When visiting Switzerland you can’t miss out on exploring Zurich (Switzerland’s largest city). Zurich is the perfect mix of old town charm and modern sophistication. It has a stunning lakeside setting with a super charming old town , luxury shops and a thriving cultural scene. From exploring the picturesque Old Town to indulging in Swiss specialties at cosy restaurants, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on cruising Lake Zurich. With its stunning parks, cultural attractions, and bustling nightlife, Zurich is a must-visit destination and I think you will love it!

Things to see & do there:

🌸Explore the beautiful Old Town (Altstadt)

💦Stroll the Limmat River

📸Visit the Grossmünster

🌅Visit Lindenhof Hill at sunset 

⛪️Visit St. Peter’s Church

☕️Grab a coffee at Hotel Storchen Terrasse

📸Explore the Swiss National Museum

🛍️ Go shopping in Niederdorf

⛴️ Boat ride on Lake Zurich

🥐Babu’s bakery & coffee Zurich

🍽️ Dinner at Marguita

🚞 For panoramic views of Zurich and the Alps, take a trip to Uetliberg Mountain. You can hike or take a train up to the summit, where observation towers and restaurants offer beautiful vistas.

🫕Enjoy Swiss cuisine and traditional dishes including fondue, raclette, and rösti at local restaurants. Popular spots include Zeughauskeller and Raclette Stube.

📌Budget tip: I recommend getting a to-go pizza and grabbing some delicious Swiss chocolates. Find a spot along the waterfront to enjoy it!

🚞Day Trips from Zurich:

Rapperswil: Known as the "Town of Roses," is charming town just a short boat or train ride away. Visit the medieval castle and enjoy the lakeside views here.

Rhine Falls: Europe's largest waterfall, located near the town of Schaffhausen, is a spectacular natural wonder just an hour away from Zurich.

Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi: Both mountains offer fantastic hiking and stunning views. You can reach them by a combination of train and cable car or boat.

Bern, Switzerland's capital, is a gem of European history, culture, and scenic beauty. Known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, rich cultural scene, and striking architecture, Bern is a captivating mix of tradition and modernity.

📝Things to do in Bern:

🌸Explore Bern’s Old Town:

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town is a stunning blend of medieval charm and modern life. Its long, covered arcades (called Lauben) stretch for six kilometres, making it one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. Exploring the Old Town’s winding streets, fountains, and clock towers is like stepping into a storybook.

📸The Zytglogge Clock Tower

One of Bern’s most iconic landmarks, the Zytglogge is a 13th-century clock tower adorned with an elaborate astronomical clock. At the top of each hour, you can watch a mechanical show featuring figurines that come to life. You can also tour of the Zytglogge reveals the clock’s inner workings and offers insight into Bern’s history. (Ticket: CHF 20)

⭐️Top tip: As part of tour you will have the chance to climb 130 steps to the top, where you will reach a lookout platform and experience stunning views of Bern’s old city and beyond.

🛍️Kramgasse:

This long, bustling street is home to many of Bern’s 16th-century fountains, each with unique statues representing various themes and characters. The arcades along Kramgasse house a variety of boutiques, cafes, and shops, perfect for leisurely exploring.

⛪️ Munster Cathedral :

The Cathedral of Bern is an impressive Gothic church located in central Bern. You will be able to climb up 344 stairs to the lookout point, where you can even admire views across the whole city of Bern, all the way to the snow-capped Alps, from the church’s tower. 

👟The Green Aare Walk:

The Green Aare Walk is an easy scenic walk along the banks of the Aare River where you can enjoy some of Switzerland’s most picturesque landscapes.

Duration: 2-4hrs

🚋Gurten Mountain:

Just a short tram ride from the city center, Gurten Mountain provides panoramic views of Bern and the Bernese Alps.You can take a funicular to the top, enjoy hiking trails, or picnic with views of the city.

🌹Rosengarten (Rose Garden):

This elevated park offers one of the best views of Bern’s Old Town. With over 200 varieties of roses and beautiful walking paths, it’s a lovely place to relax and take in the city’s atmosphere.

📚A perk of the Rosengaren is the open access library. Where you can borrow a book to read in the park free of charge and return at the end of the day .

🫕Fondue in a Gondola at Marzilibrucke Restaurant (Oct-Feb)

Marzilibrucke Restaurant provides a unique opportunity to try fondue in a ski gondola (or, you can choose to do so on solid ground also).

Be sure to book your gondola in advance because the experience is in high demand!

☕️Cafes in Bern:

Adriano’s Bar & Café

Adriano’s Bar & Café is famous for its artisan coffee and stylish interior. Located in the heart of the Old Town on Theaterplatz, Adriano’s has a modern, cosy ambiance and serves high-quality, freshly roasted coffee sourced from around the world. The cafe’s dedication to quality coffee makes it a go-to spot. Try their espresso or cappuccino, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite.

Address: Theaterplatz 2, 3011 Bern

🥐Café des Pyrénées

A vintage charm and an ideal place for breakfast, a mid-morning coffee, or an afternoon pastry. With outdoor seating in summer, it’s also a great place for people-watching in the heart of the Old Town.

Address: Aarbergergasse 60, 3011 Bern

☕️Martha's Kitchen

Though slightly off the main tourist path, Martha’s Kitchen is worth a visit for rustic charm and excellent coffee. Located in an old stone building, Martha’s has a small but cosy interior and offers a selection of artisanal coffee drinks and fresh-baked goods.

Address: Brunngasse 36, 3011 Bern

Things to know:

🧀Märit Münstergasse

Münstergasse Market: There is a lively street market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce, cheeses, and handcrafted items. It’s a great place to pick up authentic Swiss products.

Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is a hotspot for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Known for its range of activities like paragliding, white water rafting, and skydiving, this Swiss gem offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Whether you're exploring the charming old town, cruising on the crystal-clear waters, or hitting the slopes in winter, Interlaken promises an unforgettable experience for all.

📝Places I recommend :

Albert Schild AG (wood carving shop perfect for gifts)

Vanini (best gelato shop)

Funky chocolate ( chocolate shop & workshop)

Visit the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

A trip to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe,” is one of the highlights of any visit to Interlaken. The journey involves taking the Jungfrau Railway, which climbs to 3,454m above sea level, offering breathtaking views along the way. Once at the top, you can explore an ice palace, walk along the Aletsch Glacier (the largest glacier in the Alps), and enjoy stunning panoramic views from the Sphinx Observation Deck. It's an unforgettable experience, providing a true sense of the grandeur of the Swiss Alps.

Explore Harder Kulm for Panoramic Views

For one of the best viewpoints in the region, head up to Harder Kulm. A short funicular ride from Interlaken takes you up to the summit, where you’ll find a panoramic restaurant and a viewing platform that extends over the edge, providing stunning views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the surrounding mountains. The sunset views from Harder Kulm are particularly impressive!

Take a Scenic Train Ride to Schynige Platte

The Schynige Platte railway offers access to an area filled with incredible trails and mountain views. This historic cogwheel train departs from Wilderswil and slowly climbs to Schynige Platte, where you’ll find a charming mountain hotel, a botanical alpine garden, and multiple hiking trails. From here, the views of the Jungfrau massif are truly spectacular. It’s an ideal spot if you’re looking to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps at a slower pace.

I hope you enjoy your time in Interlaken.

Camping Seegärtli in Brienz offers a cosy and idyllic camping experience right by the beautiful Brienzersee. With stunning views of the lake and mountains, this family-run campground is a favourite. Open from May to October, reservations can be made by phone starting on May 1st. Booking is essential and trust me it’s SO worth it!