A global finance hub, Zurich clusters around a charismatic Old Town on the northern shores of Lake Zurich. Its 19th-century Polybahn funicular offers sweeping views of the city while the surrealist works of local artist, Fuseli, are showcased at the Kunsthaus. Learn about the evolution of coffee culture at the Johann Jacobs Museum, stroll along the lakeside promenade to the Tiefenbrunnen public baths, then party into the early hours in Zurich’s legendary clubs.

Positioned between Lake Constance and the jagged peaks of the Appenzell Alps, St. Gallen is a high-altitude city in Switzerland’s far northwest. It’s famously home to the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monastery whose history dates back to the 8th century. Browse one of the richest literature collections in the world at the lavishly-decorated Rococo library and sample beer at Switzerland’s oldest brewery - the Schützengarten.

Famed for its annual gathering of global leaders, Davos is a popular ski resort town in the spectacular Swiss Alps. Ride the cable cars or funiculars that lead to its downhill slopes, with the skiing and snowboarding trails making way for hiking and mountain biking in the summer months. See German Expressionism at its finest while browsing the Kirchnermuseum or experience all the fervour of an ice hockey game at the impressive Vaillant Arena.

Clustered with Italianate buildings and surrounded by rugged peaks, Lugano is a charming lakeside city in Switzerland’s Ticino region. Wander between historic convents and Neoclassical palazzi in the Centro Storico, then feast on Italian-inspired fare at one of the alfresco restaurants that line the lively squares. Aside from boating and hiking along the shores of Lake Lugano, take time to explore the picturesque surrounding villages, such as Gandria and Montagnola.

Nestled below the pyramid-shaped peak of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is an attractive mountain resort town in the heart of an alpine playground. Ride the Gornergrat railway to soak up the breathtaking mountain views or jump aboard the funiculars, cable cars and ski lifts that access more than 360 kilometres of pistes. When you’re not out revelling in the great outdoors, experience the lively après-ski scene in the town’s pedestrianised streets.

Surrounded by soaring mountains near France’s border with Switzerland and Italy, Chamonix lies at the base of legendary Mont Blanc. Ride the cable car that leads to its dramatic peak and witness the mesmerising blues of the Glacier des Bossons, then soak up the fairytale atmosphere of Argentiere. Unparalleled views are on offer at Le 3842, which dishes up high-end cuisine alongside the aptly-named glass cube “Step into the Void”.

Perched on the southern shores of Lac Léman, Geneva is a global hub that serves as the headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross. It boasts breathtaking views of Mont Blanc that can be enjoyed while riding dramatic mountain railroads or cruising between the lakeside towns and villages. Photograph the formidable Château de Chillon and stroll through the alpine gardens before dining on French-inspired cuisine in the bohemian district of Carouge.

Famed for its summer jazz festival, Montreux is a lakeside resort town that’s backed by the snowcapped peaks of the Swiss Alps. Stroll along the flower-filled promenade to admire the ornate Belle Époque buildings and see where Freddy Mercury once recorded at the Montreux Mountain Studios. Don’t miss the medieval frescoes and Gothic dungeons of the Château de Chillon before riding the Lavaux Express through the surrounding UNESCO-listed vineyards.

Sprawling around a hairpin bend in the Aare River, Bern serves as the stately capital of Switzerland. The city’s 12th-century origins are visible in the preserved medieval buildings that cluster in its UNESCO-listed Old Town, with winding cobblestone streets that are lined with cosy cafes and bookstores. Witness the outstanding art collection at the Kunstmuseum and see the circus of mechanical creations at the 800-year-old Clock Tower.

Clustered with brightly-painted medieval timber buildings, Lucerne nestles amidst snowcapped mountains on the northern shores of Lake Lucerne. It’s famed for its 14th-century covered bridge that spans the Reuss River and an imposing town wall with nine towers that dates from the same period. Ride the cog railway that leads to the magnificent summit of Mount Pilatus or watch the lakeside towns glide by during a lunchtime cruise aboard a paddle steamer.