Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Switzerland

From breathtaking Alpine scenery to picturesque villages with a fairy-tale appeal, Switzerland has it all. For the stunning natural beauty of Switzerland, travelers from all over the world come.

No. 1 Lucerne

This medieval town has covered bridges, waterfront promenades, frescoed historic buildings, and sun-splashed plazas with bubbling fountains—making it a spectacular, popular tourist spot.

Lucerne is famed for its music concerts, luring in renowned soloists, conductors, and orchestras to the annual International Music Festival in the Culture and Convention Center. Historic Swiss landmarks, like the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monuments, pull people in, but history buffs will have plenty of other sights to see, especially at the Swiss Transport Museum. Lucerne is nestled along Lake Lucerne and lies at the foot of the Alps, surrounded by mountains. The Reuss feeds the lake, which flows from the Urner Alps and empties into the Luzernerschlucht.

The lake has several arms, the most prominent of which are the Urnersee to the west and the Zugersee to the east. Lake Lucerne is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in water sports or hiking in the nearby mountains.

Lucerne is a destination filled with iconic cable cars at Mt. Pilatus and Rigi. There are several cable car systems that connect Lucerne with the surrounding mountains.

We suggest you take the Golden Round Trip ticket to the top of Mt. Pilatus, including a boat ride on the lake, a ride on the world’s steepest cogwheel rail, and a cable car ride to the mountain’s peak. Like what you are hearing? Check out these best hotels in Lucerne, Switzerland, to make the most of your stay.

No. 2 Grindelwald

Many come to embark on the Jungfraujoch excursion with plenty of delights to discover. With its incredible journey to the summit, however, there are plenty of other things to do that should draw you into Grindelwald as a destination. There is always plenty to offer in this stunning scenery all year round.

This is not to undersell the beauty of the mountain trails, clear blue skies, and bright green pastures that envelop the beautiful surroundings, the charmingly-cute Swiss town, excellent local cuisine, and so much more. For many, there is the First Glider, giving you a chance to glide over the mountains in an incredible 800m zipline experience, coursing you down at 83 km/ph securely fastened and accessible as an eagle perfect for families with children looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You won’t want to miss everything that Grindelwald has to offer, and you’ll want to soak in as much as you can.

No. 3 Lauterbrunnen

By far one of the most popular destinations in all of Switzerland. Lauterbrunnen is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region and is referred to as the Valley of 72 Waterfalls.

The high rock walls and many waterfalls serve the small town as a transit town to Mürren, Wengen, Jungfraujoch, and the Schilthorn, keeping it busy and buzzing with tourists year-round.

It’s also car-free, offering a highly-walkable experience as you traverse through the stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and quaint villages alike.

No. 4 Zurich

As Switzerland’s largest city, central transportation hub (and a high point for many travelers), Zurich is well-loved by people worldwide. Beyond the clean, buttoned-up façade of the town, this affluent banking capital boasts an incredible line-up of cultural treasures.

You can begin a fantastic walking tour of the cobbled streets in the Old Town with quaint shops, cafés, and galleries. The mile-long Bahnhofstrasse boasts one of Europe’s most delightful shopping strands, beckoning with great boutique designer stores selling jewelry, fashion, and watches. Lake Zurich is one of the largest lakes in Switzerland and offers plenty to do for tourists. The views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking, and the lake is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of Switzerland.

There are more than 100 galleries and 50 museums for those seeking cultural enrichment, such as the Swiss National Museum, as well as plenty of other exciting exhibits like the Zurich Zoo or a train ride through the city and countryside to the Uetliberg Mountain. No matter the traveler you are, Zurich holds in store for you.

No. 5 Bern

Perched on a peninsula of the River Aare, the Swiss capital of Bern exudes old-world charm, and the city’s medieval old town is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you’re strolling along the cobbled street or exploring the tallest cathedral in the country, there is plenty to do and see.

Don’t miss the Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower with unique moving puppets, or the Rosengarten, which offers beautiful views from the old town center.

There are plenty of tourist attractions just waiting to be discovered in Bern. Art lovers will appreciate the impressive galleries and the markets where you can better view the elegant Renaissance-style parliament building or the family-friendly Bear Park.

No. 6 Interlaken

Interlaken is located in the country’s southwest, between Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east. It is one of Switzerland’s most popular summer getaways. There are plenty of great things to do in Interlaken during any season.

In the middle of town, you’ll find Höhematte, a marvel of urban planning with over 35 acres of open space surrounded by hotels, cafes, and flower gardens, making the area unique and beloved. The mighty peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau tower above the town, providing excellent opportunities for Alpine adventures, including hiking, climbing, abseiling, and kayaking all around the valley, making this one of the best things to do in Switzerland for outdoor adventures.

While skiing, snowboarding, and paragliding are popular attractions, depending on the season, that’s not all. You can also admire from below by climbing aboard a paddle steamer and cruising around the lakes.

Like what you are hearing? Check out our list of the best hotels in Interlaken, Switzerland, to make the most of your stay.

No. 7 Geneva

The city of Geneva sits between beautiful snow-capped peaks at the point where the Rhône spills into Lake Geneva, Europe’s largest Alpine Lake, straddling the Swiss/French border.

This French-speaking “capital of peace” is the European seat of the UN, exuding a pleasing mixture of French joy de Vivre and Swiss structure. Between the promenades, parks, and gardens surrounding Lake Geneva, the old town is a lovely historical spot perfect for strolling around. Cultural attractions for those looking to include the Opera House and Grand Théâtre, which both stage international acts.

No. 8 Lugano

Close enough to Italy to retain a certain Mediterranean flair while remaining quintessentially Swiss, Lugano is an eclectic destination with many visitors and a perfect blend of Swiss and Italian Alps.

The city is nestled on Lake Lugano, which is a glacial lake located on the border of Switzerland and Italy. It is situated at the feet of the Alps and is surrounded by picturesque mountains.

Lake Lugano is a popular tourist destination and offers many activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and windsurfing. The lake is also home to a variety of bird species and is a popular spot for bird watching. Whether you’re seeking peace and relaxation, beautiful scenery, adrenaline and thrills, delectable food, or refined culture, there’s something to make a visit worth it for just about anyone. Best known for combining Swiss efficiency with the lovely charm of Italy, on a picturesque alpine lake that stretches along both countries’ steeply-pitched shores.

You can hike up a mountain and windsurf on the same day, eat in an art gallery, savor some local wines directly from their producers, and discover a rich local culture – you’ll leave Lugano changed and enriched by the experience.