If you are trying to decide what is the best city to visit in Switzerland, you are probably considering Geneva, Zurich, and Bern. These three cities are three of the four largest cities in the country. Each one offers incredible sights and quite different cultures. If you are trying to decide what is the best city to visit in Switzerland, here is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city to visit.
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Geneva or Zurich or Bern Overview
Geneva
Geneva is the 2nd largest city in Switzerland with just over 200,000 residents. Most of Switzerland speaks German but since Geneva is so close to France, most of the locals speak French as their main language.
Geneva is often referred to as the “Peace Capital” of the world because it hosts the most international organizations in the world. The United Nations and the Red Cross both have headquarters here. Being the 7th most expensive city in the world, you have to remember that Switzerland as a whole is an expensive place to visit.
Zurich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland with 435,000 residents. The city has been around since 15 BC when the Romans founded it. The main language spoken here is German but most of the locals speak multiple languages including French, Italian, and English.
In recent years, Zurich has been ranked as having the highest quality of living in the world. They have also been ranked as the happiest people in the world, in years passed. Zurich is one of the world’s largest centers for finance. Every August, Zurich hosts the Street Parade which is Europe’s largest techno parade and one incredible party.
Bern
Bern is considered the capital of Switzerland even though there is no official capital city. It is the 5th largest city in the country with 140,000 residents. The historic Old Town of Bern was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bern is 542 meters above sea level making the 3rd highest capital city in Europe.
The Aare River winds its way through the city, adding to the beautiful landscape that the city was built on. Bern is known as the “City of Fountains” because of the vast amount of fountains scattered throughout the city. Einstein also used to call Bern home.
Places to See
Geneva
The Geneva Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Geneva.
The United Nations Palace is the second largest of the 4 major official offices of the United Nations. It is only smaller than the headquarters in New York City.
The University of Geneva was founded in 1559 and founded by John Calvin.
St. Pierre Cathedral was originally a Roman Catholic Cathedral. It became the Reformed Protestant Church of Geneva during the Reformation.
Zurich
Lake Zurich is a large lake that has the city sitting on its northern banks.
Grossmünster is a Protestant church that was built in 1100.
Bahnhofstrasse is the main street in Zurich. It is one of the world’s most expensive shopping avenues in the world.
Altstadt is the Old Town of Zurich.
The Zurich Opera House has been open since 1891. It was the first theater in Europe with electrical lighting.
Bern
The Old Town of Bern has the river winding around it making it quite beautiful.
Zytglogge is a medieval tower built in the 13th century.
The Bern Cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral in the center of the city. Construction started in 1421 but was not completed until 1893.
Bundeshaus, or The Federal Palace, is a massive palace that is home to the Federal Assembly and Federal Council.
The Rosengarten is a park across the river from the Old Town that has panoramic views of the city.
Getting Around
Geneva
The center of Geneva is very pedestrian-friendly. Some of the most popular attractions, like the United Nations Palace or the Pâquis Baths, might require you to use public transportation. The main form of public transportation in Geneva is the network of trams or buses. Though there are buses that run in the city, they might take you longer to reach your destination.
The network of trams seems to be the most efficient way to get around the city on the outskirts of the city. One of the unique things about Geneva is if you are staying in a hotel, hostel, or campsite, you are typically given a Geneva Transport Card. The Geneva Transport Card gives you free, unlimited access to public transportation in Zone 10 which is the greater part of Geneva.
Zurich
Most of the major sights in the city are able to be seen on foot. The furthest the major attractions get from each other is less than 2km which can easily be walked if took your time. If you want to see some of the attractions outside of the city center, like the Zurich Zoo or Le Corbusier House, you will want to use public transportation. If you buy the Zurich Card you will have access to all public transportation, free exhibitions, and you can get special treatment at certain restaurants.
Bern
The Old Town in Bern is not very big so you can easily explore it on foot. If you book any accommodation within the city of Bern, you will automatically have access to the Bern Ticket. The Bern Ticket gives you free access to the public transportation network in Bern. Once you check into the place you are staying you have to open the Bern App and use your booking confirmation number to get your Bern Ticket. You can also use the bike-sharing system and E-bike sharing.
Nightlife
Geneva
Though Geneva is not typically known as a city to party, there is still a pretty lively nightlife here. The old town has many bars and pubs. Old Town is considered to be a little more laid back but there are a few places where you can hit the dance floor. If you want to go to the bigger nightclubs in Geneva, you will have to go outside of the center of the city. Some of the biggest and most popular nightclubs in Geneva are Le Zoo, Motel Campo, and Bypass.
Zurich
The nightlife in Zurich is one of the best in Europe which seems to surprise people. Zurich has more bars per capita than anywhere else in Europe. Niederdorf in the old town and Zurich West are the best places to find nightlife in Zurich. With a vast number of bars, there is also a ton of nightclubs you can choose from.
Langstrasse is a street that is sometimes regarded as Zurich’s red-light district. Frieda’s Büxe, Hive, Supermarket, and Space Monki are some of the best clubs in the city but most of the clubs here are a good time regardless of the one you choose. Since you’re in Switzerland, you can expect prices to be rather high during your night out.
Bern
Bern is not known for its nightlife. There are quite a few bars you could choose from in the center of the city. There are dozens of bars in the Old Town that you can go bar hopping to. If you want a night out, you can still have a good time in Bern but don’t expect it to be as crazy as Zurich.
Day Trips
Geneva
Chamonix is only an hour away from Geneva by train making it the perfect day trip. It sits at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps.
Annecy is only 42km south of Geneva. Annecy is known for its Old Town which has beautiful buildings and cobbled streets.
Lausanne is only a 40-minute train ride from Geneva. The city is known for having beautiful vistas and medieval architecture.
Zurich
Jungfraujoch is part of the Bernese Alps that connects the peak of Jungfrau and Monch. The Sphinx Observatory, one of the world’s highest observatories, is located here.
Lucerne is one of the most visited cities in Switzerland. It sits on the banks of Lake Lucerne.
Liechtenstein is a small country to the east of Switzerland. It is one of the smallest countries in the world.
Bern
Chateau de Chillon is a castle located on a small island in the eastern part of Lake Geneva.
Interlaken is a popular tourist destination because it is considered to be the gateway to the Swiss Alps.
Lauterbrunnen is one of the most picturesque villages in all of Europe. It is one of the main tourist destinations in Switzerland.
Lucerne sits between Zurich and Bern so it could be a great home base in Switzerland or a great trip to make if you decide to visit Bern or Zurich.
Overall
Geneva, Zurich, and Bern are three of the four largest cities in Switzerland. All three cities offer very unique experiences compared to each other. Geneva is home to some of the world’s largest international organizations, is mainly influenced by the French, and has a beautiful setting on Lake Geneva. Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and has the best nightlife in Switzerland. Bern is the unofficial capital of the country and is quite laid back compared to Geneva or Zurich.
If you are trying to decide what is the best city to visit in Switzerland, all three cities will impress you. Ultimately, you need to decide which aspects of a city intrigue you the most in order to make the choice best for you.
