The places, cities and activities not to miss in Switzerland: lakes, mountains, cities, food and good addresses to plan your trip.
Switzerland packs a rare density of landscapes and experiences into a small territory: Alpine peaks, turquoise lakes, medieval towns and a renowned food scene. This guide gathers the must-sees to plan a successful trip, whether you come for a few days or several weeks.
The must-sees at a glance
- Lakes: Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, Lake Zurich, Lake Lugano.
- Mountains: Matterhorn (Zermatt), Jungfraujoch, Pilatus, Rigi.
- Cities: Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano.
- Panoramic trains: Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass.
- Food: fondue, raclette, rösti, chocolate and PDO cheeses.
Cities to visit
Geneva and Lausanne (Lake Geneva region)
On the shores of Lake Geneva, Geneva charms with its water jet, old town and international institutions. Lausanne, the Olympic capital, offers a Gothic cathedral and lively quays in Ouchy.
Bern and Lucerne
Bern, the capital, has a UNESCO-listed old town with its arcades and clock tower. Lucerne, in central Switzerland, is famous for its Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and its mountain-ringed lake.
Zurich and Lugano
Zurich combines urban energy, lake shores and a vibrant cultural scene. In the south, Lugano brings a Mediterranean touch with its palm trees and Italian-speaking atmosphere.
Mountains and nature
Zermatt offers the legendary view of the Matterhorn. The Jungfrau region (Interlaken, Grindelwald) gives access to the Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe". Pilatus and Rigi are reachable from Lucerne by cogwheel train or cable car.
Travelling by train
The Swiss rail network is among the most efficient in the world. The panoramic trains are an experience in themselves. For a touring trip, a transport pass greatly simplifies travel between cities, lakes and mountains.
Food: what to try?
Fondue and raclette are essential in winter; rösti accompanies many dishes; and Switzerland is world-famous for its chocolate and cheeses (Gruyère, Emmental, Appenzeller).
To find a good address near you, explore restaurants, book a table via the Reservation page, or browse businesses by city.
When to go?
Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking and lakes; winter (December to March) for skiing and snow sports. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery and fewer crowds.
Plan your trip with TOP SUISSE
TOP SUISSE gathers the country's best businesses by category and city. To go further, check the categories or the other guides.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to visit Switzerland?
A 5- to 7-day trip lets you see the essentials: one or two cities, a lake and a mountain excursion. To explore several regions without rushing, plan for 10 to 14 days.
Which cities should you not miss in Switzerland?
Geneva and Lausanne on Lake Geneva, Bern (the capital) with its UNESCO old town, Lucerne in central Switzerland, Zurich and, for an Italian feel, Lugano in Ticino.
What is the best way to get around Switzerland?
The train. The Swiss rail network is punctual and covers the whole country, including mountain regions. Panoramic trains like the Glacier Express are attractions in their own right.
What must you eat in Switzerland?
Fondue, raclette and rösti are among the signature dishes. For something sweet, Swiss chocolate and PDO cheeses such as Gruyère are must-tries.
