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

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Old Town Zürich

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Bahnhofstrasse to Fraumuenster – discover Old Town Zürich, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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

Zürich Center

4/5(2 area reviews)

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

Zürich Center
Basel showing modern architecture

Basel City Centre

4/5(87 area reviews)

Museums, art galleries and historical sites highlight some notable features of Basel City Centre. Make a stop by Basler Muenster or Basel Cathedral 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
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Langstrasse

4/5(24 area reviews)

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
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Niederdorf

4.5/5(64 area reviews)

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 take a ride at Rudolf-Brun-Brucke Station.

Niederdorf
Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG
Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG
4 out of 5
420 Badenerstrasse, Zürich, ZH
The price is S$215 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$215
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Excellent gym
"Friendly and helpful front desk staff. An excellent gym."

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG
Ruby Mimi Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich
4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
The price is S$336 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$336
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (1,249 reviews)
"Excelente hotel en el centro de Zürich"

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Ruby Mimi Zurich
Novotel Zurich City West
Novotel Zurich City West
4 out of 5
Schiffbaustrasse 13, Am Turbinenplatz, Zürich, ZH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$385 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
S$385
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Good: Lobby, Breakfast, clean hallways and rooms. Needs improvement: staff serving breakfast needs more training on how to interact with guests Suggestions: As the room pricing is on the higher side, it would be better if breakfast is included."

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Novotel Zurich City West
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! (85 reviews)
"Hotel was clean and relatively easy to check in. However I had read that this location had luggage storage/room that locked with your room code durin your stay and that was not the case. I tried to communicate this with them but they didn’t seem to get it."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (273 reviews)
"Great location within 10 min walk of the main train station. Lots of places to eat in the neighborhood. Rooms were clean and the beds were comfortable. AC in the room does not cool below 20 C so it gets a little hot."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
INSIDE FIVE City Apartments
INSIDE FIVE City Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Motorenstrasse 11, Zürich
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, an area shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Swiss National Museum and ETH Zurich ...
7.4/10 Good! (407 reviews)
"Modern apartment in a prime central location with easy access to trains and buses. The one-bedroom layout was spacious enough for our family of four. The kitchen was well stocked, and having a laundry room in the basement was a big plus. The only downside was that the bedroom didn’t have good air ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jun, 2025

INSIDE FIVE City Apartments
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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