When you think of Switzerland a few things that spring to mind are great chocolate and the infamous Swiss Alps.
Although very true, Switzerland has so much to offer any traveler. There are so many pretty towns and cities to visit. From the many markets with an abundance of fresh and local produce to the historic buildings, cathedrals, and museums.
Venture away from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities and you can immerse yourself in nature with the many hikes and walks along the lakes or in the rolling hills that Switzerland has to offer.
With so much to see and do in Switzerland, you could spend many weeks and months exploring the beautiful country. If time is limited, our list of the best cities to visit in Switzerland will help you decide where to visit from cities to some larger towns that have over 5000 in population.
15 Most Beautiful Cities in Switzerland to Visit
Our prettiest cities in Switzerland guide will help you decide when and where to visit and make the most of your stay in Switzerland.
From the must-see places where you can enjoy and sample some of Switzerland's finest food and wine to the most scenic city in Switzerland or the best nature cities in Switzerland - this list covers all of them!
1. Lausanne
- Contributed by LifePart2 & Beyond -
Lausanne, the second largest city on Lake Geneva, located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, is a beautiful city to discover.
Lausanne is an excellent base for a city break, featuring a gorgeous old town, stunning mountain and lake views, fascinating museums, lakeside walks, and delicious food and wine.
Begin your visit to Lausanne with a trip to the old town, discover the many town squares and markets, and admire the beautiful buildings. Visit the cathedral and climb to the top of the bell tower for great views across the city.
Step away from the old town's main streets and wander the lovely backstreets.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; some of the roads in the historic center are steep.
Love museums and art galleries? Then don't miss the new trendy art district at Platform 10 near the city's train station.
Head down to the lake and take a stroll along the Ouchy Promenade that runs alongside Lake Geneva. Admire the vistas across the lake, especially when the mountains come into view.
Visit the excellent Olympic Museum and the various parks along the lakefront.
Don't miss the nearby beautiful UNESCO Lavaux vineyards, just a short train ride away. Be sure to try the local wine; it's excellent.
Lausanne is also an excellent base from which to visit nearby Vevey, where Charlie Chaplin lived, and Montreux, famous for its jazz festival.
2. Bern
- Contributed by Megan Starr -
Bern, often overlooked as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland, is unlike many other European capitals. It is quite small, with a gorgeous quaint Old Town center that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are over six kilometers of arcades- beautiful covered walkways- that house shops, cafes, and restaurants. Wander through these elegant streets and look for some of the eleven Renaissance-era fountains scattered throughout the town.
Switzerland's tallest cathedral is located in Bern. This beautiful Gothic-style building is home to some masterpieces, including sculptures depicting the Last Judgment and an intricate stained-glass window named the Dance of Death.
Don't miss a stop at the Zytglogge, the town clock, which includes an amazing astronomical clock as well.
The river flowing through the city, the Aare, gives natural beauty to the already-lovely town. You can even swim in its blue-green waters in the summer.
For panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, head to the Rosegarten which is one of the best things to do in Bern.
Perched on a hill, you can enjoy breathtaking views with the scent of roses and irises all around you in the spring and summer.
Enjoy both the beauty outside and inside by stopping by the Museum of Fine Arts. There you will find an extensive collection of amazing artwork spanning from the Middle Ages to today.
3. Zurich
- Contributed by Wyld Family Travel -
Zurich is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and its iconic architecture. The city is surrounded by mountains and boasts several lakes, including Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, which runs through the heart of the city.
This stunning combination of water and mountains provides a stunning backdrop to the city and offers breathtaking views securing its place as one of the best city in Switzerland to visit.
Some of the most beautiful buildings in Zurich include the Grossmunster cathedral, which is known for its twin towers, and the Fraumunster church, which is famous for its stained glass windows.
There are also several museums, including the Swiss National Museum, which showcases the country's history and cultural heritage.
In terms of popular activities in Zurich, there are many outdoor recreational opportunities available, such as hiking, cycling, and swimming in the lakes.
The city is also home to several parks, including the Zurichhorn Park, which is a popular spot for picnicking and relaxing. Additionally, there are many shopping and dining options, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.
Overall, Zurich is a beautiful city that offers a range of cultural, natural, and recreational attractions, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world and one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
4. Montreux
- Contributed by Veggie Wayfarer -
Along the coasts of Lake Geneva, at the heart of the Swiss Riviera in the French-speaking Vaud region of Switzerland, lies the storybook town of Montreux.
With a mere 25.000 inhabitants, one would assume this town was a sleepy hamlet, nothing could be further from the truth. The extraordinary microclimate and scenic location have ensured Montreux was firmly planted on the map as a resort town for the rich and the famous since as far back as the 19 th century.
A walk along the shoreline of Lake Geneva leads you past some of the most stunning Belle Epoque villages in the entire country.
These days it is the epicenter for Jazz, every July gaggles of Jazz enthusiasts flock to Montreux to attend the annual Jazz Festival, the second largest in the world.
Aside from Belle Epoque villages and the Jazz festival the tiny village is overlooked by the beautiful island-castle Chateau de Chillon, a languorous 10-minute stroll from the city center takes you right to the front gate of the castle.
Travelers who have time should consider taking one of the Belle Epoque steamboats departing from Montreux and stopping in the wine region of Lavaux or Lausanne.
Alternatively invest in the Golden Pass Train ticket and take a - you got it - Belle Epoque train ride, complete with high tea!
5. Basel
- Contributed by Conversant Traveller -
Beautiful Basel often gets overlooked in favor of the more well-known Swiss cities, which makes it all the more appealing.
Here, it's the colorful architecture that catches the eye, coupled with a pretty riverside setting on the banks of the Rhine.
Wandering through the historical old town is like taking a journey back in time, with all the cobbled streets and sleepy squares you could wish for.
The buildings here all have different colored window shutters, with matching exterior woodwork and porches. All shades of the rainbow seem to be represented, especially in the traditional district of Grossebasel.
Top sights in Basel include the medieval minster, which stands proudly overlooking the city.
Built-in the iconic local red sandstone, the cathedral is highly photogenic. Climb up the tower for far-reaching views out across the rooftops - you can see the Black Forest on a clear day.
Down below, Munsterplatz is another colorful spot that is often used as a backdrop for summer festivals.
Don't miss the vivid red Rathaus which was formerly a Renaissance palace. It's one of the most elaborate town halls you'll ever see, with murals adorning the walls.
Finally, as you stroll around the center, keep an eye out for the basilisk water fountains. This mythical beast is the heraldic symbol of Basel and often pops up around the city.
6. Lugano
- Contributed by Together in Switzerland -
If you are looking for a beautiful city in the Ticino canton of Switzerland, find yourselves considering Lugano. Located only a short direct train ride away from either Milan or Zurich, Lugano is the picturesque home location to just over 62,000 people.
Lugano is particularly unique to visit since its surrounded by the beautiful Monte Bre and Monte San Salvatore, both visible from the lakeside promenade walking area.
From both mountains, you can experience stunning long-distance views towards the Alps as well as below all the way to the city.
Lake Lugano is also large enough to enjoy a boat trip for a few hours, via some smaller connecting villages to Lugano such as Morcote and Gandria.
The city itself has numerous shops, from high range choices to little local boutiques. It's great to visit during a special event too, as the city has an amazing atmosphere.
For a place to eat, most places will serve something Italian, since Lugano is part of the Italian speaking canton of Ticino.
A recommendation for some fine dining should be at Osteria Trani, a gorgeous wine cellar style restaurant with excellent fresh dishes made with seasonal delights.
One thing not to miss in Lugano is a walk in the park. Parco Ciani is the prettiest park by the lakeside, perfect for a late picnic or to watch the sunset. There is even a little beach at the end to swim if it's warm enough!
7. Lucerne
- Contributed by The Directionally Challenged Traveler -
Lucerne may be overlooked when compared to the high-profile cities and landmarks that Switzerland is known for, but this small town certainly makes up for its size in personality, character, and culinary offerings - including delicious fondues.
Along with its charming personality, Lucerne also offers stunning natural beauty.
You'll want to take advantage of this by going on a boat tour around Lake Lucerne, hiking up Mount Pilatus for an unbeatable vista, or just relaxing and reading a book surrounded by breathtaking views.
The Swiss Alps provide a jaw-dropping background to Lucerne.
Don't forget to visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, constructed all the way back in 1783! Lake Lucerne is at the heart of the city and provides stunning views no matter where you are in the city.
Other than natural beauty, there are also plenty of things to do in Lucerne.
While the city is one of the oldest in Europe, Lucerne is still a bustling city. Traditional Alpine houses line the streets of Old Town, while Glacier Garden shows what the city was like during the Ice Age.
Be sure not to fill ALL your time with admiring the beauty of Lucerne, be sure to enjoy a drink at a local pub or shop for a traditional Swiss souvenir - like chocolate!
No matter what you decide to do or where you visit in Lucerne, you'll be impressed by the beauty of the city making it one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland to visit.
8. Thun
- Contributed by Jan Adventures -
One of the towns that often goes overlooked when visiting Switzerland is Thun.
This tucked away vibrant city is situated on the northwest end of Lake Thun and is a photographer's delight with its reflecting waters, colorful architecture, and covered wooden bridges.
Thun is near the popular town of Interlaken in the central part of Switzerland. You can reach the town by train from the city of Zurich in 90 minutes.
Highlights of Thun include strolling through the Old Town cobblestone streets, along the lakeside paths, and over the covered wooden bridges.
A must-do is to visit the landmark Thun Castle, where the tower was built in the late 12th century and offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
There is a historical museum in the tower room displaying artifacts from the past 800 years.
One of the best recommendations is to have a nice lunch on one of the outdoor restaurant terraces by the Aare River. You'll see swans and canoes on the river while eating a delicious meal.
Thun is worth visiting in any season, but summer offers many sports opportunities including surfing on the river directly in the town.
Why not take one of the many boat cruises on Lake Thun, which is the largest lake in the Bernese Oberland area? The authentic paddle steamer boats will take you on a scenic tour of the deep blue lake and surrounding mountain ranges.
Don't forget to include Thun in your next visit to Switzerland!
9. Geneva
- Contributed by 24 Hours Layover -
Nestled by the Alps with views of Mont Blanc, Geneva is one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities.
Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) is perfect for a stroll, where you can see the iconic Jet d'eau water fountain, Europe's highest water fountain with water jetting 140 metres into the air - it's one of the best Instagram spots in Geneva!
Wandering around the lake you'll also find some beautiful beaches as well as the outdoor baths Bains de Pâquis which are lovely!
The Old Town of Geneva is incredibly beautiful, full of history, lovely architecture and many picturesque sights.
Stroll amongst the beautiful buildings and cobbled streets, admire the Old Arsenal and see the cannons that were used to defend Geneva against attacks.
Also, make sure to check out the stunning fountain opposite Hotel les Armures and visit the Old Town walls - there are lots of viewing platforms to see the fabulous panoramas and traditional Swiss houses.
The Flower Clock on the edge of the Jardin Anglais is another beautiful sight in Geneva. Until 2005 it was the world's largest flower clock with over 6,500 flowers making up the clock face!
Go up the tower in St Pierre's Cathedral for an incredible birds-eye view of Geneva and also visit the Viaduct de la Jonction - a popular place for photographers. This is where the Rhone and Arve rivers meet, and it's fascinating to see the different color waters mixing (one is clear, one is milky white)!
10. Sion
- Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers -
This is one of the best cities in Switzerland to visit if you enjoy culture and history. Two prominent hills rise up in the middle of the town, each with a medieval castle built on top.
It is thanks to the two medieval castles on the hills overlooking Sion, that you can spot this fascinating town from far away.
Dating back to the 13th century, Tourbillon Castle boasts high stone walls and towers. To visit and see the castle up close you will need to climb the steep stairs to reach the top. It is this steep terrain that surrounds the castle around that naturally defends the impressive structure.
On the opposite hill, facing the castle, sits the fortified church, Valère Basilica. Inside you'll find a 500-year-old organ-one of the oldest functioning organs in the world!
There are also plenty of other historical monuments and excellent wine farms to explore in Sion.
11. St. Gallen
- Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers -
12. St. Moritz
- Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers -
St. Moritz is not only one of the prettiest places to visit in Switzerland, but it has also been host to two winter Olympics.
It goes without saying that St. Mortiz is a popular destination during the winter where visitors can enjoy everything from bobsledding to skating to skiing.
However, more surprisingly, it is also one of the most visited places in Switzerland throughout the year with its beautiful lakes and lush forests where visitors can enjoy water sports and hiking during the summer.
St.Moritz is surrounded by mountains with jagged peaks and impressive glaciers making it one of the top mountain destinations in the world.
This town of St.Moritz is made up of two parts: St. Moritz Bad and St. Moritz Dorf.
St. Moritz Bad sits on the valley floor and has more affordable accommodations whilst St. Moritz Dorf overlooks and has a stunning view of the gorgeous lake.
This is one of the best nature cities in Switzerland to visit!
13. Zermatt
- Contributed by Hiking the Alps -
One of the most beautiful towns in Switzerland is Zermatt.
The small mountain village in the south of Valais is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts in the cold season and hikers and outdoor lovers in summer.
Its outstanding location, at the end of the Matter Valley and below the world-famous Matterhorn, makes it simply unique!
Another plus of the resort village: the historic center of Zermatt is car-free and can only be reached by train.
Within Zermatt, free electric buses run, and various gondolas take visitors to picturesque Matterhorn viewpoints in the surrounding nature.
After a scenic 30-minute train ride from Zermatt, you reach the viewing platform on the 3100m Gornergrat, from which you can admire not only the Matterhorn but a total of 29 other four-thousand-meter peaks as well as the Gorner Glacier.
With approx. 12km it is the third-largest glacier in the Alps.
Even higher and completely different is the view from the highest mountain railway station in Europe.
At the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, at 3883m.a.s.l., you can even see 38 four-thousand-meter peaks and 14 glaciers.
Furthermore, around Zermatt there are fantastic mountain lakes, some of which can be reached directly by gondola or on beautiful hikes.
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail for example leads through an unreal area of stones and ice. Leftovers of the melting Theodul Glacier.
The 5-lake hike, on the other valley site, passes 5 beautiful mountain lakes, offering the perfect Instagram-photo motifs and in summer refreshing cooling.
14. Interlaken
- Contributed by Travel with Co -
Interlaken, meaning "between lakes," is a town in central Switzerland surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountain tops and between two beautiful blue lakes.
The clear weather offers an incredible view of the famous 4158-meter-high Jungfrau mountain, which is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region, renowned for its highest mountain tops in the Swiss Alps.
Although it's quite small, there are many fun things to do in Interlaken. For example, the town offers hundreds of fun and exciting hiking trails, easily accessible by following the yellow signs that are everywhere.
One must-do hike is to the top of Harder Kulm, a nearby mountain that offers an amazing view of the town and the lakes. It's also great to explore the area called Unterseen, which is the historic part of Interlaken. I
t has a beautiful square, an old church and many gorgeous wooden buildings on the banks of the blue river.
Another incredible experience in Interlaken is taking a 1 hour and 15-minute boat trip over the lake called Brienzersee to the town of Brienz.
During the boat cruise, you'll be amazed by the clear blue water and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
In conclusion, Interlaken is an excellent destination for outdoor lovers, offering a perfect blend of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and adventure.
15. Ascona
- Contributed by The Discovery Nut -
Located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, Ascona is a hidden gem of Switzerland.
While most travelers go to Lake Como in Italy, which is just across the border, Ascona is flying quietly under the radar, and that's just one of the reasons why it should be on your bucket list.
Asona sits along the northern shore of Lake Maggiore and boasts the warm Mediterranean climate and scenic views that attract visitors from many parts of Switzerland.
International tourism has been growing in Ascona although this town is still off the beaten path for most travelers.
Ascona boasts a colorful old town with a prominent clock tower, small stores, and gelato shops along the cobblestone streets that look like towns in northern Italy.
One of the best things to do in Ascona is visiting the botanical garden located in the middle of Lake Maggiore that can be visited by boat. The garden is home to many tropical plants that are able to survive thanks to the warm Mediterranean climate.
The town boasts a tranquil atmosphere and authentic experience while the scenery here can rival that south of the border in places like Lake Como.
It's also a great jumping point for visiting Valley Maggia and Valley Verzasca, some of the most scenic alpine valleys in southern Switzerland.
FAQ About the Most Beautiful Swiss Cities
Find below answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
1. What is the most beautiful city in Switzerland?
Lucerne is for me by far the most beautiful city in Switzerland to visit. As cars are not allowed in the town, walking through this medieval town to view the historic buildings and covered bridges, is the best way to see it.
As one of the top historical places in Switzerland, with famous landmarks like the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, Lucerne is Switzerland on a picture postcard and the most quintessential Swiss city.
2. Is Bern the most beautiful city in Switzerland?
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, does make it to the top 5 of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland but with the tough competition, Lucerne gets the number one spot as the most beautiful city in Switzerland.
Bern is rather small and relaxed compared to other cities in Switzerland.Dating back to medieval times, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobbled streets and a medieval clock tower, Zytglogge, which has moving puppets.
3. Which city is better to visit Bern or Zurich?
Both cities are great to visit. Zurich is a much larger, cosmopolitan city that has a large variety of shops, restaurants, and museums. Whereas Bern, is much smaller and as previously mentioned, more relaxed and laid back with heaps of historic buildings and sites.
As to which is better, it really will depend on what you enjoy or want to do when visiting the best city in Switzerland. I would definitely recommend that you tick both off your bucket list of the best cities to visit in Switzerland.
4. Is Lucerne better than Lugano?
Lucerne is our top pick for the most beautiful city in Switzerland as it is the true essence of Switzerland in scenery, landmarks, and culture. Lugano is very close to the Italian border so has some influences from its Italian neighbor.
Lucern is also bigger and has more shops, activities, and museums to visit compared to Lugano.
5. Should I go to Geneva or Zurich?
Although Geneva is similar to Zurich in many ways it is more expensive which is why a lot of tourists and locals prefer to visit Zurich. It is still one of the prettiest towns in Switzerland however we would recommend spending a day or two in Geneva compared to 3-5 days in Zurich.
Final Thoughts
This list of the most beautiful Swiss cities is a great guide to help you compile your next Swiss vacation and travel bucket list. Which city do you think is the prettiest city in Switzerland?
If you want to explore more of Switzerland be sure to look at our Switzerland Travel Guide to give you more inspiration and ideas about where to travel when visiting Switzerland.
