This page was last updated by Annika on 25 February 2024.
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Must-knows about Swiss low-budget activities

  • Hiking is one of Switzerland’s best free activities.
  • You can visit Swiss cities and beautifully located villages as a cheap day trip.
  • If you have a rail pass, use its benefits. You can often make beautiful train or boat rides, and sometimes even visit mountains, entirely for free!
  • The Swiss Travel Pass provides free access to hundreds of museums.
  • Several towns provide a guest card for discounts on local trips and attractions.

Find free and cheap excursions in Switzerland

Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen
Rhine Falls
NatureMin. time required: 2:00
This is how you can see the rushing Rhine Falls in northern Switzerland on foot and by boat. Get a route description and further tips …
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 …
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 …
Gruyères Castle with spring snow
Gruyères
Culinary, MuseumMin. time required: 1:00
Gruyères is an attractive small medieval town in Switzerland, with a beautiful castle and many culinary delicacies. We’ll explain how to plan a visit.
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Pink piggy bank with Swiss flag

Budget

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Berghaus Oberaar in the Grimsel area

Budget hotels

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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.