Switzerland short break

[G931401]

Hoping some seasoned travellers can give me some advice.

Looking for a long weekend in November in Switzerland. Partner has always wanted to go.

Any suggestions of best city/place to go? Prefer higher end resorts/hotels.

Thanks

[John]

What do you want to do while there?

[G931401]

Mainly just to see some historical sites and attractions and enjoy the city/town?

[degsy]

We’ve been to Geneva a few times over the years – although it’s great if you want to access the surrounding countryside, mountains, lake etc. as a city I don’t think it is that much of a destination. Although I’ve never been, I suspect Zurich has more to offer.
Be prepared though, it will be expensive wherever you end up!

[John]

November isn’t a great time for countryside…. In early December Geneva has L’Escalade which is quite interesting and you could go to Montreux and Lausanne too.

[Swiss Jim]

Lived in Switzerland twice in my life – first time in my 20s, second time about 20 years later. As a destination, Zurich beats Geneva hands down for me. However, it does depend on what you want to do. Also time of year – as John says, November isn’t the best time to travel to be honest….

[iamlost]

I spend 1-2 weekends a month there. November is highly unpredictable, but that’s part of the charm. I’ve gone from warm sunshine to snowfall in the course of a one hour train ride with elevation change. Some potential ideas:
– Luzern is postcard Switzerland no matter the weather for a first time tourist, and you can spend a night on top of Mount Pilatus where you’ll either be treated to breathtaking views or feeling like you’re in the clouds
– Geneva is great if you like lakes, fountains and grand hotels… Also taking the train to Vevey (or Lausanne / Montreux) is a must for probably my favourite vista in the world
– Not too far is Gstaad for a more ski resort feel (though you won’t be skiing in Nov), if you want that chalet vibe
– Lugano in the south may be a bit of a trek but it’s a super relaxing place with a holiday vibe year-round and more varied food and drink options and very cute villages all around
– I’ve warmed up to Andermatt as a mountain resort for outdoorsy activities in the shoulder season (without a car), or consider basing yourself in Interlaken for an outdoorsy weekend if you rent a car
– I wouldn’t recommend Bern, Basel or Zurich to a first timer, although they all have their charms too but are somewhat less memorable
– Equally, some lesser known places are absolute gems, like Neuchatel and Gruyere, but maybe not for a first time visit

I hope that was useful – enjoy!

[HughM]

High-end, you’re spoilt for choice anywhere in Switzerland.
I put in a personal plug for Basel, because it’s November, maybe a bit chilly and damp, and this city is full of surprises that get you out of the wet: astonishing art galleries, a Roman city even, Augusta Raurica, with the largest hoard of Roman silver ever found, anywhere. Easy public transport; a supportive tourist office. I suggest this place as right for a gentle off-season weekend, where you will relax and won’t overdo it.

[Lady London]

G931401 wrote:

Mainly just to see some historical sites and attractions and enjoy the city/town?

Switzerland is more about nature and open air than historical sites (though they do have some really
really old stuff like some of the earliest settlements in Europe) . It rains a lot at some (many)times of year too. I think I’ve been driving past Lucerne many times and in there once or twice at most times of the year except summer over decades, and only sunny about 3% of the time. Time of year really matters there. I’d prob take a car and stay in Interlaken

If you want some historical stuff and some city stuff without having to have an overload of either you might think about Bologna or even Milan also food very OK

[Michael C]

Visits to Cern are back on, if that’s of interest!