Our Top Picks for a City Break in Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for the breathtaking scenery of the Alps, but its cities also offer a wealth of experiences that are often overlooked. Swiss cities are unique in that you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of a lively city without missing out on the famous Swiss outdoors. Whether it’s wild swimming in the city or a quick trip up the local mountain, cities in Switzerland offer a fantastic fusion of culture and nature - making them the perfect choice for a short, summer getaway.
From Bern and Basel to Lausanne and Lugano, each city in Switzerland is just so different from one another, and with so many exciting and unique options, it can be hard to make your mind up. So to help you narrow it down, we’ve highlighted our top picks for a city break this summer. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from each:
Zürich: The Dynamic Metropolis
Zürich, Switzerland's largest and liveliest city, is a hub of activity with a wide variety of museums, a brilliant programme of summer events and a buzzing nightlife. The city seamlessly blends the old and the new, offering visitors a taste of its historical heritage alongside high-end shopping and fine dining.
- Must-See Attractions:
- Old Town (Altstadt): Wander through narrow, cobbled streets and discover medieval buildings and hidden courtyards.
- Lake Zurich: Enjoy a boat ride or visit one of Zürich’s many ‘Badis’ - open-air public swimming spaces.
- Bahnhofstrasse: Shop till you drop on one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets.
- Kunsthaus Zürich: Explore one of Switzerland’s most important art collections.
- Culinary Highlights:
- Savor Swiss chocolate at world-famous chocolatiers.
- Dine at trendy rooftop bars offering panoramic city views.
- Travel Tip:
- Enjoy unlimited travel on all public transport in Zürich (tram, bus, train, boat, funicular, and cable car), as well as free entry to museums and discounts in stores and restaurants, with the Zürich Card
Luzern: The Gateway to the Alps
Nestled between the Swiss Alps and Lake Luzern, Luzern is a picturesque city known for its preserved medieval architecture and stunning natural beauty. Its convenient position in Central Switzerland has led to the city being called the ‘gateway to the Alps’, and as such there’s an excellent selection of mountain excursions nearby.
- Must-See Attractions:
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): Stroll across this iconic wooden bridge adorned with beautiful paintings.
- Mount Pilatus: Enjoy a ride on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the summit for breathtaking views.
- Swiss Museum of Transport: Discover Switzerland’s extensive transportation history.
- Culinary Highlights:
- Taste traditional Swiss dishes like raclette and rösti.
- Visit lakeside restaurants for fresh fish and stunning views.
- Travel Tip:
- Receive the complimentary Luzern Visitor Card with any overnight stay in a city hotel and enjoy free use of buses and trains, as well as a range of discounts for cableways, mountain railways, museums and excursions in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region.
- Alternatively, save even more and purchase the Tell Pass, giving you free travel on trains, boats, buses and mountain railways throughout central Switzerland.
Lugano: The Mediterranean Gem
Located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, Lugano offers a blend of Swiss efficiency and Mediterranean flair. The city is known for its beautiful lake and vibrant parks, and is perhaps the only place in the world you can sunbathe on a sandy beach, sipping on an Aperol and admiring the view of the Swiss Alps.
- Must-See Attractions:
- Lake Lugano: Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise or try out wakeboarding!
- Parco Ciani: Relax in one of Switzerland’s most beautiful parks.
- Monte Brè: Hike or take a funicular to this mountain for panoramic views of the city and lake.
- Culinary Highlights:
- Indulge in Italian cuisine with a Swiss twist at local trattorias.
- Savor gelato as you stroll along the lakeside promenade.
- Travel Tip:
- Spend the night in one of more than 500 partner accommodation providers, including hotels, hostels and campsites, and get the Ticino Ticket which gives you free transport across the entire canton!
A city break in Switzerland offers a unique and enriching experience, combining cultural exploration with natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to Zurich’s cosmopolitan vibe, Luzern’s fairy-tale charm or Lugano’s Mediterranean atmosphere, each city promises an unforgettable getaway. Explore our regional and city passes to maximise your time in Switzerland, combine with our huge range of accommodation at otp.co.uk and book your city break now!
