From Zurich’s cosmopolitan energy to Lucerne’s storybook charm, from Geneva’s global significance to the tranquil beauty of the Swiss countryside, Switzerland offers travelers an unparalleled journey of discovery.

I went to work and live in Switzerland for about four years many years ago. I visited more of the French and German side of the country, and unfortunately I haven’t yet visited its Italian cantons like Ticino and Lugano.

So, here are the places in Switzerland that I’ve been to, so far, and the activities that I can recommend you to try when you’re in Switzerland.

EXPERIENCE SWITZERLAND

Geneva

Geneva is a cosmopolitan city located at the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône River flows out of the lake, surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains. It serves as a global hub for diplomacy and international cooperation, hosting the European headquarters of the United Nations and numerous international organizations like the Red Cross and World Health Organization. The city is also renowned for its luxury watchmaking industry, high quality of life, and multicultural character, with nearly half its population consisting of foreign nationals.

EXPERIENCE GENEVA

Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and serves as the country’s financial and economic hub, home to numerous international banks and financial institutions. The city sits at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, offering stunning natural scenery alongside its cosmopolitan urban environment. Known for its high quality of life, Zurich combines medieval Old Town charm with modern architecture, world-class museums, and a vibrant cultural scene.

EXPERIENCE ZURICH

Lucerne

Lucerne is a picturesque city in central Switzerland, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks including Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. The city is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a covered wooden footbridge dating from the 14th century that features historic paintings under its roof. Lucerne serves as a gateway to the Swiss Alps and is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, including the annual Lucerne Festival that attracts classical music enthusiasts from around the world.

EXPERIENCE LUCERNE

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning resort town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, surrounded by dramatic Alpine peaks including the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The town serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures year-round, offering everything from skiing and snowboarding in winter to paragliding, hiking, and mountain railways in summer. With its picturesque setting and convenient access to some of Switzerland’s most spectacular mountain scenery, Interlaken has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century.

EXPERIENCE INTERLAKEN

Vaud

Vaud is Switzerland’s third-largest canton, bordering Lake Geneva. Known for terraced Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO site), Alps, Jura mountains, and Lausanne (Olympic capital). Features charming villages, excellent wines, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes from lakeshores to mountain peaks.

EXPERIENCE VAUD

Valais

Vaud is a French-speaking canton in western Switzerland, located along the northern shore of Lake Geneva with Lausanne as its capital. The region is renowned for its terraced vineyards in Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site that produces exceptional white wines while offering stunning views of the lake and Alps. Vaud combines natural beauty with cultural richness, hosting numerous festivals and being home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne.

EXPERIENCE VALAIS

Berne

Bern is the capital city of Switzerland, known for its well-preserved medieval old town that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city sits on a peninsula formed by the meandering Aare River and features the iconic Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower with moving puppets that perform before each hour. Bern is also home to the Swiss Federal Palace, where the Swiss government conducts its business, and has a distinctive architectural character with its covered arcades stretching for about six kilometers through the city center.

EXPERIENCE BERNE