Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Switzerland (Plus, Itineraries)

Embarking on a Look-See trip is a crucial step when considering a move to Switzerland. It allows you to immerse yourself in the country's culture, explore different regions, and understand the practical aspects of living there. By visiting various cities and towns, you can make an informed decision about where you might want to settle and what life in Switzerland could be like.

Recommended Itineraries

For a 10-day trip, consider visiting Zurich, Bern, and the Lake Geneva region, including Lausanne and Montreux. This itinerary provides a mix of urban and rural experiences. For a 20-day trip, expand your exploration to include Basel, Lucerne, Interlaken, and the canton of Ticino, including Lugano and Locarno. This extended itinerary offers a comprehensive view of Switzerland's diverse landscapes and cultures.

Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, with a population of around 400,000. It is a global financial hub and offers a high quality of life, albeit at a higher cost. Expats and digital nomads appreciate Zurich for its vibrant cultural scene, excellent public transportation, and proximity to the Alps. The city offers a mix of urban living and outdoor activities.

Travel Tip: Visit the Kunsthaus Zürich, a renowned art museum, and enjoy a meal at Hiltl, the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant.

Bern

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, has a population of about 140,000 and is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city offers a slower pace of life compared to Zurich, with a lower cost of living. Expats appreciate Bern's cultural offerings, historic architecture, and proximity to nature.

Travel Tip: Explore the historic center and visit the Bear Park, home to the city's famous bear inhabitants.

Lake Geneva Region

The Lake Geneva region, including cities like Lausanne and Montreux, offers a mix of urban living and natural beauty. Lausanne, with a population of around 140,000, is known for its vibrant student population and cultural scene. Montreux, a smaller town, offers stunning views of the lake and the Alps. The region is popular among expats for its mild climate and outdoor activities.

Travel Tip: Visit the Château de Chillon, a stunning medieval castle located on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Basel

Basel, located in the northwest of Switzerland, has a population of around 170,000. It is known for its vibrant art scene and excellent museums. The city offers a high quality of life and is popular among expats for its cultural offerings and proximity to both France and Germany.

Travel Tip: Explore the Kunstmuseum Basel, which houses an impressive collection of art.

Lucerne

Lucerne, located in central Switzerland, has a population of around 80,000. It is known for its well-preserved old town and stunning natural surroundings, including Lake Lucerne and the nearby mountains. Lucerne offers a high quality of life and is popular among expats for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities.

Travel Tip: Visit the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a famous wooden footbridge that dates back to the 14th century.

Interlaken

Interlaken, located in the Bernese Highlands, is a small town with a population of around 5,600. It is known as the adventure capital of Switzerland, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Interlaken is popular among digital nomads and expats who enjoy an active lifestyle and stunning natural surroundings.

Travel Tip: Take a scenic train ride to the Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

Canton of Ticino

The canton of Ticino, including cities like Lugano and Locarno, offers a taste of Mediterranean living in Switzerland. Lugano, with a population of around 64,000, is known for its palm tree-lined promenade and lakefront views. Locarno, a smaller town, offers a mild climate and stunning natural surroundings. The region is popular among expats for its unique culture and lower compared to other parts of Switzerland.

Travel Tip: Visit the Monte San Salvatore, a mountain near Lugano, for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding area.