Madonna del Sasso, and the lakeside promenade. The hotel also has a pool and family-friendly rooms, which makes it popular for longer stays.

Budget-Friendly Option: EasyRooms dell’Angelo

For a more budget-friendly stay, EasyRooms dell’Angelo is located right in the old town of Locarno, just steps from Piazza Grande.

The rooms are simple, but the location is excellent if you want to explore the town on foot.

Best Time to Visit Locarno, Switzerland

One of the reasons we enjoy coming to Locarno so much is the climate. Compared to northern Switzerland, the weather here is often warmer and sunnier.

Living in Zurich, we’ve actually made several spontaneous trips to Ticino when the weather up north was grey. Quite often, the clouds disappear once you pass through the Gotthard tunnel, and suddenly it feels much more like southern Europe.

In general, spring through early autumn is the best time to visit Locarno.

Spring is especially nice because the temperatures are already mild and places like Parco delle Camelie are in bloom.

Summer is the busiest season, but it’s also when Locarno really comes alive. People swim in Lake Maggiore, spend time at Lido Locarno, and the Locarno Film Festival takes place in August.

Autumn can also be a great time to visit. The temperatures are still pleasant, and the region is known for its chestnut forests and vineyards.

A Perfect 2-Day Locarno Itinerary

If you’re visiting Locarno for the first time, two days are usually enough to see the top attractions while still having time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town.

Here’s roughly how we would plan a short trip with the main things to do in Locarno.

Day 1: Explore Locarno

Start the day in Piazza Grande, which is the center of the town. From there, you can easily explore the old town streets and walk down to the lake promenade.

Later in the morning, take the funicular to Orselina and visit Madonna del Sasso for one of the best views over Locarno.

In the afternoon, we’d recommend heading up to Cardada and Cimetta. The cable car ride is quick, and the views over Lake Maggiore are easily one of the highlights of the area.

In the evening, come back down to Locarno and have dinner in the town or at a nearby Ticino grotto.

Day 2: Explore the Surroundings

On the second day, we would leave the town for a while and explore the region around Locarno.

A great option is visiting Valle Verzasca, where you can see the famous Ponte dei Salti bridge and the turquoise river.

After that, stop by the nearby town of Ascona for a walk along the lakeside promenade or a relaxed lunch by the water.

If you still have time later in the day, you could also take a boat trip on Lake Maggiore or visit the Brissago Islands.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Locarno, Switzerland

After visiting Locarno several times, it’s a place we keep coming back to.

Part of that is the atmosphere of the town itself. But what really makes Locarno special is how much there is to explore nearby. Within a short distance, you can find mountain viewpoints, quiet valleys, lakeside villages, and historic towns.

That mix makes Locarno a great destination for both a short weekend trip and a longer stay in Ticino.

If you’re planning a visit, the activities in this guide should give you a good starting point for discovering the best things to do in Locarno and the surrounding region.

FAQ About Visiting Locarno, Switzerland

Is Locarno worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy a mix of lakeside towns, mountain views, and nature nearby. What we like most about Locarno is how much variety there is within a short distance – one moment you’re sitting by Lake Maggiore, and half an hour later you can be in places like Valle Verzasca or up on Cardada overlooking the lake. It’s also near the Italian border, so it’s easy to combine it with other towns in Italy.

For a more detailed look at whether Locarno is worth a visit, check out our blog post on the topic.

What is Locarno known for?

Locarno is known for its sunny climate, palm-lined lake promenade, and Piazza Grande. The town is also famous for the Locarno Film Festival, which transforms the square into a huge open-air cinema every summer.

Is Locarno expensive?

Locarno isn’t particularly cheap, but it can still be manageable if you plan ahead. Many of the best things to do in Locarno, including walking along the lake and exploring the Old Town, are completely free.

For a broader overview of accommodation, food, transport, and attraction costs, our guide explains how expensive Switzerland is to visit.

Can you swim in Lake Maggiore in Locarno?

Yes. Many people swim in Lake Maggiore, especially during the summer. Places like Lido Locarno or quieter spots along the lake are popular for swimming.

Is Locarno or Lugano better?

Both towns are beautiful, but they feel slightly different. There’s plenty to do in Lugano, too. Overall, the city is larger and has a more urban feel, while Locarno seems smaller and more laid-back. If you’re considering both, our guide to whether Lugano is worth visiting gives you a better idea of the atmosphere, downsides, and who we think the city suits best.