Zurich is Switzerland's clean, wealthy city of lakeside promenades and chocolate. Lucerne and the Alps are easy day trips on punctual trains; summer swims in the lake and cozy winter fondue add variety.
Month by month
Best: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
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Avoid Poor OK Good Excellent Peak
How long to stay
2–4 days is the sweet spot.
Flight time
About 8.5h from the US East Coast, 1.5h from Europe, 9h from South Asia.
Good to know
- Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for trains, boats and many museums.
- Tap water is excellent; fountains throughout the city are drinkable.
- Shops close early and on Sundays.
Plan a trip to Zurich & Lucerne
Pick your dates and Offdays builds a day-by-day itinerary from Zurich & Lucerne's best places.
Destination