Switzerland draws millions each year with its clean cities, stunning lakes, and towering Alps. The best tourist cities Switzerland have a mix of urban charm and nature just steps away. Switzerland is small, but its cities are very different, which is why planning the right route is so important. For most travelers, the best tourist cities in Switzerland include Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, and Basel.
Best Tourist Cities Switzerland Offers for First-Time Tourists
Classic Swiss city highlights
Zurich
- Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city – a vibrant hub mixing modern urban life and historical charm.
- As one of the Best Tourist Cities in Switzerland, Ideal for those who want city comforts: shopping, nightlife, museums, lakeside strolls, and easy connectivity to other destinations.
Lucerne
- Among the best tourist cities Switzerland offers, Lucerne features a medieval old town, a lakefront, and nearby mountains.
- Its wooden bridge, sparkling lake, and nearby Alps create a setting for travelers exploring the best tourist cities Switzerland for history, nature and relaxation.
Interlaken
- Between two lakes and the Alps, Interlaken ranks among the best tourist cities Switzerland for adventure lovers.
- It’s a great base for alpine excursions, hiking, lakeside activities and mountain views.
Zermatt (near iconic Alpine peaks)
- Zermatt sits below the Matterhorn, offering one of the most iconic mountain-village experiences found in tourist cities in Switzerland.
- It’s perfect for those who want tranquillity + alpine views + hiking or skiing (seasonal) – a serious contrast to busy city life.
Geneva
- Geneva offers lakeside beauty, global flair and cosmopolitan energy, uniquely standing out among tourist cities in Switzerland.
- Great if you want ease, comfort, and a base for exploring Western Switzerland or combining with lakeside stays.
Bern
- Bern’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site – lovely for history- and culture-conscious travellers wanting a slower pace.
- It offers a calm, traditional city feel compared to busier tourist hubs, ideal for relaxed sightseeing and heritage-focused visits.
Ideal travel routes for beginners
If you’re visiting Switzerland for the first time, combining a few of the above cities gives a well-rounded experience, city life + lakes + mountains + heritage.
- Start in Zurich → travel to Lucerne → then Interlaken → Zermatt → finish in Geneva or Bern.
- This route covers urban comfort, lake views, alpine adventure and cultural charm — a balanced Swiss overview.
Whether you are drawn to bustling cityscapes, tranquil lakes, majestic mountains, or historic streets, these cities together represent why many consider them among the Best Tourist Cities in Switzerland.
Best Luxury Hotels in Popular Swiss Tourist Cities
5-star stays in Zurich, Geneva & Lucerne
- In Zurich, being Switzerland’s financial and cultural hub, there are multiple high-end luxury hotels that offer easy access to the lakefront, Old Town and major shopping streets – ideal for first-class comfort.
- Geneva offers lakeside luxury stays, with easy access to lake promenades, historic sites and cosmopolitan amenities.
- In Lucerne, luxury hotels often provide beautiful views of the lake and Alps – perfect for those who want history + nature with comfort when staying in town.
Lakeside and mountain-view luxury
Staying near lakes (e.g., Lake Lucerne, Lake Geneva) or mountain-view hotels (e.g., near Zermatt or Interlaken) offers a uniquely Swiss luxury vibe: quiet mornings by the lake, alpine air, and postcard-worthy scenery.
For travellers seeking serenity, natural beauty, and comfort – these spots pair perfectly with Switzerland’s easy transport and well-linked cities.
Swiss Cities with the Best Public Transportation
Swiss trains and trams run like clockwork, linking best tourist cities seamlessly. Zurich, Geneva, Bern top for city networks. No cars needed in most spots.
Punctual rides mean less stress. Stations have shops, lockers, elevators.
Effortless trams and trains
Switzerland’s cities and towns are connected by an efficient, widely accessible rail and public transport network. This makes moving between cities – and within a city – very convenient, even for first-time visitors.
Tourist cities in Switzerland, like Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Geneva, Bern and Zermatt are well-connected. This means you don’t need to worry too much about transport logistics; just hop on trains or trams and enjoy the ride.
Hourly trains between majors: Zurich-Bern (1 hr), Geneva-Lausanne (40 min).
Tourist travel cards & passes
Swiss Travel Pass unlocks trains, buses, boats nationwide for 3-15 days. Kids free with parents. Covers 90 cities’ local rides, 500 museums. Buy online, activate easy.
City cards (Zurich, Lucerne) add free buses for hotel guests.
| Pass | Coverage | Price (3 days, 2nd class) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Travel Pass | Trains, boats, buses, museums | ~232 CHF | Multi-city trips |
| City Cards | Local trams, discounts | Free/often with hotel | 1-2 days per city |
Guided City Tours in Major Swiss Destinations
Tours unpack history without maps. Walks in old towns reveal secrets. Boats add water views.
English groups daily. Free walking options tip-based. Private for families.
Walking tours and cultural experiences
Zurich free tours hit churches, streets. Lucerne covers bridge tales, lion carving. Bern explores arcades, Einstein house. Geneva visits UN, chocolate history.
2-3 hours, easy pace.
Multi-city tour options
Day buses link Zurich-Lucerne-Rhine Falls. Jungfrau tours from Interlaken. Packages hit 3 cities with trains.
Top Outdoor Activities in Switzerland’s Most Visited Cities
Cities hug nature here. Hike mornings, sightsee afternoons. Lakes warm for swims June-Sept.
Cable cars, boats everywhere. Gear rentals easy.
Lake adventures, hiking spots
Zurich: SUP on lake, Uetliberg hike. Lucerne: Rigi cable car, pedal boats. Interlaken: canyoning, lakes cruises. Geneva: Jet d’Eau swims, lakeside bikes.
Zermatt: Gornergrat train hikes.
Urban sightseeing mixed with nature
Bern: Aare river floats. Basel: Rhine dips. Lausanne: Ouchy promenade walks. Mix city with green daily.
| City | Lake Activity | Hike Option |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | Boat cruise | Uetliberg |
| Lucerne | Paddleboard | Pilatus |
| Interlaken | Paraglide | Harder Kulm |
Best Places for Authentic Swiss Dining
Cozy spots serve melted cheese, potatoes, wines. Old towns hide gems.
Try fondue for two. Portions big, veggie options grow.
Traditional food hotspots
Zurich: Raclette in alleys. Lucerne: Lakeside rösti. Interlaken: Alpine sausages. Geneva: Perch from lake. Bern: Simple cellars.
50-100 CHF/meal.
Famous Swiss chocolate & cheese spots
Lindt shops in Zurich, Geneva. Cheese factories near Bern. Caillers in Lucerne area. Tastings daily.
How to Book Scenic Train Routes Between Tourist Cities
Glacier Express & Bernina Express
One of the world’s most scenic rail journeys is the Glacier Express, which runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz (or similar Alpine routes). It passes over hundreds of bridges, through tunnels, and affords unforgettable panoramic views of landscapes, valleys, mountains, and rivers.
On board, you get panoramic windows seating, sometimes gourmet meals – making the journey as much a part of your trip as the destinations themselves.
Another option is the Bernina Express and other panorama-routes included in Switzerland’s famous rail tours, offering stunning alpine & lakeside views.
Panoramic trains for breathtaking views
Beyond Glacier and Bernina Express, Switzerland has a well-connected panoramic train network. Many multi-leg rail tours – often dubbed as “Grand Train Tour” – let you traverse cities, lakes, mountains and villages within a short time while enjoying comfort and spectacular scenery.
This makes it very efficient to combine cities, mountain resorts, and lake towns – all without long car journeys or complicated logistics.
Best Shopping Districts in Switzerland’s Tourist Centers
Luxury brands & local souvenirs
In the best tourist cities Switzerland offers like Zurich, the shopping streets and boutiques offer high-end international brands as well as local Swiss specialities – perfect for those who love shopping. Historic old towns across cities (especially Zurich, Lucerne, and Geneva) also combine shops with a charming local vibe.
Traditional markets
Market-style shops, local handicrafts, Swiss chocolates, cheese, souvenirs — many of Switzerland’s tourist cities offer markets, historic shopping streets or local stores that add cultural flavour beyond luxury shopping.
Most Family-Friendly Cities to Visit in Switzerland
Safe streets, kid menus, playgrounds abound. Discounts everywhere.
Trains have family zones.
Activities for kids
Zurich zoo, planetarium. Lucerne boats, Swissminiatur. Interlaken balloons.
City attractions for all ages
Bern bears, fountains. Geneva boat rides. Play while parents relax.
| City | Kid Highlight | Free for Kids? |
|---|---|---|
| Lucerne | Boat trips | Under 6 |
| Interlaken | Cable cars | Passes cover |
| Zurich | Zoo | Discounts |
Swiss Cities with Top Ski Resorts & Tourist Facilities
Winter calls Zermatt, Interlaken gateways. 300+ days snow some spots.
Cities have rentals, lessons.
Ski-town access via main cities
Want snow and ski slopes? From cities such as Zurich or Geneva, you can reach alpine towns like Zermatt (for example) – where skiing, snow hiking or alpine sports are popular. Zermatt – with its proximity to the Matterhorn – is among the top ski-town destinations.
Winter sports hubs nearby
In winter, many Alpine-region cities and villages provide skiing, snow-boarding, winter hikes, and cozy alpine-village stays. If your Swiss trip coincides with winter, combining a city stay + short transfer to a ski village gives you both comfort and snow-adventure.
Choosing the Right Swiss City for Your Travel Style
- If you love urban comfort, shopping and easy transport, go for Zurich or Geneva.
- If you prefer charm, lakes and relaxing strolls, Lucerne and Bern are great picks.
- For adventure, mountains, hiking and natural beauty, Interlaken and Zermatt are hard to beat.
- Want a bit of everything — city, lake, mountain, history, ease? Combine 2–3 cities in a balanced itinerary (like Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Zermatt / Geneva).
Use Switzerland’s excellent public transport or panoramic trains, consider a travel pass or guided package, and match your stay with your travel style – luxury, family-friendly, budget, adventure or calm.
Switzerland offers something for every kind of traveller. Pick cities based on what you love.
