Zurich
Population:435,000
Switzerland's largest city and financial center, known for its lakeside setting and cultural attractions.
Top attractions
- Old Town
- Lake Zurich
- Swiss National Museum
- Bahnhofstrasse
- Fraumünster Church
Country guide
Switzerland
A mountainous country famous for its Alpine scenery, precision timepieces, and chocolate. Switzerland offers pristine natural beauty, charming villages, and efficient transportation through dramatic landscapes.
- Capital
- Bern
- Language
- German, French, Italian, Romansh
- Currency
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
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Visa information
EU/EFTA citizens can enter visa-free. Many other nationalities, including the US, Canada, and Australia, can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
View full visa requirementsTravel guide
Visa details
EU/EFTA citizens can enter visa-free. Many other nationalities, including the US, Canada, and Australia, can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
Cost of travel
- Currency
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Accommodation
- CHF 150-400 per night for mid-range hotels, CHF 40-80 for hostels
- Food
- CHF 25-60 per meal at restaurants, CHF 10-20 for quick meals
- Transportation
- CHF 3-6 for local transport, CHF 50-150 for intercity train tickets
- Activities
- CHF 15-40 for attractions, CHF 60-200 for mountain excursions
- Overall daily budget
- CHF 200-500 per day depending on travel style and season
Best time to visit
June to September for hiking and outdoor activities, December to March for skiing.
Weather
Alpine climate with cold winters and mild summers. Weather varies significantly with altitude.
Top cities to visit
Geneva
Population:203,000
An international city home to UN headquarters, set on beautiful Lake Geneva.
Top attractions
- Jet d'Eau
- CERN
- UN Headquarters
- Old Town
- Lake Geneva
Capital city
Bern
Population:144,000
Switzerland's capital with a well-preserved medieval old town and federal institutions.
Top attractions
- Old Town
- Federal Palace
- Bear Park
- Clock Tower
- Cathedral
Lucerne
Population:82,000
A picturesque city on Lake Lucerne, surrounded by mountains and known for its wooden bridges.
Top attractions
- Chapel Bridge
- Mount Pilatus
- Lion Monument
- Lake Lucerne
- Old Town
Basel
Population:178,000
A cultural hub on the Rhine River, known for its museums and pharmaceutical industry.
Top attractions
- Basel Minster
- Old Town
- Art Museums
- Rhine River
- Market Square
Top attractions
Matterhorn
Switzerland's most famous mountain peak, an iconic pyramid-shaped summit near Zermatt.
Location: Valais
Jungfraujoch
The 'Top of Europe' accessible by cogwheel train, offering glacial views and alpine experiences.
Location: Bernese Oberland
Lake Geneva
A crescent-shaped lake surrounded by Alps and vineyards, dotted with elegant towns.
Location: Western Switzerland
Rhine Falls
Europe's most powerful waterfall, creating a spectacular natural display near Schaffhausen.
Location: Schaffhausen
Chapel Bridge
A covered wooden footbridge in Lucerne, dating from the 14th century with painted panels.
Location: Lucerne
Other destinations in Europe
View all countries in this regionTravel tips
- Always check for updated visa requirements before your trip.
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
- Research local customs and etiquette before your visit.
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents.
Switzerland travel cost calculator
Cost breakdown
- Accommodation (3 nights, 1 room)
- CHF 450–1,200
- Food (2 × 3 days, 2 meals a day)
- CHF 300–720
- Transport (2 × 3 days, 2 rides a day)
- CHF 36–72
- Activities (2 × 3 days, 1 a day)
- CHF 90–240
- Total estimated cost
- CHF 876–2,232
- Per person
- CHF 438–1,116
Note: These estimates use this guide’s own prices and may vary with season, location and personal preferences. Consider adding a 10-20% buffer for unexpected expenses.