Why visit Switzerland?
Switzerland offers lakeside cities, snow-capped peaks, and quiet valleys in a compact, easy-to-explore country. You will find a calm, orderly atmosphere paired with dramatic mountain scenery and charming historic towns.
What to expect
Your trip can take you from Zurich's vibrant waterfront and mediaeval lanes to Lucerne's lakeside promenades and the high Alpine resorts around Interlaken and Zermatt. Rail journeys link cities and villages with panoramic views of glaciers, meadows, and dramatic passes.
Plan your trip
Switzerland works well as a focused holiday or as your base for exploring neighbouring France, Italy, Germany, and Austria. With efficient transport and multilingual locals, you can combine cities, lakes, and mountains in one itinerary, making the most of every day.
Discover Switzerland
Discover Switzerland
Top experiences in Switzerland
Explore Zurich's Old Town and lakefront
Wander cobbled streets, riverside promenades, and leafy lakefront parks, then relax in waterside cafés with views of distant Alps.
Ride a panoramic train through the Alps
Board one of Switzerland's famous scenic trains to glide past deep valleys, sparkling lakes, and soaring peaks through wide picture windows.
Ascend to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe'
Travel by mountain railway to high-altitude viewpoints, ice tunnels, and viewing platforms that look out over glaciers and snowfields.
Cruise the lakes of Lucerne or Geneva
Take a leisurely boat trip past castles, vineyards, and forested hillsides, enjoying the calm water and mountain silhouettes.
Stroll through Bern's UNESCO-listed centre
Walk beneath arcaded streets, see historic fountains and clocktowers, and look out over the river and surrounding hillsides.
Visit mountain resorts like Zermatt or St. Moritz
Spend time in car-free villages or stylish resorts, with options for skiing in winter and hiking or biking in summer.
Discover Swiss museums and galleries
Explore art, design, and history museums in cities such as Zurich, Basel, and Lausanne, many housed in striking modern buildings.
Relax at a lakeside spa or thermal bath
Unwind in warm pools and wellness centres that combine Alpine air, tranquil water, and restorative facilities.
Experience Switzerland's way of life
Getting around
Switzerland is best explored by its reliable trains, trams, and buses, which connect Zurich to lakeside towns and mountain gateways with regular services. Scenic rail lines, lake boats, and cable cars make even longer journeys straightforward and visually rewarding.
Local life & culture
Daily life balances efficiency with a strong attachment to local traditions and seasonal festivals, especially in smaller towns and mountain communities. You will notice different languages and cultural influences as you move between German-, French-, and Italian-speaking regions.
Where to unwind
You can slow down beside calm lakes, in forested foothills, or on gentle hiking paths high above the valleys. Many resorts offer spa facilities, walking trails, and quiet viewpoints where you can simply sit and take in the Alpine landscape.
A taste of Switzerland
National dishes & specialties
Switzerland is known for rich cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette, along with crisp rösti and high-quality chocolate. Mountain regions often serve hearty plates designed for cool evenings, using local dairy, cured meats, and Alpine herbs.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Zurich, Basel, and Lausanne you will find relaxed cafés, lakeside brasseries, and contemporary restaurants with influences from across Europe and beyond. Food halls and neighbourhood bistros offer easy options when you want something quick yet satisfying.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, you can dine in historic guild houses, mountain restaurants reached by cable car, or refined hotel dining rooms with lake views. Many places pair carefully prepared seasonal menus with far-reaching vistas of city skylines or surrounding peaks.
Retail therapy in Switzerland
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Zurich, large shopping streets and modern centres gather international brands, Swiss labels, and lifestyle stores under one roof. You can move easily between fashion, homeware, and gourmet food sections, often just steps from tram stops.
Markets & local crafts
Outdoor markets and specialist shops in cities like Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne showcase regional cheeses, chocolate, textiles, and woodcraft. Smaller Alpine towns often feature family-run boutiques where you can find handmade gifts and practical outdoor wear.
Evening retail scene
In major cities, central streets and arcades remain lively into the evening, with illuminated façades and late-opening shops on selected days. You can combine an early dinner with a relaxed browse through boutiques and department stores before returning to your hotel.
Best time to visit Switzerland
Peak season: June to August brings warm days around 18–28°C (64–82°F) in the cities, with cooler temperatures in the mountains and long daylight hours ideal for hiking and lake activities.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October see mild weather around 10–20°C (50–68°F), fewer crowds, and good conditions for city sightseeing, low-level walks, and cultural visits.
Low season: November to March is colder, typically -2–8°C (28–46°F) in many regions, with snow in the mountains creating prime conditions for winter sports and a quieter feel in some cities.