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Explore Switzerland For Under RM5000 With This 8D7N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary

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Cheng Sim •  Jun 09, 2023

Switzerland is definitely one of those evergreen destinations that'll always be on our travel bucket lists. Blessed with dramatic snow-capped mountains, picturesque century-old towns, scenic train rides and more, there’s a great adventure that only an ultimate Swiss getaway can tell!

Credit: Giphy

But Switzerland is also one of the most expensive countries in the world to visit, so you'll definitely need to save up and plan your finances properly. That's why we've come up with this 8D7N Muslim-friendly Switzerland itinerary (under RM5000 excluding flights and shopping) so that you can have some budget-friendly tips and still enjoy what this beautiful country has to offer ? For this itinerary, we'll be covering these cities: Luzern (2 nights) - Interlaken (2 nights) - St Moritz (1 night) - Zurich (2 nights).

P.S. For more budget-friendly Switzerland suggestions,check out our tips here!

Getting there

As there are many ways to get to Switzerland from your home country and flight prices are always changing, we won't be including flight prices in this itinerary. But the best way to get to Switzerland is by flying into Zurich, the country's largest city. We've included below how you can get to Zurich from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Jakarta as well as the price ranges that you can expect.

#HHWT Tip: To get the cheapest prices for flights, use Skyscanner's cheapest month feature to get this info (click on dates > whole month > cheapest month). Alternatively, you also check out Google Flights' price graph too.

Credit: Aero Icarus on Flickr

From Kuala Lumpur to Zurich

  • Take a 15-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Zurich Airport
  • Most airlines will make a short transit in Singapore. For example, you can fly from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore via Singapore Airlines before flying with SWISS to Zurich.
  • The average flight prices are between RM2,500 and RM3,000 for a round trip

From Singapore to Zurich

  • Take a 13-hour flight from Changi Airport to Zurich Airport
  • Airlines such as SWISS provide direct flights to Singapore.
  • The average flight prices are between SGD780 and SGD945 for a round trip

From Jakarta to Zurich

  • Take a 16-hour flight from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Zurich Airport
  • Most airlines will make a short transit in Singapore, Dubai or Istanbul before departing to Zurich
  • The average flight prices are between IDR10,737,966 and IDR13,422,457 for a round trip

Transport in Switzerland

Transport often takes up a huge portion of travel expenses, especially in Switzerland, so if you're planning to see and do as much as you can here on your trip, getting the Swiss Travel Pass will save you a huge chunk of money on transport! We recommend getting it via Klook as it's super convenient.

The Swiss equivalent of the Japan Rail Pass (except packed with more benefits!) gives you unlimited rides on Switzerland's trains (including premium panoramic rides), buses and boats, as well as discounts on mountain excursions (like Mt Titlis and Jungfrau). Not to mention that there's free entry to over 500 museums nationwide too! There are two types of passes. For consecutive passes, you’re allowed to use it continuously for 3, 4, 8 and 15 days while the flexible pass gives you the freedom to use it for either 3, 4, 8 or 15 days within a one month period. For this itinerary, we'll be using the 8-day consecutive pass (second class) which costs RM1735 (RM1482 for youths aged 16-25 and free for children up to 15 years old). You can choose to print your pass and bring it around or choose the e-ticket option.

Cost of Swiss Travel Pass: RM1735

#HHWT Tip: If you're unsure if you should get the Swiss Travel Pass, make sure you calculate the total cost of your individual transport rides and compare it to the price of a Swiss Travel Pass! Use the official SBB website to get the cheapest rail ticket prices available ?

Day 1: Arriving in Zurich/Heading to Luzern

  • When you arrive at Zurich Airport, make your way to the Airport Center with your Swiss Travel Pass!
  • Take the IR75 train from Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich) direct to Luzern station. The journey will take you 1h 10min.

  • Switzerland’s public transportation is very punctual. We recommend arriving 10 minutes early before your train departs!

  • #HHWT Tip: Download the Swiss Travel Guide app (available on Android and iOS) to know the next train or bus arrival time and plan your route
  • Once you arrive in Luzern, visit various attractions such as the Chapel Bridge, the Old Town of Luzern and the Lion Monument.
  • Cost: Free (with Swiss Travel Pass)

Lunch at Little Istanbul inside Lucerne Main Train Station (30mins)

  • If your flight reaches Zurich in the morning, you'll most likely be in time for an early lunch.
  • Grab a quick bite at Little Istanbul (inside Lucerne Main Train Station) to refuel yourself before resuming your sightseeing for the day.
  • Halal status: We've personally verified with the staff that it's halal, and no alcohol is served here.
  • Opening hours: Mon-Thu; 9AM-10PM, Fri; 9AM-11PM, Sat; 10AM-11PM, Sun; 10AM-10PM
  • Address: Basement of Lucerne Main Train Station

Cost: CHF11.50 for Classic Kebab (RM50)Check into your accommodation

  • When in Switzerland, you'll find that room rates at hotels (even three-star ones!) can get quite pricey. One night of accommodation can cost you around RM600-900 or even more than RM1000 for a double room.

  • To save money on accommodation, it's best to stay at Airbnbs while you're here! The nightly rate for a private room (for 2) in an Airbnb can start from as cheap as RM400+ per night. If you're in a larger, you can definitely save more by getting an entire apartment!
  • Another tip is to stay a little further from the city centre. While the old town in Luzern is definitely a convenient area, the suburb of Kriens is a more affordable option and it's just a 10-minute bus/train ride away.

Cost (per person in a group of 2, on average for 2 nights): RM400

Explore Luzern Old Town

Walk around the Old Town of Luzern and spot the many century-old buildings with a uniquely painted façade. The one in the Old Town Square was painted in 1928!

  • #HHWT Tip: No need to spend money on bottled or mineral water! The water from the water fountains all over Switzerland is suitable for drinking! Do remember to take only straight from the tap as the locals use the pool for bathing their pets.
  • Cost: Free

Chapel Bridge

  • Walk along the 15th century Chapel Bridge that stretches over the River Reuss
  • Established in 1333, Luzern’s famous landmark is also one of the oldest covered bridges in the world
  • Every season, the bridge is decorated with colourful geranium flowers. When we visited in summer, it was red, pink and purple!

  • Spot the 17th-century paintings on the roof that tells the old history of Luzern. Originally, there were 110 paintings, but 80 were destroyed in a fire in 1993.
  • Cost: FreeJesuit Church

  • Check out the century-old Jesuit Church that is decorated with baroque architecture, paintings and hanging chandeliers.
  • This church is still an active place of worship, so make sure you keep your voices down to respect the worshippers who are praying in the church.

  • Known as one of the first large baroque churches in Switzerland, it also has an ornately designed organ that was made in 1980.
  • Do take snapshots of the riverside cafes and heritage square too.
  • Opening hours: Open daily; 9.30AM-6.30PM
  • Address: Bahnhofstrasse 11A, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland

Cost: FreeSammlung Rosengart

  • If you have some time to spare for another activity, surround yourself with impressionism and classic modernism paintings at Sammlung Rosengart Museum.
  • Admire beautiful masterpieces from Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet and more!
  • Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-5PM
  • Address: Pilatusstrasse 10, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland

Cost: Free (with Swiss Travel Pass)P.S. Love Luzern? Then you have tocheck out these 11 stunning places in Switzerland!

Shop for groceries at a local supermarket and have a homecooked dinner

  • One of the best ways to save money while in Switzerland is to prepare your own meals. If you stay at an Airbnb, chances are they are well-equipped with pots, pans, microwave oven and more so you can easily whip up your own meals ?
  • Preparing your own meals can also help to prepare around 3-4 meals so you won't need to eat out that often.

  • Step into a Coop or Migros supermarket as the prices of their products are affordable. You can easily find either supermarket at main train stations and around town.
  • For a quick dinner fix, we recommend getting some pasta as it costs around CHF3 and it can last you for at least 2-3 days before you move to the next city.
  • If you're not sure which pasta sauces to get, just keep a lookout for vegetarian or vegan signs (they are usually in green). If you need some protein, you'll be able to find some prawns or salmon from the refrigerated section. The cheapest ones usually cost from CHF6-8.
  • Besides that, there are some supermarkets which sell meat-free nuggets and patties (around CHF5). Look out for a brand called Delicorn for these products.
  • While you're at the supermarket, do remember to stock up for your daily breakfast and lunch on some days too as it'll help you save a lot of money.

Cost for groceries (on average per person): CHF15 (RM65)Total cost for Day 1 (excluding accommodation): RM115

Day 2: Mount TITLIS

  • Take the train from Luzern station to Engelberg station (43 minutes)
  • From the Engelberg station, walk 10 minutes to Titlis Cableways.
  • Good news! Swiss Travel Pass holders get 50% discount for all cable car rides to Mount Titlis. The normal rate for a round trip is CHF92 (RM398) per person!
  • Take the TITLIS Express cable car to the TITLIS Cableways Valley Station. Then, ride the TITLIS Rotair; the world’s first revolving cable car to the TITLIS Mountain Station.
  • #HHWT Tip: To get the best mountain view from TITLIS Rotair, be the last to board the cable car so that you can stand close to the window
  • Cost (with Swiss Travel Pass): CHF46 (RM199)Mount TITLIS

Mount TITLIS is the highest peak in Central Switzerland

  • In summer, the temperature is about 3°C and wearing a sweater and a pair of sneakers is enough for someone who enjoys the cold weather. It’ll be much colder during winter when temperatures can go as low as -16°C. Remember to wear a thick jacket and winter boots!

  • If you need extra layers, you can rent jackets and boots at the TITLIS Cableways Valley Station or the photo studio on TITLIS Main Building (Level 4)
  • The average rental costs are CHF8 (RM34.50) per jacket or pair of boots. A deposit of CHF50 (RM215) is required for these rentals.
  • Besides enjoying the view, try other activities such as Ice Flyer Chairlift, TITLIS Glacier Park, TITLIS Cliff Walk and Glacier Cave!

Ice Flyer Chairlift & TITLIS Glacier Park

  • In summer, take the Ice Flyer Chairlift from the TITLIS Summit Station to TITLIS Glacier Park. Don’t forget to catch the sweeping view of the virgin snowfields down below.
  • In winter, you can go skiing across the slopes, ride a toboggan through the snow and speed away on an electric snowmobile!

  • At TITLIS Glacier Park, everyone’s favourite summer activity is snow tubing, and it’s free for visitors!
  • Pick up a rubber tyre and glide down the powder-soft snow for high-speed excitement!

TITLIS Cliff Walk & Glacier Cave

  • After an hour of snow tubing, take the Ice Flyer Chairlift back to TITLIS Summit Station for another adventure!
  • Walk over the TITLIS Cliff Walk, the highest elevation suspension bridge in Europe that stands at 3,041 metres above sea level

  • The bridge will lead you to the Glacier Cave, which is a long icy walkway hidden below the glacier
  • The icy walkway is slippery, and we recommend wearing shoes with rubber soles and treads for better grip.

P.S. If you're planning to visit Switzerland in summer,check out our 7D6N Muslim-friendly itinerary for a Swiss summer adventure!

Lunch at TITLIS Panorama Restaurant (Optional)

  • The TITLIS Panorama Restaurant is known for its delicious meals and a sweeping view of Mount Titlis
  • While the restaurant has a non-halal buffet section, there are Special Halal Dishes on the menu. Out of the 7 selections, ranging from penne arrabbiata to pizza tandoori, we tried the sautéed sirloin of lamb priced at CHF36 (RM153)!

  • The price range for Special Halal Dishes menu is between CHF10.80 (RM46) and CHF36 (RM153)
  • Halal status: While the restaurant uses meat from halal-certified suppliers for the Special Halal Dishes, we checked with the kitchen staff and was informed that non-halal and halal meats are cooked in the same kitchen. Do note that alcoholic beverages are also served on the premise. We recommend that you dine at your own discretion.

Budget option

  • If you have already prepared and pack your meal, you can bring it to the picnic room at TITLIS Mountain Station (Level 4).
  • #HHWT Tip: There’s a multi-faith prayer room at the TITLIS Mountain Station but do bring your own prayer garment.
  • Cost (if not dining at TITLIS Panorama Restaurant): Free

  • To make your way down from Titlis, take the Titlis Xpress cable car to Engelberg.
  • Take the train from Engelberg station to Luzern station (45 mins).

Enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne

  • Time for a sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne!
  • Head over to Pier 1 opposite Luzern station where you’ll spot the Paddlesteamer or MS Diamant vessel. Remember to check the departure times on their website and arrive early because the cruise leaves on time!
  • Grab a seat on the upper deck to catch the romantic sunset and mountainous landscape of Central Switzerland ?
  • Total cost for Day 2: RM199 (with lunch and dinner prepared)

Day 3

Enjoy the scenic train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken via the Golden Pass Line

  • Kick off the next leg of your trip with a panoramic train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken on the Golden Pass Line.
  • From the sparkling waters of the lakes to the towering behemoths of the mountains and the humble Swiss houses dotting the landscape, the views from this train ride will astound you unlike any other regardless of which season you're visiting in!

  • The train will take you from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost: sit on the left side of the train for the best views! The journey is about 1 hour.
  • Seats for the Golden Pass Line have to be booked in advance, even if you have the Swiss Travel Pass.

Cost: Free (with Swiss Travel Pass)Check into your accommodation at Interlaken West

  • While most trains enter Interlaken through Interlaken Ost station, Interlaken West offers the most halal and Muslim-friendly options we came across throughout our trip. There are at least 4 or 5 halal eateries situated near to one another just outside Interlaken West station!

  • If you're wondering which neighbourhood to stay in, Unterseen is a quiet neighbourhood situated a 5-7 min walk from Interlaken West station. Most accommodations here will give you a view of the nearby Swiss Alps from your room window ?
  • Some of the cheapest nightly rates here are around RM500 on Airbnb.

Cost (per person in a group of 2, on average for 2 nights): RM500

Explore Brienz and its brilliant turquoise Lake Brienz on foot

  • The name "Interlaken" translates directly into "between lakes", so no visit to Interlaken would be complete without exploring Lake Brienz and Lake Thun on either side of the town!
  • Take a cruise from Interlaken Ost to Brienz to really soak in the tranquil scenes of the lake.

  • Cruises on the lakes don't operate in winter, so if you'll be visiting at this time, it's best to take a 20-minute train ride from Interlaken West to Brienz.
  • Brienz is also known as "The Wood Carving Village", so don't be surprised to find some amusing life-sized wooden statues lining the walkway along Lake Brienz ?

  • Those of you who just finished watching the Korean drama Crash Landing On You might also find this lake familiar as it's where Ri Jeong Hyeok (Hyun Bin's character) played his piano!
  • Cost: Free (with Swiss Travel Pass)

Brienz Old Town

  • Walk along Lake Brienz till you reach Brienz Old Town, which is filled with rustic old Swiss wooden houses where people still live in today.

  • Drop by the Huggler Wood Carving shop to get some take-home souvenirs of Brienz's signature wooden carvings.

Savour juicy burgers at Asllani's Corner, Interlaken Ost

Credit: Asllani's Corner on Facebook

  • Drop by Asllani's Corner and try their juicy burgers! The best part is that it's located about a 4-minute walk from Interlaken Ost station.
  • Some of the highly recommended burgers here are the cheeseburger and crispy chicken burger, so make sure you try those!
  • Halal status: Muslim-owned
  • Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-2PM, 5PM-9PM
  • Address: Höheweg 90, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland

Cost (on average, per person): CHF20 (RM87)

Go on a cruise of Lake Thun and spot the many castles lining the lakeside

  • Cruises of Lake Thun depart from Interlaken Ost, so make your way to the dock here after your hearty lunch and hop aboard.

  • Brienz often gets most of the spotlight when it comes to the two lakes, but Lake Thun hides is own charms you won't want to miss, like the five different castles that line the lake which provides some great photo opportunities!
  • Cost: Free (with Swiss Travel Pass)

Dinner at Bruno's Pizza, Interlaken West

  • To round off a splendid day, head back to Interlaken West station and buy some takeaway dinner from Bruno's Pizza right beside the station so you can feast from the comfort of your accommodation later at night ?

  • Halal status: Halal ingredients used. Do note that alcohol is served in establishment
  • Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM-1AM
  • Address: Rugenparkstrasse 6, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
  • Cost: CHF12 (RM52, for kebabs)Do some souvenir shopping
  • Do some souvenir shopping on Hoheweg, the main avenue nearby: you might want to check out Laderach, a Swiss chocolatier which offers Muslim-friendly, gelatin-free sweet treats. Ask the staff to help point out to you which ones have alcohol and which ones don't!

Total cost for Day 3 (excluding accommodation): RM139

Day 4: Jungfrau region

Wander around the Swiss village of Lauterbrunnen

  • Set aside an entire day to explore Jungfraujoch and the gorgeous sights you'll catch along the way, starting with Lauterbrunnen, a picture-perfect Swiss village along the train route up to Jungfraujoch.

Credit: Noel Reynolds on Flickr

  • Nestled within a valley and in between towering cliffs, Lauterbrunnen looks every bit like the quintessential Swiss village that immediately comes to mind when you think of Switzerland.
  • Walk past enchanting wooden Swiss houses and vast fields to catch a glimpse of the stunning Staubbach Falls here!
  • Cost: Free (with Swiss Travel Pass)Getting to Jungfraujoch

  • To get to Jungfraujoch, you'll need to purchase a separate ticket which you can get at a 25% discount.
  • You can get the tickets here from the Switzerland Travel website. For this route, you'll be going up Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen/Wengen and going back to Interlaken via Grindelwald. So make sure you pick the "Wengen-Grindelwald" option when you're booking your tickets.
  • Take the scenic Wengernalpbahn train from Lauterbrunnen station to Kleine Scheidegg station and then transfer to a cog train ride from Kleine Scheidegg station to Jungfraujoch.

Cost: CHF137.40 (RM598)

Take in the unhindered views of the three mountain peaks nearby at Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory

  • One of the world's highest observatories and the second-highest observatory in Switzerland, the views of the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger peaks nearby from the open-air deck will completely blow you away!

Be floored by the surreal views of the Aletsch Glacier from the Jungfraujoch Plateau

  • Offering some absolutely spectacular views of the glacier blanketed in thick layers of fresh, untouched snow all year round, just being at the Jungfraujoch Plateau will leave you incredibly humbled by the majesty of Jungfraujoch itself ?

  • It gets especially windy here compared to elsewhere on Jungfraujoch, so be sure to bundle up as much as you can to stay warm!

Lunch at Restaurant Aletsch Self-Service

  • Fill your tummy with the halal curry chicken meal available here while you continue to take in the sweeping views of the Aletsch Glacier right outside the window.
  • Even though it's a little pricey at CHF20.50 per plate, the portion is really huge so you can share with another travel buddy.

  • Halal status: Halal ingredients used. Do note that it is prepared in the same kitchen as non-halal food and utensils aren't separated. We highly recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 10AM-6.30PM, Sat-Sun; 10AM-1.15PM, 2.15PM-6.30PM
  • Address: 3823 Eigergletscher, Jungfrau, Hoheweg 35, 3800 Interlaken
  • Cost (per person): CHF10.25 (RM45)Take a leisurely walk through the tranquil scenic Swiss village of Grindelwald
  • Stop by Grindelwald on the train route down from Jungfraujoch and have a quiet walk along the village's quiet streets, set against the backdrop of the grand cliffs flanking the village.

Credit: Thomas Wenger on Flickr

  • In the winter, Grindelwald transforms into a winter wonderland and a hot favourite ski resort destination because of its relatively affordable accommodation compared to other mountain resorts.

Stock up on groceries at the supermarket and cook your own dinner

  • Time for your second grocery run! There's a Coop near Interlaken-West Station at Marktgasse which opens till 10pm, and another one at Unterseen but this one closes early at 7pm. A Migros supermarket is also located just opposite the train station, so it's really convenient.
  • Since you've already cooked pasta, it's time to try something different instead! During our trips to Switzerland, we found out that Coop supermarket sold instant Rosti (Swiss potato pancake) for just CHF1.30 per pack. So we recommend getting a few and cook it with some mushrooms or cheese on the side ?
  • Cost for groceries (on average per person): CHF15 (RM65)Total cost for Day 4: RM708 (with dinner prepared)

Day 5: Glacier Express/St. Moritz

Hop on the Glacier Express

  • Time to leave Interlaken and hop on one of the most scenic train rides in the world - the Glacier Express!

  • The whole journey takes 8 hours which goes from Zermatt to St. Moritz but for this trip, you'll be hopping on the Glacier Express at Brig instead. So your journey will take 6h 20min.
  • From Interlaken-West Station, take the Intercity (IC) train bound for Base SBB and transfer at Spiez for the train to Brig. Make sure you check the schedule of the Glacier Express so you can make it in time for it at Brig!
  • As the Glacier Express is really popular, we recommend that you reserve your seats in advance (reservations open 93 days ahead of your travel date). Thanks to the Swiss Travel Pass, you'll only need to pay CHF33 for the seat reservation.

  • Once you hop on the Glacier Express, feast your eyes on the picturesque views. In summer, you can expect endless breathtaking mountains and emerald lakes while in winter, your whole journey will be a magical winter wonderland with snow blanketing the Swiss landscape ?

  • Look out for some highlights throughout your journey like the Oberalppass at 2044m above sea level, the Rhine Gorge (also known as the Swiss Grand Canyon!) and the super Insta-worthy and iconic Landwasser Viadukt - a 6-arched limestone bridge.
  • What's more, you'll also be given earphones so you can plug in to their commentary when the train passes through various stops.
  • Though you can order food on the train, the meals are not halal-certified so we recommend that you pack your own food. That way, you can save more too!
  • #HHWT Tip: If you want to get the best views, get a seat on the right side of the train ?
  • Cost: CHF33 (RM144)Explore St. Moritz

  • After that amazing train ride, you'll arrive at St. Moritz. Known as a famous Alpine resort, wander around the charming town of St Moritz that is dotted with heritage buildings, luxury boutiques and Swiss flags.
  • #HHWT Tip: For the best vantage point of Lake St Moritz, head over to a parking garage called Parkhaus Serletta. If you’re walking from the town area, take the escalator from Parkhaus Serletta to the top for the best view of the lake!

  • If you’re travelling by train, this vantage point is located opposite St Moritz train station. You won’t miss it because it’s widely frequented by tourists too. This also means you have to wait for your turn to replicate our snapshot above.
  • From the vantage point, walk down to get a close-up snapshot of Lake St Moritz!
  • While Lake St Moritz is a popular winter venue for polo matches, it remains a serene and beautiful sightseeing spot in summer.

  • If you walk further towards Hotel Waldhaus am See, you’ll find a wooden beach that’ll make a great Instagram-worthy spot ?

Evening stroll around St Moritz

  • After sundown, take an evening stroll around the town of St Moritz, famous for its glamorous alpine resort town.
  • Housed in a century-old building, we loved seeing a different side of Badrutt’s Palace, a luxury shopping spot filled with stores like Cartier, Gucci, Harry Winston and more.

  • As we explored deeper into the town, we stumbled upon Conditorei Hanselmann, a traditional bakery that is famous for their Engadine nut cakes.
  • Unfortunately, most shops at St Moritz close as early as 7pm. But on the bright side, you get to rest and whip up your own dinner after a long day of travelling.

Check into your accommodation

  • As St. Moritz is a resort town, prices of accommodation here might be a little steeper than other towns in Switzerland.
  • The cheapest prices that you'll find on Airbnb will be around RM600 so we recommend that you book as early as possible before all the affordable stays are snapped up!
  • #HHWT Tip: There's also a hostel at St. Moritz called St. Moritz Youth Hostel with prices as low as RM484 per night.

Cost for 1 night (on average, per person): RM300Total cost for Day 5 (excluding accommodation): RM144 (with lunch and dinner prepared)

Day 6: Zurich

  • After a night in St. Moritz, it's time to head back to Zurich. Take the train from St. Moritz station to Landquart station (2 hours 11 mins).
  • Transfer to another train from Landquart station to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB) station (1 hour 16 mins).

Cost: Free (with Swiss Travel Pass)

Have lunch at Take Away Doner Imbiss

  • Take the tram from Zurich Hauptbahnhof and alight at Rathausbrucke.
  • Make your way to Take Away Doner Imbiss and sink your teeth in their variety of doner kebabs which are really affordable.
  • Halal status: Muslim-owned
  • Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM-11PM
  • Address: Rathausbrücke 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
  • Cost: CHF10 (RM44)

Explore The Old Town (Altstadt) of Zurich

  • Take snapshots of the Old Town of Zurich. Wander around and admire heritage buildings, town squares and scenic river.
  • The best part is that with the Swiss Travel Pass, you can enjoy the tram and bus rides for free!
  • One of our favourite things about Zurich is crossing the Limmat River.
  • This scenic river runs from Lake Zurich, which is situated in the southern side of Zurich city.
  • #HHWT Tip: For the best view of Old Town of Zurich and Limmat River, head over to Lindenhof Square. If you’re lucky, you can capture a few boats cutting through the river too ?

  • Explore Munsterhof Square, the largest town square in the Old Town of Zurich and relax on one of the many chairs available in the square.
  • Don't forget to admire the medieval buildings and guild houses surrounding you ?
  • If you have spare time, check out the architecture of Fraumunster church and Zunfthaus zur Meisen art museum!
  • Cost: FreeTake the Polybahn ride

  • Ride Zurich’s unique mountain cable car ride called Polybahn ride.
  • Guess what? The ticket price is included in the Swiss Travel Pass!

  • The 5-minute funicular ride will take you to the top of the hill, where the University of Zurich is located, for a beautiful landscape of Central Zurich.

Check into your accommodation

  • With so many accommodation options in Zurich, it won't be a problem to find one that suits you.
  • The old town might be the best place to stay as it's near all the main attractions but nightly rates for accommodation around here are pricier too. So we recommend booking your accommodation in other areas like Unterstrass and Oerlikon where prices are much more affordable (around RM300 per night).
  • Cost for 2 nights (on average, per person): RM300Total cost for Day 6 (excluding accommodation): RM44 (with dinner prepared)

Day 7: Zurich

Lake Zurich

  • For a final glimpse of the city, take a relaxing boat ride around the scenic Lake Zurich.

  • Enjoy the free boat cruise (with Swiss Travel Pass) from Burkliplatz Zurich and back (1.5 hours)
  • From the boat, spot the Lindt & Sprungli chocolate factory, local vineyards and beautifully-designed houses.

  • If you want to have the whole boat to yourself, take the first boat at 9.15AM where the crowd is much lesser.
  • Cost: Free (with Swiss Travel Pass)FIFA World Football Museum
  • Perfect for football fans, make a trip to the FIFA World Football Museum that covers everything from famous memorabilia to achievements in football history.

  • Spot your country’s national team jersey at The Rainbow.
  • Get up close to the original FIFA World Cup and Female World Cup Trophies after looking through exclusive FIFA memorabilia throughout history.

Go window shopping at Bahnhofstrasse, the most expensive shopping street in the world

  • Treat yourself to some Swiss luxury watches from brands like TAG Heuer and Patek Philippe.
  • Start from Zurich HB and make your way slowly down to the end of Bahnhofstrasse: mega-brands like H&M are situated closer to Zurich HB, while the more expensive stores are located further down the street.

Pamper your tastebuds with the best Swiss chocolate in town at Confiserie Sprungli (30mins - 1h)

  • Zurich's oldest chocolatier (established 1836!) is conveniently situated towards the end of Bahnhofstrasse.
  • None of their products contains gelatin, and the ones with alcohol are clearly marked. Ask the friendly staff here to help you out if you're not sure ?

  • Their signature creation, the luxemburgerli, are an absolute must-try! Alternatively, treat yourself to a proper tea-time at the in-house cafe on the second floor: the hot chocolate here is also one of the best in the city ?

Cost: from CHF30 (RM131, varies on your spending)Total cost for Day 7: RM188 (varies on your spending) (with dinner prepared)

Day 8: Time to go home 

Shop for souvenir snacks 

  • If you have time to shop for souvenirs before your flight, buy some Kambly biscuits, local bread, and Swiss chocolates from COOP and Migros supermarkets.

Make your way to Zurich Airport

Credit: Michael Coghlan on Flickr

  • Take the train from Zurich HB station to Zurich Airport (12 mins). If you're staying in Unterstrass or Oerlikon, it's even nearer to the airport. 
  • For Swiss Travel Pass holders, the train ride to the airport is free!

Total cost for Day 8: varies on your shopping spreeEstimated cost breakdown for the whole trip (per person in a group of 2, excluding flight and shopping):

  • Swiss Travel Pass = RM1735
  • Accommodation in Luzern = RM400
  • Accommodation in Interlaken = RM500
  • Accommodation in St. Moritz = RM300
  • Accommodation in Zurich = RM300
  • Day 1 = RM115
  • Day 2 = RM199
  • Day 3 = RM139
  • Day 4 = RM708
  • Day 5 = RM144
  • Day 6 = RM44
  • Day 7 = RM188
  • Day 8 = varies on your spending

ESTIMATED TOTAL COST = RM4772 (varies on your spending) While the estimated total cost that we've calculated is RM4772, do bear in mind that you'll need to set aside a lot of money for shopping. For those of you who are planning to eat out more often, you'll also need to set aside money for that as meals in Switzerland can be very pricey. Do note that rates for accommodation fluctuate depending on the season so some seasons might be more expensive to visit than others. That's why we recommend that you set aside at least RM5000 or even more for your spending in Switzerland. Not to mention that this sum doesn't include flight tickets too. While travelling to Switzerland might not be cheap, it truly is a country with never-ending scenery throughout the year, regardless of which season you visit. During this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you're guaranteed to be left absolutely spellbound and completely head-over-heels with its surreal beauty ? So if you've always had Switzerland on your bucket list, time to make it a reality and start planning your Swiss adventure!