Switzerland Tourism’s city campaign focuses on the country’s boutique towns, highlighting certain city experiences that may not be initially obvious to visitors. This campaign is designed to help travellers feel like a local by encouraging them to both take a peek into the way locals live while experiencing the cities like a local as well.
Zurich
In contrast to the old perception that this finance capital is dull and grey, Zurich is surprisingly vibrant and colourful. Paired with a modern aesthetic and energetic nightlife, one of the more surprising aspects of this city is its ubiquitous public art. Visitors can appreciate more than 400 art experiences all over the city including the newly reopened Le Corbusier. Get inspired: Art and the City.
Lucerne
Exploring the historic city that is home to one of the most photographed bridges in the world, the Chapel Bridge, can be an intimate affair when it’s done through the eyes of English Romantic painter, William Turner. This year, to commemorate its 200th anniversary, the Kunstmuseum will present a major Turner exhibition curated by Fanni Fetzer, showcasing more than 100 of Turner’s masterpieces. Turner travelled through Switzerland six times between 1802 and 1844 in search of motifs and landscapes and each time he visited Lucerne. His travels inspired many of his artworks, including his world-famous watercolour “The Blue Rigi”.
Lausanne
Travellers do not necessarily visit Switzerland expecting incredible cuisine but the country’s culinary scene should not be underestimated. While Swiss chocolate and cheese have made it onto the global stage, visitors should also explore the diversity of the more local delights that continue to shape the country’s bustling culinary scene. In Lausanne, the best way to do explore local cuisine is through a specially designed Taste my Swiss City Lausanne tour, which takes visitors to eat where the locals eat.
Basel
A major cruise hub located on the River Rhine, this Swiss capital of culture is a city of world-class art. It is also the home of street art with international importance and art mediator, Philipp Brogli knows exactly where to find it. Visitors will find that Basel is the only Swiss city where they can experience street art on different tours, learn about young Picasso’s blue and rose periods and also experience the harmony between the city’s five-star hotels and its urban art scene.
Montreux-Vevey
The celebrated wine region of Switzerland, this is where Vevey celebrates wine with a festival of superlatives every 20 years or so. The Fête de Vignerons is an event for generations, a very literal once-in-a-lifetime event. From 18 July – 11 August 2019, Vevey will welcome 20,000 spectators to celebrate the occasion with festivities, music, food, lots of wine and performances.
For more information on Swiss cities, visit MySwitzerland.com/cities