Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

Traveloka MY
05 Mar 2024 - 9 min read

Are you an outdoor person searching for a vacation spot surrounded by natural beauty? Switzerland is the answer for your needs and could be your next holiday destination. Switzerland is small country surrounded by mountains located in central Europe. This landlocked country approximately has the size of New Jersey. It is located between France and Italy, with additional borders shared with Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein.

This country is knowns for its beauty mountainous landscape of Alps. In here, you can experience the breathtaking Alps, serene lakes, charming villages, lively cities, and impressive castles – these are just a few of the wonderful things Switzerland provides. You can also enjoy an extreme outdoor activities like bungee jumping and paragliding because its high location. Besides that, you can also enjoy wine tasting, delicious chocolates, and cheeses, the experience becomes even more delightful. To truly savor the beauty of this country, explore some of the finest places in Switzerland.

What are you waiting for nature lovers? Plan your itinerary to Switzerland by following our guides in this article. In this article, we will list the best places to visit and things to do in Switzerland.

Places To Visit in Switzerland

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Most of best places in Switzerland mostly are the mountainous areas that offers natural beauty. Here are six main areas of Switzerland with various interesting and fun activities you can try:

Geneva Switzerland

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Geneva is a cosmopolitan city that shows the upscale part of Switzerland. It is located along the western shores of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône River flows into France. The city is not far from the French border, and it even shares the same language and some of its luxurious fashion. In Geneva, there are few interesting tourist destinations you can visit. Here are some famous landmark you can visit:

Jet d'Eau (The Geneva Water Fountain)

Jet d’Eau (French pronunciation: [ʒɛ do], Water-Jet) is Geneva’s famous landmark. It is a 140-meter-high water fountain located a the end of Lake Geneva that is known as Rhône RIver. Originally created in 1886 for a hydraulic power network, it later became a symbol of beauty and was relocated to its current spot in 1891. Strengthened to celebrate the Swiss confederation's 600th anniversary, the present fountain was completed in 1951.

Timepiece Tour

Switzerland is renowned for watchmaking industry, and Geneva has been a key player since the 16th century. It is a home for watchmaking company like Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Vacheron Constantin. You can stroll through the Rhône's shopping district or take a private tour to get a deeper understanding of watchmaking industry.

Old Town

Geneva’s Old Town is located on a hill and offers the rich history of the Geneva. In this area, you can find Saint Peter's Cathedral, with its mix of 12th-century Gothic architecture and neoclassical facade, symbolizes Geneva's shift from French Roman Catholicism to Swiss Reformation.

Lugano Switzerland

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Lugano is a city located between two mountain peaks by a beautiful lake surrounded by palm trees. It gives you a taste of Mediterranean culture while being in the Swiss Alps. Lugano is an excellent starting point to explore the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. The city has a pleasant climate, and you can enjoy fresh food and wines. In the warmer months, Swiss visitors love to explore the Alpine peaks, chestnut forests, olive groves, and pristine lakes in sunny Ticino. Here are some beautiful places you can visit in Lugano:

Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore

Lugano is located near Lake Lugano that flanked by two mountains called Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore. You can go up these mountains on a funicular for great views of the town. The mountains also have restaurants at the top, and hiking around them is excellent, especially during sunset.

Food and wine walking tour and Risotto-making workshop

In Lugano, where they speak Italian, you can enjoy a food and wine walking tour, tasting local goodies like honey, chestnuts, wine, and cheese. There are also traditional grottoes, simple restaurants, and a place where can learn to make risotto.

The Bernina Express

Enjoy the breathtaking view by taking the Bernina Express. The Bernina Express is one of Switzerland's most scenic rail trips and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It connects Tirano (Italy, which is close to Switzerland) with Chur (Switzerland's high Alps).

Zermatt Switzerland

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Zermatt is a town in Switzerland where many people who love outdoor activities like to go. Even though the town is small, especially when not many tourists are there, it becomes much busier when outdoor enthusiasts visit. Zermatt is different from some other Swiss mountain resorts because cars are not allowed, which makes it a quiet, clean, and easy place to explore. You can walk or ride a bicycle, and some local businesses use small electric vans to get around. There are three main place you can visit in Zermatt:

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Take a gondola ride to the top of Europe's highest cable car station, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. From the 360-degree viewing platform, enjoy a close look at the mountain's southern face and 37 other Alpine peaks. Venture beneath the ice to explore the Glacier Palace that show modern ice sculptures in ancient ice formations. Lastly, you should have a lunch at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Restaurant, the world's highest, offers simple and fresh food with cool ice-like decor and panoramic views.

Gornergrat

Experience the most breathtaking sight of the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat, towering at 3089 meters above sea level – a must-visit for enthusiasts of hiking and mountain beauty. You can access it from Zermatt using the Gornergrat cogwheel railway, the highest outdoor railway in Europe. Situated between the Gornergrat railway station and the mountain peak is the Kulm Hotel.

The Glacier Express

Enjoy your trip by taking Glacier Express, known as the world's slowest express train, running between St. Moritz and Zermatt without local stops. During your trip, you can enjoy the beauty of flower-filled meadows, snowy pines, and rocky landscapes. The red and white train has domed-glass panorama cars for clear views to see stone-arched bridges, mountain tunnels, and large forested valleys.

Zürich Switzerland

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Switzerland's biggest city, Zürich, provides high-end shopping, a historic old town from Roman times, and a pleasant sunny environment. Recognized as one of the most comfortable cities to live in globally, it has also known as the best travel spot in the 21st century. Here are some of the best places and things you can do in Zürich:

Traditional paddle steamer boat cruise

Enjoy a leisurely ride on Lake Zürich for free with the city card from your hotel. Or you can take a cruise boats stop at different lakeside towns where you can explore chocolate factories, beaches, and charming villages. You can create your own day-trip adventure, and boats run regularly, allowing you to return to Zürich after dark.

Grossmünster

Grossmünster, a Romanesque church commissioned by Charlemagne, boasts iconic double towers castle. It played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation, resulting in the removal of Catholic symbols in 1524, leaving a pale and bare interior. This majestic Church building is a must visit destination during your trip to Zürich.

Uetliberg peak

Unlike much of Switzerland, Zürich isn’t known for its mountains. However, Uetliberg is known as the city’s own Little Mountain. It is a great place to get a sweeping view of the city, the lake and the Alps in the distance. You can hike up to the peak in around two hours with a relatively easy ascent to 870 m (2,851 ft). You can also access the peak by funicular. Once at the top, take a walk along the trails to get panoramic views down over the lake and back toward the city.

Basel Switzerland

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Basel, Switzerland is a hidden gem place. While many know about Geneva and Zurich, this third-largest Swiss city shouldn't be missed. With a multitude of activities, you'll need at least three days to fully explore. From the charming Old Town and riverside life along the Rhine to the picturesque countryside along the German and French border, Basel offers a lot to admire. If you're in Switzerland, don't forget to include this cultural capital in your travel plans. Basel provides a wonderful blend of historical and modern architecture, outdoor adventures, and refined museums. Here are the most interesting activities you can do at Basel:

Take a Weidling Tour

Explore Basel uniquely by taking a Weidling Tour on the Rhine River, paddling in traditional wooden boats from the Middle Ages. Experience the historic technique of spiking used by traders navigating between Venice and the North Sea. The Association Waidlig Basilea offers city tours, rowing lessons, or a Weidling ride with an aperitif, providing stunning views of downtown Basel.

Take an Urban Art Tour

Discover hidden city art with an Urban Art Tour, featuring Space Invader tiles and unique monuments like the Lällekönig ("the Tongue King"). The king sculpture playfully sticks out its tongue from Grossbasel (Left Side of the River Bank) toward Klein Basel (Right Side of the River Bank).

Step Foot in Three Countries At The Dreiländereck (Three Country Corner)

Step into three countries at the Dreiländereck is a daily occurrence for many Basel residents. With a monument marking the intersection of Germany's, France's, and Switzerland's borders along the Rhine River, you can easily experience the charm of multiple countries in a day.

Switzerland Zermatt Peak Pass

4/10

RM 26

Interlaken Switzerland

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Interlaken is a stunning town right in the middle of Switzerland, and it is the perfect place to start exploring the area. Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the breathtaking Swiss Alps all around, the town is surrounded by incredible natural beauty. Apart from its amazing scenery, Interlaken is a favorite among thrill-seekers who can indulge in exciting adventure sports. These are thrilling and interesting activities you can do in Interlaken:

Feel the Thrill with a Bungee Jump

For those seeking an exciting adventure, bungee jumping is a top-notch activity in Interlaken. Different companies offer bungee jumping experiences, each with its own unique features. One thrilling option is the Stockhorn bungee jump, where you can leap from a gondola! This is a must-try experience! Standing at an impressive height of 134 meters, it's not for the faint-hearted. Suspended high above, jumpers enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding mountains before taking the plunge.

Ride the Train to Schynige Platte

Schynige Platte is a mountain ridge in the famous Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. I believe it's a dream destination for nature lovers and hikers, and one of the best ways to reach the mountaintop is by taking the cogwheel train from Wilderswil. The train journey to Schynige Platte provides breathtaking views of the nearby mountains, valleys, and lakes.

Explore Interlaken Monastery and Castle

Interlaken Monastery and Castle isn't just for history enthusiasts; it's a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of the Swiss town. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle showcases medieval Swiss architecture. Visiting to experience the history firsthand is one of the best things to do in Interlaken.

Lucerne Switzerland

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Lucerne is a lovely city in the heart of Switzerland surrounded by clear lakes and mountain scenery. Filled with medieval buildings and cobblestone squares, it stands out as one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Lucerne's captivating old town, decorated with colorful frescoes, holds more than 800 years of history.

Wiss Museum of Transport

The Swiss Museum of Transport is the most-visited museum in Switzerland and a fantastic winter activity in Lucerne. The extensive collection includes old cars, airplanes, simulators, interactive displays, and educational experiences. When you purchase day passes to the Transport Museum, you also get entry to the Swiss Chocolate Adventure. Discover the chocolate-making process and see experts create delicious treats for you to enjoy.

Lake Lucerne

Nestled in four valleys and stretching in various directions, Lake Lucerne is a breathtaking body of water and the focal point of Lucerne. Surrounded by towering mountains, this lake is one of Switzerland's most picturesque, offering an ideal setting for outdoor activities.

Mount Pilatus

For a panoramic view of Lake Lucerne, head to the summit of Mount Pilatus, a distinct mountain overlooking the city. The Lucerne to Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip takes you to the top using a cable car and the world's steepest cogwheel train, concluding with a cruise on the lake. It's one of the top day trips from Lucerne.

Ready to explore the stunning beauty of Switzerland? Plan your trip with ease by booking your flights, activities, and accommodations on Traveloka. Whether you're drawn to the majestic Alps, serene lakes, or charming villages, Traveloka makes your Swiss adventure seamless and memorable. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create unforgettable memories in this picturesque destination. Book your Swiss getaway on Traveloka today!

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Tags:

switzerland

In This Article

• Places To Visit in Switzerland
• Geneva Switzerland
• Lugano Switzerland
• Zermatt Switzerland
• Zürich Switzerland
• Basel Switzerland
• Interlaken Switzerland
• Lucerne Switzerland

Flights Featured in This Article

Thu, 18 Sep 2025
Emirates
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Zurich (ZRH)
Start from RM 1,780.70
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Tue, 16 Sep 2025
Qatar Airways
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Zurich (ZRH)
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Tue, 16 Sep 2025
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Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Zurich (ZRH)
Start from RM 1,839.81
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