Best Places to Visit in Switzerland for a Total Escape

Looking for the best places to visit in Switzerland? Start with the views, they’re as incredible as you’ve heard. But don’t stop there. You can ride a boat across Lake Lucerne in the morning, sip wine at one of the many underrated wineries in Switzerland by afternoon, and still make it to a mountaintop for sunset. You’re into big cities like Zurich and Geneva or craving fresh air in Interlaken or Montreux, Switzerland gives you options, and every one of them feels like a win. Snowy peaks, medieval streets, glacier-fed lakes, local cheese, and wine that’ll surprise you, it’s all here, waiting for you to jump in.

What are the best places to visit in Switzerland?

Start with Winterthur

Don’t let Winterthur’s low-key vibe fool you, this city’s got serious personality. Just a short hop from Zurich, it blends industrial cool with creative flair. Think street art, edgy galleries, and one of the best photography museums in Europe. Love a good stroll? The old town is packed with cozy cafés and indie shops, perfect for lazy exploring. And when you’ve had your cultural fix, hit one of the city’s lush parks or open-air markets.

Craving more tips? Dive into our guide on the best things to do in Winterthur Switzerland!

Experience the Rhine Falls

Near the German border, the Rhine Falls roars to life as Europe’s largest waterfall, and trust us, it’s impossible to ignore. Feel the spray on your face from the viewing platforms or get right into the action with a boat ride that takes you near the thundering base. It’s loud, wild, and totally unforgettable. If you’re into dramatic landscapes, fast shutters, or just want to feel tiny in the best way possible, this one’s a must.

Roam the Streets of Zurich’s Old Town

Zurich is where sleek city life meets lakeside chill, and somehow, it all just works. Kick things off in the Altstadt, the old town packed with crooked cobblestone streets, medieval towers, and surprise chocolate shops around every corner. Swing by Bahnhofstrasse if you’re feeling fancy (or just want to pretend), then hop on a boat across Lake Zurich for a view that’ll make your phone gallery proud. Craving a break? Find a café, order some proper Swiss coffee and chocolate, and just soak it all in. When it comes to fun, stylish, and surprisingly relaxed city vibes, the list of things to do in Zurich is longer than you’d think, and worth every minute.

Explore Lucerne and the Chapel Bridge

Lucerne is the kind of place that makes you reach for your camera every five minutes, and for good reason. Sitting pretty between Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus, this city brings serious fairy-tale energy. Stroll across the Chapel Bridge, with its centuries-old paintings and flower boxes, then wander through the old town’s pastel buildings and lively squares. Want to switch it up? Hop on a boat cruise, ride up into the mountains, or visit the famous Lion Monument that somehow manages to be both majestic and heartbreaking.

Want to see what else this lakeside gem has up its sleeve? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Lucerne!

Head to Bern

Around 2.5 hours from Zermatt by train, Bern is the kind of capital that doesn’t need to shout to impress. Its old town is pure Swiss charm, think cobblestone streets, sandstone buildings, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower ticking away in the background. You’ve got museums, markets, and even a view of the Alps if you know where to look. Pop into the Federal Palace, wander the arcades, or just grab a coffee and watch the city do its quiet, confident thing. And if you’re craving mountain air, the Bernese Oberland is just a short ride away, with lakes and peaks that’ll stop you in your tracks.

Don’t wait and plan your next trip with our guide on the best things to do in Bern Switzerland.

Uncover the beauty of Sion

Head to Sion and you’ll quickly wonder why this place isn’t packed with more visitors like you, but you’ll be glad it’s not. Framed by Alpine peaks and vineyards, this Valais gem brings serious charm. Climb up to the twin castles of Valère and Tourbillon for sweeping views, then reward yourself with a glass of local wine (this is prime Swiss wine country, after all). The old town? Pure character, cobbled streets, sun-washed squares, and that laid-back rhythm that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

Don’t forget your notebook, here are all the best things to do in Sion Switzerland for your trip!

Climb to Jungfraujoch

Hop aboard one of the most iconic train rides in the world and head straight to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe. This isn’t just a scenic journey, it’s a full-on alpine adventure. You’ll arrive at the highest train station in Europe, surrounded by snow, glaciers, and views that go on forever. Step out into a world of ice and sky, explore the Ice Palace, and feel like you’re standing on the roof of Switzerland. If dramatic peaks and high-altitude thrills are your thing, this one’s non-negotiable.

Uncover History in Gruyères

Gruyères is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Swiss fairy tale, and yes, it’s where the famous cheese comes from. Surrounded by rolling green meadows and Alpine peaks, this medieval town has it all: a picture-perfect castle, cobbled streets, charming old houses, and the scent of melted cheese in the air. Dig into a bubbling pot of fondue, snap a few castle selfies, and soak up views that stretch all the way to the vineyards beyond. It’s cheesy in the best possible way.

Relax by the shore in Montreux

Montreux is the kind of town that makes you slow down, in the best way. Hugging the edge of Lake Geneva, it serves up mountain views, lakeside strolls, and a whole lot of culture. Glide across the water on a boat cruise, catch world-class music at the Montreux Jazz Festival, or wander through the fairytale halls of Château de Chillon. And if you’re into wine, the terraced vineyards of Lavaux are just around the corner, pouring up views and vintages you won’t forget. Montreux is all about soaking in the good life, one glass at a time.

Explore all the things to do in Montreux with our team’s latest guide on Switzerland!

Behold the Beauty of Lausanne

Lausanne doesn’t just sit by Lake Geneva, it owns it, with sloping streets, stunning gardens, and a whole lot of style. As the Olympic Capital, it’s got sporty roots, but don’t worry, no actual running required. You can wander through world-class art museums, admire grand old buildings, or just find a terrace with a view and let the lake do the talking. It’s got just the right mix of culture, charm, and “why-don’t-I-live-here” energy.

Curious what makes the city so effortlessly cool? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Lausanne the Olympic Capital

Witness the charm of Geneva

Start your Swiss adventure in Geneva, where sleek city life meets lakeside calm. You’ve got the iconic Jet d’Eau shooting sky-high, streets lined with luxury boutiques, and museums that actually make history feel cool. Wander through the cobbled old town, grab a coffee near the Reformation Wall, then switch it up with a lake cruise or a glass of local wine from nearby vineyards. Geneva doesn’t just look good, it knows how to treat you right, too.

Need more? Complete your itinerary with our team’s best tips on the things to do in Geneva Switzerland!

Wander through the vineyards

Just over 2.5 hours from Zermatt by train, Lavaux is a wine lover’s dream with a view. Perched above the northern shore of Lake Geneva, this UNESCO-listed region is home to ancient vineyard terraces that roll between Lausanne and Montreux like something out of a painting. This is where Swiss wine truly shines, especially the crisp, mineral-rich Chasselas that locals have been perfecting for centuries. Wander scenic trails through the vines, stop into cozy cellars for a tasting, and sip your glass with the Alps in the background and the lake glittering below. Lavaux isn’t just one of the best wine regions in Switzerland, it’s a place you’ll want to toast to more than once.

Unwind in the lakeside town of Lugano

Down near the Italian border, Lugano brings all the Swiss beauty with a sunny, Mediterranean twist. Think palm trees, gelato, and lazy walks along the lakefront promenade. You can dip into chic art museums, feast on pasta with mountain views, or hop on a paddle steamer and cruise across Lake Lugano like you’ve got nowhere else to be. From kayaking and picnics to sunset spritzes, this lakeside escape has chill vibes dialed all the way up, and if you’re looking for the best things to do in Lugano Switzerland, you’ve just found your starting point.

What are the best places to visit around Switzerland?

Journey on the Bernina Express

Hop aboard the Bernina Express and get ready for one of the most breathtaking train rides on the planet. This route takes you from Switzerland into Italy, gliding past glaciers, mountain peaks, alpine meadows, and jaw-dropping viaducts, all seen through panoramic windows made for non-stop photo ops. It’s not just a train ride; it’s a front-row seat to Switzerland’s wild, beautiful heart.

Taste nearby French wineries

If you’re exploring western Switzerland, don’t miss the chance to hop over the border and taste your way through nearby French wineries. Just a short drive from Geneva or Lausanne, the wine regions of Savoie and Jura are packed with charming estates, rolling vineyards, and glasses full of crisp whites and light reds you won’t find anywhere else. Think cozy cellar tastings, scenic picnic spots, and passionate winemakers ready to pour you something special, it’s a delicious detour that’s well worth the border crossing.

Head to Italy

Got a little extra time? Head to Italy and treat yourself to the flavors and views of Piedmont in Italy, just a short drive from the Swiss border. This region is a paradise for food and wine lovers, with rolling hills, hazy vineyards, and charming villages that feel untouched by time. Sip bold Barolos, nibble on truffle-infused dishes, and stroll through picturesque towns like Alba and Asti. It’s the perfect way to blend your Swiss adventure with a taste of la dolce vita, rich, rustic, and ridiculously scenic.

Good to know before visiting Switzerland