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Things to do in Switzerland

7 destinations in Switzerland, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Switzerland

Best time to visit Switzerland

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Geneva
January through March offers the cheapest flights to Geneva, often 25-40% below summer peaks, with February a sweet spot before ski-season crowds peak; fly midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday) for an additional 10-15% savings versus weekend departures.
Grindelwald
Fly in shoulder season, early November (pre-ski season) and late April through mid-May (post-ski, pre-summer crowds) offer the lowest airfares and accommodation rates, typically 25-40% cheaper than July-August or Christmas/New Year peak periods. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend fares by 10-15%.
Interlaken
January through March (excluding ski holidays) and November offer the lowest airfares, expect 25-40% savings versus July-August peak, and shoulder months of May and October balance pleasant hiking weather with fares roughly 15-20% below summer highs. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently shave another 10-15% off round-trip prices.
Lucerne
Fly in November through early December or in late January-February (avoiding ski holidays) for the cheapest fares, often 30-40% less than summer peak; midweek departures on Tuesday or Wednesday shave an additional 10-15% versus weekend travel.
Lugano
Fly in November through early March for the lowest fares, with savings of roughly 35-50% versus the peak July-August lake season; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) shave an additional 10-15% off round-trip prices from North American or UK hubs.
Zermatt
Shoulder seasons in late May to mid-June and October see round-trip fares from major US hubs drop to $600-900 vs. $1,100-1,500 in peak July-August and Christmas/New Year, that's roughly 30-45% savings. Flying midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday departures) and booking 6-10 weeks out adds another 10-15% discount.
Zurich
The cheapest months to fly to Zurich are January through early March (excluding New Year's) and late October to mid-November, when fares can run 25-40% below summer peaks. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) shaves another $50-100 off typical round-trip prices.

Is Switzerland expensive?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Geneva
About $71 a day on a shoestring, about $253 comfortably.
Grindelwald
About $83 a day on a shoestring, about $340 comfortably.
Interlaken
About $70 a day on a shoestring, about $325 comfortably.
Lucerne
About $70 a day on a shoestring, about $305 comfortably.
Lugano
About $62 a day on a shoestring, about $250 comfortably.
Zermatt
About $85 a day on a shoestring, about $355 comfortably.
Zurich
About $72 a day on a shoestring, about $274 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Free things to do in Switzerland

  • Geneva: Bains des Pâquis Lakeside Promenade A beloved public jetty and beach on Lake Geneva where locals sunbathe, swim, and socialize year-round.
  • Grindelwald: Village Promenade Walk Stroll through the charming chalet-lined streets with the Eiger looming overhead, no ticket needed.
  • Interlaken: Walk the Höheweg Promenade The main boulevard between Interlaken Ost and West offers stunning unobstructed views of the Jungfrau massif at no cost.
  • Lucerne: Old Town Stroll Wander the medieval Altstadt, painted façades, and city walls for absolutely nothing
  • Lugano: Parco Civico Ciani Stroll A gorgeous lakefront park with peacocks, century-old trees, and postcard views, totally free to wander.
  • Zermatt: Five Lakes Walk A self-guided hike with Matterhorn reflections in five alpine lakes, purely free once you're in the valley.

Cheap eats in Switzerland

  • Café de Paris in Geneva, Entrecôte Café de Paris (steak in secret herb butter sauce) Plates $30-35, a splurge, but Geneva's defining cheap institution for a sit-down meal
  • Onkel Tom's Hütte in Grindelwald, Rösti with egg and bacon Plates $18-24
  • Taverne am See in Interlaken, Rösti with fried egg and bacon Plates $14-20
  • Manora Restaurant (Manor Department Store) in Lucerne, Self-service Swiss daily special with salad bar Plates $12-16
  • Bottegone del Vino in Lugano, Risotto al Merlot with local wine by the glass Plates $14-20
  • Migros Supermarket in Zermatt, Self-assembled sandwiches, salads, and Swiss bread from the in-store deli Plates $5-10

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