7-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

5:00 PM

Arrival in Zurich

After landing at Zurich Airport, collect your luggage and make your way to your accommodation.
Take the S-Bahn (S2 or S16) from the airport to Zurich HB (main station), then a tram or walk to your hotel.
CHF50, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Evening Stroll in Old Town

Spend the evening exploring the charming streets of Zurich's Old Town, visiting landmarks like Bahnhofstrasse and Lindenhof Hill.
Walking distance from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

9:00 PM

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Taste traditional Swiss cuisine at this historic restaurant, famous for its hearty sausages and rosti.
Located in the Old Town area.
CHF30, 1 hour
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Day 2: Zurich Exploration

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Schober

Start your day with a delightful selection of pastries and Swiss hot chocolate at this charming café.
Just a short walk from the hostel.
CHF20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Swiss National Museum

Explore the rich cultural history of Switzerland at this impressive museum, included with your Swiss Travel Pass.
Take tram line 4 from the hotel to Museumstrasse.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Hiltl

Enjoy a healthy vegetarian buffet at this famous restaurant, renowned for its diverse offerings.
Located near the museum.
CHF25, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Lake Zurich

Take a leisurely walk along the lakeside or opt for a scenic boat ride to take in the views.
Walk to the lake from Hiltl.
CHF10 for boat ride, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Zurich West

Discover this trendy neighbourhood filled with street art, galleries, and unique shops.
Take tram line 4 from the lake to Zurich West.
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Les Halles

Enjoy dinner at this lively bistro with a great atmosphere and varied menu options.
Located conveniently in Zurich West.
CHF30, 1 hour
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Day 3: Lucerne Day Trip

Lucerne, Switzerland

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to prepare for your day trip.
Breakfast included at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Lucerne

Take the train to Lucerne and enjoy the scenic views along the way, all covered by your Swiss Travel Pass.
Walk to Zurich HB to board the train.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Chapel Bridge

Arrive in Lucerne and visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, one of Switzerland’s most photographed landmarks.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Lion Monument

Proceed to the famous Lion Monument, carved into a rock face, commemorating Swiss Guards who died in France.
A short walk from the Chapel Bridge.
Free, 30 minutes

11:30 AM

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Savor traditional Swiss dishes in a cozy atmosphere overlooking the Old Town.
Near the Lion Monument.
CHF25, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Swiss Museum of Transport

Spend the afternoon at the Swiss Museum of Transport, which features fascinating exhibits on everything from trains to planes.
Accessible by a short bus ride from the city centre.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Train back to Zurich

Make your way back to Zurich for a relaxing evening.
Walk back to the train station.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Free Evening

Spend your evening at leisure in Zurich; you can revisit a favourite shop or café or take a walk along the river.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
Free, Variable

7:30 PM

Dinner at Raclette Stube

Enjoy a quintessential Swiss dinner of melted cheese and potatoes in this charming spot.
Close to your hotel.
CHF35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast to start your travel day.
Included with your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Interlaken

Travel to Interlaken and take in the spectacular views of the Alps, a fantastic experience included with your Swiss Travel Pass.
Walk to Zurich HB for the train.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Interlaken

Stroll around the picturesque town of Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Taverne

Indulge in a selection of Swiss specialities while enjoying views of the mountains.
Located in Interlaken.
CHF30, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Harder Kulm

Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm for breathtaking panoramic views of the Jungfrau region.
Short walk to the funicular station.
CHF38 with Swiss Travel Pass, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Interlaken

Make your way back to the town and enjoy some leisure time.
Walk back down from Harder Kulm.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The 3 Tells

Dine at this welcoming place offering a range of delicious dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
Short walk from your accommodation.
CHF35, 1.5 hours

8:30 PM

Check-in to Accommodation

Settle into your budget accommodation or hostel for the night.
Short walk from the restaurant.
CHF50, Variable
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Day 5: Explore Lauterbrunnen and Jungfrau Region

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out to discover Lauterbrunnen.
Included with your stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Lauterbrunnen

Make a short trip to Lauterbrunnen, famous for its captivating waterfalls.
Accessible from Interlaken train station.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 30 minutes

9:00 AM

Visit Staubbach Falls

Marvel at the stunning Staubbach Falls, dropping 297 meters from a mountainside.
Short walk from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore the Village

Take your time to wander around the beautiful village of Lauterbrunnen.
Walking distance around town.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Oberland

Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch in a lovely setting, with great local cuisine.
Just a short walk from the village centre.
CHF25, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Jungfraujoch Day Trip

If desired, take a trip up to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, for spectacular alpine views.
Catch a train from Lauterbrunnen Station.
CHF100, 4 hours round trip

5:30 PM

Return to Interlaken

After an exciting day, make your way back to Interlaken.
Take the same route back.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Piz Gloria

Enjoy dinner at this restaurant with spectacular views if you venture to the Jungfraujoch.
Located at the Jungfraujoch.
CHF35, 1 hour
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Day 6: Bern Day Trip

Bern, Switzerland

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Fuel up before another exciting day of exploring Bern!
Included with your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Bern

Take the train to Switzerland's capital, Bern, for a day of sightseeing.
Walk to Interlaken train station.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Bern's Old Town

Wander through Bern's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, renowned for its medieval architecture.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Rathaus

Enjoy a delicious meal in a restaurant that overlooks the river and iconic bridges.
Located near the Old Town.
CHF30, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Bear Park

Take a stroll through Bear Park, where you can observe the bear family in their natural habitat.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Tour the Federal Palace

Catch a guided tour of the Federal Palace to gain insight into Switzerland's political life.
A short walk from Bear Park.
Free to view exterior, CHF10 guided tour, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Train back to Zurich

Return to Zurich for an evening of leisure and relaxation.
Walk back to the train station.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Free Evening in Zurich

Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps visiting a café or strolling through the park.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
Free, Variable

7:30 PM

Dinner at Bianchi

Savour Italian and Swiss meals in a laid-back and authentic setting in Zurich.
Close to where you're staying.
CHF35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Basel or Geneva Trip

Basel or Geneva, Switzerland

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Have a delightful breakfast and prepare for your final adventure in Switzerland.
Included with your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Basel or Geneva

Choose to visit either Basel, known for its cultural scene, or Geneva, the city of peace.
Each city is easily accessible by train from Zurich.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore (Basel or Geneva)

If in Basel, wander through the Kunstmuseum and Old Town; if Geneva, check out the Jet d’Eau and Parc des Bastions.
Walking distance from the city centres.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at (Basel or Geneva) option

(Basel) Have lunch at Kloster Liebfrauen or (Geneva) at Les Armures for local Swiss dishes.
Located conveniently in both cities.
CHF30, 1 hour

1:00 PM

(Basel or Geneva) Continue Exploring

Spend the afternoon visiting more attractions and soaking in the atmosphere of your chosen city.
Walking distance around the area.
Free, Variable

4:00 PM

Return to Zurich

Head back to Zurich to wrap up your Swiss adventure.
Train back from either Basel or Geneva.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Final Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Enjoy traditional Swiss fondue as a perfect send-off before your departure.
Close to your accommodation.
CHF40, 1.5 hours
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