A guide to Switzerland’s must-see cities and natural wonders
With its expansive landscapes, soaring mountains, vibrant cities, charming old towns, groundbreaking design and architecture, pretty swimming lakes, scenic hikes and some of the best views around, Switzerland is a breath of fresh air. This landlocked country, which rubs shoulders with France, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein, is about so much more than its stylish alpine resorts and pristine slopes.
Diversity is at the heart of Switzerland’s heritage, from the different languages spoken in each region to the architecture, local crafts and cuisine, all of which are heavily influenced by its rich history. Take, for example, the lakeside city of Lugano, where Italian is spoken, which could quite easily be mistaken for a colourful Italian town in neighbouring Lombardy, or Basel on the river Rhine, where the architecture changes from terracotta-roofed pastel piazzas to medieval towers and imposing red-stone buildings, and German is heard. Each Swiss city offers a different experience of the country. Due to its compact size and well-connected train network, it’s easy to move around and incorporate many day trips to the Alps, lakes, waterfalls, vineyards and beyond – all while travelling sustainably.
Here, we look at 10 cities at the forefront of Swiss culture and sense of adventure, and showcase the best hotels within easy reach of beautiful gardens and areas of incredible natural beauty.
1/10Lugano
Part Swiss, part Italian, the sun-drenched, terracotta-roofed and pastel-hued historic centre of Lugano is Mediterranean in spirit, and heavily influenced by Italy’s neighbouring Lombardy region. This interesting fusion of cultures is reflected not only in the architecture – its pretty main square, Piazza della Riforma, is no exception – but also in its cuisine, wine and hospitality.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Splendide Royal is central Lugano’s most prestigious address, where celebrities and politicians regularly check in. For a country retreat, look to Hotel Villa Carona, which is just a short drive away.
2/10Bern
Visitors are drawn to Switzerland’s capital by its UNESCO-listed Old Town, which is dotted with well-preserved medieval architecture dating back to the 12th century. As the home of the Swiss Parliament, Bern is also the meeting point between diplomats and politicians. Lesser known is the Green Belt that surrounds Bern, a lush area of organic farms and sustainable agriculture best explored on an e-bike tour, stopping along the way to taste fresh fruits and vegetables grown here. The more adventurous can also bathe in the river Aare, which winds round the city.
WHERE TO STAY
Colourful and modern, The Bristol Hotel is a no-fuss option imbued with references to British design and cuisine. For an historic stay in a lakeside castle, book into the elegant Schloss Schadau, surrounded by sprawling parkland dotted with beautiful ancient trees.
3/10Zurich
The cultural beacon of Switzerland, Zürich is a vibrant city with a constant programme of art shows, performances and events that bring together a diverse, creative crowd. At the centre of its thriving arts scene is the impressive Kunsthuas Zürich, with its new limestone-clad extension envisioned by architect David Chipperfield. A handful of offshoot galleries and institutions surround this cultural mecca. Lovers of architecture should also pay a visit to Pavillon Le Corbusier, a museum dedicated to the Swiss visionary’s work.
WHERE TO STAY
The deeply comfortable interiors of Baur au Lac and The Dolder Grand serve as the perfect home from home after a day’s exploring.
4/10Geneva
A top contender for Switzerland’s most chic and sleek city, Geneva is also the financial hub, drawing a constant flow of international visitors who add to its buzz and charm. As the meeting place for a number of international conferences and home to the European headquarters of the UN, Geneva has a number of impressive buildings worth visiting in its pretty, lakeside old town. It is a maze of quaint streets and alleyways lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, including Café Restaurant du Parc des Bastions and the Brooklyn-style craft-beer hub, Bottle Brothers.
WHERE TO STAY
For a boutique hotel experience with big city views, book into the discreet Eastwest. Domaine de Châteauvieux, out in the green near the river Rhône, is an intimate hotel a short drive away from central Geneva, with its own two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
5/10Basel
Uniquely positioned on the edge of the Swiss border, with France to one side and Germany to the other, Basel’s architecture, art and food scenes are clearly influenced by the city’s European neighbours. The river Rhine divides the new and old parts of the town, each of which offers a different experience of the city. The old town’s hilly, cobbled lanes, lined with crafts shops and galleries, traditional bakeries and eateries, is contrasted by the high-rise buildings and vibrant nightlife across the river. During the warmer months, the river is also the best mode of transport, as many locals toss their clothes into a ‘Wickelfisch’ swim bag and float across.
WHERE TO STAY
Nomad, near the Kunstmuseum Basel, is a trendy hotel where locals and tourists mingle in the stylish bar and restaurant. On the banks of the Rhine, Hotel Krafft is a celebration of Swiss design, with 48 individually furnished rooms within an historic shell.
6/10Lausanne
Located on Lake Geneva, Lausanne is the sporty Swiss city, home to the Olympic Park and the headquarters of the Olympic Committee. It’s easy to combine a visit here to nearby Geneva, and just a few hours away is Glacier 3000 at the highest point of the Vaudois Alps, ideal for winter sports – so you can go from lakeside to mountain summit in a single day. Lausanne is also adjacent to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, and the city’s Bois-de-Vaux Cemetery is the resting place of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel.
WHERE TO STAY
On the shores of the lake, the Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel is set within a sprawling private park with an enviable pool. Further along the shore, Hôtel Masson sits on a hill between Montreux and the famed Château de Chillon, offering breathtaking views over the lake and the mountains beyond.
7/10Locarno
On the border with Italy, Locarno’s Mediterranean flair can be felt year-round. In spring, the city comes into full bloom, with areas such as the promenade by Lake Maggiore or Madonna del Sasso above the city really coming to life. Legend has it that the fortifications of the Visconti Castle in Locarno were designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The bastion, or ‘Rivellino’, is the last existing building designed by the master.
WHERE TO STAY
Two of the top hotels in Locarno are Villa Orselina – a luxury boutique hotel in Ticino with 28 rooms and suites overlooking Lake Maggiore – and Hotel Eden Roc, which feel like a stylish beach resort on the northern shore of the lake.
8/10Lucerne
Leading from Stoos to the Brienzer Rothorn peak in the Alps, the long-distance Tell-Trail takes hikers through beautiful mountain scenery and into the city of Lucerne via the Rigi Kaltbad rail station, followed by a short boat ride from Vitznau. A swim in the lido or a stroll around the historic streets of Lucerne are the perfect way to unwind after a rewarding hike.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern is a family-run, lakeside hotel built circa 1864. Today it houses 101 elegant rooms and suites and the city’s affluent crowd congregate at its trendy bar.
9/10St. Gallen
Home to Museum im Lagerhaus, one of the leading Swiss museums for Naïve Art and Art Brut, St. Gallen is a cultural trailblazer. Walking around the city, visitors can spot public art displays such as the ‘Barrel Fountain’ by Roman Signer or the City Lounge by Pipilotti Rist and Carlos Martinez. The Kunstmuseum St. Gallen, dedicated to contemporary art, is perfectly situated in the park.
WHERE TO STAY
In the historic heart of the city, Einstein St. Gallen is a stylish hotel with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
10/10Winterthur
Winterthur near Zürich is the ultimate Swiss destination for a family holiday, with many attractions to amuse visitors of all ages, such as the recently expanded Technorama science centre, which has more than 500 exhibits and is accompanied by a huge park with much to explore. Just outside the city, Kyburg Castle offers a day of history and culture.
WHERE TO STAY
A short drive away, Gasthof Gyrenbad is a family-run inn that dates back as far as 1364.For ideas and inspiration for your visit, and to enter a competition to win a luxurious trip to Switzerland, go to myswitzerland.com. You can also find a guide to iconic hotels and properties to stay in part of the Swiss Historic Hotels, each with a captivating story of its own – from Alpine retreats to country inns surrounded by lush forest. Visit the ‘Swiss Sanctuary’ show garden designed by Lilly Gomm at RHS Chelsea Flower Show May 2022.
