Switzerland
Switzerland's cities each have their own linguistic character: Geneva and Lausanne feel French, while Lugano has an Italian atmosphere. The mountainous terrain means travel between cities takes considerable time.
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Switzerland currency guide — today's rate & payment tips
Visa and entry rules change often. Check your government's travel advisory or the local embassy before you go.
Average temperature by month
Based on Bern · 5-year average
Choose a city
Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Bern
Bern is Switzerland's de facto capital, the federal city, and the fifth largest by population. Its compact size makes for a calm, pleasant stroll around town.
45 sights 9 guides Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland's second-largest city, sits where the Rhône flows out of Lake Geneva and hosts the United Nations Office at Geneva along with many other international organizations. You can trace the footsteps of reformer John Calvin while soaking in the atmosphere of this international city.
39 sights 9 guides Geneva International Airport (GVA)
Basel
It is a city in northwestern Switzerland, renowned as an art destination for its many art galleries and design museums clustered throughout. Crossing the bridge where the borders of three countries meet adds to the fun.
31 sights 9 guides Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Lausanne
It is the capital of the canton of Vaud on Lake Geneva, in French-speaking Switzerland, and preserves a rich history dating back to Roman times. As a cultural hub known for hosting international conferences, the city exudes the charm of a world-class tourist destination at every turn.
45 sights 9 guides Geneva International Airport (GVA)
Lugano
It is a city in the canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, with a metropolitan population of over 150,000. Ranked as Switzerland's ninth-largest city, it's a pleasant place to explore at a relaxed pace.
44 sights 9 guides Lugano Airport
Top sights in Switzerland
Nature
Lake Geneva
A lake straddling the border between Switzerland and France, one of the largest lakes in Central Europe. From May to September, a fountain shoots high into the sky, making it a nice place to stop for a stroll.
Nature
Monte San Giorgio
Monte San Giorgio straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set at the foot of the Lugano Prealps, it offers views down over Lake Lugano.
Museums & galleries
Olympic Museum
Located in the lakeside Ouchy district of Lausanne, Switzerland, this museum is dedicated to sport and the Olympics. Its collection of over ten thousand exhibits traces the history and stories of the modern Olympic Games.
Museums & galleries
Kunstmuseum Basel
Kunstmuseum Basel is an art museum in Basel, Switzerland, known for its long-standing public art collection. It ranks among Switzerland's leading museums and is listed as a national heritage site.
Temples & religious sites
St. Pierre Cathedral
Geneva's foremost Protestant church, known as the place where the reformer John Calvin regularly preached. Inside, the chair he once used still remains, letting visitors sense its history.
Nature
Monte Generoso
Monte Generoso is a mountain straddling the Swiss-Italian border, between Lake Lugano and Lake Como. Its western and southern slopes lie in Switzerland's Ticino canton, while its northeastern slope belongs to Italy's Lombardy region, letting visitors experience the nature of both countries at once.
Temples & religious sites
Lausanne Cathedral
A Reformed cathedral in Lausanne, Switzerland, belonging to the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Vaud. It stands as one of the city's defining landmarks, with historic architecture visitors can explore up close.
Views & landmarks
Three Countries Bridge
This arched bridge over the Rhine near Basel connects Huningue in France with Weil am Rhein in Germany. It is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the world.
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Local data
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