A Guide to Switzerland: What to Do and Where to Stay

Known for its celeb-packed ski resorts, stunning mountain views, lakes, chocolate and watch-making, Switzerland offers flavours of Europe all in one country with German-, French- and Italian-influenced regions.

The best places to visit in Switzerland

Bern

Bern, Switzerland

An essential stop for culture lovers, the medieval capital of Bern, with its picture-perfect, cobblestoned old town, bisected by the meandering river Aare, has some of the world’s best museums. Visit the home of Albert Einstein, where he developed the Theory of Relativity, then head for the Paul Klee Zentrum, which houses many of the artist’s finest works.

The fine art museum,Kunstmuseum Bern, features Swiss artists and the Natural History Museum are all well worth a visit. Climb the 100 metre spire of Bern’s cathedral to gain an aerial perspective on the old town, a UNESCO heritage city, and views as far as the Bernese Alps. The Moxy hotel is conveniently located to them all.

Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

Cosmopolitan French-influenced Geneva oozes class with its abundance of luxury hotels, boutiques, restaurants and jewellers. Geneva’s heart is Lac Léman, better known as Lake Geneva with its iconic fountain, the Jet d'Eau. To begin, cruise or paddle on Switzerland’s largest lake, or chill at the Bains des Pâquis, an outdoor swimming area with saunas, a hammam and Turkish bath.

If further pampering is needed, book a treatment with your stay at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Geneva. Afterwards, stroll through the historic old town and Bastion park to watch competitive games of giant chess and the youth orchestra rehearsals. Just outside the city, For a day trip, tour the UNESCO listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces by foot or e-bike while admiring the Gothic chateaux homes of the super-rich.

Verbier

Verbier, Switzerland

The adventure playground for A-list celebs and royalty, Verbier only does extremes, with epic views, parties, access to 410km of ski piste, paragliding and a zip line that departs from an altitude of 3300m.The parties at the ‘W off piste’ bar in the W Verbier hotel, conveniently located right at the bottom of piste, showcase the very best of Verbier après-ski.

Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

Urban cool at its peak, Zurich is regularly recognised as one of the world's most liveable cities. Perhaps there’s something in the water? By day join the locals as they swim in the Limmat river, visit one of the public pools or bathe at the Strandbad Mythenquai beach. Of the best places to stay, The Zurich Marriott, located right next to the river, tops the lot. By night, enjoy the pedestrian-only zone in the old town with street artists and the lively bar and restaurant scene.

What to eat and drink in Switzerland

Drinks

Swiss wine is so good, they drink most of it themselves, so be sure to order Swiss with your evening meal. Absinthe, the green anise-flavoured spirit famous for its very high alcohol content, originates in the canton of Neuchâtel, where there’s a museum at which you can sample the best.

Fondue and rostis

Swiss Fodue

No trip to Switzerland is complete without enjoying fondue, a melted cheese dish served in a communal pot over a portable stove, which is eaten by dipping bread or potato into the cheese using long-stemmed forks.

The best is said to be in Le Dezaley, Zurich. Another of the best dishes to try is rosti, considered the national dish by some. Rosti is a stomach filler consisting mainly of grated and fried potatoes in the style of a fritter. Make a reservation at Mazot in Bern.

Chocolates

Take home a Toblerone chocolate bar, shaped to mimic the world's most famous mountain, the Matterhorn. Or, visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate just outside of Zurich, and learn about the history of their iconic chocolate Easter Bunnies.

The Kronenhalle

In Zurich there are many great places to eat, but the French-inspired Kronenhalle is legendary, and not just for its most popular dish - Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in gravy). A meeting place for artists since 1924, genuine works by Chagall, Picasso, and Miró adorn the walls of the restaurant.

Top things to do in Switzerland

Unmissable on a trip to Switzerland is the most photographed mountain in the world – the Matterhorn. The pyramidal peak is easily seen from the chocolate-box Alpine town of Zermatt. Get the best views on a hike or ski around its base to really appreciate its impact. Hiking or e-biking is one of the best things to do to immerse yourself in Alpine village culture and to meet the locals. This way you’ll see, and hear, the famous herds of cows with bells around their necks like proudly hanging medals. One of the most fun things to do is to take a spontaneous dip in the nearest lake or river. Swiss chocolate-making classes are fun and you get to take home your edible creations. Given Switzerland’s affinity for watches, one of the most interesting things to do is to learn about the history of timekeeping and how they’re made: check out the Patek-Philippe museum and flower clock in Geneva.

Hidden gems in Switzerland

The Glacier Express is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world

One of the most unique things to do in Switzerland is a half-day guided hike on a glacier. The spectacular Aletsch Glacier in the canton of Valais is the longest in Europe, stretching over 23km and measuring 1.5km wide. Alternative things to do are to follow in the footsteps of eminent poets and artists who found inspiration in Montreux by visiting Charlie Chaplin world, and the Freddie Mercury statues and Queen studio experience.

Go deeper

Switzerland has some of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Arguably the best views are seen via the ‘Glacier Express’ between Zermatt and St Moritz. The historic Jungfrau railway line takes visitors to Europe’s highest railway station at 3453m.

Published: July 26, 2022

Last Updated: July 25, 2022