Switzerland Travel Guide
From the iconic snow-capped peaks of the Matterhorn and Jungfrau to the crystal-clear lakes of Lucerne and Geneva, the charming old towns of Zurich and Bern, and the dramatic alpine landscapes of the Bernese Oberland — discover a country celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, world-class chocolate, precision, and timeless elegance.
26 Cantons
CHF 120–180 Budget
Daily mid-range budget
June–September
Best travel seasons
Matterhorn, Swiss Alps & Lakes
Chocolate, cheese, trains & pristine nature
Switzerland Itineraries
Ready-to-use travel plans from weekend getaways to 2-week adventures across the Alps and lakes.
View Itineraries →Essential Tips
Practical advice for transport, food, costs, and traveling in Switzerland.
Read Tips →Top Highlights in Switzerland
Travel Budget Guide
Realistic costs for your trip to Switzerland
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm: CHF 35 – 65 / night
3★ Hotel: CHF 120 – 180 / night
4★ Hotel / Apartment: CHF 180 – 280 / night
Food & Drinks
Bakery / Sandwich: CHF 6 – 10
Traditional Meal: CHF 22 – 38
Glass of Wine: CHF 7 – 12
Beer (0.5L): CHF 6 – 9
Coffee: CHF 4.5 – 6.5
Transportation
City Day Pass: CHF 8 – 13
Intercity Train: CHF 25 – 80
Taxi / Uber: CHF 12 – 30
Car Rental (per day): CHF 70 – 110
Attractions & Activities
Cable Cars & Mountain Railways: CHF 30 – 80
Jungfraujoch Day Trip: CHF 180 – 220
Museums & Castles: CHF 12 – 25
Swiss National Park: Free – CHF 10
Boat Trip on Lake Geneva: CHF 25 – 45
Best Switzerland Itineraries
How to Get to & Around Switzerland
Best ways to arrive and travel within the country
International Arrival
Zurich (ZRH) – main international hub
Geneva (GVA) and Basel (BSL)
Excellent connections from across Europe
Direct trains available from Germany, France, Italy & Austria
Trains
One of the best train networks in the world
Zurich → Geneva: CHF 55–90 (3 hrs)
Zurich → Interlaken: CHF 35–60 (2 hrs)
Swiss Travel Pass highly recommended
Buses & PostBus
Excellent PostBus network in mountain areas
Very reliable and scenic
Great complement to trains
Often the only option in remote valleys
Car Rental
CHF 80 – 130 per day
Useful for remote areas and flexibility
Not always necessary due to excellent public transport
Things to Do in Switzerland: Top Attractions & Travel Guide
Food & Drink
World-famous cheese, chocolate, and hearty alpine cuisine
Must-Try Dishes
• Fondue – Melted cheese with bread
• Raclette – Melted cheese with potatoes & pickles
• Rösti – Crispy potato pancake
• Älplermagronen – Alpine macaroni with cheese
• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes – Veal in cream sauce
Drinks to Try
• Swiss wine (Valais & Lavaux regions)
• Rivella (unique Swiss soft drink)
• Local craft beer
• Absinthe (from Val-de-Travers)
• High-quality Swiss coffee
Where to Eat
• Mountain restaurants & Berghütten
• Traditional fondue restaurants
• City brasseries in Zurich & Geneva
• Farmers’ markets and cheese dairies
Tip: Many mountain huts serve excellent local food
Food Experiences
• Traditional fondue or raclette dinner
• Chocolate factory tours (Lindt, Cailler)
• Wine tasting in Lavaux vineyards
• Cheese tasting at a local dairy
• Cooking class (fondue or rösti)
Essential Switzerland Travel Tips
Essential Travel Information for Switzerland
Everything you need to know before your trip
Need To Know
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Language: German, French, Italian (English widely spoken)
Visa: Schengen Area – visa-free for 90 days (most nationalities)
Tap Water: Safe to drink everywhere in the country
Daily Budget: CHF 120–180 (mid-range)
Practical Tips
• Get the Swiss Travel Pass for trains, buses & boats
• Download the SBB Mobile app for train schedules
• Tipping is not mandatory (round up the bill)
• Pharmacies are marked with a green cross
• Public transport is excellent and very punctual
When To Go
Best Time: June–September & December–March
Summer (Jun–Sep): Perfect for hiking, lakes & cities
Winter (Dec–Mar): Excellent for skiing & snow activities
Shoulder Seasons: May & October – fewer crowds & lower prices
Getting There & Around
• Main airports: Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA), Basel (BSL)
• Trains are the best way to travel across the country
• Swiss Travel Pass covers most trains, buses & lake boats
• Car rental is possible but not always necessary
• Excellent public transport even in mountain areas