Your Guide to the Swiss Host Cities of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025
Explore the Cities Behind the Euros in Switzerland: Where to Stay and What to Do
Switzerland is never short on charm - but this summer, there’s a real buzz in the air. With the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 underway until 27th July, cities across the country are alive with open-air screenings, lakefront fan zones and a celebratory energy that goes well beyond the stadiums.
Even if you're not much of a football fan, the tournament has given Switzerland a festival-like atmosphere - and if that’s not a great excuse for a spontaneous city break, what is?
From lakeside lounging to castle climbing, here’s a guide to the eight host cities, what to do there and where to stay - whether you’re keeping it budget-friendly or looking to splash the cash.
Basel
Set along the Rhine on the French-German border, Basel blends grand galleries, medieval charm and an effortlessly cool vibe - with match days adding even more buzz. Even if you don’t have a ticket, fans will be able to soak up the atmosphere in the vibrant fan zone near St. Jakob-Park, Switzerland’s largest football stadium and the host for the final.
What to do
Pop into three countries in one day, explore the Old Town and visit the world-class Kunstmuseum. On match days, fan zones and bars are full of life.
Where to stay
Budget: ibis Styles Basel City (★★★) – Simple, colourful, and close to tram lines (~CHF 110/night)
Mid-range: Hotel Märthof (★★★★) – A stylish boutique stay near Marktplatz (~CHF 230)
Luxury: Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois (★★★★★) – Old-school elegance with stunning river views (~CHF 600+)
Bern
The Swiss federal city is often overlooked, but it’s surely one of the best capital cities in Europe to spend a summer’s day - featuring a UNESCO-listed Old Town, turquoise river swims and a laid-back charm that’s hard to beat. With Wankdorf Stadium, home to BSC Young Boys, hosting matches (and if you had a slight chuckle at the name, don’t worry… I did too), there’s a festive spirit bubbling throughout the city.
What to do
Stroll through the UNESCO Old Town, time your visit to the Zytglogge clock and float down the River Aare like a local.
Where to stay
Budget: Hotel National Bern (★★★) – Central and great value (~CHF 155)
Mid-range: Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz (★★★★) – Comfy, contemporary, and close to everything (~CHF 250)
Luxury: Bellevue Palace (★★★★★) – Grand dame with views of the Alps (~CHF 400+)
Geneva
Sitting pretty on the edge of Lake Geneva with views of Mont Blanc, Geneva is polished, international and effortlessly elegant. But don’t let the diplomatic vibe fool you - when the stadium fills and the fan zones buzz, the city knows how to party. Stade de Genève hosts several fixtures, and with open-air screenings and pop-up events all summer, the atmosphere spills right into the streets.
What to do
Cruise the lake, visit the UN, wander the old town and soak up the atmosphere in Carouge’s bars and boho cafés.
Where to stay
Budget: Hotel Carmen (★★) – Sustainable and simple (~CHF 230)
Mid-range: Hotel Cornavin (★★★★) – A city classic with views of the Jet d’Eau (~CHF 300)
Luxury: Hotel President Wilson (★★★★★) – Lakefront luxe, spa and all (~CHF 800+)
Zürich
Zurich is Switzerland’s biggest city — but also one of its coolest, with lakeside lidos, rooftop bars and riverside fan zones bringing the summer vibes. The Letzigrund Stadium is hosting multiple matches, and the whole city gets involved with open-air screens and a party-like energy in the Europaallee fan zone.
What to do
Explore trendy Zürich West, browse boutiques on the Bahnhofstrasse and visit the Frauenbad, a stylish lido exclusively for women during the day which transforms into the "Barfussbar" (barefoot bar) in the evening, open to all.
Where to stay
Budget: ibis Budget Zurich City West (★) – No-frills, very easy access (~CHF 120)
Mid-range: Hotel Felix (★★★★) – Modern, central and stylish (~CHF 280)
Luxury: The Dolder Grand (★★★★★) – Hilltop spa hideaway with sweeping views (~CHF 600+)
St. Gallen
Tucked between Lake Constance and the Appenzell hills, St. Gallen is a small city with big character - home to the incredible Abbey Library and Arena St. Gallen, where fans can catch Euro 2025 fixtures in a friendly, local atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can take in a UNESCO site by day and cheer on your team with the locals by night.
What to do
Wander the baroque Old Town, explore the Abbey Library and enjoy a pre or post-match drink on cobbled streets.
Where to stay
Budget: Hotel Dom (★★★) – Welcoming, socially conscious, and central (~CHF 140)
Mid-range: Einstein St. Gallen (★★★★) – Classy with an excellent restaurant (~CHF 220)
Luxury: Oberwaid Hotel & Spa (★★★★★) – Relaxing and green, just outside the city (~CHF 350)
Luzern
With lakeside promenades, easy access to the whole country and a ridiculously photogenic old town, Luzern is a key destination for holidaymakers in Switzerland. Match days add a little extra buzz to this already gorgeous spot - and even if you’re not heading to the Swissporarena, the fan zone by the lake gives you the perfect excuse for a drink before (or after) the game.
What to do
Stroll across the Chapel Bridge, take a boat across the lake or ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus for some spectacular views. If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, two fantastic nearby mountain excursions are Stoos and Stanserhorn, both completely included in the pass.
Where to stay
Budget: Barabas Hotel (★★★) – A former prison with surprisingly comfy rooms (~CHF 150)
Mid-range: Cascada Boutique Hotel (★★★★) – Stylish and sustainable, close to the station (~CHF 250)
Luxury: Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern (★★★★★) – Lakeside luxury and historic grandeur (~CHF 600+)
Thun
Thun often flies under the radar, but with a stunning castle castle, turquoise lake and mountain views all around, it’s a real hidden gem. This July, it’s also home to matches at the Arena Thun, giving visitors a chance to combine alpine charm with some football action - and perhaps the prettiest walk to a stadium in Europe.
What to do
Explore Thun Castle, sip wine by the Aare river or, if you’re not short on time, a visit to the nearby Oeschinensee should definitely be on the itinerary - it’s perhaps one of the most Instagrammable spots in Switzerland (and that’s saying something!).
Where to stay
Budget: Hotel Alpha Thun (★★★) – Cosy and close to the stadium (~CHF 200)
Mid-range: Hotel Freienhof (★★★★) – Riverside and very central (~CHF 250)
Luxury: Deltapark Vitalresort (★★★★★) – Wellness, lakefront and mountain air (~CHF 300+)
Sion
Right in the heart of Valais, Sion is a city of sun-drenched vineyards, medieval towers and now, Euro 2025 matches. It’s one of the more low-key host cities, and whilst it’s just down the road from the birthplace of the football antichrist himself (hello Sepp), the Stade de Tourbillon is everything football should be - old-school terraces, an excellent atmosphere and a uniquely fantastic view over the stands.
What to do
Climb up to Valère and Tourbillon castles, visit a wine caveau or get up into the mountains - take your pick from Crans-Montana or Haute-Nendaz!
Where to stay
Budget: Hôtel Elite (★★★) – Clean, central and easy-going (~CHF 135)
Mid-range: Hôtel des Vignes (★★★★) – Vineyard charm outside the city (~CHF 200)
Luxury: Château de Villa (★★★★★) – Wine-themed stays in a historic setting (~CHF 400+)
Getting Around
All eight host cities are easily connected by train — and with a Swiss Travel Pass, you can hop between them as often as you like. It’s not just for trains either: the pass also covers lake cruises, museum entries, and pretty much every form of public transport (though sadly, not the match tickets themselves). Whether you’re following your team or just chasing sunshine and summer fun, it’s the perfect way to explore Switzerland at your own pace.
You can grab your Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex at SwissPasses.com.
Ready for Kick-Off?
With the Women’s Euros in full swing and Swiss summer showing off, there’s never been a better excuse for a spontaneous getaway. You’ll find all the hotels mentioned above - and a huge range of apartments too - over at otp.co.uk.
Whether you’re catching a match, mountain views or lakeside drinks (or all of the above), this July is the perfect time to explore Swiss cities.