Begin your Swiss adventure in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. Visit the Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style church with two towers that have become a symbol of the city. Walk along the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, and explore the Swiss National Museum to learn about Swiss history and culture.
Take a scenic train ride to Geneva, a city located on the French-Swiss border. Visit the iconic Jet d'Eau, a huge water fountain that shoots water up to 140 meters high. Explore the historic Old Town, home to attractions such as the Reformation Wall and St. Peter's Cathedral. Learn more about Switzerland's contribution to humanitarian efforts at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.
Head to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Take a walk through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the impressive Bern Minster. Visit the Zentrum Paul Klee, a museum dedicated to the works of Swiss artist Paul Klee. Take in the stunning views of Bern from the Gurten, a nearby mountain accessible by funicular.
End your trip in Basel, a city located on the border of Switzerland, Germany, and France. Visit the Basel Minster, a red sandstone cathedral with views of the Rhine River. Explore the Old Town, and visit the Fondation Beyeler, a modern art museum with works from famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet. Before you depart, stroll through the bustling Marktplatz and enjoy the local flavors and delicacies.
Switzerland has a well-developed public transportation system that is easy to navigate. Trains, buses, trams, and boats run frequently and are usually punctual. A Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased if you plan to travel often and far, as it offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, as well as additional discounts on some mountain railways and cable cars. Taxis are also available in urban areas, but they can be quite expensive. If you prefer to drive, car rental services are also available.
Estimated Travel Costs: Train tickets range from CHF 20-50 per trip, depending on the distance. A Swiss Travel Pass starts at CHF 232 for 3 days. Taxis start at around CHF 6, with an additional CHF 3-6 per kilometer. Car rental prices vary depending on the rental company and car model.
If you have more time, consider visiting other Swiss cities like Lucerne, Interlaken, or Lausanne. If you're a nature lover, add some mountain hikes to your trip. Jungfrau, Zermatt and Matterhorn represent popular hiking and skiing destinations. Keep in mind that Swiss cuisine can be quite expensive, so budget accordingly. Don't forget to explore the local chocolate shops and try some Swiss chocolate!
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest airport in Switzerland, located in Kloten, a suburb of Zurich. It is approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) north of Zurich city center. Geneva Airport (GVA) is located in Cointrin, a suburb of Geneva, approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northwest of Geneva city center.