Things To Do
in Switzerland
Switzerland is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its stunning Alpine scenery, multicultural heritage, and high quality of life. It is famous for its neutral political stance, precision watchmaking, Swiss chocolate, and being home to numerous international organizations including the Red Cross and sections of the United Nations.
The country operates a unique direct democracy system and has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh, reflecting its diverse cultural regions.
- "Grüetzi" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please
- "Adieu" - Goodbye
- "Wie geht's?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $20 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $4 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $80 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the picturesque Lake Zürich, enjoying a leisurely walk along the shore. Visit the charming Old Town and grab breakfast at a local café.
Explore the Swiss National Museum, delving into the rich history of Switzerland. Wind down with lunch at a traditional Swiss restaurant and savor local specialties.
Enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Zürich, taking in breathtaking views of the Alps. Dine at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
Take a scenic stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. Enjoy a hearty Swiss breakfast at a local bakery.
Ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus for stunning mountain views. Enjoy lunch at a mountain restaurant surrounded by nature.
Return to Lucerne and explore the charming lakeside promenade. Dine at a lakeside café and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High standard of living
- Excellent healthcare system
- Strong economy with low unemployment rates
- Beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities
- Safety and low crime rates
- Multilingual population and cultural diversity
- High-quality education system
- Political neutrality and stability
- High cost of living
- Limited housing availability
- Tax rates can be relatively high
- Public transportation can be expensive
- Bureaucratic processes can be time-consuming
- Weather can be unpredictable, with long winters
- Cultural differences can be challenging for newcomers
- Integration of expatriates can be difficult
Best Activities in Switzerland
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Switzerland offers numerous breathtaking hiking trails for all difficulty levels, from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes with spectacular views.
Switzerland is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, offering a wide variety of slopes and terrains for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Experience the thrill of paragliding and soak in the stunning alpine landscapes from above with experienced instructors.
Explore Switzerland's picturesque countryside and charming villages by cycling along well-marked cycling routes or tackling challenging mountain bike trails.
Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of Switzerland's lakes and surrounding mountains on a scenic boat cruise.
Tours
Uncover the best of Switzerland with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Switzerland
Visit one of these nice places.
Known as the top of Europe, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and Aletsch Glacier.
Featuring stunning panoramas of the lake, the Alps, and the charming towns along its shores.
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, providing picturesque views of the lakes and the surrounding mountains.
Home to the iconic Matterhorn, offering incredible views of the mountain and the surrounding peaks.
Famous for its scenic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and lush greenery, providing numerous photo opportunities.
Food in Switzerland
Switzerland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fondue, a melted cheese dish, is a quintessential Swiss experience. It is often enjoyed with crusty bread, pickles, and sometimes with charcuterie. One of the best places to try fondue is at Le Dezaley in Zurich, known for its classic Swiss fondue.
Must-Try!
Rösti, a crispy potato dish, is a beloved Swiss specialty. It is commonly served as a side dish but can also be a main course. To savor authentic Rösti, visit Restaurant Sternen in Kandersteg.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is a Zurich-style sliced veal dish in a creamy mushroom sauce, typically accompanied by Rösti. For an exemplary taste of this dish, Restaurant Zeughauskeller in Zurich is highly recommended.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Switzerland better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Freitag Markt in Zurich is a vibrant market offering an array of fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods. It's a great place to sample street food from various vendors offering Swiss classics like raclette and bratwurst.
Found in Bern, Market am Märtplätz is a bustling market with stalls selling organic fruits, vegetables, and delectable street food options such as traditional Swiss sausages and pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is highly valued in Swiss culture, so it's important to be punctual for social and business appointments.
Swiss people value their personal space, so it's important to maintain a respectful distance, especially when interacting with strangers or colleagues.
In Swiss culture, it's customary to greet others with a handshake, maintaining eye contact. Politeness and courtesy are highly regarded.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Switzerland with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Switzerland
Ensure a smooth experience
In Switzerland, tipping is not obligatory as a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip as a token of appreciation for good service, typically rounding up to the nearest franc.
Switzerland is a largely cashless society, and most businesses, including restaurants and shops, accept credit and debit cards. Contactless payments are also widely used, and mobile payment apps are gaining popularity. Cash is still accepted, especially for smaller purchases, but it's always a good idea to have some Swiss francs on hand, especially in rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Switzerland.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for blooming flowers, green landscapes, and warmer weather
Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and enjoying the long daylight hours
Great for autumn foliage, wine festivals, and fewer crowds
Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying traditional winter markets
Switzerland at Night
Hiking in Switzerland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Zermatt offers stunning views of the Matterhorn and a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels, including the Five Lakes Walk.
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken features numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Jungfrau region.
The Swiss city of Lucerne boasts numerous nearby hiking options, including Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, both offering incredible panoramic views.
Grindelwald is a picturesque village that serves as a gateway to a variety of scenic hikes, including the Eiger trail and hiking paths around the First area.
Renowned for its stunning waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is surrounded by impressive hiking routes, including trails to the Trümmelbach Falls and Mürren.
Arosa offers a range of hiking trails amidst beautiful Alpine scenery, perfect for family hikes and outdoor enthusiasts.
This charming village is surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, providing numerous hiking paths with picturesque vistas and regional culture.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Switzerland through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Switzerland by plane.
The largest international airport in Switzerland, located in Zurich.
An international airport located in Geneva, serving as a major hub for flights to and from Switzerland.
An international airport located near Basel, serving the tri-national area of France, Germany, and Switzerland.
The main airport serving the capital city, Bern, though it has limited international connections.
A small international airport located in Lugano, primarily serving southern Switzerland.
A small airport located near the resort town of Champery, with limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group consisting of individuals who hold Swiss nationality.
Individuals residing in Switzerland who hold citizenship from other countries.
Residents of Switzerland whose primary language is Swiss German, making up a significant portion of the population.
Residents, primarily from the western part of the country, whose primary language is French.
Residents from Ticino and some areas of Graubünden who primarily speak Italian.
A smaller demographic group that speaks Romansh, primarily found in some regions of Graubünden.
Various ethnic groups including Portuguese, Turkish, and others, who have immigrated to Switzerland over the years.
The Soul of Switzerland
Discover the essence of Switzerland through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Switzerland, with a strong national league and a rich history of international competition.
Ice hockey is a widely followed sport in Switzerland, with many local clubs and a competitive league system.
Skiing is a significant part of Swiss culture, given the country's mountainous terrain and world-renowned ski resorts.
Tennis enjoys popularity in Switzerland, producing world-class players and hosting various international tournaments.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in Switzerland, with numerous cycling routes and events across the country.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Switzerland is accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes. Notable vegetarian and vegan-friendly establishments include Hiltl in Zurich, renowned as the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant.
For gluten-free dining, many Swiss restaurants and cafes provide menu items suitable for those with gluten intolerances. A notable example is Breadless in Geneva, offering a diverse range of gluten-free pastries and bread.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Switzerland with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Switzerland.