Things To Do
in Switzerland
Switzerland is a compact, prosperous country of soaring Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and well-preserved medieval towns. It has four official languages and a rich blend of Germanic, French, and Italian cultural influences. Efficient public transport, high standards of living, and meticulous attention to detail make travel straightforward and comfortable.
Switzerland balances outdoor adventure and refined urban experiences, from ski resorts to world-class museums and culinary specialties.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up to the gentle hum of the city and savor a rich cappuccino at a riverside café. Wander through the cobblestone alleys of Altstadt, admiring medieval facades and hidden courtyards. Let the sunlight filter through the frescoed buildings as you make your way to Grossmünster Church.
Cross the iconic Quaibrücke to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Zurich against a backdrop of snow-capped Alps. Dive into Swiss creativity at Kunsthaus Zurich, where masterworks by local artists await. Pause for a lakeside picnic of artisan cheese and fresh bread.
Return to the Old Town as lanterns glow against twilight, casting golden reflections on the Limmat River. Dine on Zürcher Geschnetzeltes at a traditional Swiss restaurant, sipping local Riesling. End the night with a leisurely riverside walk and perhaps a live jazz performance.
Depart early for a scenic train ride to Schaffhausen, where the thunderous roar of Rhine Falls welcomes you. Feel the mist on your skin as you board a boat to the heart of Europe’s largest waterfall. Watch rainbows dance across the cascading torrents under the crisp morning light.
Venture to the medieval town of Stein am Rhein, known for its frescoed guild houses and half-timbered charm. Stroll along the riverbank and explore narrow lanes lined with artisanal boutiques. Sample local delicacies at a family-run inn overlooking the water.
As dusk falls, return to Schaffhausen and dine on freshly caught fish from the Rhine. Enjoy a glass of regional Riesling in a candlelit tavern overlooking the falls. Feel the steady rumble of the waterfall echo in the night air as you drift to sleep.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🛏️Hotel (mid-range, per night) | $120-250 |
| 🚆Regional train ticket (short journey) | $5-25 |
| 🎿Day ski pass (resort dependent) | $50-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Breathtaking alpine scenery and outdoor activities year-round
- Extremely efficient and reliable public transport system
- High standards of safety, cleanliness and services
- Rich cultural variety with four languages and distinct regional cuisines
- High cost of travel and daily expenses compared to many countries
- Some remote or small alpine services close outside peak seasons
- Language variety can be confusing for first-time visitors (different regions speak different languages)
- Strict local rules (noise, recycling) may feel restrictive to some travelers
- "Grüezi" - Hello (Swiss German)
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day (French)
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning / Hello (Italian)
- "Danke / Merci / Grazie" - Thank you (German / French / Italian)
- "Entschuldigung / Pardon / Scusi" - Excuse me / Sorry (German / French / Italian)
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English? (German)
- "Où est ... ?" - Where is ... ? (French)
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost? (Italian)
Places to Visit in Switzerland
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic pyramidal peak best photographed at sunrise or sunset from the village of Zermatt or from nearby viewpoints like the Gornergrat railway.
High-alpine panoramas of glaciers and sheer faces—spectacular views from the Jungfraujoch railway and the Eiger Trail.
Picturesque medieval bridge and calm lake reflections framed by mountains and historic buildings —excellent in golden hour light.
Dramatic valley with 72 waterfalls, sheer cliffs and alpine meadows—great for both landscape and long-exposure waterfall shots.
Terraced vineyards with sweeping views of Lake Geneva and the Alps—beautiful patterns at sunset and during harvest season.
Medieval streets, clock towers and arcades that photograph well any time of day—night shots capture warm-lit facades.
Food in Switzerland
Switzerland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Melted cheese (typically Gruyère and Vacherin) served in a communal pot with bread for dipping; ubiquitous in winter and available in traditional restaurants across the country.
Must-Try!
Melted raclette cheese scraped onto potatoes, pickles and cured meats—especially popular in alpine villages and seasonal markets.
Crispy grated potato cake, served as a side or a main with cheese, eggs, or smoked salmon; classic Swiss comfort food found everywhere.
Sliced veal in a creamy wine and mushroom sauce, commonly served with rösti; a specialty of Zurich restaurants.
A popular Swiss sausage, often eaten boiled or grilled and commonly found at markets and barbecues.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Most towns host weekly farmers’ markets selling cheese, breads, cured meats, seasonal produce and local baked goods; Geneva Plainpalais and Zurich's Bürkliplatz markets are notable for regional specialties.
Street vendors and temporary markets offer raclette stands, bratwurst, sweet crepes and rösti—look for markets around train stations and summer festivals for quick, tasty options.
Artisanal chocolate shops and cafés sell pralines and warm chocolate drinks; try a tasting at specialist shops in Zurich, Geneva or Bern.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Swiss value punctuality—arrive on time for trains, meetings and reservations.
Respect quiet hours (often after 10 pm) and local rules about noise, recycling and shared building etiquette in residential areas.
Use polite greetings (Grüezi, Bonjour, Buongiorno) and titles when appropriate; a friendly, reserved demeanor is typical.
Follow trail signs, take litter home, and respect protected areas—Swiss culture strongly emphasizes environmental stewardship.
Safety
Tipping in Switzerland
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are typically included in bills, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change (5–10%) for good service is appreciated. For taxis, rounding to the nearest franc or adding a small tip is common; tipping in restaurants is discretionary.
Card payments (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, contactless common, and Swiss debit (Maestro/PostFinance) is popular. Carry some cash (Swiss francs) for small vendors, mountain huts, or remote areas. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely supported in cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, pleasant weather in the lowlands (20–28°C) and cooler in the mountains; ideal for hiking, cycling, lake swimming and festivals. Expect busy trails and popular viewpoints—book accommodation early. Afternoon thunderstorms can occur in high alpine zones, so plan early starts.
Mild days and crisp mornings with spectacular fall colors in vineyards and forests; fewer crowds and good hiking conditions until first snowfalls. Some mountain services start reducing schedules toward late autumn—check transport timetables.
Snow in mountains and many valleys; excellent skiing, snowboarding and winter-walking opportunities. Cold temperatures vary with altitude; pack warm layers. Popular resorts get busy during Christmas and February school holidays—reserve in advance.
Gradual warming with alpine flowers and melting snow—lowland towns bloom early, while high trails may remain snowy into late spring. Shoulder-season benefits: lower prices and fewer tourists, but some mountain lifts or huts may open later.
Switzerland at Night
Hiking in Switzerland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic trail below the Eiger north face between Grindelwald and Alpiglen—good for dramatic mountain views and geological interest.
Challenging ridge hike with panoramic views of Lakes Thun and Brienz—best for experienced hikers in good weather.
High-alpine loop that passes a series of turquoise lakes and offers accessible mountain scenery in summer.
Trails around the UNESCO-listed Aletsch Glacier provide glacier viewpoints, alpine meadows and accessible paths from Fiesch or Bettmeralp.
Lower-altitude, culturally rich trails in the southern Ticino region with Mediterranean-influenced flora and views over lakes and villages.
Airports
How to reach Switzerland by plane.
Switzerland's largest international hub with excellent rail connections to Zurich city center (approx. 10–15 minutes by train) and onward links across the country.
International gateway for western Switzerland and the Lake Geneva region; integrated with public transport—direct trains and buses to Geneva city center in about 10–20 minutes.
Serves northwest Switzerland and neighboring France and Germany; connected by bus and train to Basel city and regional transport networks.
Smaller regional airport near the capital with limited scheduled flights; well-connected to Bern by short shuttle or public transport.
Regional airport in Valais used seasonally for flights to alpine resorts; useful for direct access to nearby ski areas during winter charter periods.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population speaking German, French, Italian or Romansh—regional identities are strong and language aligns with canton boundaries.
Large international community in cities due to multinational companies, diplomacy and academia; diverse cultural presence in urban centers.
Like many European countries, Switzerland has a significant older demographic, particularly noticeable in rural areas.
Resort towns host seasonal workers from across Europe and beyond during ski and summer seasons, creating transient international communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Nationally popular winter sports with many world-class resorts, alpine races and local ski cultures.
Strong culture of summer hiking, alpine trekking, and amateur mountaineering across extensive trail networks.
Widely followed with local professional clubs and community leagues.
One of the most popular spectator sports with passionate local followings and competitive national league.
Both road cycling and mountain biking are popular, with scenic routes and competitive events.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in cities and tourist areas—cheese-based dishes, veggie rösti, salads and seasonal vegetable mains are common; always confirm if stocks like vegetable broth are used in place of meat stock.
Vegan choices are growing but can be limited in rural areas; look for dedicated vegan/vegetarian restaurants in larger towns and supermarkets with plant-based options for self-catering.
Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free diets—inform staff and, when buying baked goods, check labels carefully in bakeries and stores.
Halal and kosher options are available in big cities and multicultural neighborhoods; use apps or local guides to locate certified establishments.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Switzerland.