15 Must-Visit Cities In Switzerland
Switzerland is known as “Heaven On Earth”, and is in a true sense a travelers’ paradise. Switzerland turquoise-colored lakes, towering snow-capped mountains, impressive scenic railways, cascading waterfalls, and its picture-perfect alpine villages beckon tourists from all over the world. Switzerland is brimming with many spectacular destinations which make it practically impossible to make an exhaustive list of the best places to visit in Switzerland. There are some of the best cities in Switzerland which you cannot miss.
With so much beautiful scenery and so many picturesque towns and villages, you must be wondering, where exactly should you go? Here I have tried to include places that are hidden gems from the beautiful cities of Switzerland and most popular world heritage sites and best cities in Switzerland without visiting which your trip to Switzerland would be incomplete.
15. Saint Morit
With gorgeous mountain scenery and Lakeview
The winter wonderland of Saint Moritz has been attracting the visitors, celebrities, and royal families since 1864. The ski resort of St. Moritz is one of the sunniest ones in the Swiss Alps. St. Moriz is the birthplace of winter Alpine tourism and the first geographical location that has been trademarked. Hike on a glacier or survey the cinematic majesty of the Engadin Valleys from soaring lookouts. If you like adventure than Saint Morit is among the best cities in Switzerland for some thrilling experience.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Corviglia, Piz Nair, Lake Saint Moritz, Engadin St. Moritz, Segantini Museum, Oberengadin, Cresta Run
14. Lugano
With A great stopover between Italy and Switzerland
Lugano is a lively city, with posh designer boutiques, pavement cafes, bars, and huddling in the spaghetti maze of steep cobblestone streets that untangle at the edge of the lake Lugano and along the flowery promenade. Lugano is the largest city in the canton, and also the country’s third-most-important banking center. That is why it is among the best cities in Switzerland to visit.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Lake Lugano, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Monte Generoso, Villa Olmo, Monte San Giorgio, Monte Brè
13. Basel
A unique mix of architectures
Basel is one of the three largest, oldest and best cities in Switzerland. Basel is known as the city of art lovers. With the Rhine river that goes through the city, it makes the Basel city more appealing. If you want to feel the everyday life of its residents, head to Kleinbasel to enjoy some fine dining down on the riverbanks. Fortunately for the city, Basel is in the center of the triangle where three states meet.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Basel Minster, Fine Arts Museum Basel, Zoo Basel, Museum Tinguely, Carnival Fountain, Tierpark Lange Erlen, Basel Historical Museum
12. Lausanne
Gives you the medieval feel
Situated on the shore of Lake Geneva, is Lausanne a delightful city to add to your tour of Switzerland. Known as the World’s Olympic Capital, Lausanne surrounds with the gentle slopes, with the beautiful gothic old town located at the top. This town has something for everyone. You have got to explore the surreal beauty of Lausanne city during your trip to Switzerland. If you plan to visit Europe and explore some of the best cities in Switzerland you will need more than a weeks time to visit and sightseeing.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Lausanne Cathedral, Sauvabelin Tower, The Olympic Museum, Musée de l’Elysée, Hermitage Foundation, Château Saint-Maire, Palais de Rumine
11. Zermatt
The car-free resort town
Zermatt town lies at the base of the famous Matterhorn, where lifts ascend 3,883 meters to reveal expansive Alpine views. Zermatt encompasses spectacular views of the Matterhorn and 28 other 4,000 meter peaks surrounding the mountain village. Zermatt is among the best cities in Switzerland you must visit while you plan to visit Europe.
A traveller from world of wanderlust suggests being sure to avoid peak season if possible as prices are sky high and availability low, particularly throughout Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Gornergrat, Gornergrat Railway, Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Breithorn, Riffelsee, Unterrothorn, Matterhorn Museum
10. Stein am Rhein
Perfectly quaint Swiss village
Known as the “Jewel on the Untersee,” Stein am Rhein is situated at the point where Lake Constance becomes the Rhine river in the eastern canton of Schaffhausen. Stein am Rhein boasts a medieval hilltop castle with a bird’s-eye view of the walled town below and a former Benedictine abbey (St. George) founded in the 11th century. Surrounded with splendid Rhine Falls, timber-framed houses, oriel windows, charming lanes, and facade paintings, Stein am Rhein is considered to be one of the best cities in Switzerland. It is also the most preserved medieval small towns in Switzerland. Must take a tour to Rhine Falls during your trip to Stein am Rhein town.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Werd, Hohenklingen Castle, St. George’s Abbey, Ittinger Museum, Haus zum Lindwurm, Cribs world – Museum, Freudenfels Castle, Sandsteinhöhlen
9. Montreux
Set on Lake Geneva
Situated on the shore of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, Montreux boasts a picturesque spot. The quays of Montreux offer miles of lakeside strolling, framed by beautiful views of the Alps, and surrounded by exotic flowers and trees. It comes as no surprise that this is the place is among the best cities in Switzerland where Queen created a few of their best selling albums, Charlie Chaplin decided to spend 25 years of his life, and Lord Byron created a poem about.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Chillon Castle, Golden Pass Railway, Queen: The Studio Experience, Freddie Mercury, Col de Jaman, Casino Barrière Montreux, Rochers de Naye
8. St. Gallen
Ancient boulevards for history buffs
St. Gallen features one of the most picturesque old towns in Switzerland with many of the houses and buildings being from the 16th and 18th centuries, often adorned with wrought-iron signs, painted facades, and painted wooden oriel windows. Walk along with the best places in St. Gallen and browse through the many small and charming shops. Adorned with so many beautiful places, it is definitely a must-visit and best cities in Switzerland.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: St. Gallen Cathedral, Abbey Library of Saint Gallm, Abbey of Saint Gall, Drei Weieren, St. Gallen museum of art, Wildlife Park Peter and Paul, Walter Zoo
7. Sion
A small city in the Rhone Valley
Lying on the banks of the Rhone, Sion is a small city that rises abruptly out of the built-up floor of the Rhône valley is deliciously gourmet, with excellent dining options and a surrounding ring of vine-terraced hills with ancient irrigation channels known as ‘bisses’. The highlight of this town is undoubtedly the old town, which has two dramatic hilltops overlooking it.
Switzerland is a place you will never get bored of. There are plenty of places, activities and sights to visit and explore while touring. These are some of the best cities in Switzerland listed in this blog.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Valère Basilica, Château de Tourbillon, Thyon, Bisse du Torrent Neuf, Domaine des Iles, Lac du Mont d’Orge, Lac de Mont d’Orge, Valais Art Museum
6. Geneva
French-speaking Switzerland
Situated in the heart of Europe, Geneva is one of the world’s most widely known destinations. Geneva is a paradise for luxury shoppers with high-end accommodations and among the world’s top three and best cities in Switzerland offering the highest quality of life. The combination of cosmopolitan, culture, and historical aesthetic of Geneva, makes it one of Europe’s most interesting cities. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Geneva with the Lake and neighboring French Alps.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: The Geneva Water Fountain, St Pierre Cathedral, Palais des Nations, Jardin Anglais, Reformation Wall, L’horloge fleurie, Bains des Pâquis, Place du Bourg-de-Four
5. Interlaken
Alpine lakes with snow-capped mountains
Situated between two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is the perfect place to explore the surrounding Alps and lakes and attracts a big backpacker crowd, as well as those looking to hike up the mountains. It is surrounded by some of the Alps’ highest peaks, Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. Find yourself amidst charming lakes, breathtaking landscapes, spanning mammoth mountain ranges, and gushing rivers streams during your visit to Switzerland.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Harder Kulm, Jungfrau Park, Höhematte, Interlaken Ost, Harderbahn, Höheweg, Schynige Platte
4. Bern
The Swiss capital
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is the most majestic spread of verdant foothills, lakes, meadows, icy glaciers, and sky-piercing peaks. From the surrounding hills, it was amazing to witness the captivating picturesque of red roofs arrayed on a spit of land within a bend of the Aare River. Its well-preserved medieval buildings make it an instantly endearing place to visit in Switzerland.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Zytglogge, The Cathedral of Bern, Bear Pit, The Parliament Building, Zentrum Paul Klee, Gurten, Einsteinhaus, UNESCO- Von Bern
3. Gstaad & Saanen
For the Bollywood Buff
Located in the valley of the River Saane in the western Bernese Oberland, Gstaad is the beautiful village of the Saanenland. This traffic-free, friendly and charming village is full of restored weathered-wood chalets between five gently sloping valleys pleasing a larger crowd. Have a nice walk along flowering meadows in a mountain world where the scenery is still unspoiled.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Gruyères Castle, Plaine Morte, Col du Pillon, Simmental, Lauenensee, Gastlosen, Jaun Pass, Arnensee, Rinderberg
2. Zurich
A pastel-colored dream town
Zurich is a great city packed with inspiring art, architecture, and design. Zurich is one of the best places to visit on your tour of Switzerland. Considered one of the design capitals of Europe, the charming old town, Zurich testifies to the city’s over 2000 years of history. Wander the colorful old town, handy public transportation network, dine on fondue, go shopping, and take a boat tour of Lake Zurich.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Lake Zurich, Zurich Altstadt, Uetliberg, Bahnhofstrasse, Fraumünster, Swiss National Museum, Grossmünster, Lindenhof, Opernhaus Zurich
1. Lucerne
A picturesque ancient city
Occupying a stunning position on the banks of Lake Lucerne, Lucerne city is a fascinating, colorful city winning the hearts of its many visitors. The name of the Lucerne city was derived from the Benedictine monastery of St. Leodegar (Luciaria), founded in the 8th century. Have a walk and discover the charming streets of Lucerne, with its delightful cafés, shops and boutiques, frescoed buildings, and museums.
Places to visit/sightseeing to do: Mt. Pilatus, Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), Mount Rigi, Spreuerbrücke, Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument), Musegg Wall, Swiss Museum Of Transport, Old Town, Engelberg
Swiss cuisine is a reflection of the popular Swiss culture, especially in the aspects of simplicity and quality. When you’re exploring amazing Switzerland, don’t forget to try Swiss cheese, fondue, tartiflette, raclette, bircherműesli, and chocolates.
Switzerland is a true shopping paradise. The numerous luxury shops and specialty stores make shopping a real pleasure. From some of the best chocolates to classical marvels like the Swiss army knife, shopping in Switzerland can be a lot of fun.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Switzerland famous for?
Switzerland is famous for the Swiss Fondue Pot Filled with Yummy Melted Cheese.
Why is Switzerland a safe country?
Low crime rates are one of the main reasons why Switzerland is a safe country.
Is Switzerland expensive?
Switzerland is rated the most expensive country in the world to visit, with Geneva and Zurich being two of the ten most expensive cities to live in.
Do they speak English in Switzerland?
Yes, they do speak English in Switzerland. Swiss speak one of the four national languages, the number using foreign tongues – especially English are on rise.
What is famous in Switzerland to buy?
Famous Lindt Chocolate Box, Swiss Made” Watches, Famous Swiss Army Knife, Cukoo Clock & Cheese Fondue Set
What should I avoid in Switzerland?
You should avoid free stuff scams in Switzerland.
What is the best time to travel to Switzerland?
The best time to travel in Switzerland is between April and June, and September to October when the weather is at best.
There is so much to see and do in Switzerland, I never get bored! Get off the beaten track and explore the beauty of lush meadows, amazing Alps, serene lakes, giant glaciers, majestic mountains, world heritage sites, breathtaking activities, and delicious food. If you are planning a trip to Switzerland, it certainly pays to be prepared ahead of time. I’m sure the popular tourist attractions listed here would give you a real feel of the surreal beauty of Switzerland.
