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Top Places to Visit in Switzerland: The Ultimate Travel Guide (2024)

Looking for ideas on where to go in Switzerland? From the picturesque Alpine peaks of the Bernese Oberland to the lush green vineyards of Valais, and from the fairytale-like town of Lucerne to the city of Zurich – there are so many incredible places to visit in Switzerland. Even though it’s one of Europe’s smallest countries, this landlocked nation has enough attractions and activities to fill a week long vacation. With everything from snow-capped mountains, medieval castles and ancient monasteries, the top 5 places to visit in Switzerland all offer something different. Whether you prefer quiet villages with panoramic views or busy cities with lots of culture, there is a perfect place for you to explore in Switzerland.



Switzerland on Your Travel List?

Our newest guide includes recommended luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants you don't want to miss, and suggested cultural sights on our list of top places to visit in Switzerland.


Zürich

The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich is the best place to start your visit to the country. In fact, with an abundance of attractions and activities, it could be the only place you need to see. While the city’s old town is filled with Medieval architecture, modern skyscrapers are also present. And, if you visit in the summer, you can enjoy a wide range of cultural festivals. The highlights of Zurich include the Zurich Lake, which is surrounded by parks; the Gherkin, a futuristic looking building that houses offices; and the Zurich Opera House, which is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland for opera lovers. You can also visit the Zurich’s iconic Swiss National Park, which is filled with alpine scenery and outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and climbing.





Zürich Top Hotels



Renowned for warm hospitality for over 650 years, the Hotel Storchen enjoys a unique position in the heart of Zurich. It has its own boat pier directly at the Limmat River, and is within walking distance of all cultural attractions.


Rooms: 64 newly designed rooms


Restaurant:

  • La Rôtisserie: Seasonally finely tuned swiss creations by Stefan Jäckel, who has earned a Michelin star in 2022






Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at The Dolder Grand. Enjoying a privileged location in natural surroundings above Zurich, next to the cog railway station.


Rooms: 173 rooms and suites


Restaurants:

  • The Restaurant: Fine Dining Chef Heiko Nieder has received many international awards and his gourmet restaurant currently has 2 Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points.

  • Saltz Restaurant: International Cuisine with local sourced products, currently awarded 14 Gault Millau points






Uniquely located in its own private park in the heart of Zurich with views over Lake Zurich and the Alps, the 5-star Baur au Lac offers elegant and luxurious rooms and suites.



Rooms: 119 rooms and suites


Restaurants:

  • The Restaurant Pavillon: Seasonal and modern interpretations of classic haute cuisine. Awarded with 2 Michelin star and 18 points by Gault Millau

  • Baur's Brassiere & Bar: Classics of European cuisine, but also fans of vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Modern chic meets international guests in an elegant but warm ambience

  • Baur au Lac Terrace: Light and seasonal dishes, the finest pastry and scrumptious ice-cream sundaes. Zurich's most exclusive place to spend hot sunny days and lush evenings






Zürich's Fine Dining - Exclusive Restaurants


1. Kronenhalle

Kronnenhalle is the perfect choice if you're seeking a historical Swiss restaurant with art. Centrally located on Bellevue Platz, it's one of Zürich's most renowned restaurants, having welcomed guest such as Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Richard Strauss, and many more. With impeccable Swiss hospitality, this eatery serves excellent Swiss specialties. It's interior hides works by Chagall, Mirò, Braque, and Matisse, making it a culinary and artistic hotspot for all.





2. Lasalle Restaurant & Bar

The LaSalle Restaurant & Bar is a part of the Schauspielhaus complex and was constructed as a glass cube with the historic Schiffbau hall as a backdrop. Most of the meals are inspired by French or Italian cuisines. Fish and seafood are prominent on the menu, and the selection is altered to take into account seasonal items.





3. Sonnenberg Restaurant

Experience Swiss cuisine with an impeccable view of Lake Zurich. Even though it doesn't fall under the fine dining experiences, the Restaurant Sonnenberg does not disappoint with its haute cuisine with a French touch and friendly service.







What To Do in Zürich


While in Zurich you should visit Lake Zurich, The Harbor, The Old Town and take the train up to Uetlibertg to catch a beautiful view of the area. Don't forget Zurich's famous shopping street: Bahnhofstrasse, which features all your favorite designer shops.


For all that are interested in additional cultural activities, we recommend you check out the following sights:





 


Lugano

The fairytale-like Swiss town of Lugano is a great place to visit in Switzerland if you want a quick getaway from the city. Just a 2-hour train ride from Zurich, this Swiss border town is perfect for a weekend trip or a day trip from the city. There are many attractions such as the Swiss Art Museum, the Santa Maria degli Angioli Church, and the Museo Hermann Hesse. There's plenty to see in this charming town. But, Lugano is really best known for its lakeside location and tranquil atmosphere. Here you can find wide avenues, parks, and stunning views of the Swiss Alps.



Lugano Lake Top Hotels



Guests at this boutique hotel can look forward to superb views of the lake Maggiore as well as extensive lush grounds, which ensure privacy. The guest rooms are of the highest quality, and all boast stunning views. A relaxing spa is also available.

Rooms: 28 rooms and suites


Restaurants:

  • Il Ristorante di Villa Orselina: Mediterranean Flavors

  • La Pergola Restaurant: Healthy Italian and grilled dishes






The Eden Roc Hotel sits on the shores of Lake Maggiore and entices visitors with its 10,000-square-meter Mediterranean Garden of Eden and palm-lined shoreline. It has its own Marina and is close to many interesting places.

Rooms: 95 rooms and suites


Restaurants:

  • Restaurant La Brezza: Refined gourmet cuisine. Awarded 1 Michelin star and 17 Gault Millau Points

  • Restaurant Eden Roc: Fresh cuisine with what the region has to offer. Awarded 15 Gault Millau Points

  • Restaurant La Casetta: Homemade pasta dishes and grilled specialties

  • Restaurant Marina: Something for everyone's taste







Stay in the center of Lugano in the stunning 5-star Splendide Royal with its turn-of-the-century character is Lugano's most fashionable hotel, Established in 1887 located on Lugano's lakeside main street.

Rooms: 93 rooms and suites


Restaurants:


  • I Due Sud Restaurant: Flavors of Southern Italy combined with those of Southern Switzerland. Awarded with 1 Michelin star and 16 Gault et Millau points

  • La Veranda Restaurant: Classic and Mediterranean cuisine. Awarded 14 Gault et Millau points








What To Do in Lugano


While visiting Lugano, you should take a boat tour of the stunning lake, visit both Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore for the spectacular views, and visit the Plazas and the many breathtaking parks.


For all that are interested in additional cultural activities, we recommend you check out the following sights:









 

Geneva

Known as the "Switzerland of America", Geneva is the second-largest city in Switzerland, as well as the country's main center for international organizations such as the UN and the Red Cross. With a population of around 200,000, Geneva is smaller than Zurich and ideal for a city break. The best things to do in Geneva include:

  • Visiting the famous and world-renowned Swiss-made watches in the Jura Mountains.

  • Strolling along the Rhone River.

  • Visiting the UN and Red Cross headquarters.

  • Exploring the Cornichon neighborhood, which is filled with art, architecture, and museums.

While Geneva is a great city to visit in Switzerland, it's also a great base to explore other nearby places, such as the gorgeous town of Lausanne or Lake Geneva, one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.


Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland for history lovers. The largest lake in the country and shared by Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva is home to the famous Swiss city of Geneva as well as Lausanne, which is located in Switzerland. With a varied landscape, Lake Geneva is a great place to explore by boat, car, or even by foot. You can visit the French town of Evian-Les-Bains, rent a boat and explore the French and Swiss shores, or hike the Alpine Path to see panoramic views of the lake.




Geneva's Top Hotels


Set on the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues offers the perfect base to enjoy a memorable family holiday. Geneva's first hotel dates back to 1834. Today the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues offers 71 bedrooms and 44 suites; Il Lago, a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, plus a trendy rooftop restaurant.

Rooms: 115 rooms and suites


Restaurants:

  • Il Lago: Italian Specialties. Michelin starred Restaurant

  • IZUMI: Japanese-fusion Nikkei cuisine





The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva, the historic and prestigious boutique luxury hotel, Completely renovated in 2017, melds landmark elegance with contemporary style in the city's heart and on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Rooms: 75 rooms and suites


Restaurants:





The luxurious Woodward sits on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Pierre-Yves Rochon, a world-renowned architect, carefully reimagined the hotel, originally built-in 1901 by French architect François Durel in a post-Haussmann style.

Rooms: 75 rooms and suites


Restaurants:





What To Do in Geneva


Geneva is rich of many parks, interesting neighborhoods, lookouts, festivals and of course Lake Geneva. We suggest you explore all the typical landmarks Geneva has to offer.


For all that are interested in additional cultural activities, we recommend you check out the following sights: