What is the most beautiful city in Switzerland?
Zurich is probably the most beautiful city in Switzerland.
As they say, beauty is in the eyes of the onlooker. Thankfully, there is no shortage of beauty when we talk about Switzerland, which is always beautiful.
I ask my travel blogger peers to think about a few things when considering switzerland's most beautiful cities.
On the one hand, I hope my colleagues talk about what makes the city beautiful and ultimately solve the main problem of this article. I also wanted to learn about some history or background to understand what makes the city unique. Finally, for the sake of the reader's interest, I would also like people to elaborate on what you can actually do in these beautiful cities of Switzerland.
When it comes to cities in Switzerland, this list can be thought of as a "list of the best cities in Switzerland" and remind you that these cities are not displayed in a specific or intentional order.
Bern, Switzerland
The Swiss capital, Bern, is picturesque and consists of limestone arcades, cobbled streets and soaring copper church spires.
Its UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the medieval Old Town (Altstadt), including the 13th-century Zytglogge (a working astrological clock), Münster Cathedral, and many 15th- and 16th-century fountains and statues. In late autumn, the annual Onion Festival (Zibelemärit) takes place near the Federal Parliament building, while in summer children can be seen playing in the square's free-flowing fountains.
Summers in Bern are warm and ideal for outdoor adventures. After visiting the Bear Park and seeing the city's namesake bear in its natural habitat, visitors can head along the winding glacial Aare River to the free Marzilibad bathing area to swim in the pool or float in the fast currents of the Aare River itself, which is loved by locals.
Bern's cultural scene includes a wide variety of excellent museums and art galleries such as the BernEse History Museum, Einstein Haus (where physicists lived in Bern), the Swiss Alps Museum and Zentrum Paul Klee in the outer ring of the city.
Want to dine outdoors? Skip the expensive restaurants and head to the popular Migros grocery store to shop for supplies and, of course, some chocolate. Enjoy a picnic in the Rose Garden overlooking the Aare River and stunning views of the Old Town.
It's the perfect way to enjoy a day out in Bern, one of switzerland's most beautiful cities.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne (or "Lucerne") is the most beautiful city in Switzerland and one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in all of Europe! This striking medieval town sits on the edge of scenic Lake Lucerne and overlooks some of the country's most impressive peaks.
When visiting Lucerne, it's good to slow down.
Wander the cobbled streets of the old town and admire the interesting medieval architecture. There are many statues and fountains to see. There are several shops on both sides of the street where you can buy souvenirs.
The Church Bridge crosses part of the lake to reach the other side of town. In front of Lucerne, it is necessary to walk over. When the sun shines, the lake is incredibly shaded blue. During the tourist season, it's always good to go out early before the crowds get crowded.
An interesting day trip to Lucerne, Mount Pilatus is the most popular day trip. Take the cable car up the hill and slide down with a sleigh to enjoy the most fun journey you may have, it's an adventure!
Lucerne is a must-visit city in Switzerland. Make sure to add it to your Swiss holiday itinerary.
Basel, Switzerland
Tucked away in northwestern Switzerland, Basel is an internal secret with a long and fascinating history and a lively modern art scene.
Gorgeous modern hotel side by side with old buildings, colorful cobblestone streets show delightful finds at every corner. The best way to explore Basel and get to know your way is on a city tour, strolling around the old town and learning all the secrets of the city, it's fantastic. At the top of the must-see list is Basel Cathedral, which dates back to the Middle Ages and sits on top of a hill overlooking the city.
The view is incredible. If you climb to the top of the tower, you can even see the Black Forest from here!
Tradition remains the beating heart of the city, most importantly the small ferry boats that carry passengers across the Rhine. It still uses ancient rope technology to pull boats over, a lovely way to experience Basel's heritage.
Visitors should also stop at the colorful town hall, which is probably the most ornately decorated town hall you'll ever see. Finally, keep an eye out for Basel's fabulous Basilisks, which you can find in the fountains around the Old Town. Apparently on New Year's Day the water of one of these fountains turned into beer!
Locarno, Switzerland
Located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Locarno is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Located in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino, Locarno enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is an excellent destination all year round.
Locarno's immediate neighbor, the Italians, have had a major influence on the region for centuries, and the city's architecture is imbued with Italian style.
The Grand Place is an elegant square in the heart of the old town, lined with beautifully restored, pastel-coloured townhouses, and is the perfect place to sip a coffee and watch the crowds at one of the many restaurants around the square.
If you visit on a Thursday, be sure to visit the weekly market in the Grand Place, which has been open since 1164.
The lake is the main reason why tourists come to Locarno, and one of the most popular attractions is the promenade next to Lake Maggiore.
Stroll along the palm-lined promenade and you'll understand why this is one of Switzerland's most popular holiday destinations. There are beaches for swimming and water sports, which is also a hop-on-hop ferry to visit one of the other towns on Lake Maggiore.
One of Locarno's most admired attractions is the 15th-century Santuario della Madonna del Sasso, just a short funicular ride from Orselina over the city.
Although it is considered one of the most important churches in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, most people visit the breathtaking views.
Nestled above the city, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Locarno and Lake Maggiore and you will understand why Locarno is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland.
St. Gallen, Switzerland
St. Gallen is located in northeastern Switzerland, between Lake Constance and the Appenzell Alps. What makes St. Gallen one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland lies in its collection of architecture and art deco styles in its old town.
The gem of this historic district is the St. Gallen Abbey, especially its towering Baroque cathedral. Its architectural elements make it look both striking and refined, and this successful combination makes the cathedral a symbol of the city.
The Abbey Library also has a lot to brag about, and thanks to its impeccable Rococo hall, it is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The library hall features polished wooden bookcases, decorative columns, ceiling frescoes and carved cherubs.
Outside the monastery area, you will find more examples of exquisite architecture. There are half-timbered houses, a small 16th-century castle and elegant civic dwellings. The most interesting thing is the bay windows that decorate several buildings. The windows are meticulously crafted and carved and, in addition to displaying wealth, often tell fascinating stories.
Enjoying the beauty of St. Gallen doesn't require much planning - just stroll down the streets and see what you can find!
Thun, Switzerland
Thun is located in the Swiss canton of Bern. It happens to be located where the Aare River flows out of Lake Thun, and frankly, it sounds like a line in the Lord of the Rings, just like anything else. That being said, Thun is a lot like a fairy tale and picturesque.
Honestly, as far as Thun's "attractions" are concerned, this is just as important as Thun's atmosphere and natural surroundings. For example, Lake Thun, colloquially known as Thunersee, is a sight in itself. It offers stunning backdrops that make the town photos worth it from almost any angle.
That being said, you should still make sure to visit Scholl Thun, which is certainly a castle. Because we all know that fairytale towns need a castle, right? This isn't actually the only castle, and many would say that Spitz Castle is also worth a visit.
Continuing the fairytale theme, Vieille Ville de Thoune is a photogenic bridge that allows you to cross the Aare River, which at first glance seems to be directly out of Shakespeare's time.
On a warm day, Summer Road Park is also a must-see and a great place for a walk along the Obere Hauptgrasse.
The Thun Panorama is also neat if you're looking for something different, but the main thing to really do is walk around and see what you find as it's lovely in its own way.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Located at the northern end of Lake Zurich, the city is perfect for swimming in the warm summer months and relaxing after a day in the city.
Although Zurich is known as an expensive city, it is still possible to experience the beauty of Zurich on a budget. Tucked away around the city, you will find a tranquil area that is absolutely free. One of these attractions is the beautiful Botanical Gardens. These gardens are ideal for a picnic and to enjoy the afternoon sun. It has three greenhouse pods, each with a different climate and growing different plants from all over the world.
Once you've had enough of the tranquility of the Botanical Gardens, stroll along the Lindenhof Mountain to the highest point of the city. The view of the river and surrounding buildings is a great place to watch the sunset over the city and a great place to end your time in Zurich.
Vevey, Switzerland
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva (locally known as Lac Léman) in the French-speaking part of the country, the city of Vevey boasts one of the best qualities in Switzerland: natural beauty.
Just across the lake, you will enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped French Alps. In addition, depending on the time of year, you may also see colorful tulips in full bloom, eye-catching orange leaves falling or unique small snowflakes falling.
One of the best things to do in Vevey is to walk along the promenades around Lake Geneva. Sit in one of the chairs placed along the rocky coastline. Take a photo with the iconic giant fork-shaped sculpture found in Lake La Fourchette. You can even pick up a pastry from a local bakery where you happen to pass by.
If you want to see these breathtaking natural sights at every moment in Vevey, consider staying at Hôtel des Trois Couronnes. Just a short walk from Lake Geneva, you will be able to wake up to the perfect scenery of the lake and the French Alps. These views never leave! If that's your wish, you can watch them until the sun goes down a few hours later.
Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva, a gem nestled between picturesque lakes and three infamous mountain ranges, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, if not the world. As the second most populous city in Switzerland (after Zurich), Geneva also has a pleasant and mild climate all year round due to its geographical location.
Wherever you go, you'll find yourself surrounded by beautiful parks, walkways, and green spaces. One of the city's famous attractions is a flower clock, which is the largest in the world and has a diameter of 5 meters. The clock is made up of more than 6,000 live flowers that grow and blossom at different times, so it changes color periodically.
Get lost in the picturesque streets of Geneva's Old Town and discover some hidden gems, quaint restaurants, museums, historic buildings and cafés. Don't miss Rue Verdaine, which is probably one of the most charming streets in the Old Town, and the oldest part of Geneva, Bourg-de-Four Square.
Next, explore Lake Geneva, stroll around the lake and enjoy the views, hang out on one of the city's many beaches, join a sailing sport or take part in other water sports. As one of the largest lakes in Western Europe and the largest body of water in Switzerland, the lake caters to all types of needs and is a tourist attraction in its own right.
In the middle of the lake, you'll see Jet d'Eau, a 140-meter-high fountain that unexpectedly became a symbol of the city. Originally built as a pressure release system for hydraulic equipment, after it became very popular, it was moved closer to the city. It has become one of the most well-known and famous sights in Geneva, even seen as you fly into the city!
Geneva is an internationally renowned diplomatic centre, which is appropriate considering that it is home to many United Nations (UN) agencies and other international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. To learn about the history of the United Nations, visit the Palais des Nations first.
If you have a car, head out of town to Mont Blanc. Although its peaks can be seen from Geneva, it is only an hour away, making it the perfect day trip.
Nyon, Switzerland
Nyon is approximately a 20-minute drive (25 km northeast) from Geneva. The city has become part of the Geneva metropolitan area. Spend quality time with your family or kids in this charming and peaceful town on the shores of Lake Geneva.
The best way to explore Nyon is to wander through the city walls known as the Promenade des Vieilles. The city itself is very beautiful and you can admire some of the flower-filled parks as you stroll around the city walls. There is a beautiful castle in Nyon called Nyon Castle, from where you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Geneva, the French Alps and Mont Blanc.
Nyon Castle has a lot of history, including the tower and prison floor, and the museum has a fairly good collection of old porcelain, paintings and photographs.
Afterwards you can visit the Musee du Leman Museum of Lake Geneva. It offers a variety of historical items such as the ship's cockpit, the large question and answer wheel, classic old postcards, fish tanks, and more. Especially if you come here with kids, it's worth a visit.
If you are a music lover, don't forget to buy tickets to the Ancient Music Festival in advance. It is the largest open-air festival in Switzerland and is generally held in July every year. Music artists from different genres from all over the world gather here to bring the city to life with concerts and performances.
Due to the popularity of the festival, tickets to the Ancient Music Festival are usually sold out, so please book your tickets in advance.
Montreux, Switzerland
Located at the foot of the Swiss Alps and along the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. The city has a stunning promenade that stretches along Lake Geneva, lined with colorful flowers and Mediterranean trees, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Due to the natural beauty of Montreux, this town attracted many famous artists and writers. People who have called the town home many times include Charlie Chaplin, Freddie Mercury, Prince and Igor Stravinsky, among others.
In addition to being stunning, Montreux also has some famous sights that are visited in droves of tourists every year. In Montreux you'll find the Château de Chillon, a gorgeous little castle on the shores of Lake Geneva, one of the most popular castles in Switzerland. In Montreux, you'll also find the famous Lavaux Rice Terrace vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other things you can do in Montreux include visiting Chaplin World, Alimentarium (the world's first museum about food), the Queen's Music Studio, cruising along Lake Geneva and various hiking trails. It's also worth going to Rochers-de-Naye for a variety of snow-related activities during the winter months.
Neuchâtel, Switzerland
The lovely small town of Neuchâtel is located at the foot of the Jura Mountains and offers views of the Swiss Alps higher on the other side of the lake of the same name.
The name of the city means "new castle" in French, and predictably, on a hill in the center of the city, there is a castle. However, it dates back to the 12th century and is not new. The castle is now the seat of the state legislature. Nearby is the Prison Tower, which you can climb up to and enjoy one of the best views of the city, the lake and the surrounding mountains.
The whole old town is a pleasure to wander, with its cobbled alleys, decorative fountains and yellow sandstone buildings dating back to the 18th century. Another good place to go for a walk or bike ride is along the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, the largest lake located entirely within Switzerland. Lake Constance and Lake Geneva are both larger, but border neighboring countries.
There are many vineyards perched around the lake, and their views are at their best in autumn when the leaves of the vines begin to change color. The Harvest Festival, or the French fête des vendanges, celebrated with great fanfare in the last week of September, is a must-see attraction.
Sailing on the lake is a favorite pastime for locals, and unique city views can be enjoyed from the water. Of course, even if you don't have a sailboat, you can jump straight into the lake and swim, although the water is usually cold.
During the summer months, Bar'King, one of the city's most popular nightlife venues, renamed itself King du Lac and relocated to the shores of the lake, where younger crowds gather to listen to live music and local DJs.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne is the capital city of the region and is known in Switzerland as the "Romanti Canton of Vaud". Its location alone makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, as it is located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Lehmann with the Jura Mountains to the northwest.
Considering that it is actually the fourth largest city in Switzerland, it is not being talked about as it should be.
Lausanne is the headquarters of international sports. The IOC, as well as the Court of Arbitration for Sport and more than 50 other international sports associations are based in Lausanne. In fact, it is for these reasons that the city is widely regarded as the "Olympic Capital".
For tourists, it is worth mentioning the wine region that has grown significantly over the years. The city also has a metro system of nearly 30 stations, which makes it the smallest city in the world to have a "fast" transit system.
As for the attractions you can't miss in Lausanne, first take time to visit the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. You will also be derelict in your duties if you do not visit Lausanne Cathedral, which many Swiss citizens consider to be one of the most stunning in the country. You should also spend time strolling around Le Port D'Ouchy, gazing at the Savabelin Tower, perusing the Olympic Park and admiring the Collection de l'Art Brut.
Best of all, if you love the Olympics, the spirit of competition and sports, you will love Lausanne!