Swiss cities lay out red carpet for tourists

While countries like Japan and cities like Toronto have recently imposed extra taxes on visitors, sever of the major cities in Switzerland lay out a red carpet for tourists with free transport and entry to local attractions. 

Hotel bookings in a number of major Swiss cities come with complimentary local travel cards and maps - which can mean a serious saving. 

The city cards provide travellers with free access to not only each city’s public transportation network, including the buses, trains and boats; but in certain cities, experiential activities as well.

The delightful city of Bern

Here are five examples: 

Basel Card

Apart from unlimited access to the city’s public trains and buses, the Basel Card gives holders access to free wifii at 17 hotspots around the city; one ferry ride; and 50% off admissions to Basel Zoo, Theatre Basel, a two-hour sight-seeing bus, a walking tour of old town and scheduled river cruises.

Bern Ticket

This not only offers hotel guests free travel on city public transportation, but also airport transfers, rides on the Gurten Mountain Funicular, the funicular Marzilibahn and the elevator to the Minster terrace.

Lucerne Mobility Card

This card entitles hotel guests to free travel on the city’s trains and buses for the duration of their stay. 

Lausanne Transport Card

This allows holders up to 15 days of free travel while staying in any hotel in Lausanne. The card also grants holders discounts at selected shops, eateries, cinemas and theatres, nightclubs and museums. 

Montreux overlooks Lake Geneva 

Montreux Riviera Card

As well as free travel, this card offers holders a complimentary welcome drink at the Montreux-Vevey Tourism office, 50% off the city walking tours in Montreux and Vevey, and on a number of rail journeys, cruises and activities in the Lake Geneva Region.

Each person on the hotel booking will be given their own city card detailing the arrival and departure dates  For more information see www.MySwitzerland.com/cities.