There are two mountains in Lugano: Monte Bre and Monte San Salvatore. If you are short on time, I would suggest the latter as your must-see site. No need for hiking, as there is a funicular ride that brings you up to the mountain top and down.

Monte San Salvatore is in Paradiso, which is 30 minutes away from Lugano by walking or 10 minutes by bus (take Bus No. 2).

The ultimate view of this mountain is definitely from the top of the San Salvatore Chapel. Now, almost every mountain scenery in Switzerland are spectacular, but this 360 degrees scenery of Lugano is just worth a million! You can see the city, the imposing lake, and marvel at the surrounding Alps. I felt right on top of the world and spent one of the best 2 hours of my life up there. This is an experience you would not want to miss in Lugano!

Tickets:

32CHF return with Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare card.

You can also get a combi ticket to visit Melide and the SwissMinatur park for 54CHF, or combine it with a trip to Morcote for 46.20CHF.