Begin your trip in Switzerland's largest city, Zurich. Explore the charming old town with its narrow streets, churches, and cafes. Visit the famous Bahnhofstrasse for some high-end shopping and enjoy views of the city from the Grossmünster Church. End your day with a delicious Swiss meal at one of Zurich's traditional restaurants.
Take a day trip to the picturesque city of Lucerne, located in the heart of Switzerland. Take a stroll across the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe, and visit the Lion Monument. You can also take a boat tour on Lake Lucerne or go up to Mount Pilatus for stunning views of the Swiss Alps.
Travel to Interlaken, a charming town nestled between two lakes and surrounded by mountains. Take a cable car up to Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," for breathtaking views. If you're feeling adventurous, try activities like paragliding or white-water rafting.
Spend a full day at Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe. Marvel at the stunning views of the Swiss Alps and glaciers from the observation deck. Take a walk in the Ice Palace or visit the Sphinx Observatory. Don't forget to bring warm clothing, as it can be chilly up there even in summer.
Take a train to Geneva, Switzerland's second-largest city and a hub of international organizations. Visit the iconic Jet d'Eau, a massive fountain in Lake Geneva, and explore the Old Town. Don't miss the Palace of Nations, the headquarters of the United Nations in Europe. End your trip with a visit to a chocolatier for some Swiss chocolate to take home with you.
Switzerland has an extensive train network that makes it easy to get around the country. Consider buying a Swiss Travel Pass if you plan to take multiple trips by train within a few days. The pass includes unlimited train, bus, and boat rides, as well as free admission to many museums. Taxis and Uber are also available in cities. Estimated travel costs: Train tickets CHF 200-250, Swiss Travel Pass CHF 250-500.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the cities of Bern or Basel or taking a scenic route on the Bernina Express train. If you have less time, skip Geneva and spend more time in the Interlaken area, or consider taking a day trip to the Rhine Falls near Zurich.
Switzerland has several international airports, including Zurich Airport (ZRH), Geneva Airport (GVA), and Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL/EAP). Zurich Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Switzerland, located about 12km from the city center. Geneva Airport is located about 4km from the city center. Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport is located about 5km from Basel and 20km from Mulhouse, France.