Switzerland is picturesque and unique. It’s a perfect travel destination for nature lovers and one who adores old town charms, Switzerland offers everything for everyone. You will find a part of Italy, France and Germany. From cheese fondue to Italian pizza to croissant.
Though you will have a hard time deciding which places to visit, we have got you covered. Here are top 10 destinations for your amazing trip to Switzerland. And if you are a budget traveler, here are tips to travel economically.
1. Zermatt -Switzerland
It is a mountaineering center under the Matterhorn, people here are into multiple mountain activities. The village of Zermatt has a unique charm that is worth a visit. Why? Whether it’s winter or summer, skiing and snow tubing are possible on the slopes of the Matterhorn, fun is guaranteed! In Zermatt, make sure to visit the main commercial artery of the town. In that area, you will find several restaurants, stores, and hotels. You will surely appreciate the absence of vehicles and appreciate strolling through the old village of Zermatt, and appreciate strolling through the old village of Zermatt.
A Little Help To Plan Your Itinerary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | December to March for skiing; June to September for hiking |
| Places of Interest | – Matterhorn – Gornergrat Railway – Matterhorn Museum – Sunnegga |
| Transportation Options | – Train: Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt – Cable Car: Extensive network for mountain access – Car-Free: Zermatt is a car-free zone; use electric taxis or walk |
| Accommodation | – Luxury: The Omnia ($500-$1,000/night) – Mid-Range: Hotel Alpenhof ($150-$300/night) – Budget: Zermatt Youth Hostel ($60-$120/night) |
| Estimated Costs | – Meals: $50-$100/day – Activities: $100-$200/day (ski pass, railway) – Total Daily Budget: $250-$500 |
2. Saint Moritz-Switzerland
Travelers and locals know this place as one of the cribs of mountaineering in Switzerland. Sankt Moritz is a haven of recreation and fun, making it one of the favourite destinations for tourists worldwide. You’ll be thrilled by the amazing ski slopes at Corvatsch.
At the same time, you can stay and enjoy the comforts offered by the wide variety of hotels in the city. If you want to recover your energy, you enjoy the area’s famous thermal waters. Enjoy medicinal baths and luxurious spas, along with many other establishments designed for relaxing your body and soul. You should also visit and marvel at the contemporary art in the Segantini Museum or go to the other galleries in the city. Sankt Moritz is the number one charming and pleasant place to spend your vacation.
A Little Help To Plan Your Itinerary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | December to March for winter sports; June to September for hiking and outdoor activities. |
| Places of Interest | – St. Moritz Lake – Muottas Muragl (panoramic views) –Diavolezza (skiing) – Segantini Museum |
| Transportation Options | – Train: Glacier Express or local trains to St. Moritz station – Bus: Local buses for nearby attractions – Car: Rental options available |
| Accommodation | – Luxury: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel ($600-$1,200/night) – Mid-Range: Hotel Hauser ($200-$400/night) – Budget: Youth Hostel St. Moritz ($60-$100/night) |
| Estimated Costs | – Meals: $50-$100/day – Activities: $100-$200/day (ski pass, tours) – Total Daily Budget: $250-$500 |
3. Montreux-Switzerland
Montreux located in the canton of Vaud it has been the inspiration and refuge of many artists, here you’ll find the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland. With large lakes, extensive vineyards, and huge mountains, Montreux is a unique destination for travellers.
The first must stop here is Chateau De Chillon, the great Chillon on the shores of Lake Leman. Explore the history of this magnificent medieval structure. Or perhaps you’ll want to hike in Dent de Jaman, a beautiful peak with stunning scenery. You can enjoy Rochers de Naye which in the wintertime is perfect for skiing. While you are here, you can’t miss a spectacular train ride aboard the Golden Pass Railway. You will enjoy the beautiful views as you pass through the mountains of this Swiss region.
A Little Help To Plan Your Itinerary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | June to September for the best weather; July for the Montreux Jazz Festival. |
| Places of Interest | – Chillon Castle – Montreux Jazz Festival (July) – Lavaux Vineyards – Rochers-de-Naye |
| Transportation Options | – Train: Swiss Railways to Montreux station – Boat: Lake Geneva cruises – Bus: Local transport options available |
| Accommodation | – Luxury: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace ($400-$900/night) – Mid-Range: Eurotel Montreux ($150-$300/night) – Budget: Youth Hostel Montreux ($50-$100/night) |
| Estimated Costs | – Meals: $50-$100/day – Activities: $60-$120/day (castle entry, boat trips) – Total Daily Budget: $200-$400 |
4. Appenzell-Switzerland
Appenzell is a beautiful picture village of beautiful houses and a mountain atmosphere. It is mainly dedicated to cattle raising and cheese production and is full of folkloric traditions and agricultural customs. Experts’ travellers consider Ebenalp the starting point for hiking trails, where you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views. In winter, you can ski from the station located there, which has a cable car system, so double the fun. You should visit this town in August to enjoy the Ländlerfest festival, where you can experience traditional dances, music, and delicious food.
A Little Help To Plan Your Itinerary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | May to September for hiking; winter for cultural festivals. |
| Places of Interest | – Appenzell Museum – Ebenalp – Säntis Mountain – Appenzeller Show Dairy |
| Transportation Options | – Train: Appenzell Railways from Zurich or St. Gallen – Bus: Local bus services – Car: Car rentals for exploring nearby areas |
| Accommodation | – Luxury: Hotel Hof Weissbad ($250-$400/night) – Mid-Range: Hotel Hecht Appenzell ($100-$200/night) – Budget: Guesthouses and BnBs ($50-$100/night) |
| Estimated Costs | – Meals: $40-$70/day – Activities: $20-$60/day (museum, hiking) – Total Daily Budget: $150-$300 |
5. Grindelwald-Switzerland
Grindelwald is a beautiful resort located in the Canton of Bern that offers a wide range of activities for tourists to enjoy. In the Grindelwald First Ski Resort, the numerous slopes offer you endless skiing fun. No matter whether you are a beginner or an expert, snowy adventures in this place never end! Outdoors lovers will find their dream place here.
Whatever your favorite activity is: climbing, hiking, mountain biking, or rafting, preferably in the summer season, is available in Grindelwald. It offers a diverse selection of bars and cafés perfect for relaxing with a hot beverage or a refreshing beer. It also has restaurants and clubs to guarantee as much fun during the nighttime as in the daylight.
A Little Help To Plan Your Itinerary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | December to February for skiing; June to September for hiking and climbing. |
| Places of Interest | – Appenzell Museum – Ebenalp – Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) – Eiger Trail – First Cliff Walk – Bachalpsee Lake |
| Transportation Options | – Train: Bernese Oberland Railway to Grindelwald – Cable Car: To First and other mountain areas – Bus: Local buses available |
| Accommodation | – Luxury: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof ($400-$800/night) – Mid-Range: Hotel Gletschergarten ($150-$250/night) – Budget: Downtown Lodge Hostel ($40-$80/night) |
| Estimated Costs | – Meals: $40-$80/day – Activities: $80-$150/day (cable cars, hiking) – Total Daily Budget: $200-$400 |
6. Lake Constance-Switzerland
This huge lake, often called the “Corner of the Three Countries,” extends into both Austria and Germany. While you are here, visit Eriskircher Ried, a beautiful natural area where you can enjoy many hiking trails or a nice bicycle ride. For bird lovers, this place is known for holding a huge variety. And the sunset views are something unique to see. You can also try your favorite water sports here and hike the whole place through the Bodensee Radweg trail.
A Little Help To Plan Your Itinerary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | May to September for water activities and pleasant weather. |
| Places of Interest | – Mainau Island (botanical gardens) – Zeppelin Museum – Meersburg Castle – Lindau– Appenzell Museum – Ebenalp – Säntis Mountain – Appenzeller Show Dairy |
| Transportation Options | – Train: Regional trains to Lake Constance area – Boat: Ferry services across the lake – Bus: Local transport options available |
| Accommodation | – Luxury: Hotel Bad Schachen ($300-$600/night) – Mid-Range: Hotel Halm Konstanz ($100-$200/night) – Budget: Hostels and guesthouses ($40-$100/night) |
| Estimated Costs | – Meals: $40-$80/day – Activities: $20-$50/day (museum entries, boat rides) – Total Daily Budget: $150-$300 |
7. Thun-Switzerland
This town retains that medieval air of times past, with an imposing castle and a beautiful lake overlooking the extensive Bernese Alps. Travellers attracted to art; you should not miss the Thun Art Museum. It is a huge building with a large exhibition of contemporary art. It exhibits works from more than 108 national and international artists.
We recommend visiting the Stockhorn a colossal mountain belonging to the Bernese Alps, where you can go hiking or climbing. Once you reach the top, relax at the panoramic restaurant and take in the stunning views of the valley. No true vacation to Switzerland can end up without a castle. Hünegg Castle shows you what life was like in 1900. Both its exterior and interior remain intact.
A Little Help To Plan Your Itinerary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | May to September for warm weather and outdoor activities |
| Places of Interest | – Thun Castle – Lake Thun – Schadau Park – Obere Hauptgasse (shopping street) |
| Transportation Options | – Train: Swiss Railways to Thun station – Boat: Lake Thun ferries – Bus: Local buses available |
| Accommodation | – Luxury: Hotel Seepark ($300-$500/night) – Mid-Range: Hotel Freienhof ($120-$200/night) – Budget: Hotel Holiday Thun ($80-$120/night) |
| Estimated Costs | -Meals: $40-$80/day – Activities: $20-$50/day (castle tours, boat trips) – Total Daily Budget: $150-$300 |
8. Gruyères-Switzerland
This interesting Switzerland city is well-known for being the place where Gruyères cheese comes from. It retains that medieval. The Gruyères Castle is a Switzerland heritage site because of its importance to the nation. It showcases impressive medieval structures and designs.Inside it, you will find a large museum that exhibits part of the town’s history.
The Maison Cailler, a giant chocolate factory where you will learn the famous Swiss chocolate creation process. This tour will leave you with a delightful taste in your mouth, nothing less than the best chocolate in the world. If you love cheese, stop by the Maison du Gruyère factory to taste real Gruyère cheese. You’ll also get to see how it’s made. Undoubtedly, a must-visit on your vacation.
A Little Help To Plan Your Itinerary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | May to October for outdoor activities and pleasant weather. |
| Places of Interest | – Gruyères Castle – HR Giger Museum – La Maison du Gruyère (cheese factory) – Moléson Peak |
| Transportation Options | – Train: Regional trains to Gruyères station – Bus: Local buses for nearby attractions – Car: Easy to navigate with rentals |
| Accommodation | – Luxury: Hôtel de Gruyères ($150-$250/night) – Mid-Range: Hostellerie Saint-Georges ($100-$150/night) – Budget: BnB in Gruyères ($60-$100/night) |
| Estimated Costs | – Meals: $40-$70/day – Activities: $30-$70/day (museum, cheese tours) – Total Daily Budget: $150-$300 |
9. Geneva-Switzerland
It is the Famous city of watches, Geneva is a vibrant metropolis, recommended for the whole family’s enjoyment or a romantic getaway as a couple. Take a tour of one of the most notable monuments in the city.The Jet d’Eau is a vast fountain that shoots water jets more than 140 meters high, making it a fantastic show to see.
If you love extravagant architecture, you can’t miss Les Schtroumpfs. It is a colorful architectural jewel with strange shapes. You will not believe people are living there. The Pointe de la Jonction, where the Roldano and Arve rivers meet. You will see how the two rivers are divided with an invisible border as each has a unique color. There is a path full of beautiful poplars, a lovely walk.
A Little Help To Plan Your Itinerary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | June to September for outdoor activities and festivals |
| Places of Interest | – Jet d’Eau – United Nations Office – Old Town – Museum of Natural History |
| Transportation Options | – Train: Swiss Railways to Geneva main station – Tram/Bus: Extensive public transport network – Bike: Rental options for city exploration |
| Accommodation | – Luxury: Hotel d’Angleterre ($400-$900/night) – Mid-Range: Hotel Bristol Geneva ($150-$300/night) – Budget: City Hostel Geneva ($50-$100/night) |
| Estimated Costs | – Meals: $50-$100/day – Activities: $30-$70/day (museum, tours) – Total Daily Budget: $30-$70/day (museum, tours) |
10. Zúrich-Switzerland
Zúrich is a lively city where luxury meets nature in a unique and innovative way. With an excellent quality of life, this city has all the comforts that frequent traveller’s look for, Grossmünster is one of the three main churches of this city. It has a lovely design, and you will enjoy amazing views of the city from its bell tower.
If you’re into history, you can visit the National Museum of Zúrich . It contains large exhibits that show a great selection of objects representing part of Switzerland history. Zúrich comes alive at night with lots of energetic and exciting places to go. In Aussersihl, you can enjoy subway clubs, restaurants, and bars to have fun in this city all night long.
A Little Help To Plan Your Itinerary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | May to September for the best weather and outdoor events |
| Places of Interest | – Old Town (Altstadt) – Lake Zurich – Swiss National Museum – Bahnhofstrasse (shopping) |
| Transportation Options | – Train: Swiss Federal Railways to Zurich main station – Tram: Extensive network across the city – Bus: Comprehensive public transport system |
| Accommodation | – Luxury: Baur au Lac ($500-$1,000/night) – Mid-Range: 25hours Hotel Langstrasse ($150-$250/night) – Budget: City Backpacker Hostel Biber ($50-$90/night) |
| Estimated Costs | – Meals: $50-$120/day – Activities: $30-$80/day (museum entries, tours – Total Daily Budget: $200-$450 |
Conclusion
Switzerland embedded in the center of Europe, marvels tourists every season of the year. Showcasing gorgeous mountains, untouched lakes, and exceptional beauty of Switzerland. Start packing for this once in a lifetime journey to the land of four languages and Alpine dreams. Switzerland truly has it all.
Expense Breakdown by Budget Level for Your Trip in Switzerland
| Destination | Luxury Budget (per day) | Mid-Range Budget (per day) | Average Budget (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Zermatt | $850-$1,500 | $400-$700 | $170-$320 |
| 2. Saint Moritz | $750-$1,500 | $450-$700 | $170-$300 |
| 3. Montreux | $710-$1,400 | $310-$620 | $160-$300 |
| 4. Appenzell | $360-$600 | $210-$370 | $130-$200 |
| 5. Grindelwald | $600-$1,000 | $350-$500 | $160-$250 |
| 6. Lake Constance | $490-$900 | 210-$400 | $120-$200 |
| 7. Thun | $460-$900 | $190-$330 | $110-$200 |
| 8. Gruyères | $360-$600 | $230-$370 | $120-$200 |
| 9. Geneva | $780-$1,420 | $380-$730 | $170-$260 |
| 10. Zúrich | $780-$1,450 | $380-$730 | $170-$260 |
