Basel

A thriving metropolis on the Rhine, Basel is a city of contrasts where tradition meets innovation. Many visitors will be drawn to Basel Old Town where buildings from the 15th century sit alongside those designed by contemporary architects. During the summer months this is best taken in from the Rhine where locals and tourists enjoy leaping into the refreshing water and relaxing with a drink at one of Basel’s popular riverside kiosks known as buvettes.

Bern

With its Unesco-listed old town, the Swiss capital is one of the country’s most attractive cities. The main draw for many visitors is sightseeing, particularly in the old town with its vaulted cellars home to studios, bars and shops, and sights including the Zytglogge clock tower, the cathedral and many historic fountains. Other highlights include Parliament House – the centre of Swiss democracy – and the river Aare that encircles the city.

Geneva

Geneva is an international city, home to the European headquarters of the United Nations. Its landmark, the Jet d’eau, is an impressive fountain that shoots 140m into the sky and can be admired from the shores of Lake Geneva. Visitors can explore the old town and take in the Cathedral of St Peter or venture to the nearby town of Carouge – reminiscent of an Italian village – or the Geneva wine region.

Lucerne

The perfect hub for excursions into the region around Lake Lucerne, this city is a powerhouse in its own right. Chapel Bridge is the highlight – considered the oldest covered bridge in Europe. It features pictorial panels with scenes of Swiss history and passes the city’s iconic water tower. During summer, the lakeside swimming pool is an inviting option while the fjord-like landscape of the lake itself is best explored by boat.

Sion

Set in the sunny Rhone Valley, Sion is characterised by its fortress hills and a medieval old town. A vibrant city, with dozens of small shops, restaurants and terraces inviting visitors to bask in the sun at any time of year. As well as taking in the castles, market and museums, visitors will find themselves in the gateway to the Valais region where they can sample wines in the vineyards themselves.

St Gallen

Up in Switzerland’s north east, St Gallen is close to the Alpstein mountains and Lake Constance but is also well worth a visit for its historical and cultural sights. The Abbey District is a highlight with its Baroque cathedral and the Abbey Library with its opulent rococo hall. Visitors can also explore the car-free old town with its 111 oriel windows, the Textile Museum and Drei Weieren (Three Ponds).

Thun

Whether it’s strolling through the enchanting old town or exploring mystical Thun Castle, visitors to this city, in the Bern region, will be struck by its beauty. The medieval old town features wooden bridges and locks and centres around the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square), which hosts a Saturday market selling regional specialities. At Lake Thun visitors can hike the mountains of the Bernese Oberland or take a boat across the crystal blue waters.

Zurich

Set on the edge of Lake Zurich with a vibrant range of bars, cafes and restaurants and the famous shopping street – the Bahnhofstrasse, Switzerland’s largest city is a bustling metropolis surrounded by nature. Visitors can explore the old town, the Grossmunster church and the Munsterbrucke bridge and of course, take a tour of, or dip in, the lake. The Limmat River, which flows through the city, also features an array of swimming spots.

Don't forget, the Swiss Travel Pass is the key to trouble-free travel by public transport throughout Switzerland. With a single ticket visitors can travel three, four, six, eight or fifteen days throughout the entire country by train, bus and boat.