Top 10 places to visit in Switzerland

Switzerland may be small but it has a whole host of great places to visit. From breathtaking mountain peaks to dreamy turquoise lakes and a countryside littered with ancient wonders, Switzerland really does have something for everyone.

In fact, there’s so much packed into Switzerland’s borders that expats and visitors alike will find it difficult to decide where to visit next. But fear not! With our guide to the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland, you’ll soon be exploring the stunning beauty of this unforgettable Alpine gem.

When planning your Swiss adventure, remember that managing different currencies efficiently is key to a stress-free experience – many international travelers use Wise to handle Swiss francs that can offer competitive rates and a transparent fee.

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Are you an expat or thinking of moving to Switzerland? Managing your money across borders shouldn’t be complicated. With a Wise account, you can hold over 40 currencies and pay with a Wise debit card in more than 150 countries. Whether you need to spend abroad, receive or send money home, Wise can help make international money management simpler.

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1. The Matterhorn

This pyramid-shaped giant is one of the world’s most photographed mountains, which means it’s definitely a top place to visit in Switzerland. Standing at an impressive 4,478 meters, thrill-seeking mountaineers from around the globe descend on Switzerland to attempt the summit. If you’re not feeling quite so energetic, why not stick to the cable car? The mountain is home to the highest cable car station in the Alps, which offers some excellent views of the mountain peak and beyond. It really doesn’t get much more Swiss than a trip to the Matterhorn.

You won’t want to miss…

• Visting the Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt
• Instagramming from the Gornergrat observation platform
• Skiing on the Theodul Glacier 365 days a year

2. Château de Chillon

No trip to the Swiss Riviera is complete without checking out the medieval Château de Chillon. Located on an island in Lake Geneva near the popular town of Montreux, the castle dates back to the 10th century, when it was used as a strategic water fort. It then became a lakeside summer home for the wealthy Counts of Savoy, when the castle rooms were decked out with all manner of art and treasures visitors can enjoy today. The castle is Switzerland’s most-visited historical monument and is definitely a must-see while you’re exploring the country.

You won’t want to miss…

• Taking in the castle’s three sumptuous great halls
• Gasping at the impressive weapons room
• Enjoying the boat ride from Montreux to the château

3. Jungfraujoch

The Jungfraujoch is an Alpine wonderland that fully deserves its nickname of the Top of Europe. Technically a glacier saddle between two mountains, the Jungfraujoch is one the best – and highest – attractions in Switzerland. And don’t let the altitude put you off – there’s plenty for the whole family up there, from mountain climbing to tobogganing and much more. However, perhaps the most impressive attraction is the world-famous Jungfrau railway. Starting at Kleine Scheidegg, the train climbs up to 3,454 meters above sea level to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.

You won’t want to miss…

• Exploring the Ice Palace inside the glacier and seeing the famous ice sculptures
• Flying through the air on the popular zip-line
• Being amazed by the views from the Sphinx Observatory

4. Schweizerischer Nationalpark

In a country with amazing scenery at every turn, it can be hard to know where to go. But one thing for certain is that you’ll want to visit the Swiss National Par near Zernez. As the country’s only national park, it’ll give you an idea of how the Alps were before tourism. From snow-crusted glaciers to captivating meadows, this place has it all. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, each taking visitors past unforgettable sights. And, if you’re lucky you might catch sight of some of the park’s local residents – red squirrels, ibexes, and red deer all call this park home.

You won’t want to miss…

• Checking out the skies – golden eagles live in the area
• Learning about the bears that once roamed the park at the Schmelzra Museum
• Exploring one of the park’s 21 hiking routes

5. Lake Geneva

Stretching from Geneva in the west to Lausanne in the east, Lake Geneva is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful places. From the international bustle of Geneva to the many vineyards that crawl up the hillsides around the lake, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding region. And there’s a lot of activity on the lake, too. Windsurfing, water skiing, and kayaking are all possible for more active visitors to the area. Or, if you’re feeling a little lazier, you can simply sit back and take in the beauty of the lake from the deck of a paddle steamer as it crosses the water.

You won’t want to miss…

• Tasting the local wines as you take a vineyard tour
• Taking the perfect Jet d’eau photo in Geneva
• Going night-skiing in the mountains when the temperatures drop

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6. Lugano

See Switzerland in a whole new light with a trip to the southern city of Lugano. Nestled on the shores of the breathtaking Lake Lugano, the city dubbed the Monte Carlo of Switzerland blends Swiss and Italian cultures into an unforgettable weekend break. Home to plenty of museums and warmed by Mediterranean breezes, you might even think you’re in nearby Italy when you visit. Outside the city, impressive villas are sprinkled around the lush hillsides that rise from the lake.

You won’t want to miss…

• Seeing the best of Switzerland in miniature at the kid-friendly Swissminiatur
• Brushing up on your Italian by chatting to the locals
• Indulging your tastebuds with Lugano’s unique local delicacies

7. Bern

Not only is the medieval city of Bern Switzerland’s capital, but it’s also one of its most enchanting places to visit. Walk around the old town’s narrow cobblestone stones and you’ll soon realize just why the neighborhood is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All across Bern’s historic center, you’ll find a whole host of boutiques, bars, and bears. Yes, that’s right, a family of bears – the city’s symbol – lives at the city’s aptly named Bear Park just across the river from the old town. If that wasn’t enough, the city hosts plenty of lively markets, including some memorable Christmas markets during Advent.

You won’t want to miss…

• Uncovering your inner genius at the Albert Einstein Museum, located in his old flat
• Telling the time at the famous Zytglogge, the landmark 13th-century tower
• Taking a dip in one of the city’s popular outside swimming pools

8. Lucerne

In a country of picture-perfect lakeside cities, it doesn’t get much more impressive than Lucerne. Surrounded by three large mountains, the compact medieval city sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Wandering around the captivating old town, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into a painting. There are ancient churches, bustling squares, and plenty of boutiques to explore as you marvel at the architectural wonder of the city. But the highlight is the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden bridge that has been connecting the center of Lucerne since 1333.

You won’t want to miss…

• Capturing the perfect shot of the majestic Chapel Bridge
• Getting a bird’s eye view from Lucerne’s city wall watchtowers
• Checking out Switzerland’s Transport Museum

9. Rhine Falls

As Europe’s most powerful waterfall, it’s easy to see why Rhine Falls is one of the top things to do in Switzerland. Visitors can take in the beauty of the waterfall – located near the northern town of Schaffhausen – from several viewing decks. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even rent a canoe and check out some nearby castles from the water. Every August, the falls host a spectacular firework display that attracts visitors from around the country as part of Switzerland’s National Day celebrations.

You won’t want to miss…

• Getting up close and personal with the falls from a boat
• Exploring the treetops at the nearby Rhine Falls Adventure Park
• Relaxing with a drink at a cafe that overlooks the falls

10. Zurich

And last but not least, no list of the top things to do in Switzerland would be complete without mentioning Zurich. The largest Swiss city, Zurich is also the social and cultural hub of the country. In fact, despite its world-renowned financial offerings, Zurich has a surprisingly bustling social scene. From the popular Pride parade to Europe’s largest street rave, there’s a lot going on. And, if all that wasn’t enough, the city’s pretty easy on the eye – from the charming streets of the old town to the stunning scenery of Lake Zurich.

You won’t want to miss…

• Relaxing in the parkland that stretches along the waterfront
• Exploring the beautiful game at the FIFA World Football Museum
• Enjoying an Aperol Spritz on a busy square in the old town

Managing money during your Swiss adventure

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF) as its currency, not the euro like many of its neighboring countries. This can catch travelers off guard, especially those on multi-country European tours. Swiss francs come in both coins and banknotes.

While some tourist-oriented businesses might accept euros, they can offer unfavorable exchange rates and return change in Swiss francs. When exchanging currency, banks in Switzerland often add markups to the exchange rate plus charge additional fees, which can reduce the amount you receive.

Many travellers use Wise for currency exchange, as it offers the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee structure. This approach can help you maximize your travel budget compared to some currency exchange services offered by banks.

Banking and ATMs in Switzerland

Switzerland has an extensive banking network with ATMs (called Bancomats) readily available in most locations. However, using your home bank card typically incurs foreign transaction fees plus ATM withdrawal fees.

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, especially Visa and Mastercard. American Express is less commonly accepted outside of high-end establishments. Some smaller mountain villages and remote areas might be cash-preferred, so always carry some Swiss francs.

The Wise card offers an alternative for many travelers. It functions as a debit card connected to your account, allowing you to spend directly in Swiss francs. You can also withdraw up to two times the total equivalent of 200 CHF/month from ATMs without Wise charging fees (though the ATM operator might still charge their own fee).

Conclusion

From the iconic peak of the Matterhorn to the cultural richness of Zurich, Switzerland offers an incredible diversity of experiences packed into a relatively small area. The compact nature of Switzerland means you can experience its incredible variety even on a shorter trip, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to maximize their experiences.

While Switzerland’s reputation as an expensive destination is well-earned, smart financial planning can significantly enhance your travel experience. Managing your money efficiently with services like Wise can help you avoid excessive currency exchange fees that banks can charge, giving you more Swiss Francs to spend on experiences rather than financial services. 

By combining thoughtful itinerary planning with practical money management, you can focus on what truly matters – creating unforgettable memories as you explore the breathtaking natural beauty and cultural treasures that make Switzerland one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

What currency is used in Switzerland?

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), not the euro. This is important to remember when budgeting for your trip, as you’ll need to exchange your home currency or euros if you’re coming from neighbouring countries.

Do places in Switzerland accept euros?

Some tourist-oriented businesses may accept euros, but usually at unfavorable exchange rates. It’s always better to use Swiss francs for your purchases in Switzerland. Using a service like Wise can help you convert your home currency to Swiss francs.