Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Switzerland | Travel Guide

Switzerland may be small, but it has a whole host of great places to visit. From breathtaking mountain peaks to glittering blue lakes and a countryside littered with ancient wonders, Switzerland really does have something for everyone. Everywhere you turn you're treated to a little bit of history and a little bit of nature's beauty, as well as plenty of mouth-watering cuisine in between. So, here are the best places to visit in Switzerland. Number 1. Bern The capital city of Switzerland lies on the northern side of the Bernese Alps. One of the best attractions of Bern is its hundreds of fountains dating back to the 13th century, such as the Ogre Fountain. Bern is one of the few cities in the world that allows one to sightsee not only on foot, but also from its waters as you swim across its famed river Ara. The long, winding river passes through all the major attractions like the botanical gardens and Old Matt District. One of the many things to love about Bern's center is its uniformity. Most of the city was claimed by a fire in 1405 and tall sandstone buildings took over from the old wooden houses. Many are woven with arcades on their ground floor, and these are a defining characteristic of the city. There are six kilometers of arcades in all, hiding shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants. Another must-see is the Federal Palace built between 1894 and 1902. The imposing Federal Palace is the national parliament of Switzerland. The building is crowned by an imposing 64-meter high green dome decorated with stained-glass windows depicting the Coats of Arms of Switzerland's cantons and a central mosaic of the Federal Coat of Arms with the motto, One for All and All for One. 2. Lausanne The capital city of the Canton of Vaud lies on the edge of Lake Geneva. One of the major landmarks here is the 12th-century Cathedral of Notre Dame, which is famous for not only its imposing arches and facades, but also for housing a $12 million organ gifted by the city of Boston. The city was established by Romans, and their imprints can be seen everywhere in its culture monuments and food. Lausanne is also a cultural hotspot with its many internationally renowned museums, such as the Foundation de Hermitage or the Art Brut Museum. Among that long list, the Olympic Museum remains an absolute must for lovers of sport, an interactive museum that takes you on a journey through the history of the Olympic Games. In Lausanne's ultra-contemporary new art and leisure zone, designer-architects have created buildings that are not just 21st-century but border on futuristic. The former area of 19th-century warehouses is now a lively corridor of dramatic and colorful buildings filled with shops, restaurants, business offices, designer galleries, and artists' studio space. Its Central Avenue opens into plazas where locals gather in good weather in cafes and on benches under a giant abstract tree. Moving on to number 3. Zürich Zürich is a place that conjures up images of breathtaking and unspoiled beauty of the stunning Swiss meadows, alpine forests, mighty Alps, and pristine mountain lakes. The city is forked into two by River Zürich into the Old and New Town areas. The Old Town is dotted with centuries-old churches, cobbled streets, and residences belonging to the Renaissance era. Near the Showspielhaus am Heimplatz is Zürich's phenomenal museum of art. There are pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Marc Chagall, Picasso, and Max Beckmann, going back to masters like Rembrandt and Domenichino. Since 1891, the Zürich Opera has made its home inside a neoclassical building, adorned with busts of famous musicians, poets, and playwrights. Shakespeare, Mozart, and Wagner are just a few of the faces on display. The Opera House is also the home of the Zürich Ballet. It always has a wide array of shows and performances. Number 4. Geneva Amongst the most prominent, most luxurious, and most populated cities of Switzerland is Geneva, a gem that scatters itself around its mesmerizing namesake lake. Check out historic museums like the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, Maison Tavel and the Art and History Museum to name a few. You can also spend longer strolling through Geneva's lush, sprawling parks like the unique Jardin Anglais, which is home to a massive flower clock, the Parc de l'Agrange, and the beautiful botanical gardens that aren't just a delight to see but an educational experience as well. Geneva Old Town, the largest historic center in Switzerland, is where you will find some of the most emblematic places to see during your stay. Some of the Old Town highlights are St. Peter's Cathedral and the Chapel of the Maccabees, Calvin College which dates from the 16th century and is the oldest in the city in the Bastion Park. Number 5. Lucerne Located in the heart of Switzerland, occupying the banks of the Reuss River, the 14th-century Lucerne is considered to be one of the most picturesque places in the country. The most characteristic site in Lucerne is the Koppelbruck, a covered wooden bridge running diagonally across the Reuss. Apart from being a picturesque centerpiece, the bridge built in 1333 is interesting for the more than 117th-century pictures hanging from the roof with saints and scenes from the town's history. At the Kornmarkt is the Altes Rathaus, the old town hall built in 1602 in Italian Renaissance style but topped by a very typical Swiss-hipped roof. The adjoining tower dates from the 14th century. West of the Kornmarkt, you can find the picturesque Weinmarkt with a late Gothic fountain. Make sure to also visit the Jesuit Church. Situated on the southern bank of the River Reuss, you cannot help but notice the twin onion domed towers of the Jesuit Church which dominate the skyline. Built from 1666 to 1673, this church in Lucerne was the first large church in Switzerland to be built in the Baroque style. While the exterior looks quite plain, the interior is a sight to behold. Richly decorated in white marble, the church features an outstanding painted ceiling and ornate faux-marble side altars. Now, before you plan your next trip to Switzerland, make sure to check out the first link in the description where you can find the best deals for your flight, hotel, and car rentals in Switzerland. 6. Interlaken Couched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Highlands is the fabled resort of Interlaken. From its azure lakes to snow-capped mountains, Interlaken has a lot to offer. The old heart of the town is dotted with buildings that date back centuries. You can walk past old hotels, quirky cafes, and chocolate-making workshops. You can catch one of over 45 cable cars that leave from Interlaken and get off at a different destination, allowing you access to hundreds of trails, summits, cliffs, front caves, and waterfalls. The views over Interlaken and both lakes from the Harderkom are spectacular. Beyond the bridge over the Aare River, next to the Harder Alpine Wildlife Park, the Harderkom funicular climbs at a 64-degree gradient up the Harder to an altitude of 1,322 meters. Holweg Street and Promenade is like the backbone of Interlaken, diagonal and parallel to the Aare as it flows from Lake Brienz to Lake Thun. Walking in the direction of Underseen, the left side of Holweg has been kept free of construction. There's a line of flower gardens and parks like Hohemat which leaves clear views to the Bernese Alps. And on the right side is a string of high-class hotels interspersed with boutiques, bars, and cafes, as well as Interlaken's casino. Moving on to number seven, Lugano. Lugano, nicknamed as the Monte Carlo of Switzerland, is a popular tourist's destination known for its laid-back lifestyle and lovely scenic beauty. Lugano is located on its namesake lake in Switzerland's Italian canton of Ticino, south of the first ridge of the Alps. Lugano's own mountain and a monolith on the southern skyline, Monte San Salvatore crests at over 900 meters. At the top, you'll be awestruck by the 360-degree views of Lugano, the lake in views of the Alps to the west. A funicular carries you up the precipitous slope from the suburb of Paradiso in just 12 minutes. Right by Lake Lugano is the lovely Park of Civico Ciani, 63,000 square meters of greenery and parkland. A perfect escape from Lugano's cityscape, the park offers long tree-lined pathways, flower beds, and fountains. The garden abounds with trees typical of the Ticino region. Maple, lime, oak, and plane trees are visible everywhere. 8. Zermatt This charming alpine village lies at the foot of one of the most mystical and majestic mountains of Switzerland, the Matterhorn. Zermatt is a car-free village, and its beauty can be savored leisurely on foot, horse-driven carriages, electric cars, and gondolas. In the old village area, there are as many as 30 ancient buildings, including granaries that depict the traditional way of living of mountain communities. This area also has a beautiful ancient church, mountaineer cemetery, and a museum dedicated to mountaineering. The village streets are dotted with cafes with flower-lined walls in typical Swiss style. It is an amazing experience as you tuck into delicate pastries, cheese, and coffee while looking onto the Matterhorn looming just miles away. The subterranean world of Zermattlantis, the Matterhorn Museum, reveals the history of the village of Zermatt. Attractions include original houses, a multimedia room, and finds from the first ascent of the Matterhorn. Since the last ice age the melting snows and ice from the Gorner Glacier have swelled the Gornerwisp each spring. About a 15-minute walk from the village of Zermatt wooden walkways descend into this world of waterfalls where greenish serpentine rock is carved into fantastic shapes over thousands of years. Mosses and ferns thrive in the constant mists that rise from the churning water. 9. St. Moritz Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, and 25 crystal-clear mountain lakes and glaciers, St. Moritz offers an unadulterated view of nature. It has contemporary art centers showcasing the notable work of the artists and the museums that take you into the glorious past of this town. You can also find exclusive clubs and shopping joints for ultimate relaxation and leisure. Just as the mountains above St. Moritz draw skiers in the winter, the lake below is the focus of attention during summer. About 2 kilometers from St. Moritz Dorf on the east side of the lake are hotels with restaurants and cafes, favorite stops for walkers on the path that follows the entire lake shore. An experience you can only have in St. Moritz is a thrilling bobsled ride down the world's only natural bobsled run. Riding with experienced pilots, you'll get almost the same experience as Olympic and World Championship bobsledders do as you plummet down the 1,722-meter course. You will reach speeds of up to 84 miles per hour. It's a 75-second solid adrenaline rush. 10. Basel Sharing its borders with France and Germany, Basel lies on the banks of the River Rhine in the northwest region of Switzerland. The most famous attraction here is the 10th-century Basel Minster known for its architecture heavily influenced by Roman and Gothic architecture. Almost as a symbol of its diversity, near the church stands the striking 18th-century Jewish synagogue. Basel Zoo, the oldest and the largest in Switzerland, houses over 600 species of rare animals like Indian rhino, flamingo, African elephants, and panthers. To really enjoy what Basel has to offer, you must explore the old town on foot. The Basel Minster Cathedral captures the soul of the city through its twin towers and red sandstone walls. You'll see the same architectural style when you visit the city hall. The beautiful drawings, its red façade, and the tower reflect the historical richness of Basel.