Things To Do
in Switzerland
Switzerland is a landlocked country in the heart of Europe, famed for its dramatic Alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming medieval towns. It boasts four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—reflecting its rich cultural diversity. The country combines modern cities with world-class public transportation and a reputation for precision and cleanliness.
Visitors come for outdoor adventures, gourmet chocolate and cheese, and the serene beauty of its mountain vistas.
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 |
| ☕Regular coffee | $4-6 |
| 🚇Public transport single ticket | $3-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $100-150 |
| 🥐Pastry from bakery | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning Alpine scenery and clean environment
- Efficient, punctual public transportation
- High-quality food and hospitality
- Safe and politically stable
- Very expensive for budget travelers
- Language diversity can be confusing
- High altitude can affect some visitors
- Quiet hours and strict rules limit spontaneity
- "Grüezi/Hallo" - Hello (German)
- "Merci" - Thank you (French)
- "Grazie" - Thank you (Italian)
- "Zahlen bitte" - The bill, please (German)
Places to Visit in Switzerland
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic pyramid-shaped peak on the Swiss-Italian border; best viewed from Zermatt at sunrise.
Dramatic cliffs and 72 waterfalls; the Staubbach Falls make a stunning backdrop for misty shots.
Medieval lakeside castle on Lake Geneva; capture reflections in the water at golden hour.
Turquoise alpine lake near Kandersteg; accessible via cable car and ideal for mirror-like reflections.
Food in Switzerland
Switzerland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Melted Emmental and Gruyère cheese served with cubes of bread; best found in Alpine chalets or traditional restaurants.
Must-Try!
Half-wheel of cheese heated and scraped onto boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions; popular in mountain resorts.
Crispy fried shredded potatoes often served as a side dish; try it topped with cheese, spinach, or a fried egg.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Indoor market offering local meats, cheeses, and baked goods; a great spot for sampling sausages and artisanal chocolate.
Open-air market in a lively quarter; try fresh fruits, regional cheeses, and Swiss pretzels from street vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Swiss people value timeliness for appointments, trains, and social gatherings.
Respect Sunday and nighttime quiet hours; avoid loud noise in residential areas.
Strict waste separation—paper, glass, organic, and general—so follow local recycling rules.
Safety
Tipping in Switzerland
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are included; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is appreciated but not required.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted; carry some cash (Swiss francs) for small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Snow melts reveal wildflowers in the meadows; some high-altitude trails remain snowy until June.
Warm days perfect for hiking, swimming in mountain lakes, and outdoor festivals; expect crowds at popular spots.
Crisp air and vivid foliage; harvest season offers wine festivals and calmer hiking trails.
Heavy snowfall in the Alps; world-class skiing, snowboarding, and Christmas markets in cities.
Switzerland at Night
Hiking in Switzerland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Footpath beneath the Eiger North Face in the Jungfrau region; moderate difficulty.
Views of Europe’s largest glacier near Belalp; well-marked and family-friendly.
Natural rocky amphitheater in the Jura Mountains; panoramic cliff-edge views.
Airports
How to reach Switzerland by plane.
Switzerland’s largest hub with global connections; 10-minute train to city center.
Serving western Switzerland and France; direct shuttle to Geneva’s central station.
Tri-national airport; accessible by bus to Basel or Mulhouse.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority in the central and eastern regions; speak Swiss German dialects.
French-speaking population in western cantons like Geneva and Vaud.
Italian-speaking group in the canton of Ticino.
Large foreign-born communities in major cities, especially Zurich and Geneva.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
National pastime in winter, with world-class resorts attracting international athletes.
One of the country’s most popular spectator sports; top-tier Swiss league draws large crowds.
Swiss Super League features clubs like FC Basel and Young Boys.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian rösti and cheese dishes; specify “ohne Fleisch” when ordering.
Options are more limited but available in major cities; look for vegan bistros in Zurich and Geneva.
Cheese- and potato-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; always confirm sauces and breads with staff.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Switzerland.