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Places in Switzerland: Best cities in Switzerland to visit

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Switzerland is a stunning country with some fantastic cities to visit. They offer a mix of natural beauty and history, making them ideal places for day trips, short breaks, or more extended vacations.  

Each city has its own distinct charm and as you’ll see in my guide below, there are lots of things to see and do in each. They are also all within easy reach of some of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Check out my guide to the top things to do in some of the best cities in Switzerland. I have visited every one and loved them all.

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Zurich

A view of the river in Zurich with a boat and the old town on both sides

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is located in the German-speaking part of the country in the north.

It has a gorgeous old town which straddles the River Limmat which flows through the historic part of the city. At one end, the old town reaches Lake Zurich with its picturesque mountains in the background.

There’s no shortage of things to do on a short break here, whether you visit Zurich in winter or in summer: cultural sights to explore, parks to wander around, fascinating museums to visit, boat trips on the lake, and taking a dip in a thermal spa, to name just a few.

If you plan to do a few of these, consider buying The Zurich Card which may save you money on your sightseeing.

The city is also well located for visits to other nearby places, particularly the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, and the small pretty town of Schaffhausen.

Here are the top things to do in Zurich. Check out my more detailed post for more information and itineraries for your visit.

Top things to do in Zurich

– Visit the old town straddling the Limmat River and climb up the Grossmunster

– Sail along the river or take a cruise on Lake Zurich

– Wander around Zurichhorn Park and visit the Chinese Garden

– Visit one of the city’s fabulous museums (uniquely, there is the Fifa World Cup Museum and the Lindt Chocolate Museum)

– Swim in the lake or chill out in a thermal spa

– Shop till you drop on Bahnhofstrasse (you may need to dig into your savings, though!)

– Take a day trip to the nearby mountains or the Rhine Falls

Bern

Bern, Switzerland’s charming capital, in the western part of the country is another great place to visit.

There’s lots of things to do and see here. But as it’s closer in size to a large town, it’s easy to get around these and see everything it has to offer, even if you’re only on a short break or day trip.

A view of an old medieval street in Bern with a fountain and clock tower

The city has a UNESCO World Heritage Site old town with medieval buildings, and is home to various museums, most notably those about Albert Einstein, one of the city’s most famous residents.

It also has a family of bears that live along the Aare River and a church with the highest spire in the country. Bern’s location also means it’s an excellent base for exploring other regions in Switzerland.

Here are the best places to visit in Bern.

My fuller post will give you more information, as will my post on 12 top day trips from Bern.

Top things to do in Bern

– Wander through the old town and see the unique architecture on Kamgrasse

– Watch the Zytglogge clock tower’s hourly show and climb to the top

– Take in the views from the top of the Minster

– Meet Bern’s bears in their riverside home

– Have lunch in the Rosengarten overlooking the river

– Learn about Einstein and his time in the city

-Visit one of the other fabulous museums in Bern

Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland’s second-largest city, definitely needs to be on the list of the best cities in Switzerland to visit.

It is known for its scenic location near the Swiss Alps, its beautiful architecture, and its world-renowned museums. Unsurprisingly, given its location near the French border (Lyon, for example, is under two hours away by train), it’s in the French speaking part of the country.

The city sits on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman). This means it’s also not far from other cities along the Swiss Riviera: Lausanne, with the Olympic Museum, is around 60 kilometres away. Montreux, with the Chateau de Chillon, is just over 90 kilometres away.

A view of Geneva and the lake with the Jet D'Eay spouting up

There are a lot of things to see and do here, so if you’re planning a short trip to the city, or even one day in Geneva, it might be worth purchasing the Geneva City Pass.

This will give you free entry to some things and reductions on others.

Check out the best places to visit in Geneva and the top tourist attractions below.

Top things to do in Geneva

– Explore the old town and climb to the top of the cathedral

– Go into the Parc des Bastions and see the Reformation Wall

– Spend time by Lake Geneva and the Jet D’Eau – either stroll around the lakeside promenade, go on a boat ride, or take a dip in the water at the lido

– Visit the Palais des Nations area and see the famous ‘Broken Chair’ sculpture

– Stroll around the parks and gardens in the city and see the L’Horloge Fleurie

– Visit one of the city’s first-class museums

– Go out to Mont-Saleve and take the cable car to the top to see the Alps

Lucerne

Lucerne is another beautiful city (let’s face it, most of Switzerland’s cities are beautiful!) on the shores of a lake. This time it’s Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland.

Due to its scenic location, it’s a popular place to visit year-round with plenty of things to see. I’ve written a separate post on 13 of the best things to do in Lucerne in winter if you’re visiting at that time of year.

A view of Lucerne, at sunset, including part of the lake and bridge, with mountains in the background

It’s only 40 minutes by train from Zurich in the German-speaking part of the country, so it is an easy day trip from there.

You can also go to the surrounding region from here, including the Bernese Oberland, and ascend some of the country’s nearby snow-capped mountains.

Here are the top attractions in Lucerne.

Top things to do in Lucerne

– Stroll around the city’s old medieval streets and see the Italian Renaissance Town Hall and the eye-catching Jesuit Church

– Walk across the famous 14th century Chapel Bridge, Europe’s oldest covered bridge

– Take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne

– Go around the 13th century Musegg Wall surrounding the old town and enjoy the views from the top of the towers

– See other parts of the city, including the Lion Monument and the Glacier Garden

– Ascend the mountains in the world’s first revolving cable car

Visit Mount Rigi, the ‘Queen of the Mountains’, and ride on Europe’s oldest cogwheel train

Lausanne

Lausanne is located on the northern shore of Lake Geneva in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, just 60 kilometres from Geneva.

It is the country’s fourth-largest city, and is split between a charming old town on the hill and the picturesque lakeside resort of Ouchy on the shores of the lake.

A view of part of the old town in Lausanne with the lake and mountains in the background

This mix means there’s lots of different things to do here. While you can explore the medieval architecture and landmarks in the old town, once you’re down on the lakeside, you can go for strolls along the water, take boat trips, and picnic in parks.

When you’re in Ouchy, you can also visit the fascinating Olympic Museum, a reminder that Lausanne is the location of the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee.

Top things to do in Lausanne

– See some of the sights in the old town: the cathedral, medieval castle, and neoclassical buildings in the Place de la Palud

– Stroll around the Esplanade de Montbenon and see the Renaissance Palais de Justice

– Visit the Olympic Museum by the lake in Ouchy

– Wander along the Quais d’Ouchy to the Pavilion Thailandais

– Take a cruise around the lake or nip across to France by boat

– Day trip to nearby Montreux and nearby Vevey with the Charlie Chaplin Museum

– Visit another museum

Lugano

Lugano is another of the top places to visit in Switzerland. It is the largest city in the Swiss canton of Ticino in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region near to the Italian border.

It sits on the shores of Lake Lugano and is a beautiful place with a small, attractive city centre and mountains overlooking the lake.  

And there are plenty of opportunities to see this scenery when you visit, and partake in some outdoor activities – be that walking around the lake, sailing on the water, or travelling up the mountains to take in the panoramic views and beautiful scenery.

Lugano is also an excellent base for exploring the wider region. This includes nearby Locarno and Ascona, both beautiful towns, as well as neighbouring Italy.

In fact, it’s one of a number of excellent day trips that you can take from Milan.

Here are the top things to do in Lugano to help you make the most of your stay or day trip.

Top things to do in Lugano

– Explore the historic centre and stop off at the Piazza della Riforma

– See the outstanding fresco in St Mary of the Angel church

– Stroll along the lakeside promenade

– Ride the funiculars to the top of Monte San Salvatore and Monte Bre

– Cruise along the lake

– Visit the tiny lakeside village of Gandria

– Take a walk along the Olive Grove Trail and gaze out on the stunning lakeside beauty

– Wander through the pretty Parco Ciano

Basel

Basel is another attractive Swiss city that is worth putting on your Swiss travel list.

It sits on the Rhine River in the northern part of the country near to the border with both France and Germany and is about an hour by train from Bern. It is the third largest city in the country.

Regarded as the cultural capital of Switzerland, there are a variety of things to see and do when you visit.

It has a medieval old town, a grand Gothic cathedral, and a distinctive town hall building.

Basel Town Hall and other buildings in the old town

There are also apparently over 300 fountains in the old town, including the famous of Tinguely Fountain. Art lovers will also be in their element as there are several famous art museums in the city.

Basel’s location also means you can pop out to the border triangle building and have a drink on the spot where three countries converge, as well as take easy day trips into France and Germany.

Below are some of the best things to do in Basel.

Top things to do in Basel

– See the sights in the old town, including distinctive Town Hall

– Visit the Gothic Munster and take in the views from the Pflaz terrace behind

– Spot the city’s fountains and stop by the famous Tinguely Fountain

– Visit one of the renowned art museums

– Have a drink on the spot where 3 countries converge

– Day trip to another country

Neuchatel

Neuchatel is another Swiss lakeside city. It’s located in western Switzerland in the French speaking part of the country.

The city is not far from Bern and Geneva and sits on Lake Neuchatel. This is the third-largest lake in the Switzerland and the biggest one that is entirely located within the country’s borders. The Jura Mountains are to the north.

Part of the old town in Neuchatel

Although Neuchâtel is a city, it’s a relatively small one. This means getting around and seeing the main sights is easy, especially if you only have a short time. These are centred on the charming old town with its historic buildings, and the lakeside area.

Top things to do in Neuchatel

– Visit the historic old town and see the distinctive Maison des Halles

– Go up to Neuchatel Castle and the Collegiate Church

– Wander alongside the lakeside and see the Belle Epoque statues

– Ride the La Coudre funicular railway and take in the breathtaking views from the top

– Take a boat trip on Lake Neuchatel

– Stroll through the botanical garden or go to the lakeside beach to chill out

– Visit Switzerland’s largest archaeological museum

Winterthur

Winterthur, Switzerland’s sixth-largest city, is just a short train ride from Zurich. It’s a place with something for everyone.

There’s a picturesque old town, beautiful parks and gardens, and grand villas to wander around. Topping this off there are 17 outstanding museums to visit, one of which – Technorama, Swiss Science Centre – is said to be one of the largest museums of its kind in Europe.

A street in the old town of Winterthur with old coloured buildings

Winterthur is also a perfect place to visit if you’re an art lover. There are several art museums, one of which is based in the gorgeous villa of Oskar Rheinhardt, a Swiss art collector who was born in the city.

There’s also a castle just 3 kilometres outside the city centre and the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall is also not far.

Top things to do in Winterthur

– Spend time in the old town and see the pretty Stadtkirche church

– Have some fun at the Technorama, The Swiss Science Centre

– See the art in an Oskar Rheinhardt museum and have afternoon tea in his villa overlooking the city

– Get some fresh air in the rose gardens

– Visit another of the city’s numerous museums (there are 17 in total!)

– Look out over the local vineyards and see the Alps from the Baumli terrace

– See the animals in one of Switzerland’s oldest wildlife parks

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