Welcome to Lugano

The City of Lugano is present throughout the municipal territory. The first point of reference for the population are the Puntocittà, where it is possible to carry out, among other things, various civil registry procedures (for example, address changes or requests for domicile certificates) and for dog owners.

The central Puntocittà of Lugano, located at Via della Posta 8, also houses a counter of the Aziende industriali di Lugano (AIL), where it is possible to enter into contracts for the supply of electricity, water, and gas.

The issuance and renewal of Swiss identity cards and passports is carried out by a dedicated Puntocittà, at Via Balestra 4 (at the namesake car depot).

In addition to various counters in the Districts, the City also has an Online Desk, which allows you to conveniently carry out many procedures, in various areas, both for individuals and for companies.

The central office of the City Administration is located at Piazza della Riforma 1, in the Lugano Civic Palace. At the Communal chancellery, it is possible to carry out a limited number of procedures (including the request for legal assistance).

The City of Lugano stands out for its varied social services offering, which can be useful for people of all ages. The Division of Social Affairs addresses the socio-educational needs of young people and the social needs of the population in general, promoting support, intervention, and assistance in the social sphere. It manages a network of services and facilities aimed at meeting citizens' needs by offering advice and care.

The extracurricular services support families in balancing work and family life with various childcare options during extracurricular hours and holidays (canteens and before/after-school care).

The Social Accompaniment Service, the Social Intervention Office, and the OASI Agency, through their desks and consultants, accompany and support citizens who are facing particular social, relational, or economic difficulties.

LuganoNetWork and Spazio Lavoro e formazione provide multiple services to citizens of Lugano for professional integration.

The prevention and integration sector promotes initiatives and projects to support social cohesion, integration, prevention, and health promotion, with a particular focus on informing the population.

Finally, the Division of Social Affairs also coordinates Youth Policies, particularly the activities of the two Youth Centers in Breganzona and Viganello, and promotes the Proximity Service with operators active in the area to support young people.

The public nursery schools are instead managed by an autonomous body, Lugano Istituti Sociali (LIS), which also manages nursery homes on behalf of the Municipality.

The preschools and primary schools in the municipal area are managed by the City of Lugano's School Institute, which oversees approximately 4,000 students (1,500 in preschool and 2,500 in primary school), divided into five zones, each with its own administration, to serve the entire area equally. Each zone has at least one preschool and one primary school.

The middle schools, high schools, upper secondary schools, and universities are instead managed by other public entities (mainly by cantonal authorities). Additionally, Lugano is home to several private schools of various levels, as well as private academic and scientific research institutions.

For its part, the City of Lugano offers scholarships for young people up to the age of 25 to help cover the costs of higher education, both in Switzerland and abroad.

Lugano offers various transport options for practical and efficient travel, with particular attention to sustainable mobility. The city center is characterized by pedestrian zones and bicycle paths that encourage walking and cycling, supported by a bike-sharing system.

For those traveling by car, there are Park&Ride facilities and car-sharing services, while the expansion of pedestrian areas helps reduce traffic. The city also promotes the use of public transport with different ticket options and offers, making travel easier and more environmentally friendly.

Well connected with the rest of Switzerland and Europe, Lugano is easily accessible by various means of transport. For companies, a corporate mobility plan helps optimize the home-to-work commute.

Lugano is a lively city where sports and events play a central role in everyday life. With top-level facilities, over 130 active sports clubs, and numerous events for both amateurs and professionals, it is possible to enjoy sports in every season, surrounded by nature or in modern city facilities. From the Cornaredo Sports Center to the Resega Ice Rink, from football and tennis fields to outdoor sports areas, the range of sports on offer is extensive and accessible to everyone.

In addition to sports, Lugano offers a rich calendar of events throughout the year. Neighborhood festivals, themed fairs, concerts, and celebrations enliven the city center and districts, while the city also stands out as a destination for conferences and events of national and international significance.

For those looking to organize an event, Lugano provides public spaces and facilities suitable for every need. Whether it's a sporting competition, a fair, or a professional meeting, the city is the ideal place to host engaging and successful initiatives.

Lugano is a privileged city for its vast green heritage, a common good that stretches from Lake Ceresio to all its districts. With 18.8 km² of urban green spaces and 48.5 km² of woods, parks, gardens, and tree-lined avenues, the city offers ideal natural areas for residents, visitors, and tourists.

The natural landscape, just like the cultural heritage, is an integral part of the city’s identity. Taking care of the green areas means enhancing Lugano as a large urban garden, improving the quality of life, and creating more sustainable environments. A focus on biodiversity, responsible resource management, and territorial planning are key elements in combating pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Within the framework of the 2018–2028 Development Guidelines, the city has set the goal of expanding green areas and improving their usability throughout the year, with the creation of at least 25,000 m² of new parks. Experiencing Lugano’s green means discovering new paths, relaxation areas, and natural corners every day, which make the city even more welcoming.

The City ensures waste disposal and promotes recycling through an extensive network of Ecopunti (Recycling Points) distributed across all districts and six Ecocentri (Recycling Centers) located in the districts of Breganzona, Cadro, Molino Nuovo, Pambio-Noranco, Pregassona, and Val Colla. All residents of Lugano receive an Ecocard free of charge at their home, which grants access to the Ecocentri. At the Ecocentri, all types of waste can be disposed of, except for household waste which must be disposed of using the official red bags subject to a fee. Rolls of official bags are available in numerous supermarkets and at the Puntocittà.