Top 10 Things To Do in Switzerland
Switzerland may be small in size, but it packs in a staggering variety of things to see and do. Here rich history, timeless landscapes and cultural treasures come together in perfect harmony. If you're a traveller seeking meaningful experiences, scenic tranquillity, and a taste of the finer things in life, few countries offer such a rewarding mix.
Whether you're strolling through a medieval Old Town, admiring world-class art, gliding through the Alps by panoramic train or tasting artisanal cheese and chocolate, Switzerland invites you to travel slow and truly savour each moment.
This is a place where elegance meets authenticity, where mountain villages feel untouched by time and lakeside cities hum with quiet sophistication. If you value culture, heritage, and natural beauty, here are the top things to do in Switzerland.
Top things to do
Take a scenic train journey
One of the most relaxing ways to experience Switzerland's alpine grandeur is by train - and two routes stand out above the rest offering spectacular scenery. The Glacier Express, often called the "slowest express train in the world," takes you on an unforgettable journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Onboard you'll wind through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, passing deep valleys, glacier-fed rivers and across dramatic mountain passes.
Equally captivating is the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed route that connects Chur with Tarani in Northern Italy. Onboard, you'll climb to over 2,200 metres above sea level and cross the iconic Landwasser Viaduct before descending through palm-fringed landscapes.
Both trains offer panoramic carriages and commentary - the ideal way to enjoy Switzerland's ever-shifting natural beauty without ever leaving your seat.
Explore the Jungfraujoch
Known as the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is one of Europe's highest points accessible by train. The Jungfraujoch is nestled between the Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. At 3,454 metres above sea level, you can visit the Sphinx Observatory, stroll through the Ice Palace, and marvel at views of the Aletsch Glacier—the longest glacier in the Alps.
Wander around Lucerne’s old town
Lucerne is a charming lakeside city where medieval charm meets natural beauty. The Old Town is a pedestrian-friendly maze of painted facades, historic buildings, and cobbled squares. Don’t miss the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), one of Europe’s oldest wooden bridges, and the nearby Lion Monument, a moving sculpture carved into the rock. The city also offers easy access to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi for day hikes and mountain views.
Visit Château de Chillon on Lake Geneva
Just outside Montreux sits Château de Chillon, a beautifully preserved medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. With its turrets, drawbridge, and lakefront setting, it looks like something straight out of a fairytale. It's the inspiration for Byron’s “Prisoner of Chillon”. It's almost perfectly preserved, with dungeons, grand halls and frescoed chapel. As you wander its walls, you'll notice a host of original features, including coats of arms, iron fireplaces and much of the original wooden structure and interior decoration.
Sample cheese in Gruyères
No trip to Switzerland is complete without indulging in its rich culinary heritage—especially the cheese! Head to the picturesque village of Gruyères, where the creamy, nutty cheese of the same name is made. The region boasts stunning landscapes with lush green hills and views of mountain peaks, where dairy cows graze on the mineral-rich grass. Enjoying AOP Gruyère cheese in Gruyères allows you to savour the authentic taste at its freshest and appreciate the traditional cheesemaking practices that have been honed over centuries. If you want to learn more about the cheese-making process here, visit the La Maison du Gruyère cheese factory.
Roam the Lavaux vineyard terraces
Stretching along the northern shores of Lake Geneva, the Lavaux vineyard terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a haven for wine lovers. Known for its dry, crisp, and aromatic Chasselas whites and Pinot Noir reds, these steep, sun-drenched slopes produce some of Switzerland’s best wines. Roam between villages like Cully and Saint-Saphorin, stop for a tasting, and enjoy views that blend vines, lakes, and mountains.
Discover Bern's UNESCO-listed old town
Known for its arcaded streets, Zytglogge (Clock tower) and red-roofed buildings, Switzerland's capital is chock-full of charm. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that curves along the Aare River, with a labyrinth of cobbled lanes and sandstone buildings. While you're here, visit the bear park, and enjoy the relaxed pace of a city that often feels more like a well-preserved village than a metropolitan capital city.
Visit the Olympic Museum in Lausanne
The Olympic Museum in Lausanne offers a fascinating and inspiring journey through the history of the Olympic Games. Far more than a collection of sports memorabilia, the museum explores the cultural, political, and human stories behind the world’s most iconic sporting event. With over 1,500 exhibits, interactive displays, and audiovisual presentations, visitors can trace the evolution of the Games from their ancient origins in Greece to the modern global phenomenon they’ve become. Highlights include Olympic torches, medals, athlete uniforms, and personal stories that bring the spirit of competition and international unity to life.
Experience Swiss Chocolate
No visit to Switzerland is complete without indulging in its most beloved national treasure: chocolate. The country’s reputation for producing some of the finest chocolate in the world is rooted in a rich tradition that dates back to the 19th century when pioneering Swiss chocolatiers revolutionised the industry by perfecting techniques such as conching and milk chocolate production. There are a couple of museums to visit, depending on where you are in Switzerland,
At Maison Cailler, Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand still in operation, you’ll journey through the history of chocolate—from its ancient Mesoamerican origins to its transformation into a luxurious European treat. Meanwhile, at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, visitors are greeted by a dramatic, nine-metre-high chocolate fountain and a state-of-the-art museum that explores Switzerland’s central role in shaping the global chocolate trade. Regardless of the choice, you'll have ample chances to sample the smooth signature creations that define premium chocolate and discover the craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural pride embedded in every Swiss chocolate bar.
Visit the Matterhorn
This iconic mountain peak is a symbol of Switzerland. And there's no better place to appreciate it's magnificent than in the village of Zermatt. Whether you're skiing, hiking, or simply admiring it from a sunny café terrace, seeing the Matterhorn in person is a must. You can also take the Gornergrat Railway for panoramic views, or visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest cable car station.
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