Why a Switzerland city break should be on every agent's radar

There’s never a bad time for a European city break. Popular with a range of client types through all seasons of the year – you’ll likely have booked iconic destinations such as Paris, Barcelona and Rome. But for those customers who need help finding an urban escape with a difference, Switzerland’s overlooked cities offer a great alternative. 

With chocolate-box medieval centres, sophisticated dining and shopping experiences and surrounding lakes and mountains enhancing their urban beauty, Switzerland is home to some of Europe's best city escapes. Here, we deep dive into two of the county’s most vibrant metropolises – Geneva and Zurich – so you can begin selling Swiss city breaks with confidence. 

Get to know Geneva 

Geneva seamlessly blends vibrant urban charm with a breathtaking Alpine backdrop. Its compact, walkable layout makes it a great weekend getaway and an ideal base for day trips into the mountains. With the Geneva Transport Card offering free public transport throughout the city, clients can travel around effortlessly and optimise a shorter stay. 

Geneva’s charming Old Town, the largest historical area in Switzerland, overlooks Lake Geneva and is centred around the 12th-century St Pierre Cathedral. It’s also home to a network of hidden tunnels and passageways, including the Passage de Monetier, which opens to the public during the annual Escalade Festival (December). 

©GenèveTourisme / ©www.geneve.com

Surrounded by castles, harbours and vineyards, Lake Geneva offers a stunning setting, with boat trips via Belle Epoque boats a top way to experience its clear blue waters. Other waterfront landmarks also include the Jet d'Eau fountain, and popular seaside resort Bains des Paquis perfect for swimming.  

To experience an excellent food scene, direct clients to the two Michelin star restaurant L'Atelier Robuchon. For authentic Swiss fondue and raclette, Le Gruyerien, Au Petit Chalet or The Cafe du Soleil are some of the city’s top choices. 

For the luxury travellers or couples opting for a wellness-focused getaway, hotels La Reserve Geneve or The Woodward contains quality spas The Nescens and Guerlain offering a range of wellness suites and treatments. 

Zip around Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland's largest city offers another unique combination of history, nature and culture, all within a convenient 10-minute train journey from Zurich Airport. 

Clients can begin their stay by exploring Altstadt (Zurich's Old Town), where cobbled streets, historic architecture and inviting cafes create a charming introduction to the city. Another highlight is Lindenhof, Zurich's oldest public green space overlooking the city, and where travellers and locals can enjoy games of giant chess!

Switzerland Tourism / Jan Geerk

Luxury travellers will enjoy the downtown area of Bahnhofstrasse, a renowned shopping avenue blending international and Swiss luxury brands. Culture-seekers can also visit the museum of Kunsthaus Zurich, with centuries of art on display, including works from Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. Meanwhile, foodies looking to taste gourmet Swiss cuisine should head to the 100-year-old Kronenhalle restaurant, famous for its traditional Swiss dish Zurcher Geschnetzeltes, or head to the Blinde Kuh offers a more unusual dining experience, being the world's first ‘dining in the dark’ concept. 

For a dose of nature, clients can ride up via cable car to Uetliberg for panoramic views over Zurich. Summer is a great time to venture into the mountains, with popular activities including hikes and mountain bike tours. Those who might not have the head for heights can enjoy the Alpine surroundings on a scenic boat cruise, or dive straight in the fresh water for a rejuvenating and scenic swim.