Are you thinking about traveling to Switzerland? Here are the 12 Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland. Given Switzerland’s abundance of stunning lakes, mountains, and rivers, it’s no surprise that many of its cities are nestled among such breathtaking surroundings. Castles and churches stand imperiously over the red rooftops of the houses, while ancient cobblestone streets take you to even more stunning vistas.

The best cities in Switzerland are vibrant places to visit, perfectly blending the ancient and the new, with museums and galleries, pubs and restaurants.

Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland in Winter

1. Biel-Bienne

Biel, as it is known in German, is located right on the linguistic boundary, hence half of its citizens refer to it as Bienne in French. While most people only pass through, its charming location at the foot of the Jura Mountains, overlooking Lake Biel, makes it a pleasant destination.

In addition to the stunning views of the Alps, it features a peaceful and picturesque Old Town for visitors to explore. While you´re here, you may as well taste some of the local wines and swim in the lake. Biel-Bienne is an excellent location for exploring the mountains and Drei-Seen-Land.

2. Sion

Sion, located on the Rhone River’s banks, is a small city in the Rhone Valley. While it has a modern side, the ancient town is undeniably the showpiece, with two spectacular hilltops above it.

A ruined castle and a 13th-century chapel sit atop these, making for spectacular views with the Alps in the background. With vineyards surrounding the city, wine is a major element of Sion’s social life, so there are plenty of fantastic restaurants and atmospheric cafes to try some of the local wines. From here, there are some wonderful hiking trails throughout the valley. All of this makes Sion the best of the 12 Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland.

3. Fribourg

Fribourg is undoubtedly spectacular to behold, with its gorgeous location spanning the canyon that divides the city into two sections, and there are several fantastic views to be enjoyed from within the city.

A couple of magnificent bridges rise above the Samara River, connecting the city’s western, French-speaking half to its eastern, German-speaking part. It boasts a spectacular medieval old town with a towering cathedral, as well as several intriguing museums, great defenses, and stunning architecture. Visitors may enjoy a vibrant nightlife thanks to the city’s big student population.

4. Interlaken

Interlaken’s spectacular setting between two alpine lakes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, makes it a must-see city in Switzerland. Although the city itself is small and touristy due to its abundance of souvenir shops, the stunning countryside surrounding it attracts visitors.

It serves as the entry to the country’s renowned Jungfrau region, where you can go white-water rafting, rappel down waterfalls, and stroll among the beautiful lakes and mountaintops.

5. Chur

Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, is wonderfully surrounded by the Alps. As a result, the surrounding mountains offer fantastic climbing and trekking opportunities. The city itself is tiny and easily walkable in a day, with the Old Town serving as the obvious focal point.

A relaxed atmosphere can be found here, with several good bars and restaurants snuggled among the old buildings. In the winter, the mountains provide good skiing opportunities, with St Moritz and Davos nearby.

6. Thun

Thun, located on the banks of the Aare River, is surrounded by mountains and resembles the quintessential Swiss town.

Thun is a wonderful area to explore, with a towering castle overlooking the city, old buildings lining the river, and cafes along the waterfront. The city exudes energy, and its streets are lined with interesting handmade businesses.

7. Bellinzona

With three medieval fortifications surrounding the city and its picturesque location at the confluence of multiple valleys, it’s remarkable that Bellinzona’s numerous attractions draw so few visitors. It is a destination which loved by all from the list of the 12 Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland.

The Old Town is a delight to explore, with twisting streets lined with Renaissance churches, cozy cafes, and chiming bell towers, all of which contribute to Bellinzona’s wonderful atmosphere. Once dominated by the Italians, this lovely hidden gem combines Swiss and Italian cultures.

8. St. Gallen

St. Gallen’s old streets are ideal for history aficionados to explore. Its gorgeous squares and narrow cobblestone streets wind their way through the old town until you come across the majestic cathedral towering above you.

The abbey’s greatest attraction is its gorgeous baroque library, which houses a significant collection of books dating back to medieval times. St. Gallen, a cultured seat of learning, is nestled among undulating green hills, with distant mountains visible.

9. Lugano

Lugano is located in the Italian-speaking portion of Switzerland, on the beaches of Lake Lugano, and is surrounded by mountains. Along with its picturesque environment, Lugano is a fashionable and flashy destination to visit, thanks to its upscale boutiques, restaurants, and pubs.

Its charming cobblestone lanes lead away from the city center at Piazza della Riforma, and there are some fantastic promenades along the waterfront with spectacular views of the lake. With a splendid cathedral, a superb modern art museum, and hiking on offer in the adjacent mountains, Lugano has more than enough to make it worthwhile to visit.

10. Lausanne

Lausanne is a vibrant city with a strong student population that makes it an enjoyable place to spend time. The city has an enthusiastic and youthful vibe, and its vibrant nightlife scene makes it a terrific place to go out. Lausanne is more than just a university town; it is beautifully situated on the foothills that overlook Lake Geneva. The city pours down the gradual slopes, with the stunning gothic old town at the top.

There are several fantastic museums dispersed throughout the city, or you can unwind at one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the warehouses along the waterfront at the bottom of the city. Lausanne has something for everyone.

11. Geneva

The country’s second-largest city is an affluent, metropolitan hub with a distinctly opulent atmosphere. The streets are opulent and glittering, as they are home to major international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Located on the beaches of Lake Geneva, the city offers a wealth of luxurious hotels, boutiques, and restaurants for guests to select from, but there is another side to Geneva. Head to neighborhoods like Les Grottes and Quartier des Paquis, and you’ll soon find pubs with plenty of ambiance and activity – a far cry from the stuffy hallways of the UN. From the bucket list of the 12 Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland Geneva is sweeter than others.

12. Basel

Basel’s strategic location on the banks of the Rhine, close to the borders of France and Germany, has seen wealth amass in the city as trade and business flow through its streets. As a result, it features a plethora of beautiful historic buildings and exudes an affluent atmosphere.

There are also some wonderful museums and galleries to explore. Although not as gorgeous as Bern, Basel has a lovely old town that is worth visiting, as well as some great old and new buildings inside its borders. To get a sense of its citizens’ daily lives, visit Kleinbasel and have some superb cuisine along the riverfront.

Conclusion

One of the most beautiful countries in Europe is Switzerland. The enchanting nature, lakes, mountains, and cities are all worth seeing. For your convenience, we have listed those cities that you will surely love.