Neuchatel, Switzerland

Neuchatel stole my heart from the moment I arrived in Switzerland. Nestled on the shores of Lac de Neuchatel, this charming city is a hidden gem of the French-speaking region. And it soon became my home away from Couvet.

Not only was Neuchatel a transportation hub from which all my travels throughout the country originated, but as the capital of the canton, it became my go-to destination for shopping, dining out and escaping the apartment on a sunny day.

If you find yourself in the Neuchatelois region, I highly recommend taking an afternoon to walk around. It is often devoid of crowds and tourists and offers beautiful views of the alps across the lake.

In the summer months, take advantage of the several parks along the lakeshore where you can grill out with friends and family and swim in the clear glacial waters. There are also boat tours that leave from the city’s marina, including a themed Belle Epoque cruise!

There are several museums to check out in the city as well, including the Musee d’Art et d’Histoire (Art and History Museum) and the Latenium (an archeology museum focusing on prehistoric eras). Most hotels in Neuchatel offer a city pass to their guests that can give you free entry to the city museums and attractions in the surrounding area.

Wandering around Old Town is my favorite thing to do in Neuchatel. Explore the winding, cobbled streets and see if you can find all 140 street fountains placed throughout the city, some of which date back to the 16th century. At the top of Rue de Chateau, you will find the Collegiate church of Neuchatel and the castle. The church was under renovation during my seven- month stay in Switzerland, so I never had the chance to go inside, but the northwestern courtyard gives Harry Potter vibes and is open all year round.

The castle now houses government offices and is only open for tours during the summer months. But the view from the top of the hill in front of the church is spectacular and is worth the trek.

As I said, Neuchatel is not known as a tourist hot spot, but it is a great city to chill and walk around in. Grab a coffee or a glass of wine at one of the many cafes (the Maison des Halles is a great destination for outdoor seating on a sunny day) and explore the quaint little shops of Old Town.

From here, it’s an easy train ride to Zurich, Bern and Lausanne!