Travelling Simply

Travel recommendations, ideas and observations from two simple travellers

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Montreux on Lake Geneva

You’ll love Montreux, Switzerland’s hidden gem

12/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

We drove along a road lined with vineyards on one side and, below us, a lake with mountain vistas on the other. Definitely not something we expected to find on our visit to Switzerland. We were winding our way along the 30km of terraced vineyards that make up the Lavaux Valley towards Montreux. Like us, you’ll love Montreux, Switzerland’s hidden gem!

Montreux, Switzerland's hidden gem
Montreux, Switzerland’s hidden gem

We stumbled on the spectacular lakeside town of Montreux by chance when looking for somewhere away from the Alps. Montreux was perfect!

Why you’ll love Montreux

Montreux is well known for its annual Jazz Festival.

What travellers don’t know is that it’s a wonderful place to visit at other times as well. Peaceful and low-key, it was the perfect place to relax and enjoy the lakeside and small towns of the nearby Lavaux Valley.

A haven for celebrities

Montreux’s laid-back atmosphere has been a magnet for celebrities since the early 19th century.

English poet Lord Byron lived in the town in 1816 and wrote the poem, The Prisoner of Chillon, after visiting the castle. It chronicles the imprisonment of a Genevois monk, François Bonivard.

Montreux became a drawcard for artists, writers and musicians in the 20th century. Tchaikovsky and Dame Joan Sutherland have stayed there, while American actor Charlie Chaplin lived there in a self-imposed exile for 25 years.

Following the establishment of the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967, the city began to attract rock musicians who recorded albums at the renowned Mountain Studios. Many, including David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, bought homes and lived there.

Things to do in Montreux

There are a myriad of tourist things to do while you’re in Montreux. Visiting the Queen’s Studio Experience Museum is just one of the activities you can indulge in. We preferred to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings by getting out and about to see why Montreux is so popular with Swiss holidaymakers.

Place du Marche

Place du MarchĂ© is the heart of Montreux’s waterfront. It’s the place where locals and tourists alike grab an ice cream and gather at the end of a summer evening to watch the sunset.

Sunset in Montreux, Switzerland
Sunset in Montreux

Freddie Mercury Statue

While you’re there, take the opportunity to strike a pose next to the Freddie Mercury Statue. The bronze statue stands looking over Lake Geneva. Freddie Mercury was a much-loved inhabitant of Montreux. He recorded his last Queen album in the lakeside city.

Freddie NMercury Statue on the lake front in Montreux, Swtizerland
Freddie Mercury Statue on the lakefront in Montreux, Switzerland

Take a morning walk along the Rue de Quai

Take a stroll along the Rue de Quai, and you will immediately realise why Montreux is known as the Pearl of Lake Geneva.

Sculpture on the shorefront of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Swtizerland
One of the many sculptures you’ll find on the shorefront in Montreux

The promenade is one of the best places to enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. As you walk, you’ll discover sculptures and artwork along the lakefront that complement the beautiful scenery.

Chillon Castle

The Château de Chillon is a must-see when you’re in Montreux. Walk along the promenade, admiring the stunning vistas, and suddenly you’ll see Chillon Castle sitting on the edge of Lake Geneva

Château de Chillon sits on Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland
Château de Chillon sits right on Lake Geneva, a short walk from Montreux

The 13th-century medieval castle, which sits on a rocky island at the edge of Lake Geneva, boasts towers with impressive views over the lake and out to the mountains.

More things to do

Visit the Lavaux Vineyards

While researching how to spend our time in Montreux, we were surprised to find that Switzerland produces wine. In fact, there are six wine regions in the country. The Lavaux Vineyards are the most coveted and spectacular. It’s a must-do if you’re in Montreux.

The terraced Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, let you immerse yourself in the vineyards and enjoy spectacular scenery. They sit right next to Lake Geneva.

Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Montreux, Switzerland
The terraced Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a must to visit when in Montreux

Walking through the Lavaux Vineyards is a must-do while in Montreux. This UNESCO World Heritage site features stunning terraced vineyards. The area is famous for producing excellent wines, particularly white varieties. There are 800 hectares of vineyards for you to walk or bicycle through.

Of course, there are lots of opportunities to sample some of Lavaux’s excellent white wines at the cellar doors and restaurants/cafes along the way.

Spend time in another charming town on Lake Geneva

Vevey is another charming town on Lake Geneva. We stopped in the town for lunch on the drive from Bern to Montreux. It provides another long promenade with beautiful vistas of Lake Geneva.

Swiss National Day celebrations in Vevey, Switzerland

Our visit to Vevey coincided with Switzerland’s National Day. At the height of summer, holidaymakers were enjoying themselves on the lakeside. We were treated to a band playing on the promenade while sitting on the stone wall, devouring an ice cream on a hot day.

Charlie Chaplin Statue

Charlie Chaplin statue in Vevey, Switzerland
Charlie Chaplin statue in Vevey, Switzerland

When strolling the promenade, you’ll find the Charlie Chaplin statue. Charlie Chaplin, a famous English actor, comedian and moviemaker, lived in Vevey with his family for the last 25 years of his life and is beloved by the town. His former home, set in a parklike setting, is now a museum dedicated to the great actor.

Look out for the Fork in the Water

As in Montreux, while walking along the promenade in Vevey, you’ll find a variety of sculptures and art installations. The installation that stands out most is the Fork in the Water.

Fork in the Water sculpture, Vevey, Switzerland

An 8 metre stainless steel form standing in the water on the shores of Lake Geneva. The sculpture was created in 1995 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Alimentarium, which is a food-themed museum in the town.

Continue walking from Montreux to Villeneuve

If you’re walking the lakeside promenade to Chillon Castle, consider continuing along the shoreline to the town of Villeneuve. In the summer, the gardens along the walkway are vibrant. There’s also a small swimming area. On the return journey, you’ll be treated to a view of Chillon Castle from another perspective.

Visit Lausanne on the way to Montreux

We took a detour on our drive from Bern to Montreux to visit Lausanne. Another city on Lake Geneva, it’s only 30km from Montreux. With a population of around 300,000, Lausanne is the fourth-largest city in Switzerland.

The city is known as the “Olympic Capital” because it is home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters. If you’re interested, there is an Olympic Museum, which we didn’t visit.

Instead, we spent our time in the old town and enjoyed the lakeside views. Highlights for us were:

  • Place de la Palud – a charming cobblestone square with its historic 16th-century buildings, and the beautiful fountain with the statue of justice.
Place de la Palud, Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne, better known as Lausanne Cathedral. The Gothic Cathedral sits on CitĂ© Hill in the medieval town, which is Lausanne’s major attraction and was constructed between 1170 and 1275.
Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Place du Chateau is one of the highest points in Lausanne. The castle of Sainte Marie sits discreetly in the square. Built in the early 15th century, the building now hosts the local government.
Castle of Sainte Marie in Place du Chateau, Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Montebenon Esplanade is often referred to as Lausanne’s “balcony”. It’s an enchanting walkway surrounded by flower gardens, a spectacular fountain and two impressive regal buildings: the Palais of Justice and the Casino de Montebenon. In addition, it has some of the best views of Lake Geneva.
Montebenon Esplanade, Lausanne, Switzerland

In case you’re interested

Our travels have taken us to other towns and cities in Switzerland, which we believe are worth visiting. Take a look at our recommendations by clicking on the links below.

Reasons why you should visit Bern, Switzerland's charming capital

Reasons why you should visit Bern, Switzerland’s charming capital

18/03/2026 / / 4 Comments

With so many beautiful places vying for your time when visiting Switzerland, it’s easy to skip the main cities for that spectacular mountain scenery. Surprisingly, we found Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, to be an amazing place to spend a few days. Read our reasons why you should visit Bern, Switzerland’s charming capital.

A little bit about Bern

Bern was founded in 1191 and joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353. The city became Switzerland’s capital city in 1848.

The city is built on a bend of the Aare River, and its old town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bern’s uniqueness is the conscious decision that was made to preserve the old town’s urban planning when building the new city around it.

In 1405, a fire destroyed most of the Old Town. What you see walking around the Altstadt today are the beautiful sandstone buildings, which replaced the wooden structures when the city was rebuilt.

Arriving in Bern

We drove into the city on a hot summer afternoon, passing scenes of city folk on floating devices or paddling in the Aare River. Our slow drive from Interlaken was punctuated by stops in the atmospheric towns and villages around Lake Thun, with an extended stay in the picturesque town of Thun.

Covered bridge in Thun, Switzerland
A covered bridge in Thun

By the time we had settled in, it was close to cocktail hour. A walk into town to find our bearings before a relaxed evening, complete with people-watching and finding a nice spot to sit and enjoy a cold beverage, was the plan. It would be a way to get an insight into the city. We would be out in earnest early the next day to really see Bern!

Our favourite things to do in Bern

We were disappointed to learn, a couple of hours before it was to start, that our walking tour of Bern had been cancelled. Luckily, we always research our destinations before we travel and have a good idea of what we would like to see. So, off we set on our own self-guided walk. Below are our favourite parts of the city to visit.

Bern Altstadt (Old Town)

The highlight of visiting Bern is spending time in its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Cobblestoned streets are lined with beautifully arcaded buildings with shops, cafes and bars occupying the ground floors.

Reasons why you should visit Bern, Switzerland's charming capital
Bern’s colourful Altstadt

Bern’s iconic fountains

One of Bern Altstadt’s features is its distinctive 16th-century fountains. Look out for them as you wander through the streets. There are 11 fountains dating back to the 16th century, as well as four that were built later. The renowned Swiss Renaissance sculptor, Hans Geing, made the older fountains. Each fountain features a statue of a real Bern personality or a piece of folklore from the city’s past.

One of the iconic fountains in the capital of Switzerland, Bern Altstadt
A couple of Bern’s iconic fountains
One of the iconic fountains in the capital of Switzerland, Bern Altstadt

Zytgogge

The tower of the Old Town’s western 12th-century city gate is one of Bern’s iconic structures. It houses the clock, which was added in 1530. The clock is one of the oldest in Switzerland, and the astronomical clock below has mechanical figures that appear on the hour, providing a little show for onlookers.

Bern Zytgotte and the astronomical clock in the 12th-century city gate of the Altstadt
Bern Zytgotte and the astronomical clock in the 12th-century city gate of the Altstadt

Bern Cathedral

Bern Minster (Cathedral) is Switzerland’s tallest cathedral.

The Minster was built gradually, with construction starting in 1421 and completed in 1893. This extended building process resulted in a combination of French and German Gothic styles being incorporated into the final building that you see today.

Bern Cathedral in the Swiss capital of Bern
Bern Cathedral with its towering spire

The 100 metre spire can be climbed over 344 steps for rewarding views of the Old Town and the Swiss Alps in the distance.

Inside the Minster, you’ll find 16th-century carved choir stalls, beautiful stained glass windows, sculptures and frescoes.

Rathausplatz

Bern Rathaus

Tucked away from Altstadt’s busy pedestrian zone is Rathausplatz. And, just a few steps away is the 600-year-old Town Hall building.

Bern Rathaus in Rathausplatz, Bern Switzerland
The ornate staircase of Bern’s Rathaus

The building is still used for Bern’s parliament and government meetings.

St Peter and Paul Church

Standing next to the Town Hall is the Church of St Peter and Paul. The church is the first Catholic Church to be built in Bern after the Reformation. Built in 1858, the church’s unique architecture combines Gothic and Romanesque styles.

St Peter and Paul Church in Rathausplatz, Bern, Switzerland
St Peter and Paul Church in Rathausplatz

Bundesplatz

Bundesplatz (Parliament Square) is the lively heart of Bern. Until 2003, the square was a large parking lot before it was transformed into an elegant square. Today, the square is a popular gathering place in the city, where major festivals are often held. If you happen to be there on a Tuesday or Saturday, you’ll find the square filled with market stalls.

We were fortunate to visit when Switzerland was celebrating its National Day. Marquees and food trucks were setting up when we went through the square on our morning walk.

When in the square, look out for the fountain. It has 26 jets, each one symbolising one of Switzerland’s Cantons.

Bundeshaus

The central feature of Bundesplatz is the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building) with its impressive architecture, including the central dome.

The Bundeshaus in Switzerland's capital city, Bern
The regal Bundeshaus

Unfortunately, we were unable to secure a guided tour inside because of the National Day Holiday. On the holiday, the public can visit without a booking, but the queues to enter were so long that we decided to make better use of our time. The interior is said to be more spectacular than the exterior facade. Free 60-minute guided tours are offered inside the building on non-session days. Tours are very popular and limited to 30 people on each tour. You will need to make a reservation in advance.

Bundesterrasse

Tucked behind the Bundeshaus is a little treasure that’s often missed by visitors to Bern.

Bundesterrasse is a long promenade with stunning views over the River Aare and another local gathering point. You’ll find locals catching up over an aperitif, reading or simply strolling along the promenade. It’s also a great spot to watch swimmers floating down the river on a hot summer afternoon.

A few more things

Rosengarten

A walk up the hill from Bern’s Altstadt will find you in the Rosengarten. It’s a tranquil spot to escape the city below.

Views over rhe Swiss capital of Bern from the Rosengarten
Views from the Rosengarten

You’ll find people enjoying a break on the park benches or wandering about, enjoying the rose gardens. The best in the park, though, is the terrace. It’s a wonderful place to sit on the stone wall and take in the panoramic view of the old town and beyond.

Capture the views from KirchenfeldbrĂĽcke

Views from KirchenfeldbrĂĽcke in Bern, Switzerland
Views from KirchenfeldbrĂĽcke

If you’re crossing the KirchnfeldbrĂĽcke to the museum district, stop halfway to look back at the Altstadt from another perspective.

City Bear Park

Bears have been part of Bern town since the 16th century. These days, bears are housed in a large park across the river from the Altstadt, close to the River Aare. The park is open to the public and free.

Where we stayed

We were fortunate to stay in a lovely apartment in the leafy embassy district of the city. The apartment was an easy 1km walk to the Altstadt; however, Bern has a wonderful free tram system. With the tram stop just a few metres away, we had the choice of walking or taking the tram to the centre of town when it was too hot.

We were able to explore a part of the city we would not have considered otherwise.

Our delightful host, Maxine and her husband lived on the ground floor of the apartment building, greeting us on arrival and waving us away on departure. They provided free on-site parking and upgraded us to a spacious, beautifully decorated four-bedroom apartment (there are only two of us).

Where we dined

Being an international destination, Switzerland offers travellers a variety of dining options. We enjoyed a delicious Thai meal at Three Kitchen and Bar on Rathausgasse, which we can highly recommend if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional Swiss cuisine when in Bern.

What we thought

Bern is not just Switzerland’s capital; it’s also one of its hidden gems. A beautiful city full of charm, history, and character, with plenty to see and do, we highly recommend including a stay in your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.

In case you’re interested

Our travels have taken us to other towns and cities in Switzerland, which we believe are worth visiting. Take a look at our recommendations by clicking on the links below.

Why you must include fascinating Zurich on your Swiss itinerary

You must include fascinating Zurich on your Swiss itinerary

17/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

The Swiss city of Zurich is renowned for being home to numerous banks and financial institutions. Being a global financial centre, this often deters travellers from spending time in the city. However, that should not prevent you from visiting the city. We made a point of staying in the city during our visit to Switzerland to explore what it had to offer. Read about why you must include fascinating Zurich on your Swiss itinerary.

A brief history of Zurich

Inhabited for over 2,000 years, the Romans founded the town of Zurich (originally called Turicum) in 15BC. It was the perfect location to oversee trade passing through the Alps.

The city grew into a market town in the 11th and 12th centuries, gaining further popularity with the construction of the FraumĂĽnster, a convent catering to aristocratic women. It attracted women from throughout Europe.

It was only at the end of the 19th century that the establishment of key banks in Zurich led to the city’s emergence as a major financial hub. The city previously known as the home of nuns and monks became home to bankers.

Why you must visit Zurich

The city’s long and diverse past makes it a fascinating place to visit. There is plenty to see and do. Set aside at least two days to explore the old town and enjoy the beautiful sights.

Our favourite things to do in Zurich

Visit Zurich’s Altstadt

Spanning both sides of the Limmat River, Zurich’s Altstadt is a warren of cobblestoned streets and alleyways to explore.

GrossmĂĽnster

Zurich's Grossmunster
The twin steeples of the Grossmunster

Standing proudly on the right bank of the Limmat is Zurich’s major landmark, the GrossmĂĽnster. The GrossmĂĽnster, a former monastery, is a pivotal site in the history of the Swiss Reformation. Take a look inside; the stained glass windows are particularly striking. For a price, you can also go up to the top of the tower to enjoy views over the Altstadt and across Lake Zurich.

FraumĂĽnster

Cross over the historic MĂĽnsterbrucke after visiting the GrossmĂĽnster to visit another of Zurich’s iconic churches, the Kirche FraumĂĽnster. The present church dates from 1250 and was built on the site of an abbey, which was founded in 853. It is this old abbey which first served as the convent for aristocratic women. The convent was closed at the Swiss Reformation, and the old abbey crypt lying beneath the church can be visited.

Why you must include fascinating Zurich on your Swiss itinerary. Views of the Fraumunster in Zurich from the Munsterbrucke
Views from the MunsterbrĂĽcke of the FraumĂĽnster and St Peter’s Church in Zurich

St Peter’s Church

The clock face of St Peter's Church stands out on the left bank of Zurich's Altstadt
The clock face of St Peter’s Church stands out on the left bank of Zurich’s Altstadt

While not as prominent as the FraumĂĽnster or the GrossmĂĽnster, St. Peter’s Church is the city’s oldest church and features the largest church clock face. St Peter’s Church was built in the 9th century. Look closely at the clock face to see how it differs from most clock faces. We enjoyed wandering the charming streets around the church.

Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz

While on the left bank, take a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s high-end shopping street, which is full of exclusive stores. The street runs for nearly 1.5km from the Altstadt to the lakefront.

Zurich's Paradeplatz where the city's heart beats
Zurich’s Paradeplatz, where the city’s heart beats

Paradeplatz is at the heart of the Bahnhofstrasse. It’s a major tram junction. Stand back and watch the trams criss-crossing the square. The square rose in importance when major banks set up their headquarters there.

Get off the beaten track in Schipfe

The cobblestone streets of Schipfe in Zurich
The quiet cobblestone streets of Schipfe are a delight to wander around

Schipfe is one of the lesser-visited areas of the Altstadt. Sitting on the Limmat River beneath Lindenhof, Schipfe is a quiet residential area, home to beautiful cobbled streets, charming homes and shops.

Take in the views from Lindenhof

Views from Lindenhof in Zurich
Views from Lindenhof

Lindenhof, one of Zurich’s most historic spots, is the perfect place to enjoy a little tranquillity and look out over the city. The hill originally housed a Roman settlement and a castle. Today, it’s a peaceful park offering a wonderful view of the Limmat, GrossmĂĽnster, and the Old Town.

Explore Niederdorf

The squares and alleyways of Niederdorf in Zurich are wonderful to explore
The squares and alleyways of Niederdorf in Zurich are wonderful to explore

On the Limmat River’s right bank, Niederdorf is the area where the old meets the new. The Altstadt melts into modern Zurich. The area is a mix of historic guild houses, boutiques, cafes and squares along winding alleyways. As night falls, it becomes vibrant as restaurants and bars open their doors.

Visit the Landesmuseum

Next to Zurich’s main railway station is the Landesmuseum, Switzerland’s National Museum. The museum showcases Switzerland’s history, from its early days to the present.

If, like us, you’re not interested in museums, the courtyard of the museum complex is still worth stepping into. Stand back and be prepared to be amazed by the fairytale castle, which was built in 1898.

The courtyard of the Zurich's Landesmuseum lit up for the Radfunk.fm Festival
The courtyard of the Landesmuseum lit up for the Rundfunk.fm Festival

If you’re visiting Zurich in the summer months from mid-July to early September, you’ll find the courtyard transformed for the annual Rundfunk.fm radio and music festival. The festival showcases local, national and international DJs and music.

Stroll the shores of Lake Zurich

With the magnificent Alps as a backdrop, there is no better way to relax than taking a stroll along the promenade and paths on either side of Lake Zurich. Access is steps away from the heart of the city.

Burkliplatz

The Ganymed sculture on Burkliterrasse in Burliplatz, Zurich, Switzerland
The Ganymede sculpture on Burkliterrasse in Burkliplat,z from which you’re guaranteed spectacular views over Lake Zurich and beyond

A good place to start is at Burkliplatz, next to QuaibrĂĽcke, which links the two sides of the lake where the Limmat River emerges from the lake. Admire the bronze Ganymede Sculpture and gaze out over the lake at the stunning views of the snow-clad mountains on the horizon. Burkliplatz is known as Zurich’s “Front Row Seat by the Lake”.

Chinese Garden

A walk along Utoquai will find you at the beautiful Chinagarten. Gifted to Zurich by its sister city, Kunming, the garden is noted as one of the highest-ranking gardens outside of China. The garden was gifted in appreciation for the scientific and technical expertise Zurich provided to enhance Kunming’s drinking water and drainage systems.

Zurich Yacht Club and Arboretum

Views over Lake Zurich
Views over Lake Zurich from the Yacht Club

Follow General Guisan-Quai on the opposite side of the lake, and you’ll find the Zurich Yacht Club and the Arboretum, a botanical park open to the public. It’s a serene part of the city to retreat to, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Zurich’s Theatre Spektakel

Further along the shores from the Arboretum, you’ll find Landiweise, another picturesque spot on Lake Zurich. The green open space is the venue of the annual Theatre Spektakel, an international arts festival that has been running since 1980. The festival takes place over two weeks in August.

Amble along the banks of the Limmat River

Views from the Limmat River promenade in Zurich
Views from the Limmat River promenade

Whether you’re looking at it from Lindenhof above or its mouth at QuaibrĂĽcke, the Limmat River is obviously the heart of Zurich. Ambling along the Limmat is an opportunity to feel the real Zurich. Admire the breathtaking city views, and in the summer, join the locals by stopping off at Unterer Lettten or Oberer Letten swimming facilities.

Take a train ride to the top of Uetliberg Mountain

Have an afternoon free? One of the best views of the city, the lake and the surrounding countryside is from Uetliberg Mountain.

Views over Zurich from Uetliburg mountain
Views over Zurich from Uetliberg mountain

Uetliberg is just a 20-minute train ride from Zurich’s main train station. The train will take you straight to the summit. From there, it’s just a short walk to the viewpoint to enjoy the spectacular views.

Our opinion

With the beautiful Swiss Alps as a backdrop, Zurich is more than just a banking and financial hub. Switzerland’s largest city is a vibrant and lively city ready to welcome visitors. As the centre for banking and finance, the city boasts citizens from all over the world, adding to the city’s unique culture.

We suggested setting aside 2-3 full days to fully experience all that the fascinating city of Zurich has to offer.

Where we stayed

We had the pleasure of staying in a lovely local neighbourhood near Niederdorf on the right bank.

EMA House Services Apartments in Unterstrasse is a 10-minute walk from Zurich’s Altstadt. The apartment was large and very comfortable.

In case you’re interested

Our travels have taken us to other towns and cities in Switzerland, which we believe are worth visiting. Please take a look at another of our recommendations below.

Basel, a Swiss treasure you must visit

Visit Basel, a Swiss treasure that you must see

06/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

A short time in Switzerland, making our way to Italy by road, found us wanting to see more of one of the most picturesque countries in the world. Basel was our first stop on our comprehensive road tour of the country. Be sure to visit Basel, a Swiss treasure that you must see.

Why you should visit Basel

Basel, located in northwestern Switzerland, is conveniently situated near the borders of both France and Germany. The city is known as the art and culture capital of Switzerland. But unless you embark on a river cruise along the mighty Rhine River, travellers do not make Basel a priority to visit. Read on to learn more about why we think you should.

Steeped in history and origins back to Roman times, Basel is Switzerland’s third-largest city, often overlooked by visitors who prefer Zurich.

For visitors, central Basel is split into two unique areas on either side of the Rhine River: Kleinbasel and Basel’s Altstadt. Even though the River divides the city, bridges crossing over the river make the city easy to navigate on foot.

Our favourite things to do in Basel

Explore Basel Altstadt

Visit the Rathaus

Basel’s Rathaus (Town Hall) is a unique structure. Standing in the heart of Basel’s bustling Marktplatz, the building’s red facade grabs your attention. We were in awe of this building, which was constructed over 500 years ago. Sit on a bench across from the Renaissance building to study its beautiful façade, complete with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Basel's unique Rathaus
We sat across from Basel’s unique Rathaus to admire the amazing exterior before we went inside

But wait, there’s more. Inside the arcaded entrance, you’ll find your breath taken away by walls of frescoes and grand staircases.

Basel Rathaus beautiful interior
The beautiful interior courtyard of Basel’s Rathaus

While the building is an iconic landmark in Basel, it is also a working building housing the city council, the mayor’s office, and the seat of government.

Basel MĂĽnsterplatz

Basel’s Munsterplatz is one of the oldest public squares in Basel, hosting not only the Basler Munster but also many beautiful historic buildings. Take a look around at the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the buildings, many of which date back to medieval times.

The striking toweres and red sandstone facade of Basel Munster
The striking towers and red sandstone facade of Basel Munster

The square has also been a public meeting place for centuries and continues the tradition today, with concerts and major events held there, including the annual Christmas Markets.

Basel Munster

Basel Munster, and its towers are visible across the city on either side of the river. However, it’s most striking up close in Munsterplatz. The Munster was built between 1019 and 1500 and is known for its red sandstone exterior, colourful roof and Gothic facade. The church was destroyed and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1356.

One of the cloisters of Basel Munster
One of the cloisters of Basel Munster

The interior is simple and lightly adorned, but what stands out are the beautiful stained glass windows and frescoes. The highlight was wandering around the two cloisters, which led to a shaded terrace with a viewpoint overlooking the river and across to the other side.

The viewing terrace behind Basel Munster which provides views over the Rhine River and beyond
The viewing terrace behind Basel Munster provides views over the Rhine River and beyond

Walk along medieval Augustinegasse

One of the most beautiful walking routes to Munsterplatz and the Munster is along Augustinegasse. A stroll along the street takes you past medieval and aristocratic houses, as well as museums with glimpses across the river from vantage points. Along the way, look out for the Augustiner Brunnen, a decorative fountain bearing the city’s coat of arms. A fountain has been on the site since 1468.

Augustiner Brunnen, the decorative fountain on Basel's Augustinegasse
Augustiner Brunnen, the decorative fountain on Basel’s Augustinegasse

Mittlere BrĂĽcke

Since 1226, the Mittlere BrĂĽcke has been one of Basel’s most well-known landmarks. It links the two sides of the river; it is one of the oldest Rhine crossings.

Mittlere BrĂĽcke as seen from Basel's Augustinegasse viewpoint
Mittlere BrĂĽcke as seen from Basel’s Augustinegasse viewpoint

The current bridge, known as the new Mittlere BrĂĽcke, was erected in 1905 to incorporate the city’s tram system.

Stroll in Altstadt’s backstreets

Venture away from the more popular riverside streets in the Altstadt and discover the backstreets of the old town. Filled with beautiful old houses and intimate squares dating back to the 12th century, you’ll find it a treat to walk around.

The beautiful courtyards and medieval buildings of Basel;s Altstadt
The beautiful courtyards and medieval buildings of Basel’s Altstadt

Be mesmerised by the Tinguely Fountain

Walk through Basel’s theatre district, and you’ll find a modern addition to the Altstadt, the Tinguely Fountain

For a modern twist, visit the Tinguely Fountain (Tinguely-Brunnen). IT sits on the site of the old Basel Theatre and next to the new Basel Theatre. Watch the fun mechanical sculptures moving in this quirky fountain.

Tinguely Fountain in Basel, Switzerland
Tinguely Fountain

The fountain was created by Jean Tinguely, one of Basel’s most celebrated artists. There’s also a museum in Basel dedicated to his work.

Venture across the river to Kleinbasel

With its vibrant squares and choice of international cuisines, Kleinbasel, originally known as “lesser Basel”, has become a popular part of town to visit.

Kaserne Basel and the Basel Tattoo

Kaserne Basel is Basel’s central culture hub. The open-air theatre hosts up to 250 concerts and performances every year.

During our stay, the annual Basel Tattoo was being held at the venue. The Basel Tattoo is the second-largest open-air tattoo in the world. It promises to be a sensational show featuring bagpipes, music, and folk dancing.

If you’re planning to attend the Tattoo, tickets sell out fast, so book early. We didn’t have tickets, so we spent some time enjoying the grounds outside the venue with the locals, who, like us, were taking in the sounds of the rehearsals before the main event.

Stroll the Rhein Promenade

The Rhein Promenade offers some of the best views of the Altstadt. Take a morning walk or evening stroll.

Views of the Altstadt and locals floating down te Rhine River. Visit Basel, a Swiss treasure that you must see.
Views of the Altstadt and locals floating down the Rhine River in Basel

If you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll find a phenomenon particular to the city. On our morning walk, we came across locals engaging in one of their favourite activities. With their daywear in special waterproof bags doubling as floats, we saw dozens of people floating down the river.

Enjoy a riverside picnic dinner

The huge Migros supermarket (it even has a large patisserie section) in Kleinbasel was our spot to buy a crisp rosé wine and an assortment of breads, cheeses, and olives one evening.

In the summer, the riverside is wonderful for an evening picnic. We found a spot to join the locals watching the floaters go down the river, listening to musicians entertain us, looking over the scenic Altstadt and engaging in a little people-watching while enjoying our simple evening meal.

More things you can do while in Basel

  • Not much of the castle walls can be seen in the centre of Basel today, but walk a little further from the Altstadt to St Alban, and you’ll find the parts of castle walls and the Spalen Gate, one of the city’s three remaining gates.
  • Also in St Alban, you’ll find Basel’s Paper Museum. It’s a working paper museum set in a medieval paper mill.
  • Make a day trip to Baden in the Limmat Valley. It has a beautiful old town and is known for its thermal baths, and is just 56km from Basel.

In case you’re interested

You name it, we’ve been on all sorts of holidays. However, whether we’re exploring our own country or travelling further afield, our most treasured ones are our road trips. Read why in our blog post dedicated to self-driving – “It’s more fun to self-drive“.

Our travels have taken us to other towns and cities in Switzerland, which we believe are worth visiting. Take a look at our recommendations by clicking on the links below.

Walking the full Camino de Santiago - arriving in Santiago de Compostela
We couldn't resist a photo at this colourful sign

Why you will enjoy walking the full Camino de Santiago

27/07/2025 / / 0 Comments

After 36 days of walking the full Camino de Santiago route (780km) from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in southern France, we stood in front of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. We had done it!

Why we chose to walk the full Camino de Santiago

Ten years earlier, we had stood in the same spot watching bedraggled but euphoric pilgrims arrive after completing their Camino walk. This scene inspired us to set ourselves the challenge of some day completing our own Camino walk.

Walking the full Camino de Santiago - Cathedral de Santiago
Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela

Once we’d decided to walk the Camino, we agreed that we wanted to commit to walking the entire Camino Frances route.

World events and other travel plans meant our  Camino had to be put on hold for several years, but in 2023, we decided that this was the perfect time to do it. We reconnected with our travel arrangers, UTracks, to make the arrangements.

Were we ready to do this – Camino jitters

Did we get Camino jitters? Of course we did! We had never walked long distances on hiking trails, almost every day for 36 days.

Getting closer and closer to our start date, we often asked ourselves questions, “Were we ready to do this?”, “Were we prepared, had we trained enough?”, “Had we packed the right gear?”. All are questions that first-time Camino pilgrims ask themselves.

Suddenly, we were in St-Jean-de-Pied-de-Port, and the only way to go was forward. We started by putting one foot in front of the other and completed one of the hardest days on the Camino de Santiago, hiking over the Pyrenees mountains into Spain.

Did we enjoy walking the full Camino de Santiago?

Yes. It is indeed an experience of a lifetime. Little did we know when we started that it would leave an indelible mark on our lives. In one way or another, we find ourselves recalling or talking about a particular scene, episode, or day on our walk.

Then, there are the people we met over the 36 days of walking the full Camino de Santiago. People walk the Camino de Santiago for various reasons; some prefer to walk solo with minimal interaction, while others enjoy meeting and engaging with fellow walkers from around the world. We met some wonderful people during our time on the Camino.

How did we feel when we got to our destination?

Watching pilgrims arrive at the Cathedral on our first visit, we saw a mix of both tears of joy, elation, and in some cases, pure exhaustion.

How did we feel? There was a small shine in the eye but even more were the wide smiles on our faces. We had achieved the challenge we had set for ourselves. We had reached our destination safely and without injury.

Walking the full Camino de Santiago - Arriving at Ground Zero
Ground Zero – Plaza de Obra

The important stuff for walking the full Camino de Santiago

We’re glad we …

  • Made sure we were fit and ready. Important lesson is get in shape before you arrive to commence the Camino. Don’t be afraid of the idea of having to walk every day or the distances. You”ll find your walking legs affer a few days.
  • Invested in good footwear and breathable socks. We bought sturdy new hiking shoes and broke them in before we arrived in St Jean Pied de Port. Most importantly, to prevent the common Camino feet ailments of blisters and sore muscles, we stopped regularly throughout the day to take off our shoes and socks, air our feet and rest.
  • Used hiking poles. We invested in a pair retractable hiking poles which we carried in our daypacks ever ready to come out whenever we needed support going up and down hills. We found they came in extremely useful to steady and assist on the steep descents. They prevented us, as is the tendency, from moving downhill too fast. We came across a few pilgrims suffering knee injuries or just sore knees from going too fast without the support of hiking poles.
  • Chose to walk the full Camino de Santiago during the summer months. This prevented us having to walk in rainwear as well as slippery and muddy tracks. Yes, the summer can be hot and dry. We started our daily walks immediately after breakfast, when the temperatures were moderate, to arrive at our destination by ealy afternoon before the extreme heat arrived. By the late afternoon we were sitting refreshed and relaxed in a cool spot having pre-dinner drinks. Some of our walking companions chose to commence in the very early hours to avoid the heat in the day. To escape any injury, we preferred not to walk in thr dark.
  • Took our time and paid attention when on the trail. It’s easy to lose focus when you’re tired. That’s how injuries happen! Or waymarkers get missed!
  • Took advantage of luggaage transfers. Many pilgrims prefer to carry their own backpack and belongings. We enjoyed the freedom to enjoy our daily walks without the extra weight on our backs. Our transfers were efficiently undertaken by Jacobtrans. More often than not, our bags had arrived and were safely installed in our rooms before we arrived.
  • Booked private accommodation instead of choosing to stay in albergues. Knowing we had somewhere pre-arranged to stay overnight meant we could enjoy our walking days. We noticed many pilgrims depart in the ealy hours trying to reach their next destination before others arrived to ensure they had secured a bed for the night. If they arrived too late and missed out they would have to continue to the next albergue which could a distance away or even worse, have to backtrack. We also took the option to upgrade our accommodation at several stops so that we could experience staying in a monastery.
  • Factored in rest days. Northern Spain has some beautiful cities which international tourists don’t visit. Pilgrims can really experience the authenticity of a Spanish city. We took rest days in Logrono and Leon. It allowed us to spend the day looking more closely at the city and visit their attractions. We also recommend staying an extra night in Burgos.
  • Took our travel yoga mats with us. Having our yoga mats on hand meant we were disciplined and did yoga and stretches at the end of each day. It made a big difference. We had no aches or pains and suffered no injuries during our walk.

Be prepared

Some of our thoughts on enjoying and making the most of your Camino. Be prepared:

  • To put away your device while walking. Use it only for taking photos to record memories of your journey. Instead, enjoy the natural environment, greet and interact with fellow pilgrims and locals. You’ll find that language is not a barrier when walking the full Camino de Santiago.
  • To turn and look back. Some of the best scenery could be behind you. Unless you are planning to walk a return journey, you may not see the same scenery again.
  • To walk at your own pace. As long as you have done the preparatory work before commencing the Camino, your body will get used to the environment and walking long distance.
  • To find you”ll miss walking the full Camino de Santiago. Many pilgrims experience a sense of loss once they have finished their route. The daily act of walking becomes meditative an addictive and as you get closer to the end, you almost don’t want it to end.

Our recommendation

Time permitting, we recommend walking the full Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela as a wonderful active holiday experience. While the final 100km can become busy, for most of the journey it’s the best way to see northern Spain’s stunning natural environment without crowds of tourists.

The Camino provides an opportunity to escape the everyday noise of the world provides time for peaceful reflection.

The Camino allows us to challenge and find that our bodies are capable of the physical and mental challenges of traversing ever changing terrain and the large distance.

Would we walk the full Camino de Santiago again?

For some pilgrims/walkers, walking the Camino de Santiago fulfils a once in a lifetime dream. Others return to walk the same path over and over again. We enjoyed our personal Camino and the challenge.

There is always the possibility that we will return to walk the same route again. As travel enthusiasts, however, there are so many other travel adventures we would like to undertake before we returned again to recomplete the full Camino Frances. There are numerous other Camino routes we would consider completing first.

Want to know more about walking the full Camino de Santiago?

Are you interested in or contemplating walking the full or part of the Camino de Santiago and want to know more? Take a look at our blog which tells you everything you need to know about walking the Camino de Santiago through the link below.

Everything you need to know about walking the Camino

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