Flights from New York (NYC) to Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Why visit Switzerland?

Switzerland combines snow-capped Alps, mirror-like lakes, and storybook old towns with precise transport and warm hospitality. You can enjoy mountain adventures, lakeside strolls, and refined city breaks in one trip.

What to expect

Expect chic cities like Zurich and Geneva, charming lakeside resorts, and high alpine villages linked by panoramic trains. Switzerland is multilingual, well organised, and ideal for both outdoor experiences and art, design, and culture.

Plan your trip

Use Switzerland as a base to explore its distinct regions, from German-speaking cities to French and Italian-influenced areas, all connected by efficient rail. It is also a convenient gateway to neighbouring France, Italy, Germany, and Austria.

Top experiences in Switzerland

Explore Zurich Old Town

Wander cobbled streets, riverside promenades, and historic churches in Zurich’s atmospheric Altstadt, then relax by Lake Zurich with views of distant peaks.

Ride a panoramic mountain railway

Take a cog railway or cable car into the Alps for sweeping views, easy walking trails, and traditional mountain villages perched above the valleys.

Cruise Switzerland’s great lakes

Board vintage paddle steamers or modern boats on lakes such as Zurich, Lucerne, or Geneva to see vineyards, castles, and mountains from the water.

Follow the Grand Tour of Switzerland

Travel by car or train along this signposted route linking iconic spots, from glacier viewpoints and passes to UNESCO-listed city centres.

Visit world-class museums and galleries

Discover art, design, and history in museums across Zurich, Basel, and Bern, from contemporary collections to interactive science exhibits.

Experience alpine adventure sports

Try skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or paragliding in renowned mountain areas such as the Bernese Oberland, Engadine, or Valais.

Relax in Swiss thermal spas

Unwind in open-air thermal baths and spa resorts where you can soak in warm mineral-rich waters surrounded by mountain scenery.

Experience Switzerland’s way of life

Getting around

Switzerland’s rail network is one of the most reliable in the world, with trains, buses, and boats running to a single timetable. A Swiss Travel Pass or regional passes make it easy to connect major cities with mountain resorts and lakeside towns.

Local life & culture

You will notice a blend of German, French, Italian, and Romansh influences in architecture, languages, and festivals. Daily life feels calm and orderly, with a focus on precision, design, and spending time outdoors in nature.

Where to unwind

Find calm on lakeside promenades, forest trails, and in quiet alpine valleys, or spend an afternoon in serene parks and botanical gardens. Mountain spas and wellness hotels offer saunas, pools, and treatments framed by panoramic views.

A taste of Switzerland

National dishes & specialties

Switzerland is known for dishes built around cheese and potatoes, as well as fine chocolates. Different regions add their own touch, drawing from German, French, and Italian culinary traditions.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In cities such as Zurich, Basel, and Lausanne you will find relaxed bistros, modern brasseries, and international eateries alongside traditional cafés. Mountain towns and lakeside resorts pair hearty classics with lighter, contemporary cuisine.

Signature & scenic dining

Enjoy elegant meals with views in rooftop restaurants, lakeside terraces, and glass-walled alpine venues. Scenic trains and special event boats sometimes offer leisurely dining experiences set against shifting landscapes.

Retail therapy in Switzerland

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel offer sleek shopping streets and malls combining international labels, Swiss watchmakers, and local designers, often close to cafés and cultural venues.

Markets & local crafts

Browse city markets and alpine town stalls for handmade textiles, woodwork, chocolate, and regional delicacies, especially in Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne. Christmas and weekly markets are good places to meet local artisans.

Evening retail scene

In central Zurich and other large cities, key shopping streets and select malls stay open into the evening, with illuminated façades and window displays creating a relaxed, urban atmosphere.

Best time to visit Switzerland

Winter (December to February, peak season) brings snow to the mountains and cool conditions in the cities, with average temperatures around -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F). Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November, shoulder season) are milder, with 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F), colourful landscapes, and fewer crowds. Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm in the lowlands at about 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F), while the mountains stay pleasantly cooler, ideal for hiking and lake activities.

Frequently Asked Questions