Quick Switzerland Travel Guide for a First-Time Visitor

Hi there, traveler, happy to see you’re planning a trip to Switzerland! I spent years exploring this Alpine paradise and have crafted this compact Switzerland travel guide to help you plan your trip!

Today, you’ll learn about the top places to visit in the country, the best attractions, find a curated list of local foods and delicacies to try (yes, I’m talking about chocolate and cheese!), learn how to get around, and much more!

Switzerland is a popular holiday destination all year long, so it’s definitely a good idea to book your accommodation and tickets in advance!

We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s jump right in!

Overview

Can’t read till the end? No worries, I’ve got you covered with a quick list that highlights key information from the article:

● Best places to visit: Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken, St. Moritz
● Best attractions: Scenic train rides, medieval castles, skiing in the Alps
● Must-try food: fondue, raclette
● Must-pack items: long-sleeve shirt, sunscreen
● Best time to visit: May-August in summer, December to February for skiing

1. Why visit Switzerland

For all those of you traveling from afar, you may be wondering, is visiting Switzerland actually worth the time, money, and effort?

Oh, it’s so worth it!

These are just some of the reasons to visit Switzerland this year:

• The most scenic Alpine landscapes with eternal snow-covered tops (a photographer’s dream)
• A well-developed train network that’ll allow you to soak in all the stunning scenery
• Well-preserved medieval cities and fortresses on every corner
• World-renowned food culture, home to some of the most delicious chocolate and cheese brands
• High-end shopping, especially for Swiss watches
• Very safe environment for foreigners, not overwhelming to get around
• High levels of culture, clean streets, and a stable economy

FUN FACT: Switzerland has the highest number of 4,000+ meter (13,000-feet) peaks in Europe! 48 mountains have this or higher altitude. Think about all the amazing scenery this country has to offer!

2. My fav places to visit in Switzerland

Now, let’s check out all the best towns and resorts worth visiting in Switzerland!

2.1 Zurich

Although not the capital (that’s Bern), Zurich is the largest and most populous city in Switzerland, with over 380,000 residents. Ask any local or tourist, and they’ll agree that Zurich is also one of the country’s most charming cities!

What struck me the most was how peaceful and quiet the city is despite its size. Plus, it’s super walkable, so you won’t even have to use public transport for most of your stay! Start your visit with a leisurely stroll through the Old Town (Aldstad) for a journey back in time, and then check out some of the museums like the Kunsthaus Art Museum and Swiss National Museum.

Then, chocolate tasting, cathedral hopping, and amazing restaurants of Zurich will keep you busy for days! We have a tried-and-true 3-day itinerary for the city, so feel free to check it out for more details!

Best experiences in Zurich to book in advance

Check out some unmissable experiences in Zurich that you should definitely book in advance:

• Take a tour of the city’s highlights with a local
• Visit the Lindt home of chocolate
• Go on a day tour to Mount Titlis

Or read more on the best things to do in Zurich in our separate guide!

Where to stay in Zurich

We also have a special guide on the best areas to stay in Zurich with top-rated hotels, but here’s a quick summary of the top 3 options sorted by budget:

• Luxury: Widder Hotel – super modern 5-star hotel in the Old Town, serving gourmet cuisine and offering a fitness center
• Mid-range: Bristol Hotel – ideal for casual and business visitors and nestled in the city center, this hotel also has the cutest rooms
• Budget: Hotel Marta – one of the most affordable and newly renovated hotels just a short walk from the main train station

2.2 Geneva

My favorite city in Switzerland and a paradise for high-end shoppers, Geneva sits on the Southern end of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) and is a pleasure to visit both in summer and winter.

With one of the largest old towns in Europe, charming cathedrals, the stunning 140-meter-high water jet fountain, and vibrant shopping boulevards and restaurants, Geneva just has it all.

You can visit most of Geneva in 2 days, but also use it as a base to explore other attractions in the area. Plus, Geneva is also home to an international airport from where you can fly to most destinations in Europe!

INSIDER TIP: My favorite place to walk in Geneva is along Quai Gustave-Ador (map)! Such lovely views of the fountain, the modern part across the lake, and the old town!

Best experiences in Geneva to book in advance

• Go chocolate tasting on a 3-hour walking tour
• Hop on a guided tour to Mont Blanc
• Take a 50-minute cruise on Lake Geneva

Where to stay in Geneva

Check out the best hotels to stay in Geneva:

• Luxury: Hôtel de la Cigogne – top-notch location, exceptional service, and the most charming interior await at this 5-star hotel in Downtown Geneva
• Mid-range: citizenM Geneva – just your usual citizenM hotel ideal for mid-range travelers on a short stay to Geneva
• Budget: Hotel Central – amazing value for money with nicely decorated rooms, free Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping

2.3 Lucerne

Lucerne is that city you go to if you want to experience the perfect blend of Switzerland’s natural beauty and history.

It’s surrounded by picturesque Alps, lies by Lucerne Lake, and has one of the oldest standing wooden bridges in the country! Yes, I’m talking about the Chapel Bridge, and yes, you can take a picture that captures all 3 beauties at once (bridge, mountains, and lake)!

Apart from the romantic views, Lucerne also has a cute Old Town with medieval buildings known for their frescoes and cobblestone streets.

PRO TIP: Wake up the medieval explorer in you and hop on one of the 9 towers at the Musegg Wall to enjoy the most romantic views of Lucerne!

Best activities to book in advance in Lucerne

Here’s what not to miss while in Lucerne:

• Go on a private walking tour of Lucerne
• Join a catamaran cruise on Lucerne Lake
• Take a half-day tour to Mount Titlis 

Where to stay in Lucerne

And as usual, check out the top 3 hotels in Lucerne for all budgets:

• Luxury: Hotel des Balances – 4-star hotel right by the lake in the Old Town, offering views of the Chapel Bridge and the most comfy rooms
• Mid-range: Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern – this 3-star hotel is also located in Old Town, has coffee makers in rooms, a delicious breakfast, and family-friendly rooms
• Budget: Hotel Baslertor – another 3-star hotel in Old Town with slightly more affordable prices and even a seasonal outdoor pool

2.4 Interlaken

Interlaken is conveniently located between Zurich and Geneva and makes a great base if you’re looking for adventures in nature. You can easily spend 3 to 4 days here without getting bored!

Think easy access to the Alps and 2 stunning lakes on both sides of the town, scenic train rides to the “Top of Europe” (Mount Jungfraujoch, map), endless hiking paths, and so much more. Yes, the iconic Bernina Express, one of the most popular train routes in Switzerland, runs here!

In short, Interlaken is heaven for outdoor adventurers, and you shouldn’t miss it!

Best activities to book in advance in Interlaken

• Go tandem paragliding with a pilot
• Get your funicular ticket to Harder Kulm, the peak of Interlaken
• Learn to ski as a beginner

Where to stay in Interlaken

• Luxury: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – elegant 5-star hotel with a spa, steam room, sauna, and tons of other luxury perks to spoil you on your stay in Interlaken
• Mid-range: Hotel Artos – tucked in between the mountains, this 3-star hotel also has a spa center but comes at much more affordable prices
• Budget: Walters Hostel – an iconic hostel with free parking, a garden, daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi

2.5 St. Moritz

Are you visiting Switzerland in the winter? Well, a trip to St. Moritz is a must! One of the leading ski resorts in the country awaits with all its amazing ski slopes, luxury hotels, amazing views, and iconic hot springs!

The Dorf area, where the main village is, is best for luxury, sightseeing, and those charming St. Moritz Lake views! You can also stay in the Bad (means “spa”) area to soak in the 3,500-year-old natural hot springs!

The area is super inviting to skiers from around the world in the winter, so if you’re one of them, you’ve found yourself a perfect place to visit in Switzerland!

Activities to book in advance in St. Moritz

• Take a Bernina Red Train tour of the area
• Join a private guided walk of St. Moritz

Where to stay in St. Moritz

Now let’s see what are the best hotels in St. Moritz!

• Luxury: Bardutt’s Palace Hotel – this lakefront hotel with 5 stars has it all: absolutely stunning views of the mountains, a posh indoor pool, lavishly decorated rooms, and even a hot tub!
• Mid-range: Hotel Schweizerhof – 4-star hotel in Dorf with easy access to ski slopes and 4 on-site restaurants, ideal for couples and families
• Budget: Hauser Hotel – popular ski-to-door hotel with simple and cozy rooms, on-site parking, and a spacious sun terrace perfect for after-ski

For more details on where to stay in this popular ski resort, check our full accommodation guide that covers 6 beautiful areas.

Other popular places to visit in Switzerland

These were the top 5, but they’re far from the main touristy spots in the country! Here are some more fabulous spots in Switzerland:

• Bern – the capital city and the ultimate destination for bear lovers
• Lauterbrunnen – jaw-dropping waterfalls that pound down the rocky valleys, a unique sight in the country
• Lausanne – the capital of the Olympic Games with lovely castles, lakefront promenades, and an urban city center
• Jungfraujoch – a popular stop for outdoor enthusiasts with the highest railway in Europe

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

3. Hidden gems of Switzerland

The major tourist hotspots above often overshadow the less popular but not any less beautiful parts of this Alpine land! Let’s explore some hidden gems of Switzerland together:

• Bachalpsee (map) – known as the Blue Pearl and accessible via a 3km hike, this is arguably the most picturesque lake in Switzerland, and only very few tourists ever get to see it!
• Gimmelwald (map) – postcard-perfect mountain village accessible via cable car, sitting at almost 1,400 meters with captivating views of the glaciers and valleys
• Vevey (map) – tiny, picturesque village on the shores of Geneva Lake known for being home of Charlie Chaplin and a giant stainless steel fork in the lake
• Maggia Valley (map) – if you’re into hiking and want to explore the raw beauty of Switzerland and admire some centuries-old homes, add this hidden gem to the list
• Rhine Gorge (map) – this is Switzerland’s Grand Canyon! Bike along the Rhine River or take a ride through the gorge. Both options offer spectacular views but at a different pace
• Stoos (map) – take the world’s steepest funicular to get to the top of this car-free tiny mountain village!

NOTE: Switzerland is absolutely charming and every canton has its hidden gems and beauty. This list is very subjective and comes from my personal experience. It’s far from being the complete list of hidden gems in the country.

4. Must-see castles in Switzerland

Switzerland has over 500 castles waiting to be explored throughout the country, with the oldest one dating from the 10th century!

We’d often see random castles high in the mountains as we drove on the road, and I remember being in awe of how the people even managed to build castles in such remote locations.

Here are some iconic ones to add to your bucket list:

• Château de Gruyères (map) – a small detour off the road from Bern to Lake Geneva, and you can explore one of the most beautiful and scenic castles in Switzerland high in the mountains. Plus, get to see where they make the famed Gruyère cheese!
• Château de Chillon (map) – this iconic castle was featured in Disney’s The Little Princess! So much history and charm, plus it’s convenient to visit if you’re already stopping by at Montreux.
• Château de Tourbillon (map) – one of those castles high in the mountains with scenic views and huge stone walls that you just can’t miss
• Thun Castle (map) – a 12th-century castle with a museum that showcases the region’s history over the last 4,000 years, plus an event hall
• Castles of Bellinzona (map) – the 3 castles in this castle complex are so charming, a must if you’re visiting the Southern part of Switzerland

TIP: Just a short trip from Chateau de Chillon (by car), you’ll be in France, Evian (map), the iconic little spa town where Evian water comes from! We’d make monthly trips here for grocery shopping, and I always enjoyed the scenery and small villages we’d pass through.

5. How to get around in Switzerland

There are multiple ways to get around Switzerland, all depending on your budget, itinerary, and available time:

• Train – train is the best option to get around if you’re coming for casual sightseeing. Get a Swiss Travel Pass to unlock unlimited travel on all public transport (including that steepest cable car in the world at Stoos!) for a select number of days (3, 4, or 8)!
• Car rental – car rentals are better if you’re staying for over a month and know you’ll be moving a lot outside of towns. Parking and driving in towns, especially in early mornings and early evenings is absolutely hectic. I definitely don’t recommend cars to get around in urban areas.
• Bus – even though buses are available, I’ll be honest with you and tell you I could count on my fingers the times I used a bus in Switzerland (very few, and only in small areas where the train was unavailable). The PostBus is the official bus network but you’ll find many others that have connections between major cities and small towns. Overall, trains are more efficient as they don’t get stuck in traffic rush and offer far better views.
• Taxi – taxis are available throughout the country, mostly in large cities, but again I advise you against using them unless you have no better options to get to the airport with all your luggage. The taxis are notoriously expensive here! In major cities, you can hail taxis on the street or find them at designated taxi stands. For other places, you have to call or use apps like Talixo.
• Uber – the app works fine in Zurich, but for other places, if you manage to find a ride, it’s almost guaranteed to be way more expensive than taxis

6. Most scenic train rides in Switzerland

So we’ve established that the train is the most popular transport option, but I also wanted to give you this list of the most scenic rides you just can’t miss:

• Glacier Express – goes from Zermatt to St. Moritz, and is commonly known as “the world’s slowest express train”! The journey lasts 8 hours and takes you across hundreds of bridges and dozens of tunnels, with captivating views of glaciers, villages, and mountain peaks.
• Bernina Express – from Chur to Tirano in Italy, one of the few UNESCO World Heritage routes with dramatic scenery as you cross through glaciers and beautiful valleys
• GoldenPass Express – from Montreux to Interlaken, a really nice route that passes 2 lakes and 2 mountain ranges with some of the nicest views of the Alps and old towns

NOTE: The Swiss Travel Pass covers rides on all 3 express lines above!

7. Must-try traditional foods in Switzerland

So you’re coming to Switzerland for the first time and have no idea what food to try? I’ve got you covered! These are must-try dishes, best chocolates, and cheese brands you just have to try:

Must-try dishes

• Fondue – family-favorite cheese-and-bread combo dish. Emmental or Gruyère get melted in a pot and then you dip long forks with bread on them inside the pot to enjoy the warm cheese.
• Raclette – similar to fondue, but in this one the melted cheese is spread on boiled potatoes and usually paired with cured meats or pickles. My personal favorite!
• Rösti – started out as breakfast but now you can have it in most restaurants any time of the day. It’s just sautéed or pan-fried potatoes that kind of look like a thick pancake.
• Papet Vaudois – when I was little, I used to call this “a dish for adults”. It has a bed of potatoes and leeks and a cabbage sausage on top.
• Tartiflette – you’re guaranteed to have this one in ski resorts. It’s made with potatoes, Reblochon cheese, bacon, and onions, and will keep you full for the whole day!

Best chocolate brands I love:

• Frey (my all-time favorite)
• Villars (these guys make Toblerone)
• Cailler
• Lindt

Best cheese brands to look for

• Emmental (also called Emmentaler)
• Gruyère
• Tête de Moine
• L’Etivaz

8. Winter events and activities in Switzerland

Visiting Switzerland in the winter? Apart from having fun at the ski resorts, you can also catch amazing events that only take place here in winter!

• Festival International de Ballons, Château-d’Oex – a hot air balloon festival that takes place in January and lasts for 9 days, an amazing experience and sights for the whole family.
• Christmas Markets of Switzerland – especially popular in Zurich, Basel, and Montreux with its flying Santa, Christmas Markets are a must-visit from late November to December in Switzerland!
• White Turf Festival, St. Moritz – taking place in February since 1907, this festival involves horse racing on the frozen St. Moritz lake!
• Ice Skating on Lake Zurich – you just can’t miss the ultimate Christmas magic in Zurich if you are visiting in the winter! The times vary depending on weather conditions, but certainly something to keep in mind when visiting around New Year’s.
• Lucerne Festival of Light – visit Lucerne in the first half of January for beautiful illuminations in the city’s Old Town! The main attractions, squares, and streets shine their best at this time!

And if you’re planning a ski trip, Zermatt and St. Moritz are 2 top resort areas in the country. Check out our special guide where we discuss and share valuable tips for both of them!

9. Packing list for Switzerland

A trip to Switzerland needs proper planning in terms of clothing and gear, especially if you head to explore the great outdoors.

Here’s my quick list of must-haves:

• Jeans or nice pants
• 1-2 pairs of T-shirts or nice tops
• Sweater
• Breathable raincoat/jacket
• Good walking shoes with a closed top
• Hiking poles if you plan to hike
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit for swimming in the lakes
• Reusable water bottle

NOTE: For city hopping, dress between casual (think jeans and a T-shirt) or smart casual (nice pants and a top). For hiking, sturdy walking shoes are a must. Even if you visit in the summer, evenings can surely get chilly, so a warm sweater or a jacket are essential.

Additions for winter:

• Wool or fleece tops
• Warm weather-proof jacket
• Snow pants and boots
• Warm hat that covers your ears
• Thermal underwear, especially if you go skiing
• Warm socks and gloves

10. Switzerland itinerary

So you’ve learned about all these fun things to do and see in Switzerland, but how do you actually go about it? We have a special 7-day itinerary that highlights all the major destinations, feel free to read it here! But if you’re short on time, here’s a quick preview:

• Day 1: Zurich
• Day 2: Leave Zurich and head for Lucerne
• Day 3: Leave Lucerne for Bern
• Day 4: Leave Bern for Jungfraujoch (overnight in Interlaken)
• Day 5: Lausanne
• Day 6: Leave Lausanne for Geneva
• Day 7: Departure

This itinerary covers both the urban areas and mountain resorts, but if you’re short on time, you can customize it any way you want!

For a 5-day itinerary, just omit Jungfraujoch and Lausanne!

And for 10 days, add stops to Montreux and that gorgeous Chillon Castle and spend a day or 2 in St. Moritz!

I still advise you to check out our full itinerary I shared in the first paragraph because it has details on how to organize each day, but also a selection of the best hotels for each place and some practical tips for your stay!

11. Cultural tips

Last but not least, let’s explore some fun, cultural tips and facts that’ll come in handy during your visit:

• Switzerland has 4 official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh, but English is widely spoken.
• The official currency is Swiss Franc (CHF), and the rate at the time of writing is around US$1.13 for 1 CHF. You can withdraw Swiss Franc and Euros in most ATMs.
• Most people in Switzerland practice Christianity, but religious freedom is granted by the constitution.
• Being nice in Switzerland is part of the cultural norm. Basic greetings (Bonjour, Grüezi, Ciao) and gratitude words (Merci, Danke, Gracie) are greatly appreciated.
• In bars and restaurants, the common tip is from 10 to 15%, but this depends on the type of place and your levels of satisfaction with the service.
• Clothing attire is most often smart casual, and you’ll hardly ever see people walking around in sweatpants.

🥾 Best active tour:	Mount Titlis
🚶🏽‍♂️ Best Zurichh tour:	Highlights tour
☀️ Best summertime to visit:	May-August
⛷️ Best time for skiing:	December to February
🫕 Must-try food:	fondue

FAQs about Switzerland travel

Final words

So, dear reader, you’ve made it to the end of my practical Switzerland travel guide! Look at all the fun stuff we covered today! Hopefully, all this has helped you better prepare for your trip!

Switzerland is so beautiful in any season, but I must say late spring here has stolen my heart! It’s when everything starts to bloom but the mountain tops are still covered with snow, and the weather is ideal for long walks!

Regardless of the time of your visit, do book your flights, hotels, and tours in advance to secure the best deals!

And if you have any questions or concerns about this Switzerland travel guide, shoot me a comment below! I’ll be happy to help!

Happy travels,

Darija

---