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Must-knows about city tours in Switzerland

  • Swiss cities are small. The old centers can be explored in a 1- to 2-hour town walk.
  • Train stations are located in or near the city centers, so they’re a good place to start and end your trip.
  • In most cases, you’ll get a good first impression in half a day to a full day.
  • 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 great destinations in low season, Christmas time, and winter.

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Find your Swiss city tour

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 ►
One day Ticino
Lake Lugano, green hills and Monte Generoso seen from Monte San Salvatore
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. 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 ►
Madonna del Sasso
Madonna del Sasso Church and chapels in Locarno
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. Show more ►
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My complete visitor guides 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.