Best Swiss City Walking Tours & Easy City Break Itineraries

Switzerland is famous for its mountains, but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t have some of your most memorable moments while visiting Switzerland, wandering through historic old towns, following riverside paths, and discovering cities that are made for exploring on foot.

Swiss cities are compact, beautifully kept, and surprisingly easy to navigate. You don’t need a car, you don’t need weeks of planning, and you don’t need to rush. Whether you have a few hours between trains, a long weekend, or you’re adding a city stop to a Swiss hiking holiday, walking tours are one of the best ways to experience Switzerland’s cities.

In this growing guide, I’ve brought together our favourite Swiss city walking tours — all tried and tested — starting with Zürich, Bern and Lucerne. Each city includes a self-guided route you can follow at your own pace, plus ideas for guided experiences if you prefer exploring with a local.

You also find day trips from these cities to some of the most amazing places in Switzerland.

This post will continue to evolve as we add more walkable Swiss cities, making it an easy, practical resource whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with children. Think of it as your go-to starting point for planning relaxed, rewarding Swiss city breaks — one step at a time.

If you have no time to read, don’t worry just PIN them for when you need them.

Why Swiss Cities Are Perfect for Walking Tours

Switzerland might be known for efficiency, but that doesn’t mean its cities feel rushed. In fact, they’re ideal for exploring on foot due to their very manageable sizes.

Here’s why walking tours work so well here:

• Historic old towns are compact and mostly car-free
• Distances between highlights are short and make it ideal for families
• Public transport makes it easy to start and finish anywhere
• Swiss Cities are clean, safe, and family-friendly
• You can mix culture, food, viewpoints and nature in one day

Whether you’re visiting Switzerland for the first time or adding a city stop to a Swiss mountain hiking holiday, Swiss city walking tours give you a nice mix and insights of Switzerland.

A Perfect Accommodation within the City – Zürich, Bern or Lucerne

Sometimes it’s perfect to choose one base and explore Switzerland from there. And honestly, Switzerland is made for this kind of travel. Whether you stay right in the heart of a city or just on the outskirts, you’ll find plenty of great accommodation options to suit every style and budget.

Pair that with a Swiss Travel Pass and getting around becomes completely stress-free. Switzerland’s public transport system is genuinely impressive — trains, buses and boats connect even the smallest places, and everything runs like clockwork.

Travel Suggestions
Open the map, see what feels right for your trip, and book the accommodation that suits you best. I usually book through Booking.com, mainly because many places offer free cancellation, which is incredibly helpful if plans change (and let’s be honest… they often do).

Car Rental or Public Transport?

If you’re planning to stay mostly in cities, I wouldn’t even bother renting a car because the public transport system in Switzerland is excellent and incredibly easy to use.

My recommendation, especially if you’re planning to visit more than one city, is to get yourself a Swiss Travel Pass. It allows you to hop on trains, buses and even boats without constantly worrying about buying tickets. In some regions, cable cars are either included or offered at a discounted rate, which is a nice bonus.

Even travelling with children is refreshingly simple. Children up to 6 years old are free if accompanied by a parent.

Children between 6 and 15 years can have a Junior Travel Card at a small cost, and they are free again! It’s one of the reasons Switzerland is a great country for travelling families.

That said, if you’re planning to explore more off-the-beaten-path places or prefer complete flexibility without checking timetables, renting a car might make more sense. When we do hire a car, we usually book through DiscoverCars — they offer a wide range of vehicles and consistently come out with some of the best prices.

Zürich Walking Tour – One Perfect Day in the City

Zürich is often seen as Switzerland’s financial hub, but there’s far more to it than banks and business suits.

On foot, you’ll discover:

• A charming old town close to the lake shore
• Historic guild houses and hidden courtyards
• Panoramic viewpoints over the city at many corners
• Lakeside paths perfect for a relaxed stroll
• Restaurants you only find in cities

Zürich is ideal if you want a mix of culture and local life, with cafés, playgrounds, museums and swimming spots all within easy reach.

Read the full guide here including a walking map:
One Day in Zürich – a self-guided walking tour covering all the highlights

This route works beautifully for:

• First-time visitors
• Families with kids
• A long layover or city break
• Travel through quick stop

Check out our Zürich walking tour map by clicking on the map.

Day Trips from Zürich

Zürich is another good city to consider as a base for your travel itinerary through Switzerland. Thanks to its central location and fast train connections, you can reach the Alps, lakes and historic towns surprisingly quickly.

When in Zürich, day trips open up access to some of Switzerland’s most famous places, including Grindelwald and the Bernese Oberland. And doing everything without a car is completely effortless thanks to a Swiss Travel Pass.

Popular Day Trips from Zürich

Some of these great options are:

• Grindelwald, Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen Day Trip – classic Alpine scenery & mountain villages. You can read the over 7000 reviews which has given this tour a solid 4.6 star rating. Sometimes, to let someone taking over the organisation so you can just sit back and relax is the best way to explore.
• Lucerne, Engelberg & Titlis Day Trip – Chapel Bridge, Lake Views & Charming Old Town. Another epic tour which brings you into the heart of Switzerland. Let the over 3000 reviews speak for itself.
• Rhine Falls from Zürich – Europe’s largest waterfall, easy and family-friendly. A 4 hours trip from Zürich including entry tickets for a very affordable price.
• Mount Pilatus & Lucerne – Snow Experiences & Panoramic Views combines with the beautiful city of Lucerne. Another 4.7 star rating tour from Zürich with excellent reviews.
• Rapperswil (Town of Roses) – A relaxed Lakeside escape on Lake Zürich

Guided City Tours in Zürich

If you prefer discovering a city with a local guide, Zürich offers a wide range of guided city tours that go beyond the obvious highlights.

Popular options include:

• Guided Old Town Walking Tour – ideal for first-time visitors and if you only have a short amount of time.
• Zürich Food & Chocolate Tour – a great way to experience local flavours and see the best Zürich has to be proud off.
• Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates

Guided tours are a lovely option if you want deeper insight, hidden stories, or simply enjoy having everything organised for you.

Bern Walking Tour – 2 Hours Through Switzerland’s Capital

Bern is a city which surprises almost everyone. It is less populated than Zürich, smaller, quieter and most of all beautiful.

The old town itself is part of the  UNESCO heritage list, and walking under the famous arcades feels like taking a walk back in time.

On a short walking tour, you’ll see:

• Medieval Streets and Clock Towers
• The iconic Zytglogge
• Views down to the turquoise Aare River
• Quiet corners that feel like worlds away from busy capitals

The thing that makes Bern a special place is the ease in which it can be experienced. It does not require a free day to visit, making it great for visiting between places.

Follow our route here:
A 2-hour self-guided walking tour through Bern’s old town

Bern works particularly well for:

• Short stop
• Travelling with children
• Combining culture with a relaxed pace

It is also a great city to explore on a history-focused group or guided tour.

Check out our Bern walking tour map by clicking on the map.

Day Trips from Bern

Bern is in the very heart of the country, which makes it an excellent base from which to take day trips. Lucerne, the Bernese Oberland and even the edge of the Swiss Alps are all just a short train ride away.

With the Swiss Travel Pass, exploring has never been easier. Hop on the train, sit back, relax and enjoy the trip — Switzerland really does make day trips easy!

Thanks to its central location, the possibilities for day trips from Bern appear almost endless. For every interest, whether mountain, lake, or culture, there’s always something on offer.

Popular Day Trips from Bern

Here are some great ideas to consider:

• Lucerne – Mount Rigi Trip – an absolute classic
• Interlaken & Lake Thun Day Trip – great for alpine scenery and turquoise water
• Choose Grindelwald and the Beatus Caves – for mountain scenery and a hidden cave.
• Thun Old Town & Castle, Interlaken – picturesque lakeside town with medieval charm
• Gruyères & Swiss Chocolate Experience – favourite with families and food enthusiasts.

Guided City Tours in Bern

If you prefer to explore  the city with a the help of a local tour guide, the city of Bern has some wonderful guides tours of the city to explore.

Popular options include:

• Guided Old Town Walking Tour – ideal for first-timers. This only takes 90 minutes
• Bern Chocolate Tasting Tour – blending sweet flavours with a bit of history. Perfect for families
• Zytglogge Tower Tour – Learn about the impressive tower from the 1300s

Guided tours may be an excellent choice for you if you are short of time or if you would like to get more information without having to plan and organise everything yourself.

Lucerne Walking Tour – Old Town, Lake & Views

Usually, it is Lucerne that captures the heart of the people, and for a very good reason.

It combines:

• A postcard-perfect old town
• The famous Chapel Bridge
• Lake Lucerne right at your feet
• Mountain views in every direction

All is compact; hence, Lucerne is a dream destination for walkers, even when accompanied by kids or when time is short.

Explore the route here:
A self-guided Lucerne walking tour covering old town, lakefront and viewpoints

Lucerne is also one of the easiest cities to visit in combination with day trips; Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus, or a lake cruise are perfect additions to a 3-day itinerary

This makes it an excellent base if you want:

• A scenic city experience
• Easy access to nature
• A mix of walking and relaxed sightseeing

Check out our Lucerne walking tour map by clicking on the map.

Day Trips from Lucerne

Lucerne is one of the best cities in Switzerland for day trip exploration, as it offers extremely easy access to some of the country’s most iconic locations.

From Lucerne, you can quickly reach various mountains viewpoints, mountain settlements, and lakes within a short time, sometimes even without having to change trains. Using a Swiss Travel Pass, going on day trips are easy, flexible and hassle-free.

Popular Day Trips from Lucerne

Here are some great options to look into:

• Mount Pilatus Day Trip – Cable Cars, Cogwheel Trains and Panoramic Views
• Mount Rigi Day Trip –hikes, views and thermal baths
• Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise – a relaxed way to explore the region by boat
• Engelberg & Mount Titlis – snow experiences & Glacier views
• Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland – beautiful mountain landscapes and adventure sports destinations

Read our guide to some of the coolest day trips from Lucerene

Guided City Tours in Lucerne

It is no wonder, then, that Lucerne’s small old town is perfect for a guided city tour, whether to learn more about the place and its customs.

Popular guided experiences include:

• Guided Old Town Walking Tour – exploring Chapel Bridge, the Musegg Wall, and other hidden locations
• Lucerne Food & Wine Tours – blending food with storytelling
• Themed History Tours – which focus on medieval Lucerne and Swiss legends
• Private or Small-Group City Tours – ideal for personalised experience

Guided tours are a good option if you want to see the main sights in a short amount of time and also gain deep insights into the city’s past and present.

Self-Guided vs Guided Walking Tours in Switzerland

Both of these options work brilliantly in the Swiss cities — it really depends on how you like to travel.

Self-guided walking tours

Perfect if you:

• Like the pace of movement there
• Are travelling with children
• Want flexibility for stops for food and playgrounds
• Whenever possible, prefer the free/low-cost alternative

Our self-guided routes are designed to be clear, manageable and enjoyable without feeling rushed.

Guided walking tours

A great choice if you:

• Want more historical insight
• Love stories and local anecdotes about a place
• Have limited time
• Would you rather have everything organised for you?

How to link up Zürich, Bern & Lucerne into One Trip

One of the biggest advantages of Switzerland is how easy it is to move between cities.

Here’s one easy way to put all three together:

• Day 1: Zürich. If you arrive at Zürich airport and have some time before heading to your next destination, you could easily visit Zürich in one day.
• Day 2: Lucerne. I would definitely stay one or two days in Lucerne. There are plenty of day trips from Lucerne and you want a good full day in the city as well.
• Day 3: Bern. If you just like to get a feel of the city, plan a 2 hours stop in Bern and use our self guided walking tour.

Train travel is efficient, picturesque, and stressless. You don’t need a car, and stations are usually right in or near the old town.

This route works well for:

• A long weekend
• The start or end of a Swiss  travel itinerary
• Families wanting variety without constant packing

Best Season of the Year for Swiss City Walking Tours

Walking tours work year-round, but each season has its own charm:

• Spring: comfortable temperatures, less tourists
• Summer: lake side walks, swimming spots, long evenings
• Autumn: colourful trees, cosy cafés, great for photography
• Winter: Christmas markets, festive lights, quieter streets, snow sport

If you’re travelling with children, spring and summer tend to be the easiest — but winter city trips can be surprisingly magical. Closer you’re getting to Christmas every city in Switzerland will have some kind of Christmas market ready. But they come with a lot more crowd. Keep this in mind.

Personally avoid just before Christmas. I have done several cities during this time and the crowd is just insane.

Final Tips for Exploring Swiss Cities on Foot

A few practical things that make a big difference:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are common)
• Bring layers — weather can change quickly
• Carry snacks if travelling with kids
• Don’t overplan — Swiss cities reward slow exploration
• Combine walking tours with playgrounds, cafés and viewpoints

Ready to Explore Switzerland’s Cities?

Of course, Zürich, Bern, and Lucerne each have their own unique personality, but they allso share one big major advantage: they’re incredibly easy to explore on foot. There is no better way to get a sense of the rhythm of everyday life, understand the history, and observe all those things that would otherwise pass unnoticed, than by walking around.

You can start with just one city or link several together, Switzerland’s famous public transport system, will make such travel super easy and effortless.

Choose a base that suits your itinerary, pick up a Swiss Travel Pass, and let the journey unfold naturally.

Whether you prefer the freedom of a self-guided walking tour or the ease of a guided experience, Swiss cities are so much more than just a place to pass through. In fact, they should be on any Swiss travel itinerary, because often they are the places that end up surprising you the most.

FAQ For Swiss City Visits

What is the best city walking tour in Switzerland?

Switzerland has several excellent city walking tours, but Zürich, Bern and Lucerne are among the best thanks to their compact old towns, walkable streets and easy public transport. All three cities can be explored comfortably on foot in just a few hours.

Can you explore Swiss cities without a car?

Yes, Swiss cities are ideal to explore without a car. Public transport is reliable and efficient, and most historic centres are pedestrian-friendly. With a Swiss Travel Pass, you can move between cities and attractions easily using trains, buses and boats.

Are self-guided walking tours worth it in Switzerland?

Self-guided walking tours work very well in Switzerland, especially in cities like Zürich, Bern and Lucerne. They allow you to explore at your own pace, stop when you want and are particularly practical for families or travellers with limited time.

Is Switzerland good for city breaks?

Switzerland is excellent for city breaks. Cities are close together, easy to reach by train and offer a mix of history, culture, lakes and nearby mountains. Even a short trip can include multiple cities without feeling rushed.

What is the best base city to explore Switzerland?

Zürich, Bern and Lucerne all make great base cities. Zürich offers fast connections across the country, Bern sits centrally for day trips, and Lucerne provides easy access to lakes and mountains. The best base depends on whether you prefer cities, nature or a mix of both.

Are guided city tours in Switzerland worth it?

I love a good guided city tour. It guides you to places not everybody would go to and the knowledge of a local guide is priceless.

Definitely do consider a guided city tours in Switzerland if you want deeper insight into local history, culture and hidden details. They’re especially useful for first-time visitors or those short on time, as they cover highlights efficiently.

Is Switzerland family-friendly for city travel?

Switzerland is very family-friendly for city travel. Cities are safe, clean and easy to navigate, and public transport offers excellent options for families, including free travel for young children and discounted passes.

I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when you’re planning a trip to Switzerland whilst exploring the beautiful cities Bern, Zürich and Lucerne on a walking tour.

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

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