Why would you visit the cities in Switzerland?
The cities offer a lot of variety because of the many cultures and languages in Switzerland. Most Swiss cities have a well-preserved historical center and are small enough to explore on foot. Often, there are great views of the mountains, a lake or a river.
A city walk is the best way to explore
A city walk allows you to get to know a Swiss city within a few hours. Highly recommended self-guided walks:
Short walks in smaller towns:
You'll find guided city tours and packages here.
Our top historical Swiss town centers
Nearly all city centers in Switzerland are worth a visit. But if we had to choose, this would be our top 5 (in random order!):
- Basel: a varied picturesque city center, plus great views from the river Rhine boulevard.
- Bern: packed with history, and the river Aare winding around the center makes it very special.
- Lucerne: a medieval city wall, a historical town center crossed by the river Reuss, plus a long lakefront with great views.
- Geneva: a relatively small historical city center, beautifully located on a hill, and with Lake Geneva and it's famous fountain always nearby.
- Zurich: river and lake views, a wonderful city center and various options for city views from the surrounding hills.
Other activities in the Swiss cities
- Shopping for watches, chocolate and much more.
- Museums (see our city pages for suggestions).
- A lakeside stroll and boat trip.
- Nearly all Swiss cities have one or more places with great views of the city, the mountains or a lake. This can be a terrace on a hill, a castle or a cable car up to a mountain top. Be sure not to miss the best views, and visit our city pages and city walk suggestions for tips.
- In November and December you can visit Christmas markets in many cities in Switzerland.
Cities on the Swiss lakes
All of these cities have a boulevard for a relaxed stroll along the lake:
Cities on a river
A historical city center with river views can be found here: