A weekend in Locarno: the lake, the old town and the Ticino way of life

Contents:

• Arriving at Piazza Grande

• Strolling through the old town

• Relaxing by Lake Maggiore

• Madonna del Sasso: The most beautiful view of Locarno

• Cardada-Cimetta: From a stroll through the town to the mountains

• Cuisine in Locarno: espresso, pasta and aperitivo by the lake

• Events in Locarno 2026

• Practical tips for Locarno

• Conclusion: Locarno stays in your mind – and in your heart

Arriving at the Piazza Grande

The best place to start a weekend in Locarno is Piazza Grande. This spacious square, with its arcades, cafés and historic façades, is the heart of the city and one of Switzerland’s most famous squares. Here, you can start the day with a coffee, watch the world go by and immediately soak up the Mediterranean way of life for which Locarno is renowned.

The piazza is particularly lovely in the early morning, when the town is slowly waking up, or in the evening, when the restaurants fill up and the warm colours of the façades really come into their own. In summer, the square also becomes a huge stage for concerts, festivals and open-air film nights.

Strolling through the old town

From the Piazza Grande, narrow alleyways lead into Locarno’s old town. It’s well worth setting off without a fixed plan: past boutiques, gelaterias, small shops and hidden courtyards. Amidst old stone houses, balconies and narrow alleyways, Locarno reveals its particularly charming side.

Those interested in history can take a detour to the Castello Visconteo. The castle lies on the edge of the old town and serves as a reminder that Locarno is not just a holiday resort, but also a place with a long history. Afterwards, it’s best to head back towards the lake – because Lake Maggiore is an essential part of any weekend in Locarno.

Relaxing on Lake Maggiore

The lakeside promenade is one of the most beautiful places to experience Locarno at a leisurely pace. Palm trees, flowers, boats and the view of the mountains create an atmosphere that is more reminiscent of Italy than of Switzerland. If you simply want to take a stroll, follow the shore, treat yourself to a gelato and let your gaze wander across the water.

In summer, a visit to Lido Locarno is also well worth it. There, you can swim, sunbathe or spend the day by the water. For those who prefer to be active, a boat trip on Lake Maggiore is a lovely way to discover Locarno and the surrounding area from the water.

Madonna del Sasso: The most beautiful view of Locarno

A highlight of any weekend in Locarno is the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church in Orselina. It sits high above the town and offers a breathtaking view of Locarno, Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains.

You can walk up, but it’s more comfortable to take the funicular. Once at the top, it’s not just the view that’s worth seeing, but also a quick visit to the church itself. Especially on a clear day, Madonna del Sasso is one of the most beautiful places to experience Locarno from a bird’s-eye view.

Cardada-Cimetta: From a stroll through the town to the mountains

What makes Locarno special is its proximity to nature. In no time at all, you can go from the Piazza Grande to the Ticino mountains. From Orselina, the cable car takes you up to Cardada, from where you can continue on towards Cimetta.

Up there, you’ll find walking trails, viewing points and a panorama stretching from Lake Maggiore to the Alps. Cardada-Cimetta is ideal for a half-day trip if you want to breathe in the fresh mountain air and combine your weekend with a bit of nature. Those who don’t fancy a long hike can simply enjoy the view and stop for a bite to eat at a mountain restaurant.

Cuisine in Locarno: espresso, pasta and aperitivo by the lake

Locarno is also the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend from a culinary perspective. Al Borgo Bistrot & Café is the perfect place to start the day – ideal for coffee, breakfast or a quick break whilst strolling through the town. If you fancy something sweet, Marnin offers pastries, pralines and Ticino specialities.

For lunch or dinner, Ristorante Perbacco is a no-fuss spot in the centre, serving Mediterranean cuisine, pasta and pizza. Those who prefer to dine with a view of the lake will be well catered for at the BLU Restaurant & Lounge, right on the shores of Lake Maggiore. For a slightly more stylish option near Piazza Grande, try La Fontana Ristorante & Bar, with its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, regional produce and terrace. The best way to round off the evening is with a drink in the Roof Lounge at Giardino Lago, overlooking the lake.

Our tip: It’s well worth booking a table, especially at weekends, during events and in summer.

Events in Locarno 2026

In 2026, Locarno will not only offer Mediterranean charm and beautiful lake views, but also a host of events to make a city break even more varied.

• Moon&Stars (9 to 19 July 2026): One of the major summer highlights in Locarno: international artists perform on the Piazza Grande, accompanied by food, music and a festival atmosphere throughout the city.
• Ticino Musica (18 to 31 July 2026): This classical music festival brings opera, chamber music, symphony concerts and young international talent to Ticino. Many events take place in Lugano and other locations; individual concerts are also planned in the Locarno/Ascona region – ideal for anyone wishing to combine their city break with a dose of culture.
• Il Teatro in Festa (27 July to 2 August 2026): The international music and theatre festival at the Teatro Paravento offers performances in a unique atmosphere – ideal for anyone wishing to experience Locarno’s cultural scene.
• Locarno Film Festival (5 to 15 August 2026): The famous film festival transforms Locarno into a grand stage for cinema, stars and open-air film evenings on the Piazza Grande.
• Winterland Locarno (20 November 2025 to 6 January 2026): At the start of the year, Locarno shows off its wintery side: with lights, an ice rink, a Christmas market, music and a cosy atmosphere on the Piazza Grande.

Practical tips for Locarno

• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for strolling through the town, going for walks and going on day trips. In summer, Lake Maggiore, long evenings outdoors and events such as Moon&Stars or the Locarno Film Festival are a real draw.
• Getting around: The town is very easy to explore on foot. Piazza Grande, the old town, the lakeside and many restaurants are all within easy reach of one another.
• Public transport: Public transport is a good option for trips to Orselina, Cardada-Cimetta or the surrounding area. If you’re staying in Ticino, many accommodation providers offer the Ticino Ticket, which allows you to use a wide range of public transport services.
• Accommodation: If you’d like to round off your short break in style, you’ll find lovely places to stay in and around Locarno. The Giardino Lago in Minusio boasts a modern atmosphere right by the lake. Alternatively, the Hotel Belvedere Locarno is a great choice; it’s centrally located yet slightly elevated, offering lovely views of the town, the lake and the mountains. You can find further inspiration and suitable offers on our Travel Deals page.
• Parking: If you’re travelling by car, you should choose accommodation with a car park or use public car parks. In the city centre, parking spaces are limited, particularly at weekends and during events.

Conclusion: Locarno stays in your mind – and in your heart

Locarno is one of those destinations that needs no lengthy explanation – you simply have to experience it for yourself. A weekend is hardly enough to discover everything, but it’s enough to fall in love with the southern charm, the Piazza Grande, Lake Maggiore and the relaxed evenings by the lake.

Anyone who’s been here once will quickly realise that a weekend in Locarno is often just the beginning...