Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland 🇨🇭

Switzerland is a dream destination where every moment feels like a scene from a travel magazine. From the cobbled streets of Bern to the international buzz of Geneva, each city offers something special. Switzerland is perfect for curious travellers who want it all. And with Sim Local’s eSIM, you can stay connected every step of the way. No swapping SIM cards. No outrageous roaming bills. Just instant access to data and directions, so you can stream, snap, and share wherever you go. Ready to explore? Below we have outlined some of the best Swiss cities to visit once your Sim Local eSIM plan is activated whether you are travelling to Switzerland for the Women's Euros, a foodie city break or to find the most breathtaking views in Europe.

Speaking of eSIM plans - below are the best Switzerland eSIM plans we would recommend for your visit to Switzerland.

Sitting at the corner of Switzerland, France, and Germany, Basel is a colourful mix of cultures and ideas. It’s known as Switzerland’s art capital, home to over 40 museums, world-famous Art Basel, and a beautifully preserved Old Town full of fountains, quirky architecture, and local cafes.

What to do: Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the stunning Kunstmuseum, cruise along the Rhine River, or relax in one of the riverside swimming areas in summer.

Fun fact: Basel is home to more than 200 fountains and is one of the oldest university cities in the world.

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, feels like something out of a fairy tale. Its UNESCO-listed Old City is filled with medieval towers, fountains, and arcaded streets. Every corner reveals something new—from hidden cellar bars to views over the Aare River.

What to do: Check out the Zytglogge clock tower, visit the Rose Garden for panoramic views, swim in the crystal-clear Aare River, or explore the Paul Klee art museum.

Fun fact: Bern was named after a bear, and you can still see real bears in a special riverside park right near the Old Town.

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and one of its most stylish. It’s known for high-end shopping, lakeside living, and a thriving food and art scene. It’s also a city that lets you enjoy a swim in the river, a mountain hike, and a world-class meal all in one day.

What to do: Walk along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most famous shopping streets in Europe, visit the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, cruise on Lake Zurich, or hike up Uetliberg for incredible views.

Fun fact: Zurich has over 1200 free public fountains with clean, drinkable water - no need to buy bottled water here.

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, this city is polished, peaceful, and packed with history. Geneva is home to major global organisations, luxury watchmakers, and one of the most photographed fountains in the world, the Jet d’Eau.

What to do: Stroll through the Old Town, take a boat ride on the lake, visit the United Nations headquarters, or spend an afternoon tasting world-class Swiss chocolate.

Fun fact: Geneva is home to the world’s longest wooden bench and once survived a lake tsunami back in the sixth century.

St. Gallen is a charming city in eastern Switzerland known for its rich textile history and the breathtaking Abbey Library, one of the oldest in the world. It's peaceful, picturesque, and packed with history.

What to do: Visit the UNESCO-listed Abbey of Saint Gall, stroll the car-free Old Town, and hike to nearby mountain trails.
Fun fact: The Abbey Library houses over 170,000 historical documents, including handwritten manuscripts from the 8th century.

Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most postcard-perfect cities. With its wooden bridges, sparkling lake, and surrounding mountains, it’s a popular stop for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

What to do: Walk across the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), take a boat on Lake Lucerne, or ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus.
Fun fact: The Water Tower next to the Chapel Bridge has been a prison, torture chamber, and treasury—now it's one of the most photographed landmarks in the country.

Often called the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, Thun is a hidden gem with a laid-back vibe. With canals running through its medieval center and a hilltop castle watching over the lake, it’s picture-perfect.

What to do: Visit Thun Castle, walk along the Aare River, relax at the lake beach, or explore shops in the upper Old Town.
Fun fact: Thun’s unique sluice system in the city center lets surfers ride standing waves right in the river.

Sion, the sunniest city in Switzerland, is nestled in the Rhône Valley and surrounded by vineyards and mountain views. It’s one of the country’s oldest towns, filled with Roman ruins and hilltop castles.

What to do: Hike up to Tourbillon and Valère castles, visit the archaeological museum, and sample local Valais wines.
Fun fact: The organ at the Valère Basilica is one of the oldest in the world still in use, dating back to the 15th century.

Whether you're exploring mountaintop castles, floating across serene lakes, or wandering medieval alleyways, Switzerland offers a city experience like no other. Each destination is rich with charm, culture, and unforgettable scenery - perfect for every kind of traveller. And with an eSIM plan from Sim Local, you can stay connected through it all, from sharing moments on the go to navigating with ease. So pack your curiosity, power up your phone, and get ready to discover the very best of Switzerland, one incredible Swiss city at a time. 🇨🇭