Northern Switzerland

Travel Guide

Appenzell
St. Gallen
Zurich
Northern Switzerland
Northern Switzerland

Walk around the lake in the country’s largest municipality and visit the Old Towns of this region’s historic and cultural cities.

Northern Switzerland is a cultural haven, comprising some of the country’s most cosmopolitan cities and picturesque countryside. While its southern counterpart is renowned for ski resorts, this area contains several of the nation’s largest cities, with some of the country’s most impressive architecture.

Spend time in the industrial, economic and cultural hub of ZurichOpens in a new window. Snow-capped mountains surround Switzerland’s largest city, which has an Old Town that is among Europe’s greatest treasures. Gaze up at the Charles Tower of GrossmünsterOpens in a new window church, visit the Helmhaus gallery along the river and see Marc Chagall’s stained-glass windows in the FraumünsterOpens in a new window church.

Follow the Limmatquai riverside promenade and stroll along the main shopping strip, the BahnhofstrasseOpens in a new window. Try the Lake Promenade for views of Lake ZurichOpens in a new window. Dress warm for freezing winters and expect pleasant, warm summer days.

At the lake’s southeastern end is the enchanting village of Rapperswil-Jona. Admire the majestic architecture of the Rapperswil Castle and visit the Rapperswil-Jona Municipal Museum.

Northeast of Zurich is the multicultural former industrial town of Winterthur. Visit some of its many museums and galleries, such as the Winterthur Museum of Photography and the Winterthur Natural History Museum.

Continue north to the town of Schaffhausen, where you will find the Rhine Falls. The cascades are 490 feet (150 meters) wide and 75 feet (23 meters) high.

Drive west from Zurich for about 1 hour to reach BaselOpens in a new window, known for its many galleries and museums. It has a wonderful Old Town, with highlights such as the Basel Cathedral and its plaza, Münsterplatz. The city has an exciting atmosphere and great food. Try local cheese-and-onion tarts and gingerbread biscuits. Hike through the picturesque terrain of Arlesheim to see churches and castles.

The region makes up the northern part of this relatively small Western European country. It shares borders with Germany, France, Liechtenstein and Austria. Fly to international airports in BernOpens in a new window or ZurichOpens in a new window and travel around the country via excellent rail links.

Visit Northern Switzerland to find some of Europe’s most cultured and historic towns.

Where to stay in Northern Switzerland

Old Town which includes night scenes and a bay or harbor

Old Town Zürich

5/5(3 area reviews)

Old Town Zürich is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like St. Peter Church and Bahnhofstrasse. See more of Zürich by jumping on the metro at Paradeplatz Tram Stop or Rennweg Tram Stop.

Old Town Zürich
Lindenhof featuring a city, a river or creek and a house

Zürich Center

5/5(1 area review)

While you're in Zürich Center, take in top sights like Lindenhof or Swiss Casinos Zurich, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Rennweg Tram Stop or Sihlstrasse Tram Stop.

Zürich Center
Basel featuring modern architecture

Basel City Centre

Museums, art galleries, and historic sites highlight some notable features of Basel City Centre. Make a stop by Basler Muenster or Munsterplatz while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Marktplatz Tram Stop or University Tram Stop to get around town.

Basel City Centre
Museum Rietberg

District 2

Lake views, spas, and gardens highlight some notable features of District 2. Make a stop by Museum Rietberg or FIFA World Football Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Morgental Tram Stop or Butzenstrasse Tram Stop to get around town.

District 2
Spiral staircase in the Volkshaus #architecture. Zurich really has so many interesting staircases !

Langstrasse

Noted for its bars and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Langstrasse. Top attractions like Helvetia Square and Bernard Jordan Gallery are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Helvetiaplatz Tram Stop or Backeranlage Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Langstrasse
Default Image

Niederdorf

5/5(1 area review)

Visitors often come to Niederdorf for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Central Library Zurich and Polybahn Funicular. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Rudolf-Brun-Brucke Station.

Niederdorf
Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport
Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport
4.5 out of 5
Zurich Airport, Kloten, ZH
The price is P12,275 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P12,275
P13,237 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kloten. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (447 reviews)
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Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport
Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich
Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich
4 out of 5
Thurgauerstrasse 116, Opfikon, Zurich
The price is P10,024 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P10,024
P10,901 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Opfikon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (587 reviews)
"The rooms are very spacious - with a small kitchen. However, there was no phone in the room. The air conditioning was not working properly and there was no way to call the front desk. Also, the only restaurant is an attached Italian restaurant whose prices were high. The room was definitely ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich
4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
The price is P13,093 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P13,093
P14,086 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,248 reviews)
"It was a great place to stay in Zurich with a nice view of the river. Everything we needed or wanted to do was a quick walk so we did a fun walking tour of the city. Check in and check out were quite easy. I was tickled my the “shower in the bedroom”."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Ruby Mimi Zurich
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in
City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in
4 out of 5
Militarstrasse 106, Zürich
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Swiss National Museum ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (74 reviews)
"Great location. Very clean. Great location"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in
Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
4 out of 5
Stampfenbachstrasse 60, Zürich
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (270 reviews)
"Good service and staff. Parking is more bureaocratic than German government"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
Swiss Star Tower
Swiss Star Tower
3 out of 5
Friesstrasse 8, Oerlikon, Zürich
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Hallenstadion and Zoo Zurich are ...
5.8/10 (250 reviews)
"Great and convenient."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025

Swiss Star Tower
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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