Welcome to Switzerland! Start your trip in Zurich, the largest city and financial hub of Switzerland. In the morning, take a leisurely walk along the beautiful shores of Lake Zurich, enjoying the scenic views and fresh air. In the afternoon, visit the Zurich Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals. As the evening sets in, explore the charming Old Town, known for its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere.
Lake Zurich: Free, 2 hours
Zurich Zoo: Estimated cost CHF 25 per adult, CHF 10 per child, 3-4 hours
Old Town: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A great breakfast spot in Zurich is Café Felix, which offers a wide selection of pastries, sandwiches, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 15 CHF per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. They have a buffet-style setup with a variety of fresh and flavorful vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 25 CHF per person.
In the evening, dine at Zeughauskeller, a historic restaurant known for its traditional Swiss cuisine. Try their signature dish, the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, a creamy veal dish. Average cost for a meal is about 40 CHF per person.
Saturday, September 2: Lucerne
Head to Lucerne, a picturesque city nestled amidst the Swiss Alps. In the morning, visit the famous Chapel Bridge, an iconic wooden bridge adorned with beautiful flowers. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Lucerne in the afternoon, marveling at the stunning mountain scenery. In the evening, take a stroll along the lakeside promenade and indulge in some delicious Swiss chocolate.
Chapel Bridge: Free, 1-2 hours
Lake Lucerne boat ride: Estimated cost CHF 30 per adult, CHF 15 per child, 2-3 hours
Lakeside promenade: Free, 1-2 hours
Sunday, September 3: Interlaken
Travel to Interlaken, a popular adventure destination nestled between two beautiful lakes. In the morning, take a thrilling paragliding flight over the Swiss Alps, enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. In the afternoon, visit the Trummelbach Falls, a series of impressive waterfalls inside a mountain. As the evening approaches, explore the charming streets of Interlaken and savor some Swiss fondue.
Paragliding flight: Estimated cost CHF 200-300 per person, 2-3 hours
Trummelbach Falls: Estimated cost CHF 11 per adult, CHF 4 per child, 1-2 hours
Exploring Interlaken: Free, 2-3 hours
Monday, September 4: Zermatt
Head to Zermatt, a car-free village known for its stunning views of the Matterhorn. In the morning, take a scenic train ride to Gornergrat, where you can admire the majestic peak of the Matterhorn. In the afternoon, explore the village of Zermatt, visit the Matterhorn Museum, and perhaps indulge in some Swiss cheese tasting. In the evening, relax in a cozy mountain lodge.
Gornergrat train ride: Estimated cost CHF 90 per adult, CHF 45 per child, 4-5 hours
Matterhorn Museum: Estimated cost CHF 10 per adult, CHF 5 per child, 1-2 hours
For breakfast, try Cafe DuPont. They offer a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 10-15 CHF per person.
If you're looking for a great lunch spot, check out Restaurant Alpenrose. They serve traditional Swiss cuisine with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about 20-25 CHF per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, book a table at Chez Vrony. This restaurant offers a beautiful setting with panoramic views of the Matterhorn and serves gourmet Swiss dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 40-50 CHF per person.
Tuesday, September 5: Geneva
Travel to Geneva, a cosmopolitan city situated on the banks of Lake Geneva. In the morning, visit the Jet d'Eau, a famous water fountain shooting up from the lake. Explore the historic Old Town, stroll through the beautiful English Garden, and visit the United Nations headquarters in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Geneva.
Jet d'Eau: Free, 1-2 hours
Old Town: Free, 2-3 hours
United Nations headquarters: Estimated cost CHF 15 per adult, CHF 5 per child, 1-2 hours
Lake Geneva boat cruise: Estimated cost CHF 20-30 per adult, CHF 10-15 per child, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, Café du Centre is a charming café in the heart of Geneva offering a selection of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 15 CHF per person.
For lunch, Les Armures is a historic restaurant located in the Old Town, serving traditional Swiss cuisine including fondue and raclette. Average cost for a meal is about 40 CHF per person.
For dinner, Restaurant Les Voiles is a lakeside restaurant with stunning views, offering a variety of seafood dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 60 CHF per person.
Wednesday, September 6: Lausanne
Head to Lausanne, a vibrant city situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. In the morning, visit the Olympic Museum, dedicated to the history of the Olympic Games. Explore the beautiful Lausanne Cathedral and its surroundings in the afternoon. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade and enjoy the sunset.
Olympic Museum: Estimated cost CHF 18 per adult, CHF 10 per child, 2-3 hours
Lausanne Cathedral: Free, 1-2 hours
Lakeside promenade: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café de Grancy, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about 12 CHF per person.
For lunch, try Brasserie de Montbenon, a charming restaurant with a beautiful terrace offering panoramic views of the city. They serve a variety of Swiss dishes and the average cost for a meal is about 25 CHF per person.
For dinner, Le Nomade is a must-try. This restaurant offers a unique fusion of Swiss and Asian cuisine in a contemporary setting. The average cost for a meal here is about 40 CHF per person.
Thursday, September 7: Basel
Travel to Basel, a cultural city located on the Rhine River. In the morning, visit the Basel Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral offering panoramic views of the city. Explore the lively Marktplatz and Rathaus in the afternoon, and visit the Fondation Beyeler, an art museum renowned for its collection of modern and contemporary art. In the evening, stroll along the Rhine River and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Basel Minster: Free, 1-2 hours
Marktplatz and Rathaus: Free, 1-2 hours
Fondation Beyeler: Estimated cost CHF 25 per adult, free for children, 2-3 hours
Rhine River stroll: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Frühling, known for its cozy atmosphere and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 15 CHF per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Kunsthalle, located within the Kunsthalle Basel art museum, where you can enjoy a combination of art and gastronomy. Average cost for a meal is about 25 CHF per person.
Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Restaurant Krafft, overlooking the Rhine River. This fine dining establishment offers a menu inspired by Mediterranean and Swiss cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 60 CHF per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When exploring Switzerland with your family, consider visiting the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, for a breathtaking experience. Another recommended destination is the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, where you can learn about the history of transportation and enjoy interactive exhibits. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen is a must, offering the opportunity to witness the largest waterfall in Europe up close.
For a unique experience, take a scenic train ride on the Glacier Express, which takes you through stunning landscapes and picturesque mountain villages. Additionally, consider exploring the Lauterbrunnen Valley, known as the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls," for incredible hiking trails and breathtaking natural beauty.
Check out hotel and flight prices for your Switzerland trip at kayak.com.