Ireland is a gorgeous country with lots to see, so the best time to visit depends on what you’re l...
Travel Guides
Switzerland, with its snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and storybook villages, is a traveler’s paradise. From the cosmopolitan buzz of Zurich to the serene beauty of the Jungfrau region and the Italian flair of Lugano, it offers a blend of natural splendor, history, and world-class hospitality. We've created this Switzerland itinerary to help you plan your […]
Switzerland, with its snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and storybook villages, is a traveler’s paradise. From the cosmopolitan buzz of Zurich to the serene beauty of the Jungfrau region and the Italian flair of Lugano, it offers a blend of natural splendor, history, and world-class hospitality. We've created this Switzerland itinerary to help you plan your journey.
Whether you’re here for a short getaway or an extended adventure, this guide will help you craft the perfect Swiss trip, ensuring you experience the country’s highlights without missing a beat.
Kick off your trip in Zurich, Switzerland’s vibrant financial hub. Start at Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, then stroll along Lake Zurich for postcard-perfect views of the Alps. Climb the towers of Grossmünster (CHF 5) for panoramic city vistas.
In the afternoon, explore the Old Town (Altstadt), where cobblestone lanes lead to hidden courtyards and cafes. Don’t miss Fraumünster Church (CHF 5) to admire Chagall’s stained-glass windows.
For dinner, savor Swiss classics like rösti or fondue at Zeughauskeller, a historic guild hall. Cap the night with a drink at Rimini Bar, a quirky riverside spot under the arches of the Münsterbrücke.
Take a 40-minute train ride to Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. Board a boat (CHF 8) to feel the spray of the roaring falls. Next, head to Stein am Rhein, a medieval gem 20 minutes away. Wander its fairytale streets lined with frescoed buildings, like the Rathaus (Town Hall), and enjoy a lakeside lunch at Rheinfels Hotel. Return to Zurich by evening, or extend your stay in Stein am Rhein for a quieter night.
Travel one hour by train to Lucerne. Start at the Chapel Bridge, a 14th-century wooden bridge adorned with historic paintings. Visit the Lion Monument, a poignant sculpture carved into rock, then ascend Mount Pilatus via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (CHF 64 round-trip).
In the evening, dine at Wirtshaus Galliker, a family-run inn serving hearty dishes like Luzerner Chügelipastete (meat-filled pastry). Stroll the lakeside promenade as the Alps glow at sunset.
Take a 2-hour train ride to Interlaken, the gateway to the Jungfrau Region. Ride the Jungfraujoch Railway to the “Top of Europe,” where glaciers and snowfields stretch endlessly. Prices for the Jungfraujoch Railway typically range from CHF 210–240 round-trip.
Alternatively, hike in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, passing 72 waterfalls like Staubbach Falls. For adrenaline junkies, paraglide over Lake Thun (CHF 260) or try tandem skydiving. Stay overnight in Grindelwald or Wengen for a cozy alpine village experience.
Travel 2.5 hours by train to Zermatt, a car-free village beneath the iconic Matterhorn. Ride the Gornergrat Railway (prices start from CHF 106) for jaw-dropping views of the pyramid-shaped peak.
Explore the Matterhorn Museum (CHF 12) to learn about the mountain climbing history, then unwind with raclette at Chez Vrony, a mountainside farmhouse. End your day sipping wine at Harry’s Bar, a cozy haunt frequented by mountaineers.
Catch a 3.5-hour train to Geneva, home to the United Nations and Lake Geneva’s shimmering waters. Visit the Jet d’Eau, a 140-meter water fountain, and tour the Palais des Nations (CHF 22).
Stroll through the Old Town, stopping at St. Pierre Cathedral (free entry) for panoramic views. Dine at Café du Centre, a local favorite for filets de perche (fried perch fillets).
Take a one-hour train ride along Lake Geneva to Montreux. Tour the Château de Chillon (CHF 15), a medieval castle perched on the lake’s edge, then walk the Lakeside Promenade lined with flowers and jazz statues.
In December, don’t miss the Montreux Christmas Market. Year-round, ride the GoldenPass Line (scenic train) to Gstaad for alpine vistas.
Extend your trip to explore lesser-known regions.
Switzerland’s capital is famed for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, rich medieval architecture, and vibrant culture. Begin your day at the Zytglogge, Bern’s iconic astronomical clock tower. Join a guided tour and see its intricate workings from inside, dating back to 1530. Watch its animated figures come alive every hour and explore nearby artisan shops and cafes lining cobblestoned Kramgasse street.
Next, stroll along the Kramgasse, where Einstein once lived. Visit the Einstein House (CHF 7), where he developed his theory of relativity. Continue to the majestic Bern Cathedral (Münster), Switzerland’s tallest cathedral, and climb its 344 steps for panoramic views (CHF 5).
Start your day at Piazza della Riforma, Lugano’s main square lined with pastel-colored buildings, cafes, and vibrant markets. Grab an espresso at historic Grand Café al Porto, beloved by locals since 1803, before strolling to Parco Ciani, a lush lakeside garden offering panoramic views of Lake Lugano framed by mountains.
Next, hop on the funicular railway up Monte San Salvatore (CHF 32 round-trip), Lugano’s "Sugarloaf" mountain. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Lake Lugano, the Alps, and northern Italy.
In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat cruise across Lake Lugano to the picturesque village of Gandria. For dinner, savor Mediterranean-influenced Swiss cuisine at Ristorante Grotto Gandria, famous for freshly caught lake fish and hearty polenta dishes.
Winter: Spend your day skiing or snowboarding on Corviglia, one of Europe's premier ski destinations known for powdery slopes and glamorous après-ski culture. A full-day ski pass costs about CHF 102, providing access to pistes suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Alternatively, if you prefer relaxation over adrenaline, soak in mineral baths at Ovaverva Spa (110 CHF for a three-hour stay), where heated pools overlook the majestic alpine landscape.
Summer: In warmer months, hike along breathtaking trails such as the scenic Muottas Muragl Panorama Trail, easily accessible via funicular (CHF 42 for single ride). The trail offers awe-inspiring views over lakes, glaciers, and the Bernina massif.
Wrap up your evening strolling the chic boutiques along Via Serlas, one of the highest-altitude shopping streets in Europe, before enjoying dinner at Chesa Veglia, an iconic venue serving gourmet Swiss cuisine amid a cozy, traditional ambiance.
Begin your day by hiking the iconic Ebenalp trail, renowned for its spectacular scenery. Along the trail, you'll encounter the Wildkirchli caves—prehistoric caves filled with history—and the famous mountain restaurant Aescher-Wildkirchli, dramatically perched on a cliffside, offering stunning panoramic views of the Alps and valley below.
Descend to the charming town of Appenzell, famed for its brightly painted houses and folk traditions. Explore the cobblestone streets, pop into local artisan shops selling intricately painted Appenzeller ceramics, and visit the Appenzeller cheese factory (Appenzeller Schaukaeserei, entry CHF 13), where you’ll learn the secrets behind one of Switzerland’s most beloved cheeses.
From Appenzell, travel by train (around 3 hours, CHF 90–170) to Lausanne, beautifully perched on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known as Switzerland’s vibrant Olympic capital, Lausanne effortlessly blends culture, heritage, and natural beauty.
Begin at the Olympic Museum (CHF 20), an immersive experience celebrating the history and spirit of the Olympic Games. Afterward, venture just 15 minutes by train to the stunning Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its terraced vineyards cascading down to Lake Geneva.
Wander through idyllic villages like Saint-Saphorin or Rivaz, stopping for wine tasting (prices starting at CHF 59 per person) at one of the picturesque cellars offering locally produced Chasselas wine. Finish your day with a leisurely stroll along Lausanne’s beautifully illuminated Ouchy waterfront.
Source: Get Your Guide
Return to the enchanting mountain village of Zermatt and start your morning early by catching the spectacular sunrise at the Gornergrat viewpoint (accessible via Gornergrat Railway, CHF 88 round-trip). Capture the first golden rays illuminating the iconic Matterhorn, a truly unforgettable experience.
Adventure seekers can explore the legendary Five Lakes trail, offering postcard-worthy views of the Matterhorn reflected in crystal-clear mountain lakes. The moderate 3-hour hike is accessible via the Blauherd cable car (prices start from CHF 112 and can reach up to CHF 240).
For a unique experience, visit the Glacier Palace at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (9 CHF to enter), the highest-altitude glacier palace in the Alps. Wander through tunnels carved directly into the glacier ice.
End your day with traditional raclette at Restaurant Schäferstube, known for its cozy atmosphere and classic Alpine cuisine. As evening falls, stroll through Zermatt’s charming streets lined with boutique shops selling traditional Swiss souvenirs, chocolates, and locally made goods.
Take the train back to Zurich, enjoying Switzerland’s picturesque landscapes one final time. Spend your last day exploring Zurich’s sophisticated Bahnhofstrasse shopping street for high-end brands or Swiss specialties from famous chocolatiers like Läderach and Sprüngli.
Visit the Swiss National Museum (CHF 13) near Zurich’s central station, exploring Switzerland’s fascinating history and cultural artifacts. Later, stroll through picturesque Lindenhof park overlooking Zurich’s Old Town or enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Zurich (not more than 12 CHF).
In the evening, savor a memorable farewell dinner at Zeughauskeller, a historic beer hall offering traditional dishes like crispy Rösti or hearty Swiss sausage platters (CHF 20–35 per meal). Finish your evening at the Limmatquai promenade, reflecting on your unforgettable Swiss journey.
December–March: Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports in alpine resorts such as Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Jungfrau region. Christmas markets and festivals enhance winter charm.
Switzerland has excellent internet coverage nationwide, including extensive 4G and expanding 5G networks, ensuring seamless connectivity even in remote areas. While public Wi-Fi is widely available, it can be unreliable or not secure, particularly in mountainous or rural regions.
To guarantee dependable and secure internet access throughout your journey, consider purchasing an eSIM or a local SIM card designed especially for travelers. Here’s a helpful comparison of the best eSIM providers for Switzerland:
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price | |
 | Holafly | Unlimited data, easy activation, 24/7 customer support, extendable plans, immediate delivery | No local Swiss phone number, data sharing unavailable, requires compatible phone | From $6.90 |
 | Simtex | Easy online purchase, usage monitoring available on website | Plans cannot be extended, few data plans and limited payment options, QR code usable only once, no transfer to another device | $7–$36 (1GB to 10GB) |
| GigSky | App and web purchase, available for 40+ European destinations, renewable via app | No local number, limited data plans, eSIM non-transferable between devices | $9 (1GB, 7 days), $25 (3GB, 15 days), $39 (5GB, 30 days) | |
Yes, English is widely spoken, especially in cities and tourist areas.
Interlaken offers diverse trails (Lauterbrunnen, Schynige Platte), while Zermatt provides high-altitude routes with Matterhorn views.
The Jungfraujoch and its glacier landscape are unmatched.
The Glacier Express, renowned as "the slowest express train in the world," offers an approximately eight-hour journey through the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
Reviews