8-Day Family-Friendly Switzerland Itinerary with Zurich as Base

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on May 4, 2025

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Hiltl

Enjoy a healthy vegetarian meal at Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world, perfect for the whole family with diverse options.
CHF 30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Zurich Old Town (Altstadt)

Explore the charming old town with its narrow alleys, medieval buildings, and vibrant squares that tell of Zurich’s rich history.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Lake Zurich Promenade Walk

Take a relaxing stroll along Lake Zurich’s promenade, enjoy lakeside views and playgrounds perfect for kids.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Savour Swiss comfort food like rösti and sausages at this historic former armory converted into a family-friendly restaurant.
CHF 40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lucerne Day Trip

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Train to Lucerne

Catch a direct train from Zurich to Lucerne (approx 1h) to begin your scenic day trip.
CHF 25, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Schober

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee in this cozy, historic café located near the Chapel Bridge.
CHF 15, 1h

10:30am

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Visit Lucerne’s iconic covered wooden bridge dating back to the 14th century, a photogenic highlight for families.
Free, 40m

11:30am

Swiss Museum of Transport

Engage the whole family at this interactive museum showcasing all forms of transportation, including trains, planes, and automobiles.
CHF 32, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Experience Swiss specialties in a family-friendly setting in the heart of Lucerne’s old town.
CHF 35, 1h

3:00pm

Boat Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Relax on a scenic boat ride, offering beautiful lake and mountain vistas while kids enjoy the fresh air.
CHF 25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return train to Zurich

Head back to Zurich in the evening, resting for the next day’s adventure.
CHF 25, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel in Zurich at Pasta e Vino

Family-friendly Italian dining close to your accommodation to cap off a day of exploration.
CHF 30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Interlaken and Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Train to Interlaken

Take an early train from Zurich to Interlaken (approx 2h) famous for adventure sports and stunning landscapes.
CHF 50, 2h

10:00am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Enjoy fresh Swiss pastries and coffee to fuel up before activities.
CHF 15, 1h

11:00am

Harder Kulm Funicular

Ride up to Harder Kulm for panoramic views over Interlaken and surrounding mountains, perfect for family photos.
CHF 38, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Dine with breathtaking views over the Swiss Alps, offering kid-friendly menu options.
CHF 40, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll along Aare River or Mini Golf

Spend relaxed afternoon time near the river or enjoy mini golf, an easy and fun activity for families.
CHF 10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return train to Zurich

Travel back to Zurich to rest after a full day of mountain adventure.
CHF 50, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller Zurich

Enjoy hearty Swiss dishes like fondue and sausages in a lively historic setting.
CHF 40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Jungfraujoch Excursion

Jungfraujoch, Switzerland on May 7, 2025

6:00am

Early Train to Jungfraujoch

Embark on the famous ‘Top of Europe’ train journey featuring spectacular alpine scenery, lasting about 3.5 hours one way.
CHF 150, 7h round trip

9:30am

Explore Jungfraujoch

Visit the Ice Palace, observation decks, and snow activities – perfect for kids to experience snow year-round.
Included in train ticket, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Jungfraujoch Restaurant

Enjoy well-deserved lunch with views of the Aletsch Glacier.
CHF 40, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Zurich

Relax on the return train journey after a memorable mountain experience.
Included, 3.5h

6:30pm

Light Dinner at Viadukt Market

Discover local and international food stalls in this trendy urban space; casual and family-friendly.
CHF 25, 1h
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Day 5: Bern Cultural Visit

Bern, Switzerland on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Train to Bern

Travel to the Swiss capital (approx 1h) to enjoy a blend of culture, history and nature.
CHF 30, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Einstein

Enjoy hearty Swiss breakfast specialties in a relaxed atmosphere near the old town.
CHF 20, 1h

10:30am

Bern Old Town Walk

Walk through the UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, visiting landmarks like the Zytglogge clock tower and Bear Park.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kornhauskeller

Eat in a grand old vaulted cellar serving local dishes, suitable for families.
CHF 35, 1h

2:00pm

Bern Historical Museum

Visit Switzerland’s second largest historical museum, with kid-friendly exhibits including the Einstein Museum.
CHF 15, 2h

4:30pm

Return train to Zurich

Head back to Zurich to relax and prepare for the next day.
CHF 30, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Frau Gerolds Garten

Casual dining with garden seating offering a variety of international dishes and fresh local produce.
CHF 30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lake Zurich and Markets

Zurich, Switzerland on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start with rustic breads and pastries along with exceptional coffee in a friendly atmosphere.
CHF 15, 1h

9:30am

Boat Ride on Lake Zurich

Take a scenic two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich to enjoy fresh air and magnificent views.
CHF 25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Quai 61

Casual lakeside restaurant offering fresh seafood and kid-friendly options.
CHF 35, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bürkliplatz Market

Explore the vibrant local market with fresh produce, crafts, and local goods, perfect for family browsing.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Zürichhorn Park

Enjoy playgrounds and lakeside lawns for an afternoon unwind.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Rosaly's

Enjoy refined Swiss-European cuisine in a stylish setting suitable for families.
CHF 40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Schaffhausen & Stein am Rhein, Switzerland on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Train to Schaffhausen

Start early with a train ride to Schaffhausen (1.5h) to visit the largest waterfall in Europe.
CHF 30, 1.5h

9:30am

Visit Rhine Falls

Admire the spectacular Rhine Falls with safe viewing platforms and boat rides for an exhilarating experience.
CHF 5 for access, CHF 15 for boat ride, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Schloss Laufen Restaurant

Dine with views overlooking Rhine Falls, offering Swiss and European dishes, perfect for families.
CHF 40, 1h

1:30pm

Train to Stein am Rhein

Short train ride (20 minutes) to picturesque medieval town famous for frescoed buildings.
CHF 5, 20m

2:00pm

Explore Stein am Rhein

Walk through charming streets and visit the Hohenklingen Castle and local shops.
CHF 10 entry to castle, 2h

4:30pm

Return train to Zurich

Travel back to Zurich in the evening.
CHF 30, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rosso

Enjoy authentic Italian dishes in a lively family-friendly atmosphere near Zurich main station.
CHF 35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Leisure and Departure

Zurich, Switzerland on May 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Treat the family to famous Luxemburgerli macarons and coffee at this iconic Zurich café.
CHF 20, 1h

10:00am

Zurich Zoo visit

Spend a fun morning at Zurich Zoo, open 9am to 5pm, home to a variety of animals and educational exhibits.
CHF 26, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch near hotel at Restaurant Market

Enjoy fresh and organic dishes in the hotel vicinity to prepare for onward travel.
CHF 30, 1h

2:00pm

Leisure time and shopping on Bahnhofstrasse

Explore one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets - perfect for last-minute souvenirs and relaxation.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Return to hotel to pack and prepare for departure

Get ready for your journey home or next destination.
Free, Remaining time
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