Family-Friendly Itinerary for a Week in Switzerland

Tuesday, April 30: Exploring Zurich

Start your trip in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. In the morning, visit the Zurich Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals. Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful Lindenhof Park in the afternoon, overlooking the city and the Limmat River. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets.

• Zurich Zoo: CHF 30 per adult, CHF 15 per child | Estimated time: 3 hours
• Lindenhof Park: Free entry | Estimated time: 2 hours
• Bahnhofstrasse: Free to explore | Estimated time: 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Café Odeon, a historic café known for its elegant atmosphere and delicious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 15 CHF per person.
• For lunch, try Zeughauskeller, a traditional Swiss restaurant located near the City Hall. They serve hearty dishes like Swiss sausages and rosti. Average cost for a meal is about 25 CHF per person.
• For dinner, visit Zunfthaus Zur Zimmerleuten, a charming restaurant in a historic guild house. They offer Swiss cuisine with a modern twist, and the average cost for a meal is about 40 CHF per person.

Wednesday, May 1: Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Embark on a day trip to the magnificent Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. Spend the morning marveling at the cascading water and taking a boat ride to get closer to the falls. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town of Stein am Rhein, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Explore the charming streets and visit the Hohenklingen Castle for panoramic views of the area.

• Rhine Falls: CHF 5 per adult, CHF 3 per child | Estimated time: 4 hours
• Boat Ride: CHF 10 per adult, CHF 5 per child | Estimated time: 1 hour
• Stein am Rhein: Free to explore | Estimated time: 3 hours
• Hohenklingen Castle: CHF 5 per adult, CHF 2 per child | Estimated time: 1 hour

Thursday, May 2: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

Head to Lucerne, a charming city surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Start your day by exploring the beautiful Old Town and iconic Chapel Bridge. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and then ascend Mount Pilatus by cable car or cogwheel train. Enjoy breathtaking views from the summit before returning to Lucerne for the evening.

• Lucerne Old Town: Free to explore | Estimated time: 2 hours
• Chapel Bridge: Free to visit | Estimated time: 1 hour
• Lake Lucerne boat trip: CHF 35 per adult, CHF 15 per child | Estimated time: 2 hours
• Mount Pilatus: CHF 72 per adult, CHF 36 per child | Estimated time: 4 hours

Friday, May 3: Interlaken and Jungfraujoch

Travel to Interlaken, a picturesque town nestled between two stunning lakes. In the morning, explore the town's charming streets and visit the Jungfrau Park, a family-friendly amusement park. In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable journey to Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe." Marvel at the breathtaking alpine scenery and enjoy activities like snow tubing and ice skating.

• Interlaken: Free to explore | Estimated time: 2 hours
• Jungfrau Park: CHF 25 per adult, CHF 15 per child | Estimated time: 2 hours
• Jungfraujoch: CHF 189 per adult, CHF 95 per child | Estimated time: 6 hours

Saturday, May 4: Geneva and Jet d'Eau

Take a scenic train ride to Geneva, a cosmopolitan city located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Start your day by visiting the United Nations Office and exploring the international district. In the afternoon, stroll along the vibrant Rue du Rhône for shopping and take a boat ride on Lake Geneva. Admire the famous Jet d'Eau, a stunning water fountain that shoots up to 140 meters in the air.

• United Nations Office: Free guided tours | Estimated time: 2 hours
• Rue du Rhône: Free to explore | Estimated time: 2 hours
• Lake Geneva boat ride: CHF 15 per adult, CHF 7 per child | Estimated time: 2 hours
• Jet d'Eau: Free to admire | Estimated time: 1 hour

Sunday, May 5: Lausanne and Olympic Museum

Visit Lausanne, a vibrant city situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Start your day with a visit to the Olympic Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Olympic Games. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Old Town and enjoy stunning views of the lake. Don't miss the beautiful Cathedral of Lausanne and the trendy Flon district for shopping and dining.

• Olympic Museum: CHF 18 per adult, CHF 10 per child | Estimated time: 3 hours
• Lausanne Old Town: Free to explore | Estimated time: 2 hours
• Cathedral of Lausanne: Free to visit | Estimated time: 1 hour
• Flon district: Free to explore | Estimated time: 2 hours

Monday, May 6: Basel and Zoo Basel

End your trip in Basel, a cultural hub located on the Rhine River. Start your day by visiting Zoo Basel, one of the oldest and largest zoos in Switzerland. In the afternoon, explore the charming Altstadt (Old Town) with its beautiful medieval buildings and lively marketplaces. Don't miss the impressive Basel Minster and Fondation Beyeler, an art museum showcasing modern and contemporary art.

• Zoo Basel: CHF 28 per adult, CHF 14 per child | Estimated time: 4 hours
• Basel Altstadt: Free to explore | Estimated time: 2 hours
• Basel Minster: Free to visit | Estimated time: 1 hour
• Fondation Beyeler: CHF 25 per adult, free for children | Estimated time: 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a truly memorable experience, consider visiting the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps. Take a cable car up to Eggishorn and enjoy panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding peaks. Another hidden gem is the Trummelbach Falls near Lauterbrunnen, where you can explore a series of impressive waterfalls inside a mountain. Both attractions offer unique experiences that the whole family will enjoy.

Check here for hotel and flight prices.