Just returned from Switzerland, here are some important tips for your trip!!
Switzerland Travel Guide: Explore the Alpine Secrets with a Budget of 12,000 to 100,000 RMB per Person
Budget Breakdown and Spending Reference
The cost of traveling in Switzerland varies greatly depending on the length of the trip and spending level. Divided into budget, comfortable, and luxury categories, the 10-day per person budget ranges are as follows:
Budget: About 12,000-20,000 RMB
Includes off-season connecting flight tickets (5,000-8,000 RMB), hostel bed (300-500 RMB/night), supermarket simple meals (65 RMB/meal), basic transportation (half-fare card + single tickets about 1,000 RMB).
Comfortable: About 30,000-50,000 RMB
Includes peak season direct flight tickets (8,000-10,000 RMB), 4-star hotels (1,500-2,000 RMB/night), restaurant meals (240-400 RMB/meal), Swiss Travel Pass (8 days about 3,000 RMB).
Luxury: Over 100,000 RMB
Includes business class tickets, high-end hotels (3,000 RMB+/night), Michelin-starred restaurants (800 RMB+ per person), helicopter sightseeing (15,000 RMB per trip), and other premium experiences.
Must-Visit Cities and Core Experiences
Zurich: Financial Capital and Lakeside Charm
Bahnhofstrasse: One of the most expensive streets in the world, lined with luxury stores, free to visit.
Lake Zurich: Take a boat cruise (one-way about 150 RMB), feed swans by the lake, nearby cafes average about 100 RMB per person.
St. Peter’s Church: Home to Europe’s largest clock face, free to climb to the top for panoramic city views.
Accommodation recommendation: Hostel beds about 300 RMB/night, 4-star hotels about 2,000 RMB/night.
Geneva: International City with Lake and Mountain Scenery
Palais des Nations: United Nations European headquarters, free to visit, nearby fountains and flower clock are free photo spots.
Lake Geneva: Take a boat to the French town of Évian-les-Bains, one-way ticket about 200 RMB.
Food experience: Hong Yun Cantonese dim sum about 250 RMB per person, local cheese fondue about 300 RMB per person.
Accommodation recommendation: Budget hotels near the train station about 800 RMB/night, lake view rooms about 1,500 RMB/night.
Interlaken: Outdoor Paradise and Gateway to Jungfrau
Jungfrau Railway: Round-trip ticket about 1,400 RMB, offers views of the Alpine glaciers from the summit.
Grindelwald: Dreamy hills for free hiking, mountain view guesthouses about 200 RMB/night per person.
Paragliding experience: About 1,600 RMB per session, one-on-one coaching, aerial views of Lake Thun.
Travel tip: Buying a Swiss Travel Pass offers a 25% discount on Jungfrau Railway tickets.
Lucerne: Medieval Town with Sparkling Lake Views
Chapel Bridge: Europe’s oldest wooden bridge, free to visit, murals inside tell the city’s history.
Dying Lion Monument: Mark Twain called it “the most mournful statue in the world,” free to visit.
Mount Rigi: Take the cogwheel train to the summit (round trip about 400 RMB), panoramic views of Lake Lucerne.
Accommodation recommendation: Hotel Noparl Lucerne (1-minute walk to train station) about 1,200 RMB/night.
Special Activities and Spending Guide
Golden Pass Line: Panoramic train from Montreux to Zermatt, one-way ticket about 400 RMB, book in advance.
Zermatt Skiing: Day ski pass about 600 RMB, ski equipment rental about 400 RMB/day, packages with gear recommended.
Chillon Castle: Medieval castle on Lake Geneva, entrance about 100 RMB, audio guide extra 30 RMB.
Lindt Chocolate Factory: Free visit in Kilchberg, chocolate making class about 200 RMB.
Money-Saving Tips and Pitfall Avoidance
Transportation optimization: Swiss Travel Pass is cost-effective if taking 3 or more rides per day; for fewer rides, single tickets are cheaper.
Half-fare card (about 900 RMB) offers 50% off public transport, cable cars, and museum tickets.
Driving notes: Swiss highways have no toll booths but require a “vignette” sticker (annual fee about 300 RMB).
Dining strategy: Supermarket meals: roast chicken set about 65 RMB, salad about 50 RMB, over 50% cheaper than restaurants.
Lunch specials: Some restaurants offer “Menu du Jour” (daily set menu) about 150 RMB per person.
Free drinking water: Tap water in Switzerland is drinkable, carry a water bottle to save on bottled water costs.
Ticket alternatives: Free attractions include Bern Old Town, Lucerne Chapel Bridge, Geneva Flower Clock, and over 20 other landmarks.
City passes: Zurich Card (24 hours about 150 RMB) includes public transport and attraction discounts.
Shopping tax refund: For watches, Swiss Army knives, and other specialties, buy from authorized stores and keep receipts for airport tax refund (about 7%).
Avoid buying souvenirs at tourist spots, prices are over 30% higher than in the city.
Itinerary Planning Suggestions
Classic 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1-2 Zurich: Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse → Lake Zurich boat cruise → Climb St. Peter’s Church tower.
Day 3-4 Interlaken: Jungfrau Railway → Paragliding in Grindelwald → Hiking at Harder Kulm viewpoint.
Day 5 Lucerne: Chapel Bridge → Mount Rigi cogwheel train → Visit Dying Lion Monument.
Day 6 Geneva: Palais des Nations → Lake Geneva boat cruise → Dim sum at Hong Yun Restaurant.
Day 7 Lausanne: Olympic Museum → Chillon Castle → Lakeside cycling.
Important Notes
Visa and Insurance: Schengen visa costs about 1,500-1,800 RMB, travel insurance with medical coverage recommended (7 days about 200 RMB).
Language: German and French are official languages, English is widely spoken, popular attractions offer Chinese guides.
Tipping culture: No mandatory tipping in Switzerland, but 5%-10% cash tip is appreciated for good restaurant service.
Eco-friendly travel: Strict waste sorting, convenience stores do not provide free plastic bags, bring your own reusable bags.
Switzerland, known as the “World Park,” perfectly blends natural wonders with cultural heritage. With a well-planned budget and itinerary, you can visit iconic sights like Jungfrau and Matterhorn, experience the slow life in small towns, and create unforgettable travel memories.