Here's How You Can Enjoy Switzerland On A Budget

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world. That sure has it’s perks, but it also makes it an incredibly expensive place to travel through. Here are seven tips that’ll help you save a little cash.

Do free stuff

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Switzerland without spending a penny. Many museums and historic sites are free to visit. While the best of nature can be hiked to without paying a penny.

Search out alternative accommodation

Stay on a farm

Agrotourismus is a site that hooks you up with holiday homes and farms around Switzerland, some of them offer basic accommodation but at cut-back prices. If you want to save cash and get in touch with your rural side, then check it out.

Use free public transport

The perks of staying in a hotel or hostel in many of the bigger cities is that you get a pass for free public transport. Lucerne, Geneva, Bern, Basel or Lausanne are some of those taking part. This isn’t negligible as a day pass on public transport is around $8.

Swiss transport is great, but comes at a cost

Use BlaBlaCar or get a Swiss travel pass

If you know where you want to go and have an itinerary all planned out then a Swiss travel pass might be a good option and gives good value for money. Otherwise, you may end up wasting your money by buying a card you really don’t need. An other option is BlaBlaCar which is quite widely used.

Stay away from chains

Chain stores, cafés (Starbucks, Pret a Manger etc, and restaurants (McDonalds, Burger King etc) aren’t safe places for cheap bite to eat. They are often more expensive than other joints. Usually it’s a good idea to stay away from Swiss restaurants that cater to tourists as they also have inflated prices.

Limit your drinking

Alcohol is expensive in Switzerland. Whether it’s a beer, wine or a cocktail you’re after, then you’re going to have to pay through your teeth for it (cocktails are around 12-15CHF). Water is free. However, if you want to try great Swiss wine for cheap prices you can enjoy the annual wine tasting at local wineries.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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