Travel Trends & Tips

The Best Cities To Visit In Switzerland

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Author: Paul, Owner Marvellous Escapes Apr 01, 2026 05 Minutes Read

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Switzerland, home to iconic mountain ranges and unbeatable views, is a destination where natural beauty and timeless charm come together in perfect harmony. Life here is tranquil, and has recently been voted as one of the top 5 most peaceful countries in the world. This stunning pocket of Europe is not one to miss, so let us guide you through the best places to visit in Switzerland.

Zermatt

One of the most luxurious cities to explore across our Switzerland rail holiday packages, Zermatt is a luxury safe-haven resort situated within the Alps. Most popular amongst skiers and hikers, the city is completely car-free, leaving guests to wander through the charming boutique retailers that line the walkways. 

Zermatt is home to the most breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest and most symmetrical peaks. Hikers often choose to watch the sunset in Zermatt, looking across the Alps bathed in golden light, before dining in the exquisite mountain top restaurant, which offers traditional Swiss cuisine.

One of the best ways to visit Zermatt is on a Glacier Express rail journey, which glides effortlessly through luscious alpine forests and the famous Rhine Gorge, both stunning all year round. This rail journey is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and kicks off your trip to the village in style and comfort. 

Discover our Majestic Switzerland and Grandeur of the Glaciers rail holidays, both featuring a stay in Zermatt, along with other extraordinary Swiss locations.

Interlaken

Positioned comfortably within the towering Swiss peaks lies Interlaken, blooming with activity all year round. Interlaken is the best city to visit in Switzerland for anyone looking for an adventure,being popular with canoeists and hikers in the drier months, and skiers looking for a route like no-other during the snowy winter.  

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Switzerland, this city is renowned for its unforgettable experiences, with options ranging from high ropes in the alpine trees to floating along Lake Brienz in an inflatable hot tub. If you prefer to stay on land, why not picnic along the river bank, or hire an e-bike to explore the surrounding trails? Whatever you choose, Interlaken is the perfect place to wander until the sun disappears over the snowy horizon.

Interlaken is in reach along the route of the The Luzern–Interlaken Express and the GoldenPass Express. Both trains are kitted with sophisticated interiors, cushioned seating and panoramic views of the beautiful Swiss surroundings. 

These two railway lines give you access to a wide range of hidden gems, like St Beatus caves, where a dragon is said to once hide out, and Unterseen, a tranquil Medieval town on the turquoise shores of Lake Thun.

Zurich

Wander through Switzerland’s largest city, bustling with medieval charm and colourful atmosphere. Zurich has so much to offer, from museums and prestigious art galleries, to traditional Swiss architecture. Capture snippets of Switzerland’s history, like traditional cable cars and the famous Grossmünster church, whose twin towers can be spotted across the skyline from neighbouring towns.

There’s plenty to do while visiting this bustling Swiss city. Cruise along peaceful Lake Zurich, most picturesque during the spring months when the snowy peaks contrast with the fresh foliage across the hills. Or, on cooler days, sit back and enjoy a world-class performance at the Opera House. Alternatively, for those with a sweet tooth, partake in a visit to the Lindt museum, where you can make your own trademark bunny with the experts.

Zurich also has an impressive gastronomic scene, with frequent farmers’ markets offering freshly-made local delicacies like cheese, pastries and raclette. Between these market days and multiple Michelin-star eateries stretching across the entire city, you’ll always be tucking into something delicious. 

Lucerne

From the moment you arrive in Lucerne, you’ll understand why locals and tourists return to this beautiful city time and time again. The region is situated between Alpine peaks and velvety lakeside and offers endless opportunities to explore timeless Swiss history through churches and basilicas like Jesuit Church and Hofkirche. 

Meander down the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, lined with fascinating architecture and a vibrant shopping scene. The Old town is traffic free, meaning you can roam through the streets care-free. 

Also in Lucerne, you’ll find unusual hotspots like the Glacier Gardens, a natural phenomena that occurred in the Ice Age 20,000 years ago! This place is bursting with interactive activities like the Mirror maze, museum and cave paths, which give you a magnificent view of the snowy Swiss mountains. 

Lucerne is a perfect hub for exploring Switzerland, included as a scenic stop along our rail holidays like Switzerland Odyssey, Swiss Delights and many more. Our luxury trips to Lucerne include travel on Switzerland’s famous panoramic trains, like the GoldenPass Express and the Bernina Express, making it an ideal base to experience breathtaking rail journeys through the Alps.

Get in touch

If we’ve got you excited about exploring the best cities in Switzerland, you can get in touch with our experts about planning your next getaway. We’ve been tailoring luxury rail holidays for years and look forward to hearing from you!