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What to do in Switzerland on a budget Copy link to clipboard

There are lots of free and cheap activities in Switzerland. Go hiking, visit scenic towns, and use the benefits provided by your rail pass or local guest card.

Lake Thun and the Niesen seen from Neuhaus
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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.

The easy way to plan your Switzerland trip

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Find free and cheap excursions in Switzerland

Rhine Falls
Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen
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 to make the most of … Show more ►
Town walk Lucerne
Spreuer Bridge and town wall in 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 town squares. Show more ►
Town walk Zurich
Mühlesteg bridge over river Limmat in 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 and Lake Zurich. Show more ►
Town walk Geneva
Quai du Mont-Blanc in 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 highlights in less than 2 … Show more ►
Town walk Lausanne
The Palais de Rumine in Lausanne
City trip, HikingMin. time required: 1:00
Discover the architectural highlights of Lausanne on Lake Geneva with this easy 1-hour town walk. Show more ►
Town walk Basel
Mittlere Brücke seen from southern Rhine shore in 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 see the river Rhine. Show more ►
Town walk Lugano
Fence with views over Lake Lugano in Ciani Park, 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 just 1h30. Show more ►
Geneva fountain
Jet d'Eau with boat in Geneva
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 promenades of Geneva. Show more ►
Town walk Zermatt
Chalets along main square in 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 well! Show more ►
Gruyères
The Gruyères market square with its small church.
Culinary, MuseumMin. time required: 1:00
Gruyères is an attractive small medieval town in Switzerland, with a beautiful castle and many culinary delicacies. Here’s how to plan a visit and what to expect. Show more ►
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We’re Arno & Annika: passionate, frequent Switzerland travelers. We help you plan your trip, or we plan it for you. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

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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.