Must-knows about city tours in Switzerland

  • Swiss cities are small and can easily be explored on foot in a 1- to 2-hour town walk.
  • Train stations are located in or near the city centers, so they’re are a good place to start and end your trip.
  • Half a day, or even a few hours, is enough for a first impression of most Swiss cities. This excludes time in museums, shops, and restaurants.
  • Book a guided city tour if you have little time to plan or explore. This allows you to see a lot in a short time.
  • Swiss cities are good destinations in low season and winter. Visit the beautiful Christmas markets in November and December for example.

Find your Swiss city tour

Spreuer Bridge and town wall in Lucerne
Town walk Lucerne
City trip, HikingMin. time required: 2:00
Easy city walk across the Old Town of Lucerne with famous and less-visited spots. See the City Wall, the Chapel Bridge, beautiful churches and ancient …
Mühlesteg bridge over river Limmat in Zurich
Town walk Zurich
City trip, HikingMin. time required: 2:00
This free city walk offers a great introduction to the pretty old town of Zurich. You’ll also scroll on the promenades along the river Reuss …
Quai du Mont-Blanc in Geneva
Town walk Geneva
City trip, HikingMin. time required: 1:30
Discover Geneva with our varied walk along the river Rhône and the lake, and in the old town center of Geneva. You’ll see the city …
The Palais de Rumine in Lausanne
Town walk Lausanne
City trip, HikingMin. time required: 1:00
Discover the architectural highlights of Lausanne on Lake Geneva with this easy 1-hour town walk.
Mittlere Brücke seen from southern Rhine shore in Basel
Town walk Basel
City trip, HikingMin. time required: 2:00
We created this free city walk for you to enjoy the historical city center of Basel in Switzerland in just a few hours. You’ll also …
Fence with views over Lake Lugano in Ciani Park, Lugano
Town walk Lugano
City trip, HikingMin. time required: 1:30
Explore the vibrant town center, the lake and the parks of Lugano during this pleasant walk. You’ll get a good impression of the city in …
Jet d'Eau with boat in Geneva
Geneva fountain
City tripMin. time required: 0:30
The Jet d’Eau is the huge fountain in Lake Geneva. Find out how to see it from all angles, while also enjoying the parks and …
Lake Lugano, green hills and Monte Generoso seen from Monte San Salvatore
One day Ticino
City trip, Mountains, Scenic boat tripMin. time required: 7:00
If you are pressed for time, you can see the highlights of the Ticino region in Switzerland in one day. Follow this step-by-step itinerary.
Chalets along main square in Zermatt
Town walk Zermatt
City trip, HikingMin. time required: 1:00
See the lively town center and the beautiful outskirts of Zermatt with this quick and varied walk. Perfect for a one-day trip to Zermatt as …
Madonna del Sasso Church and chapels in Locarno
Madonna del Sasso
City trip, MuseumMin. time required: 1:00
This is how to visit the historical and scenic site of the Madonna del Sasso church, above Locarno in southern Switzerland.
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My visitor info for the main Swiss cities

Pont des Bergues in Geneva

Cities

The cities in Switzerland are relatively small, have historic town centers, and are packed with must-sees. Most are not close …

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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.