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The best things to do in Locarno combine three sides of southern Switzerland in one compact base: the historic Città Vecchia and Piazza Grande, Lake Maggiore, and the mountains and valleys just outside town. First-time visitors should prioritize the Old Town, Madonna del Sasso, a lakefront walk or boat trip, and Cardada-Cimetta. With more time, add the Brissago Islands, Termali Salini Locarno, and a day trip to the Verzasca Valley.
Things to Do in Locarno at a Glance
| Experience | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Piazza Grande and Città Vecchia | History, cafés, architecture | The regular market is on Thursday, not Saturday. |
| Madonna del Sasso | Views, pilgrimage history | Reach Orselina by funicular or walk uphill. |
| Lake Maggiore and Brissago Islands | Boat trips, gardens, swimming | The Brissago Islands’ 2026 season runs March 18 to November 8. |
| Cardada-Cimetta | Mountain views, hiking, biking | Funicular to Orselina, cable car to Cardada, then chairlift to Cimetta. |
| Termali Salini Locarno | Rainy days, wellness | A lakeside natural saltwater bath complex with indoor and outdoor areas. |
| Verzasca Valley | Scenery, hiking, villages | River conditions can be hazardous; follow local warning signs. |
Explore Locarno’s Old Town and Piazza Grande
Locarno’s Città Vecchia is the historic core above Piazza Grande, with narrow lanes, old façades, courtyards, shops, cafés, churches and museums. Piazza Grande is the city’s main gathering space and the starting point for many central sights.
At the edge of the Old Town, Castello Visconteo now houses Locarno’s archaeological museum. The castle was first built in the 12th century, but only part of the original complex survives today. Inside, the museum presents archaeological finds from the Locarno region, including Roman glass and material spanning from the Bronze Age onward. Nearby, the Church of San Francesco adds another layer of local history.
For current museum hours and ticket information, check the City of Locarno’s Museo Castello page.
Key Takeaways
- Best first stop: Piazza Grande and the Città Vecchia for Locarno’s historic center.
- Best lake experience: walk the waterfront, take a boat ride, or visit the Brissago Islands in season.
- Best viewpoint: combine Madonna del Sasso with Cardada-Cimetta above the city.
- Best rainy-day option: museums or the saltwater baths at Termali Salini Locarno.
- Best day trip: the Verzasca Valley for the Ponte dei Salti, villages and mountain scenery.
- Market day: Locarno’s regular Piazza Grande market is held on Thursday, with seasonal hour changes and occasional event-related relocations.
Visit Madonna del Sasso
Madonna del Sasso in Orselina is one of Locarno’s signature viewpoints and a useful bridge between the city and Cardada-Cimetta. The sanctuary was founded after a religious vision traditionally dated to 1480 and stands on a rocky outcrop above Locarno.
You can walk uphill through the Old Town and along the Via Crucis, or take the funicular from Locarno to Orselina. From the sanctuary area, the cable-car connection continues toward Cardada. This makes Madonna del Sasso easy to combine with a half-day mountain outing instead of treating the two sights as separate trips.
Enjoy Lake Maggiore and the Brissago Islands
Lake Maggiore stretches across Switzerland and Italy and gives Locarno its lakeside character. Easy options include a waterfront walk, swimming at designated bathing areas, or a boat ride on the Swiss basin of the lake.
The Brissago Islands are one of the strongest boat-trip choices. The larger island, San Pancrazio, contains Switzerland’s only botanical park located on an island, with more than 2,000 plant species. Boats from Locarno typically take about 40 to 60 minutes depending on the service. For 2026, the botanical park season runs from March 18 to November 8.
Check the official Ascona-Locarno Brissago Islands guide for current boat and seasonal information before setting out.
Hike and Bike Around Cardada-Cimetta
Cardada-Cimetta is Locarno’s local mountain and one of the easiest ways to switch from lakeside sightseeing to Alpine scenery. From Locarno, take the funicular to Orselina, then the cable car to Cardada at about 1,340 metres. A chairlift continues to Cimetta at about 1,670 metres.
Cardada offers hiking and biking routes, family facilities and a panoramic platform. Cimetta adds a higher 360-degree viewpoint over Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alps. Instead of treating “Cardada-Cimetta” as one fixed trail, choose a route based on your available time, fitness and current lift conditions.
Before hiking, check the official Cardada-Cimetta information for operating conditions and route details.
Try Locarno and Ticino’s Local Food
| Culinary Delights | Details |
|---|---|
| Local Cuisine | Risotto, polenta, minestrone, cured meats, fresh cheeses and seasonal dishes |
| Wine | Merlot is closely associated with Ticino’s wine culture |
| Restaurants | Choose between town restaurants, lakeside dining and traditional grotti in the region |
| Dessert | Torta di pane is a traditional Ticinese bread cake |
Locarno’s food reflects Ticino’s pre-Alpine and Lombard influences. Rather than chasing one supposedly essential dish, look for seasonal menus built around local staples such as risotto, polenta, minestrone, cheeses and cured meats. Torta di pane is a traditional dessert made from leftover bread and other ingredients, while Merlot is the region’s best-known wine grape.
A useful way to make this section of the trip more local is to eat at a traditional grotto outside the busiest central squares, especially if you are already visiting the surrounding valleys.
Discover Locarno’s Art and Cultural Scene
Locarno’s cultural scene extends beyond the Film Festival. The city’s current museum network includes Museo Casa Rusca for temporary modern and contemporary art exhibitions, Museo Casorella for municipal art collections, and the museum at Castello Visconteo for archaeology and local history.
Casa Rusca regularly presents exhibitions by Swiss and international artists, while Casorella houses important parts of Locarno’s permanent collections. Because exhibition schedules and temporary closures change, check the museum’s current program before planning a visit.
The Locarno Film Festival remains the city’s best-known cultural event. Its Piazza Grande screenings are central to the festival experience; the 79th edition ran from August 5 to 15, 2026.
Relax at Termali Salini Locarno
Termali Salini Locarno is a lakeside wellness complex built around natural saltwater bathing rather than a conventional thermal spring. Its indoor and outdoor bathing areas are arranged across multiple levels, with views toward Lake Maggiore and the mountains.
The complex also includes sauna facilities, spa treatments and relaxation areas. The saltwater baths include warm bathing zones, with the official site listing 35°C and 39°C water in parts of the facility. This makes the spa a practical option for a slow afternoon or a rainy day.
Opening hours can change by season, so confirm them on the official Termali Salini Locarno website.
Take a Day Trip to the Verzasca Valley
The Verzasca Valley is one of the strongest day trips from Locarno, combining an emerald-green river, stone villages, hiking routes and the famous Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo. The valley extends for roughly 25 kilometres from its lower reaches toward Sonogno.
For a simple first visit, stop at Lavertezzo for the bridge and riverside scenery, then continue toward Sonogno if time allows. Near Sonogno, Cascata della Froda is a better-established waterfall stop than the previously cited “Cascata del Salto.”
Safety note: the Verzasca can look calm while still hiding dangerous currents and changing conditions. Official local guidance specifically tells visitors to pay attention to warning notices posted by the river. Do not treat every pool as a safe swimming spot.
See the official Verzasca Valley guide for current access and activity information.
Plan Around Locarno’s Markets, Festivals and Events
Locarno’s biggest events can change the atmosphere of the city, accommodation demand and even where regular activities take place. The Locarno Film Festival fills Piazza Grande with open-air cinema each August, while Moon+Stars brings major music performances to the city in summer.
The regular Piazza Grande market takes place on Thursday. Official 2026 information lists the usual hours as 9:00 to 17:00, with shorter hours in January, February, November and December. Event schedules can also temporarily move the market, so check the official market page before visiting.
How Many Days Do You Need in Locarno?
One full day is enough for the central highlights if you focus on Piazza Grande, the Old Town, Madonna del Sasso and the lakefront. Two to three days is more comfortable if you also want Cardada-Cimetta, a boat trip to the Brissago Islands, a spa visit or a day in the Verzasca Valley.
If you are planning a short visit, use this Locarno one-day itinerary for a tighter schedule. Visitors staying overnight in eligible hotels, youth hostels or campsites should also ask about the Ticino Ticket, which includes public transport in Ticino and discounts with participating partners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Locarno
Is Locarno worth visiting?
Yes. Locarno is especially worthwhile if you want a mix of a walkable historic center, Lake Maggiore, mountain viewpoints and easy day trips into Ticino’s valleys.
What is Locarno best known for?
Locarno is best known for Piazza Grande, the Locarno Film Festival, its position on Lake Maggiore, the nearby Madonna del Sasso sanctuary, and access to Cardada-Cimetta and the Verzasca Valley.
How many days should I spend in Locarno?
Plan one day for the main city sights. Two to three days is better if you want to add Cardada-Cimetta, the Brissago Islands, Termali Salini or the Verzasca Valley.
What day is the market in Locarno?
The regular Piazza Grande market is held on Thursday. Hours vary by season, and major events can temporarily change the market location.
How do I get to Cardada-Cimetta from Locarno?
Take the funicular from Locarno to Orselina, continue by cable car to Cardada, and use the chairlift if you want to go higher to Cimetta.
Can you swim around Locarno?
Yes. Lake Maggiore has designated swimming and lido options, and the Verzasca Valley has popular natural bathing areas. In the river, conditions can be hazardous, so always follow posted local warnings.
Are the Brissago Islands open all year?
No. The botanical park operates seasonally. For 2026, the published season runs from March 18 to November 8.
Conclusion
Locarno works best when you combine the city, lake and mountains instead of treating it as only a lakeside stop. Start with Piazza Grande and the Old Town, add Madonna del Sasso and Cardada-Cimetta for the views, then choose between a Lake Maggiore boat trip, Termali Salini or the Verzasca Valley based on your time and weather. Check current opening hours and event schedules before travel, especially for seasonal attractions and major summer festivals.
