Lausanne, SwitzerlandGetty Images
Lucerne
Lucerne is a microcosm of Switzerland itself. Bang in the centre of the country, on the shores of the sublime Lake Lucerne and overlooked by mountains, it exudes Swissness from every pore. Alpine excursions abound, but there’s also plenty to keep you in the city itself: art by Picasso and Klee at the Sammlung Rosengart, world-class classical music at the KKL arts centre, the nine towers of the city’s medieval ramparts, and a fabulous Old Town where numerous bars and restaurants – from traditional to trendy – occupy frescoed buildings.
Where to stay for the weekend in Lucerne
On a mountain outside the city, accessed by boat and funicular, the Bürgenstock Resort is the ultimate in Swiss luxury, once beloved by stars including Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren.
Basel, SwitzerlandGetty Images
Basel
Tucked into Switzerland’s northwest corner near France and Germany, Basel’s location is reflected in its food, culture, dialect and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The main draw, however, is art. Each June, aficionados flock here for Art Basel, but the city’s numerous galleries and museums tempt visitors year-round. Among its best are Fondation Beyeler, a private collection of Picasso, Klee, Modigliani and more; the Kunstmuseum, Switzerland’s largest public art gallery; and the Museum Tinguely, showcasing the curious mechanical creations of the late Basel kinetic artist Jean Tinguely.
Where to stay for the weekend in Basel
The architecture in Basel is as varied as its art, from historic to cutting-edge. The design hotel Volkshaus Basel has an interior designed by local star architects Herzog & de Meuron.
Zurich
Switzerland’s biggest city (at a mere 400,000 people) has more than enough museums, restaurants and nightspots to fill a weekend. It’s also the best place to shop; find high-end fashion and watch boutiques on Bahnhofstrasse, cutting-edge brands along the lively pedestrian boulevard Europaallee and independent shops in the pretty cobbled streets of Niederdorf. In recent years, the city has done a great job of repurposing former industrial spaces, such as Im Viadukt, where boutiques are tucked under the arches of a railway bridge. Nearby, the flagship store of Swiss truck tarp bag brand Freitag occupies a tower made of 19 stacked shipping containers.
Where to stay for the weekend in Zurich
The recently renovated Mandarin Oriental Savoy occupies a plum location in the Old Town, close to the River Limmat, the shore of Lake Zurich and the city’s cultural highlights.
Lausanne
Geneva’s cooler little sister, Lausanne sprawls over a hill rising up from the shore of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). It’s the cultural capital of French-speaking Switzerland, with the new Plateforme 10 art district adding to its many theatres, music festivals, jazz clubs and museums, including the quirky Collection de l’Art Brut (literally, “raw art”, meaning by self-taught, anti-establishment artists). In summer, the lakeshore throngs with pop-up bars, pétanque players and paddleboarders, while hikers head to the nearby UNESCO-protected Lavaux vineyards, a glorious spot for a stroll and a dégustation of local wines.
Where to stay for the weekend in Lausanne
Among Lausanne’s many luxury hotels is Chateau d’Ouchy, a fairytale castle right on the lakeshore.
