11 Best Coworking Spaces in Lugano for Remote Workers

Lugano isn't just Switzerland's sunniest city—it's a hidden gem for remote workers seeking the perfect blend of Italian charm and Swiss efficiency. Nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano with the Alps as your backdrop, this Italian-speaking city offers world-class coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafés where productivity meets la dolce vita.

Whether you're a digital nomad exploring Europe, a freelancer seeking reliable workspace, or an entrepreneur building your business, Lugano delivers. You'll find lightning-fast internet (this is Switzerland, after all), a thriving international community, and that rare combination of Mediterranean warmth with Swiss precision.

Just 60 minutes by train from Milan and 90 minutes from Zurich through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, Lugano sits at the crossroads of Europe. The result? A cosmopolitan workspace culture where English flows as freely as Italian espresso.

1. Dagorà – The Modern Professional's Choice

Address: Via Cantonale, 6900 Lugano
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00-20:00, Sat: 9:00-17:00
From: CHF 450/month

Dagorà redefines what a coworking space should be. Spread across five floors covering nearly 1,800 square meters in central Lugano, this isn't just a place to work—it's where Swiss precision meets Italian design.

Every desk is spacious (160cm x 80cm—yes, they're that specific), giving you room to spread out. The ergonomic Herman Miller chairs mean you can work comfortably all day. High-speed fiber optic internet handles video calls without a hiccup, while soundproof phone booths let you take client calls in peace.

The complimentary coffee flows all day, and when you need to shift gears, the private parking (rare in central Lugano) means no circling for spots. Multiple meeting rooms accommodate everything from one-on-one client meetings to team presentations.

What makes it special: Professional environment without corporate stuffiness. The member community skews toward established freelancers, consultants, and small business owners who value quality workspace.

Best for: Professionals who need a reliable, premium workspace with zero compromises on comfort or connectivity.

2. PoW.space (Proof of Work) – Where Innovation Lives

Address: Via Trevano, 6900 Lugano
Hours: 24/7 access with membership
From: CHF 380/month

If you're building the future of technology, PoW.space is your home base. This holistic ecosystem brings together blockchain developers, AI researchers, and peer-to-peer innovation pioneers in one collaborative environment.

The space delivers exactly what tech professionals need: ultra-fast internet, enterprise-grade printers, two complimentary coffees daily, and 24/7 access for those late-night coding sessions. But what sets PoW.space apart is PoW.gym—state-of-the-art fitness equipment built right into the workspace.

Hot desks, dedicated workstations, and private offices give you flexibility as your project grows. The community includes Bitcoin developers, startup founders, and technology consultants who actually want to collaborate, not just work in parallel.

What makes it special: This isn't just coworking—it's a technology community. Regular meetups, hackathons, and knowledge-sharing sessions make this the beating heart of Lugano's innovation scene.

Best for: Technology professionals, blockchain enthusiasts, and anyone building cutting-edge projects who wants to be surrounded by like-minded innovators.

3. The Co. Flexible Work Spaces – Where Wellness Meets Work

Address: Corso Elvezia 27, 6900 Lugano
Hours: 24/7 access
From: CHF 400/month

Steps from the lakefront promenade, The Co. proves that productivity and wellness aren't mutually exclusive. The industrial-chic design with floor-to-ceiling windows floods the space with natural light, while the sleek aesthetic keeps you energized throughout the day.

Choose your vibe: dedicated desks for consistency, hot desks for flexibility, private offices for focused work, or lounge areas for creative thinking. High-speed WiFi and equipped meeting rooms handle the business side.

But The Co.'s secret weapon? A fitness area with yoga mats and exercise equipment, a meditation room for mental clarity, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic lake and mountain views. Take your morning standup outside or host client meetings with the Alps as backdrop.

The community is dynamic—freelancers, startups, and established businesses creating an energetic atmosphere. Regular networking breakfasts, happy hours, and skill-sharing sessions mean you'll never feel isolated.

What makes it special: The only Lugano workspace that treats your well-being as seriously as your bandwidth.

Best for: Professionals who understand that taking care of yourself leads to better work, and anyone who wants spectacular views with their productivity.

4. Impact Hub Ticino – Work with Purpose

Address: Via Antonio Ciseri 3, 6900 Lugano
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00-18:00
From: CHF 350/month

Inside a beautifully restored historic building in central Lugano, Impact Hub Ticino attracts people building businesses that matter. This global network (present in over 50 countries) brings together social entrepreneurs, sustainability advocates, and changemakers.

The workspace itself delivers everything you need: open-plan areas, private offices, meeting rooms, ergonomic furniture, fast WiFi, and complimentary coffee. But Impact Hub's real value lies in its programs—incubation support, acceleration workshops, and networking events designed to amplify social impact.

The member community spans nonprofits, B-Corps, sustainability consultants, and purpose-driven startups. Monthly workshops tackle topics from impact measurement to fundraising, while regular pitch nights connect you with aligned investors.

Global membership means when you travel, you can access Impact Hubs worldwide, tapping into a truly international network of innovators.

What makes it special: Your workspace community actively helps you achieve social impact, not just commercial success.

Best for: Social entrepreneurs, sustainability professionals, and anyone building a business that makes the world better.

5. Coworking Lugano – The Reliable Classic

Address: Via Trevano 63, 6900 Lugano
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00-18:00
From: CHF 360/month

Just steps from Lugano-Paradiso railway station, Coworking Lugano has earned its reputation through consistency. The bright, open-plan layout offers individual desks, communal tables, and comfortable lounge areas—plenty of options whether you're deep in solo work or collaborating.

High-speed WiFi performs reliably, printing services are included, and soundproof phone booths let you take calls without disturbing neighbors. Fully-equipped meeting rooms handle client presentations, while the kitchenette stocks complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks.

The community is supportive without being cliquish. Regular networking events, workshops, and talks bring members together, while the knowledgeable staff provide assistance without hovering.

Flexible membership options include day passes (CHF 30), weekly passes (CHF 120), and monthly plans starting at CHF 360. No hidden fees, no complicated contracts.

What makes it special: Straightforward, reliable coworking without gimmicks. You get exactly what you need at a fair price.

Best for: Value-conscious professionals who want quality workspace without premium pricing.

6. Il Litorale USI – The Academic Advantage

Address: Piazza S. Rocco 3, 6900 Lugano
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00-18:00
From: CHF 300/month (student rates available)

Located on the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) campus, Il Litorale USI blends academic rigor with entrepreneurial energy. The bright open-plan space attracts students, researchers, and professionals who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment.

Individual desks, communal tables, and lounge areas provide workspace variety, while high-speed WiFi, printing services, and meeting rooms cover practical needs. The standout feature? A stunning outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains—perfect for working al fresco or clearing your head between projects.

Regular events include startup pitches, hackathons, research seminars, and guest lectures from leading academics and entrepreneurs. The diverse member mix creates unexpected collaborations between academic research and commercial application.

Students and researchers gain access to university libraries, labs, and research facilities. Entrepreneurial projects receive mentorship support, with a focus on technology transfer and innovation.

What makes it special: Academic resources meet startup culture. Where else can you discuss your business model with PhD researchers over lunch?

Best for: Students, researchers, academics, and entrepreneurs who want to tap into university resources and intellectual energy.

7. Coworkingbar – The Nomadic Network

Address: Multiple locations across Ticino
Hours: Varies by location
From: CHF 25/day

Coworkingbar reimagines flexible working for 2025. Instead of one static location, you gain access to a network of inspiring spaces across the Ticino region—from lakeside terraces to mountain retreats.

The concept is simple: buy day passes or monthly memberships, then work from whichever location suits your mood and tasks. Need quiet focus? Choose the serene mountain location. Client meetings? Book the prestigious city center spot. Feeling creative? Try the café overlooking the lake.

Each location provides reliable WiFi, power outlets, and coffee. Some offer meeting rooms, while others excel at providing inspiring atmospheres. The mobile app lets you check availability and book spaces in real-time.

What makes it special: Why limit yourself to one workspace when you can experience the best of Ticino? Perfect for true nomads and variety seekers.

Best for: Digital nomads who crave variety, seasonal workers, and anyone who gets cabin fever in static environments.

8. Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola – Luxury Lakeside Working

Address: Viale Castagnola 31, 6906 Lugano
Hours: Daily: 7:00-23:00
From: CHF 25/day

Work from one of Switzerland's most elegant hotels without paying room rates. The Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola opens its coworking café to day visitors, offering hotel-quality service in a stunning lakeside setting.

Reliable WiFi handles video calls, power outlets are plentiful, and the coffee is exceptional (as you'd expect from a five-star property). The open nomadic workspace lets you settle in for hours without pressure to order constantly.

The atmosphere strikes a balance between professional and relaxed—quiet enough for focused work, refined enough for client calls. Lake views provide natural inspiration breaks.

What makes it special: Five-star hotel amenities at coffee shop prices. Where else can you take a client video call with Lake Lugano sparkling behind you?

Best for: Professionals who need to impress on video calls, anyone seeking an elevated work environment, and those who appreciate working somewhere special.

Lugano's coworking market reflects Swiss quality with surprising affordability compared to Zurich or Geneva:

Day Passes: CHF 25-35
Part-time (10 days/month): CHF 180-250
Full-time hot desk: CHF 300-400/month
Dedicated desk: CHF 400-500/month
Private office: CHF 800-1,200/month
Meeting rooms: CHF 40-60/hour

Most spaces offer discounts for annual commitments (typically 10-20% savings). Coffee shop working costs 5-8 CHF for a coffee that buys you 2-3 hours of workspace.

Money-saving tip: Many spaces offer free trial days. Test 3-4 options before committing to monthly memberships.

Visa Requirements

Switzerland doesn't offer a specific digital nomad visa. Here's what you need to know:

Tourist stays (no Swiss income):

• US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand citizens: 90 days within 180-day period, visa-free
• EU/EFTA citizens: No visa required, can enter freely
• Other nationals: Check Swiss embassy requirements

Important: Tourist visas prohibit working for Swiss companies or generating income from Switzerland. Remote work for non-Swiss companies while on tourist visa exists in a legal grey area—Switzerland hasn't explicitly clarified this.

Long-term stays: Require work permits sponsored by Swiss employers or special permits for entrepreneurs investing in Switzerland (typically CHF 50,000+ and creating jobs).

Cost of Living Reality Check

Lugano is expensive—but less than Zurich or Geneva:

Monthly budget (single person):

• Budget: CHF 2,500-3,000 (shared accommodation, cooking, coworking)
• Comfortable: CHF 3,500-4,500 (studio apartment, eating out regularly, dedicated desk)
• Premium: CHF 5,000+ (nice one-bedroom, all amenities, private office)

Specific costs:

• Studio apartment: CHF 1,200-1,800/month
• One-bedroom apartment: CHF 1,500-2,500/month
• Meal at inexpensive restaurant: CHF 20-25
• Cappuccino: CHF 4.50-5.50
• Monthly transport pass: CHF 70 (Arcobaleno pass for Lugano zone)
• Groceries (weekly): CHF 80-120

Budget hack: Shop at Lidl or Aldi instead of Migros/Coop to save 30-40% on groceries.

Best Neighborhoods for Remote Workers

City Center: Walking distance to everything, highest coworking density, most expensive housing (CHF 1,800-2,500 for studio).

Paradiso: Lakeside location, 10 minutes from center, mix of locals and expats, slightly more affordable (CHF 1,400-2,000 for studio).

Castagnola: Residential charm, quieter atmosphere, beautiful lake walks, requires bus/bike to reach coworking spaces.

Molino Nuovo: Budget-friendly, authentic local vibe, 15-minute bus to center, good for longer stays (CHF 1,200-1,600 for studio).

Transportation Tips

Getting around Lugano:

• Arcobaleno public transport pass: CHF 70/month (buses covering Lugano area)
• Bikes: Free PubliBike first 30 minutes, then CHF 1.20/hour (perfect for coworking hopping)
• Walking: City center is compact—most coworking spaces within 15-minute walk

Regional connectivity:

• Milan (Italy): 1 hour by train (CHF 25-40)
• Zurich: 90 minutes by train through Gotthard Base Tunnel (CHF 60-100)
• Como (Italy): 30 minutes by bus (CHF 10)
• Lugano-Agno Airport: Regional flights to European cities

Swiss Travel Pass tip: If exploring Switzerland, the pass includes transport to Lugano and local buses (from CHF 259 for 3 days).

Best Times to Visit

Summer (June-September):

• Warmest weather (25-30°C)
• Lake swimming possible
• Outdoor terrace coworking at its best
• Most expensive accommodation
• Crowded with tourists

Spring/Fall (April-May, October):

• Pleasant weather (15-22°C)
• Fewer tourists
• Better accommodation prices
• Perfect for outdoor walking meetings

Winter (December-March):

• Mild by Swiss standards (5-12°C)
• Cheapest accommodation
• Indoor coworking shines
• Christmas markets and winter charm

Pro tip: May and September offer the sweet spot—great weather, fewer crowds, reasonable prices.

Test Before Committing

Most Lugano coworking spaces offer free trial days or week passes:

1. Week 1: Test 2-3 premium spaces (day passes)
2. Week 2: Try budget options and coffee shops
3. Week 3: Return to top 2 favorites at different times
4. Week 4: Commit to monthly membership

Pay attention to:

• Noise levels at different times (mid-morning vs. afternoon)
• Internet speed during your video calls
• Community vibe (do people chat or work silently?)
• Coffee quality (you'll drink a lot of it)
• Commute time from your accommodation