Best Places To Visit In Switzerland: Places To See In Switzerland At Least Once

Did you know that Switzerland is dubbed the Playground of Europe? This is because it has spectacular views of stunning lakes, mountain ranges, and lush greenery. Moreover, the country also offers various adventurous activities like Bungee jumping or paragliding.

From snow-capped towering mountains to rolling hills and crystal clear lakes, the best places to visit in Switzerland have beauties of every kind that seem out of this world. The Playground of Europe can make everyone fall head over heels for it within a few days of exploring.

After reading, you’ll get the chance to learn about all the exciting adventurous opportunities as well as beautiful towns and cities you can take a stroll through. Scroll down to discover the picturesque destinations of one of the most breathtaking countries in the world now.

Best Cities To Visit In Switzerland

It’s hard to decide which one is the most beautiful city in Switzerland. But we will provide you with a list of the most noteworthy ones and let you be the judge of that. Every place has its charm, you should explore them all. Be sure to leave a comment below to tell us your opinions.

1. Zurich

 

Photo by Patrick Federi on Unsplash

Zurich is likely one of the first Switzerland tourist places most people visit once they fly to Switzerland. It’s no surprise because the city’s railway and air stations are the largest ones in the country. Zurich’s public transportation system is among the world’s best and most reliable.

One of the most popular tourist choices is Zurich Old Town. The Town Walking Tour is one program that appeals to history lovers and tourists alike. Within a few hours, visitors can learn about the colourful history of the place as they walk past the hidden-away places, age-old squares, and mediaeval backdrops.

Fun fact: Zurich’s nickname is Little Big City because this cosy gem, despite its small size, has attractions, amusements, chances for adventure, etc. It has everything for everybody!

Another must-see Switzerland attraction is the Swiss Grand Canyon, which you can reach via buses from Zürich HB (Zürich Central Station). It’s a 1 hr 50 mins trip, but trust us, it’s all worth it.

The Swiss Grand Canyon, or Rhine gorge, is a natural landscape of unrivalled views. You have many different ways to explore the place: by train, biking, hiking, or even river rafting and canoeing!

2. Locarno

Photo by Johnson Hung on Unsplash

Locarno is an amazing place to be with its prime location at Lake Maggiore. Great historical centres, extraordinary restaurants, and fascinating activities make it a popular destination for first-time explorers. You don’t want to leave out Locarno from the list of the best cities to visit in Switzerland.

After finding your way through atmospheric narrow alleyways, you will find yourself marvelled at the awe-inspiring Piazza Grande. The pastel-coloured facades and quaint eateries are so inviting that everyone can’t help but settle down for a cup of coffee or a meal to enjoy the lively atmosphere. We also recommended taking a stroll through the arcades, which are built with river pebbles dating back to 1825.

The vibrant heart of the city is also home to many cultural and recreational activities like the Locarno Film Festival, Moon and Stars music festival, Locarno on Ice, weekly markets, etc. Whenever an event takes place, the whole square transforms into a spacious venue with an open sky as your shelter.

Tips: You should seek a Swiss Half Card. It allows you to travel by train, bus, boat and most mountain railway excursions at half-price.

For wildlife enthusiasts, there is a program where you can see birds of prey at Falconeria Locarno. The twice-a-day show features flights of eagles, hawks, vultures, storks, and the like. This is your chance to meet and take pictures of these marvellous creatures.

Ascona, located on the Northern shore, is the definition of a hidden gem. Famous for its mild climate, the exclusive lakeside town is great for a leisurely walk at the promenade or sipping a coffee while viewing the Mediterranean-style architecture. Truly an ideal place for relaxation and healing.

3. Bern

Photo by Joel & Jasmin Førestbird on Unsplash

Many people are surprised upon learning that little Bern is the capital of Switzerland. While Zurich is the largest city in the country, unlike Bern, it’s not the administrative capital. The federal city is a strong contender for the title of the most beautiful city in Switzerland. 

The mediaeval Old City of Bern was built in the 12th century on a hill bordered by the Aare River. This entire area is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, thus there are many hidden gems like cathedrals, renaissance fountains, and bridges for you to discover.

Reichenbach falls is another amazing place you must visit. Located in the Bernese Oberland region, it is well-known for being a setting for the apparent death of Sherlock Holmes in the story “The Final Problem”.

Given the abundance of public fountains in and around the place, it’s no wonder why Bern is known as “the city of fountains.” In the past, these fountains were a reliable source of water for the locals and a place for gatherings and exchanging news.

Bernese incorporated detailed decorations and colourful figures into these Renaissance creations. Every fountain has its own history, meaning, and stories to tell.

Fun fact: Fountain water at any place in Switzerland is safe to drink. Everyone gets to quench their thirst for free!

4. Basel

Photo by Eryk Piotr Munk on Unsplash

The name “cultural capital of Switzerland” is fitting for Basel as it boasts the largest collection of museums in the country, among which is Kunstmuseum, one of the world’s oldest museums. Basel is truly the best city to visit in Switzerland for art and culture connoisseurs.

Tips: You should exchange to Swiss francs (CHF) rather than Euros when travelling to Switzerland. Major stores, hotels, and restaurants may accept Euros, but they will give you the change in Swiss francs.

Being the country’s oldest university city, historic landmarks are everywhere. But the most fascinating aspect of Basel is how the old and new exist alongside each other. Modern architecture and historical museums stood next to each other, tradition and open-mindedness collided, creating a one-of-a-kind contrast. The art scene is the city’s identity.

An event you don’t want to miss is Fasnacht, the biggest carnival in Switzerland and also a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. To catch the 3-day creative and unique celebration, consider visiting Basel between February and March. Everyone is welcome to be a part of the festivities.

Basel is especially transformed during the Christmas season. The whole city is radiant with warm illumination and golden glows from fairy lights, over a hundred Christmas trees, and decorated shops.

Basel Christmas market, a winner of the European Best Christmas Markets, will captivate anyone with the magical atmosphere around the Barfüsser Church. You can enjoy the delicacies provided by the food stalls, or even try candle dipping (Kerzenziehen), a Swiss Christmas tradition.

5. Lausanne

Photo by Ivan on Unsplash

Lausanne on the Northern side of Lake Geneva is the perfect lakeside resort to soak up a laid-back atmosphere for your summer break. The lake and alps podcast-perfect pictures are a view to remember for a lifetime.

The city is also known as the world’s Olympic Capital since it has been hosting some of the most important sporting events in the world like the Winter Youth Olympic Games and is home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). If you are intrigued, you can come to the Olympic Museum, located on the Quais d'Ouchy lakeside walk, to learn more about it.

There are three things one must try once they come to Lausanne: wine, cheese, and chocolate. Fondue (Swiss melted cheese cooked in a communal pot) is a glossy and thick delicacy that is best eaten when the temperature begins to drop.

If you fancy taking in the spectacular view of Lausanne, the Geneva Lake, and the French alps, Sauvabelin Tower is the ideal spot to do so. Just hop on Bus 16 at Signal or Lac de Sauvabelin and you can get there effortlessly. However, there’s no elevator, so be ready to break some sweat climbing those 302 wooden steps.

6. Geneva

Photo by Daniela Turcanu on Unsplash

Bienvenue à Genève! (Welcome to Geneva!) Along with Zurich, it’s one of the richest cities in the world. However, there is something for tourists, too. You can find much fun in the cheerfulness of the place, a quality you often see in Switzerland tourist attractions.

The first thing you should get is the Geneva Pass. It’s available in 24, 48 or 72 hours and allows access to more than 50 attractions and activities. Some of these include cruises on Lake Geneva, canoeing, free admission to some museums and sites, guided city tours, etc.

If you want to observe Switzerland’s most magnificent landscapes in one journey, the Golden Pass train is the best way to do that. Train travel in the land of chocolate is exceptionally clean, comfortable, and efficient. This train line is no exception.

For about 5 hours and a half, passengers get to admire the breathtaking mountain passes, green valleys, and stunning lakes on 3 different train rides. The already jaw-dropping scenery is appreciated even further when you view them from the Panoramic VIP seat.

Tips: The fee is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, so be sure to get one to get the most out of your journey. It also gives you unlimited access to the Swiss Travel System network.

7. Lucerne

Photo by Flora Hon on Unsplash

Speaking of Switzerland's beautiful places, you can’t leave out Lucerne. The well-preserved mediaeval atmosphere and historical buildings will make every tourist enchanted and can’t get the city out of their mind for a long while.

Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge) is a remarkable landmark of the region. The covered wooden bridge, perhaps one of the oldest in Europe, is not only a pathway to the bank of the Reuss River, but also into Lucerne's history. Visitors crossing the structure can gaze at the ravishing cycle of paintings framed on the spruce wood boards.

If you want to get away from the colourful mediaeval st