If Switzerland is one of the favourite European destination for travellers, it’s because the country has much to offer, from stunning landscapes to amazing skiable mountains, right through its cheese and chocolate culture. Let’s review the top five cities you should absolutely not miss there.
Geneva
Of course, you can’t go to Switzerland without passing by the beautiful Geneva. Wander around its old town, stop by its Reformation Wall, walk through the park of its Nations Palace and, obviously, end your day with a splash in Lake Geneva, called Lac Léman by locals.
Note that it’s getting more and more difficult to find accommodations in the city. AirBnB was recently forced to limit its booking there and only few agencies offer serviced apartments in Geneva. For this reason, new accommodation types have flowered in the surroundings of the city, like these young people gathering in communities to rent manors and castles. Maybe you’ll find a room in one of these beautiful structures.
Bern
The second most popular Swiss city by travellers is undeniably Bern and its medieval town. Did you know that Bern was the actual capital city of Switzerland, home of the current seat of Swiss Parliament (Bundeshaus)? Once you step on it’s narrow cobblestoned streets and discover its history strings, you will understand why. Its archaic towers, its numerous fountains and its sandstones facades even granted the Old Town with a UNESCO World Heritage Site label. It is indeed one of the most well-preserved historical centres in Switzerland that you should not miss.
Lugano
If you happen to travel through Lugano, you’ll discover a different light of Switzerland. Located in the South of the country, the town borders Italy and is run by its influence, from local language to romantic villas right through rich cuisine and warm summers.
Flushed with museums and numerous heritage sites housed in neoclassical palazzos, Lugano also has its own lake (Lago di Lugano), which is commonly frequented by celebrities, which granted it with the nickname of « Monte Carlo of Switzerland ». If you go there, keep an eye open and you could spot one of these celebrities!
Lucerne
Another lakeside city that’s worth going out of your way to see is Lucerne, a postcard-perfect town nestled among one of the most stunning mountainous panorama Switzerland has to offer. Indeed, the city has kept its traditional townscape over the years and you will definitely take pleasure in the thrilling views of its fortified towers, its wooden bridges and its time-worn churches. And if you want to get the most charming view over the town and its lake, we highly recommend riding up to the peak of neighbouring Mt Pilatus, Mt Rigi or the Stanserhorn.
Zurich
For contemporary travellers, THE best city to visit in Switzerland is undoubtedly Zurich. Behind its financial facade exists a strong cultural hub and a pulsating nightlife, with its Street Parade as a cherry on the cake, which is one of Europe’s biggest annual rave parties.
If you want to get an overview of the city’s historical roots, we recommend the Grossmünster church, the Swiss National Museum or else the Lindenhof square. And if that’s not enough for you, don’t worry, you just have to choose between its more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries!
If you like the country side, there are plenty of things to do in Grindelwald, which is just a short road trip from Zurich.
