Geneva is a cosmopolitan city located at the southern tip of Lake Geneva. Visit the iconic Jet d'Eau, a fountain that shoots water up to 140 meters high, or the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. Enjoy the beautiful landscape with a stroll around the lake and finish the day with Swiss cuisine at a local restaurant.
Zug is a small town known for its beautiful lake views and charming historic center. Visit the Museum Burg Zug to learn about the history of the town or take a scenic boat ride on Lake Zug. Try the famous Zuger Kirschtorte, a delicious cherry cake, at a local bakery before heading to your next destination.
Lugano is a picturesque town located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. Take a stroll down Piazza della Riforma, the main square of the city, and enjoy the Mediterranean climate. Visit the Monte San Salvatore, a mountain that offers panoramic views of the city, or the Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana, an art museum featuring works from Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Montreux is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Visit the Château de Chillon, a medieval castle that inspired Lord Byron's famous poem "The Prisoner of Chillon", or the Fondation Pierre Gianadda, an art museum featuring works by famous artists such as Rodin and Giacometti. Take a walk along the beautiful lake promenade and enjoy a glass of Swiss wine.
Lucerne is a picturesque town located in central Switzerland. Visit the famous Chapel Bridge, a landmark of the city, or the Lion Monument, a rock relief that commemorates the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne or ascend to Mount Pilatus for panoramic views of the city.
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and a hub of finance and culture. Visit the iconic Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style church located in the heart of the city, or the Swiss National Museum, an historical museum featuring artifacts from Swiss history. Take a walk along the beautiful Limmat river or explore the trendy neighborhood of Zurich West.
Switzerland has an extensive public transportation network consisting of trains, buses, boats, and cable cars. A Swiss Travel Pass is a good option for travelers who plan to use public transportation extensively. A 8-day pass costs CHF 485 and covers all trains, buses, and boats in Switzerland. Travelers can also rent a car, which gives more flexibility but can be more expensive. Expect to spend around CHF 80-100 per day on gas and tolls.
If you have more time, consider visiting other beautiful Swiss cities like Bern, Basel, or Interlaken. If you have less time, consider skipping a city or shortening your stay in a city.
The main international airports in Switzerland are Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA). Zurich Airport is located 13 km north of the city center while Geneva Airport is located 5 km northwest of the city center. Travelers can take trains, buses, or taxis to reach the city center, with travel times ranging from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on the mode of transportation and the destination.