Switzerland is packed with things to do for every traveler: explore vibrant cities like Zurich and Geneva, wander picturesque Alpine villages, cruise its famous lakes, and savor Swiss chocolate and cheese. From family-friendly excursions (Rhine Falls, Swiss Museum of Transport) to couple adventures (the Glacier Express train ride, Lavaux vineyards at sunset), and solo explorations (Zürich’s old town, mountain hikes), every trip can mix nature, culture, and fun.
At a glance | Don’t miss the best things to do in Switzerland
- City highlights: Zurich’s Altstadt & Bahnhofstrasse (luxury shopping), Geneva’s Jet d’Eau and UN quarter, Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge and lakeside Old Town — easy day trips from major hubs.
- Mountain adventures: Hike or ski the Alps — Zermatt for the Matterhorn, Jungfraujoch & Grindelwald for glacier views; cable cars and panoramic trains link major bases.
- Scenic trains: Must-rides include the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass — book reservations early for peak-season windows and window-seat views.
- Lakes & waterfalls: Cruise Lake Geneva (Château de Chillon), swim or paddle on Lakes Lucerne & Thun, and visit Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen — great summer activities.
- Culture & history: Explore Bern’s UNESCO Old Town, Gruyères castle & museums, and time festivals like Montreux Jazz or local market days for authentic experiences.
- Food & drink: Try Swiss chocolate (Maison Cailler experiences), raclette & fondue, and regional wines (Lavaux terraces, Ticino Merlot) — tasting tours are short and rewarding.
- Practical tips: Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited rail/bus/boat travel and consider a Museum Pass for many free entries. Expect higher prices (typical attraction fees CHF 5–50) and budget accordingly.
- Book Glacier/Bernina/GoldenPass reservations in advance (seat reservations often required).
- Pack layers and waterproofs — alpine weather changes fast; bring comfortable walking shoes for towns and hikes.
- Activate a Swiss Travel Pass for multiple-day travel (covers many boats & trains); keep digital copies of bookings.
- Budget for attractions and mountain transports (cable cars, cogwheel trains) — some require separate tickets or supplements.
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Geneva’s first all-suite hotel. A lakeside masterpiece featuring Michelin-starred dining and world-class Guerlain spa facilities.
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Four Seasons des Bergues
The oldest grand hotel in Geneva, blending historic elegance with panoramic views of the Jet d’Eau and the Alps.
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La Réserve Genève
Set within a private 10-acre park, this lakeside resort is a haven for wellness, featuring the renowned Nescens Spa.
Check Availability1. Things to do in Zurich | Start in Switzerland’s largest city
Zurich blends medieval charm with modern flair. Walk or take a pedal boat along the Limmat river through Old Town (Altstadt) to see Grossmünster and quaint guild houses. Don’t miss Bahnhofstrasse – one of Europe’s most expensive shopping streets – or the innovative Zurich-West district (redeveloped industrial area with art and restaurants). Art and history lovers can visit the Swiss National Museum or Kunsthaus Zürich. For families, Zurich Zoo and Lindt Home of Chocolate are fun. In summer swim in Lake Zurich; in winter stroll the Christmas market under stars.
2. Things to do in Geneva & Lausanne | Swiss Riviera charms
On Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), Geneva’s Jet d’Eau fountain and lakeside walks are musts. In town, tour the UN building or Chocolate Adventure tours. Nearby Lausanne hosts the Olympic Museum and Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO terraced wine region) with stunning lake views. Visit Gruyères castle and cheese factory for a medieval village experience. Take a paddle steamer on the lake: ride to Château de Chillon, “a medieval castle set upon an island”. Family tip: the Paddle Steamer Savoie or hair-raising Grottes du Cossaux tour in St-Légier.
3. Things to do in Lucerne & Central Switzerland | Alpine lakeside beauty
Lucerne, on Lake Lucerne, is postcard-perfect. Stroll across the 700-year-old Chapel Bridge, see the Lion Monument, and ride the steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus for 360° views. Take the train-cruise combo to Rigi or Titlis (icy alpine plateau). Visit Richard Wagner’s Villa by the lake. Venture into Central Switzerland: Interlaken (between lakes Thun/Brienz) offers paragliding, canyoning and Gondola rides (e.g. Harder Kulm summit). Canton Uri’s Urnersee, or “Swiss Grand Canyon” at Schöllenen Gorge (Devil’s Bridge), is scenic.
4. Things to do in Interlaken & Bernese Oberland | Outdoor adventures
Interlaken is the gateway to the Bernese Alps. Ride the train to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) for snowy vistas, then luge or sled at Kleine Scheidegg. Hike waterfalls: Trümmelbachfälle (inside glacier) or Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen Valley. Take the “GoldenPass Line” train from Montreux to Lucerne through scenic meadows. In Bernese Oberland, visit Grindelwald and Männlichen for alpine hikes, and relax at spa resorts like Leukerbad. For thrill-seekers: try skydiving or canyon swing in this region.
5. Things to do in Bern | City of fountains & UNESCO charmthrillophilia.com
Bern’s medieval Old Town (a UNESCO site) is framed by the Aare River. Explore narrow arcaded streets and 16th‑century fountains – “the Old Town has remained mostly unchanged since the 11th century”. Key sights: the Zytglogge (famous clock tower) and Einsteinhaus. Ride to Rosengarten for city panoramas and picnic. The Swiss Alpine Museum and Bern Historical Museum (with Einstein exhibit) offer culture. Families enjoy the Natural History Museum (dinosaurs) and Bear Park. Nearby Emmental Valley is great for cheese tours.
6. Things to do in Ticino (Lugano & Locarno) | Italian Swiss flair
In Ticino (Italian-speaking Switzerland), start at Lake Lugano’s city park and promenade. Take a funicular up Monte Brè for panoramic views. Stroll the colorful Gandria old village or cruise on MV Monte Brè. In Lugano, wander the lakeside Parco Civico-Ciani and enjoy Ticinese Merlot at a café. Day-trip to Locarno and Ascona: Mediterranean-style towns on Lake Maggiore known for palm-lined promenades and gentle hills (perfect for couples). Swim or SUP in crystal lakes, try the gorges of Verzasca, or visit Bellinzona’s three medieval castles (UNESCO).
The Geneva Gold Standard
From the historic banks of Lake Geneva to ultra-private wellness sanctuaries, experience the pinnacle of Swiss hospitality.
The Woodward
Geneva’s first all-suite hotel. A lakeside masterpiece featuring Michelin-starred dining and world-class Guerlain spa facilities.
Reserve Your Suite
Four Seasons des Bergues
The oldest grand hotel in Geneva, blending historic elegance with panoramic views of the Jet d’Eau and the Alps.
Unlock Rates
La Réserve Genève
Set within a private 10-acre park, this lakeside resort is a haven for wellness, featuring the renowned Nescens Spa.
Check Availability7. Things to do in Zermatt (Matterhorn) | Iconic Alpine climb
Zermatt is a car-free village under the Matterhorn. Enjoy hiking or skiing with the mountain all around. Take the cable car up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Europe’s highest cable car station) for panoramic views, or the Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway (the highest open-air railway in Europe). In town, visit the Matterhorn Museum for alpine culture. At night relax by the river or dine at a terrace. Nearby, visit glacier lakes like Leisee (tubing and swimming) or ride to Klein Matterhorn. Ski Tip: Summer skiing is also possible on Theodul Glacier.
8. Things to do on Scenic Swiss Trains | Mountain railways & panoramas
Switzerland’s trains are attractions themselves. Board panoramas: the Glacier Express (St. Moritz ↔ Zermatt) winds through 291 bridges; the Bernina Express (Chur ↔ Tirano, Italy) crosses 55 tunnels amidst glaciers. The GoldenPass (Montreux–Interlaken–Lucerne) travels past lakes and vineyards. Don’t miss the Gotthard Panorama (train+boat) through central Swiss mountains. (Note: a Swiss Travel Pass covers most panoramic trains by reservation.)
9. Things to do in Jungfrau & Aletsch Region | UNESCO Alps
The Jungfrau-Aletsch region is UNESCO-listed. In addition to Jungfraujoch, hike to the Aletsch Glacier (Europe’s largest). Explore Alpine villages: Mürren (pedestrian-only, cable car), Grindelwald, or Kleine Scheidegg. Lookouts like Schilthorn (Bond movie star) offer 360° views. In summer, take scenic cableways (Wengen–Männlichen, Grindelwald–First) for panoramic trails. In winter, ski famous resorts (Wengen–Männlichen, Lauterbrunnen–Stechelberg).
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10. Things to do at Swiss Lakes | Cruises, swims & lakeside towns
Switzerland’s lakes are crystal clear. Enjoy boat cruises or swimming in Lac Léman (Geneva/Lausanne), Lake Thun and Lake Brienz (near Interlaken), or Lake Zurich. Visit lakeside towns: Montreux (jazz festival), Stein am Rhein (medieval murals), or Rapperswil (rose gardens). At Lake Lucerne, ride the historic paddle steamer or funicular. Don’t miss Oeschinen Lake (Oeschinensee, a bluest in the Alps) near Kandersteg for rowing and gondola rides. Waterfalls: take a boat to Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen – “the Rhine Falls at 75m are Europe’s largest”.
11. Things to do in Rhine Falls & Schaffhausen | Europe’s highest cascade
At the Swiss-German border, Rhine Falls thunders from 75m high. Walk to the viewing platforms or take a boat right up to the cataract. In nearby Schaffhausen explore the old town with its city wall and Munot fort. For a unique perspective, take a train ride above the Rhine into Stein am Rhein (a painted medieval town). In fall, witness the river’s orange glow. For families: the Aquarium in Schaffhausen and Rhinefallpark playground by the falls.
12. Things to do in St. Moritz & Engadin | World-class alpine resort
St. Moritz (Engadin) is Switzerland’s luxury winter sports center – host of two Winter Olympics. It offers 350km of ski slopes and world-class wellness spas. Summer here means hiking and mountain biking in a high-mountain basin, or wingwalking and sailing on the frozen lake. The local cuisine includes Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and Capuns (Swiss chard parcels). Nearby resorts like Zuoz or Pontresina are quieter gems.
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Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
A masterclass in traditional Swiss hospitality. Arrive by horse-drawn carriage to this legendary 19th-century palace.
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Mont Cervin Palace
A legendary member of the Leading Hotels of the World, delivering timeless Swiss charm and carriage arrivals since 1852.
Reserve the Palace13. Things to do for Families | Zoos, theme parks, and science
Families will find endless fun: the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne (with planetarium and trains), Technorama in Winterthur (hands-on science center), and the Alpamare indoor waterpark near Zurich. Take a mountain coaster in Grindelwald or cable cars up Rigi with a playground on top. Zurich Zoo (panda exhibit) and Basel Zoo are world-class. On sunny days, enjoy Lakes Geneva or Zurich beaches. Budget tip: many attractions are free with the Swiss Museum Pass or city tourist cards.
14. Things to do for Foodies | Chocolate, cheese, markets
Swiss food is part of the experience. Visit a cheese dairy in Gruyères, Gruyère or Emmental (tasting Fondue/Raclette by fire). Tour chocolate workshops: Maison Cailler in Broc or Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich. Savor street markets: weekly farmers markets (e.g. Bern or Basel), and fun: try Älplermagronen or Rösti in a mountain hut. Wine lovers: taste Valais specialties (Petite Arvine, Fendant) or Ticino Merlot on sunny terraces.
15. Things to do for Culture & History Buffs | Art, castles, UNESCO
Dive into Swiss heritage: see the Romanesque cathedral in St. Gallen (UNESCO) or the Abbey in Einsiedeln. Tour major art museums: Fondation Beyeler (Basel), Kunsthaus (Zurich), or Fondation Gianadda (Martigny). Drive or hike the Grand Tour of Switzerland to hit 22 UNESCO and natural sites. Chess fans can visit the World Chess Hall of Fame in Lucerne or watch local football (soccer). Attend a classical concert (Lucerne Festival, Verbier Festival) in Alpine venues.
16. Hidden & Unusual Things to Do | Offbeat gems
Beyond the classics, explore Swiss oddities: visit the H.R. Giger Museum in Gruyères (Alien designer’s art) or the Verkehrshaus’s Space Center. In Switzerland’s east, see Chaplin’s World in Corsier-sur-Vevey. Wander medieval Solothurn or Bellinzona’s castles (tall stone elevator to hilltop). Hike to Creux du Van (natural amphitheater cliff in Jura). On quiet evenings, find stargazing spots in Valais (Swiss Alps at night have superb dark skies).
17. Festivals and Events | Year-round celebrations
Plan for festivals: Jazz à Montreux (July) on the lakefront; Fête de l’Escalade in Geneva (Dec) with medieval costumes and chocolate; Basel Fasnacht (Feb/March) – Europe’s biggest carnival; Street Parade in Zurich (Aug). Summer folk festivals Fête des Vignerons (Vevey, 20-25 years interval) or local Alpabfahrt cattle parades in each canton are unique cultural experiences.
18. Nightlife and Entertainment | Bars, clubs and sunsets
Swiss nightlife varies by city: Zurich’s Langstrasse and Bern’s inner city have lively bars and clubs. Enjoy lakeside cocktails at Geneva’s Barbero or Basel’s Rhine deck parties. Catch an open-air cinema in summer or ski under the stars. For a special night out, try dining on Mt. Rigi’s rotating restaurant or take the Panorama Funicular up Schilthorn for a 007-themed dinner. Tip: Public transport runs late, and night buses cover major routes.
19. Budget & Travel Tips | Saving money
Switzerland is expensive (CHF 10–30 for a meal, CHF 30+ for attractions). To save: use the Swiss Travel Pass for free transport and museum entry, and the Swiss Half-Fare Card for discount on mountain excursions. Stay in budget inns, family-run B&Bs or Mountain Hostels. Pack food for hikes. Many cities offer a “Guest Pass” with free local transit. Also, free summer activities include swimming in lakes and free mountain railways (e.g. Rigi, Stanserhorn) with card.
20. Planning & Transportation | Getting around Switzerland
Getting there: major airports in Zurich, Geneva, Basel. By train: SBB trains are punctual and cover every region. Rent a Swiss Rail Pass for flexibility. Roads: rent a car only for remote areas (remember the CHF 40/year highway vignette). Biking: use SwitzerlandMobility bike network maps. Check SBB.ch or CFF.ch for schedules. Local tip: Download the SBB Mobile app for timetables and e-tickets.
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Frequently Asked Questions | Switzerland travel essentials
Quick answers to common questions about planning a trip to Switzerland — transport, costs, safety and local tips.
What is Switzerland famous for?
When is the best time to visit Switzerland?
Are trains included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
How expensive is travel in Switzerland?
Do I need to book attractions in advance?
Is Switzerland safe to travel?
Can I use my phone/data in Switzerland?
What are top family-friendly things to do?
How do I reach mountain summits easily?
What local foods should I try?
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Any tips for hiking?
Is English widely spoken?
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What is unique about Swiss culture?
Hidden gem not to miss?
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