51ԹϺ

Meet Our Community of Expats in Lugano and Get Connected!

Buongiorno, and welcome to Lugano, Switzerland's largest Italian-speaking city! Moving to an entirely new region may seem intimidating, but at 51ԹϺwe're here to guide you through the process of relocating to this beautiful city near Switzerland's southern border. Our platform is home to many expats living and working in Lugano — some recent arrivals, and some long-time residents — and they're all happy to help you adapt to your new surroundings with some first-hand advice and recommendations. Simply join 51ԹϺto find the answer to a range of common questions, such as the cost of living in the city, where to find the best shopping districts, and public transportation links to the rest of Switzerland and nearby Milan. A stylish and affluent city with a strong Italian influence, Lugano is an attractive and cosmopolitan destination with plenty of local activities and excellent connections, making it an appealing prospect for enterprising expats.

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Andrey Vasilyev

Andrey Vasilyev

I was able to connect with other expats in Zurich who enjoy cycling as much as I do and organize weekly rides.

Elin Gustavson

Elin Gustavson

At the first 51ԹϺevent that I attended, I met my wonderful partner. We now live together in a flat next to the Limmat.

An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Why you'll love 51ԹϺin Lugano

9,760
members in Lugano
13
monthly events
18
interest-based groups
19
event hosts

and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!

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Join Our Exciting Events in Lugano

Attend our monthly events and activities for Lugano expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.

Natural History and Story Telling
Natural History and Story Telling
Free after work tomorrow after 5.30? Did you know that Lugano has a Natural History Museum? Come along to take a look, create a microstory and get the chance to win a Museum Pass for a year.
Free after work tomorrow after 5.30? Did you know that Lugano has a Natural History Museum? Come along to take a look, create a microstory and get the chance to win a Museum Pass for a year.
Contemporary Art Fair Lugano
Contemporary Art Fair Lugano
Dear group, I propose a lovely Sunday afternoon in art, full colors and joy, by visiting the You nique Art Fair event, wonderfully organized in our lovely Lugano. See you Sunday afternoon, at 15hrs we attend the talk Art in Real Estate, at 16 hrs we watch a live art show by the artist. These are
Dear group, I propose a lovely Sunday afternoon in art, full colors and joy, by visiting the You nique Art Fair event, wonderfully organized in our lovely Lugano. See you Sunday afternoon, at 15hrs we attend the talk Art in Real Estate, at 16 hrs we watch a live art show by the artist. These are
Sunday on the Park
Sunday on the Park
A festive day with old and new friends in a nice open place
A festive day with old and new friends in a nice open place
Lugano Bikemotions
Lugano Bikemotions
(...) Protected content (...) Discover Lugano and its beautiful surroundings in a unique experience that combines the pleasure of cycling with local gastronomic delights. On Saturday, April 25, 2026, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in an unforgettable adventure. The route will b
(...) Protected content (...) Discover Lugano and its beautiful surroundings in a unique experience that combines the pleasure of cycling with local gastronomic delights. On Saturday, April 25, 2026, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in an unforgettable adventure. The route will b

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Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends

Do you like culture and music? Books? Food? Or is having a relaxed coffee and a chat more your thing? Whatever you're into, we've got the group for you. So go ahead and do more of what you love in Lugano - or learn something new!

Sports Group
Sports Group
Arts and Culture Group
Arts and Culture Group
Singles Group
Singles Group
The Witty Banter Lounge Group
The Witty Banter Lounge Group

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An Introduction to Lugano Expat Life

A glamorous Italian-speaking city frequented by international movie stars, athletes, and entertainers, Lugano has earned the nickname, "The Monte Carlo of Switzerland". From the upmarket Italian-style piazzas with their high-end boutiques and five-star restaurants, to the natural wonders of Lake Lugano and the Lugano Prealps, it's not difficult to see why so many people are attracted to the city. Predictably, tourism plays a major role in Lugano's economy, although banking, financial services, and urban development are also key industries. Some expats also choose to settle in Lugano to commute to Milan, which is just over an hour's drive from the city. Whatever your reasons for moving to Lugano, this glittering jewel of the Swiss south is sure to win a place in your heart.

51ԹϺis the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. 51ԹϺmakes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Bali or London, 51ԹϺallows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

The Network for Expatriates in Lugano

At InterNations, we understand that settling into a new city can be challenging. That's why we're committed to easing the transition by providing a safe, secure, and respectful community where you can find the answers to a host of questions about living and working in Lugano. Our members will be happy to offer first-hand advice on practicalities such as which districts offer the best and most affordable flats to buy or rent, how to take out Swiss health insurance, and what you need to apply for Swiss residency. You can also use our network for social purposes, such as forming a hiking club to take advantage of the beautiful Swiss countryside, joining a local sports or fitness club and meeting fellow expats for coffee in the city. You might also like to attend one of InterNations' special networking events, where you can mingle with fellow expat Lugano residents in an appealing local venue.

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