Gabbani
Old TownA Lugano institution since 1937, part gastronomia and part restaurant, Mediterranean cooking built on cured meats and cheeses.
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Lugano, Ticino
Lugano Tattoo Royale
September 11, 12, 13, 2026 at Centro Esposizioni Lugano
67 days away
September 11 to 13, 2026Centro Esposizioni LuganoLugano, Switzerland3 days
Get TicketsLugano, Switzerland
Why Lugano
Lugano sits on a lake the color of dark jade, ringed by two mountains that seem to have been placed there on purpose, Monte Bre and Monte San Salvatore standing guard on either side of the water. It is Switzerland's warmest corner, palm trees growing alongside the same alpine peaks you would expect in Zurich or Zermatt, a small pocket of the country where the climate genuinely does not match the postcard idea of Switzerland at all.
It is also, in nearly every way except the passport, Italian. The language on the street is Italian, the food is built on risotto and polenta and grottos serving Merlot in little ceramic cups, and the pace of life leans toward long lunches and an evening aperitivo ritual that the whole city seems to observe at once. Locals will tell you Milan is closer than Zurich, and they mean it both geographically and culturally.
What makes Lugano genuinely its own place is the way old world elegance and modern art sit right next to each other without either one winning. A Belle Epoque hotel from 1887 looks out over the same water as the LAC, a striking modern arts center that opened in 2015 and immediately became one of the most important cultural venues in the country. Bring a good pair of shoes. Between the funiculars, the lakeside promenade, and the old town's arcaded streets, this is a city built for walking, and every direction ends at either water or a view of it.
Italian SwitzerlandLake LuganoMonte Bre and Monte San SalvatoreThe warmest corner
About
Lugano Tattoo Royale brings more than 350 tattoo artists to the Centro Esposizioni on the shore of Lake Lugano for three days of tattooing, daily contests, live DJ sets, and art exhibitions.
The Lugano Lineup
Lineup announced soon
Confirmed artists will appear here as the roster takes shape.
The Weekend
- 11:30 amDoors Open
- 3:00 pmDJ DeroMusic
- 5:00 pmBest ColorsContest
- Best RealismContest
- 10:00 pmDoors Close