Neuchâtel’s Old Town is a pleasure to explore on foot, with its pedestrian lanes. Along the way, you’ll encounter architectural landmarks from different centuries: Rue Fleury is one of the city’s oldest streets, and the lintel of a cellar entrance bears the year 1494. In Passage des Corbets, there is a spiral staircase built around 1600. Details like these bring history to life not only in grand buildings, but also in the lanes and passageways.

Lanes, squares and architectural history

Château de Neuchâtel dates from the late 10th century and stands on a rocky outcrop above the city. Its rampart walk can be accessed from the south of the castle or north of the cloister. The Collégiale offers a different historical perspective: this 12th-century monument is made of the yellow limestone typical of Neuchâtel. Hôtel DuPeyrou is another building with a history of its own. Built between 1764 and 1771, it features magnificent gardens. It is also a stop on the tourist Via Rousseau, which traces the writer’s journey through the Neuchâtel region.

Museums offering different perspectives

At the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, dioramas show mammals, waterfowl and native birds in their natural environments. The Musée d'art et d'histoire brings together collections of fine art, history, applied arts and numismatics. The three Jaquet-Droz automata are also on display there throughout the year. Nature, art, history and mechanics can therefore be explored side by side in different museums.

The Musée d’ethnographie de Neuchâtel houses around 60,000 objects and 40,000 photographs from every region of the world, with a particular focus on Africa. Its perspective on human societies is critical and original. At the Centre Dürrenmatt Neuchâtel, Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s paintings are presented in the context of his literary work, alongside temporary exhibitions and events. The temporary programmes change over time.

Plants, lake and urban nature

Neuchâtel Botanical Garden is open every day of the week, all year round. Local and exotic plant species, a pond and a stream shape the garden; temporary exhibitions are also held there throughout the year. Their programme changes. Another natural setting is found in the protected areas along the southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, which is considered an internationally important wintering ground for waterfowl. Nature conservation and the seasonal importance of the area for birds are central here.

Parc des Jeunes-Rives connects the historic centre with the lake. The park includes an urban beach, a playground and facilities for leisure and sport. Its redevelopment is still being completed, so the facilities may change. Swimming, boat trips, paddleboarding and pedal boating are possible on Lake Neuchâtel. Some of these activities are seasonal.

Views and trails

The Chaumont viewing tower stands at a height of around 1,200 metres and offers sweeping views of Lakes Neuchâtel, Biel and Murten. The La Coudre–Chaumont funicular climbs 570 metres in 13 minutes; at the top, it also offers a panorama of the Three-Lakes Region and the Alpine chain. Check the timetable before your journey. From Chaumont, the Sentier du Temps descends towards Neuchâtel, tracing the evolution of life on Earth.

Those interested in fauna, flora and the urban landscape can explore these themes on the Nature en ville educational trail: the easy hike takes two to two and a half hours and features eleven information panels. Parc Aventure Chaumont offers eleven treetop courses, including rope challenges and numerous zip lines, for visitors aged two and over. Check the season and admission details before your visit. A guided tour of the Collégiale explores its development over the centuries and includes the cloister, the organs, and the monument to the counts and countesses; check availability in advance. The Les Chenapans family treasure hunt uses Belle Époque frescoes and riddles to explore the historic centre. Check availability in advance for this bookable activity too.

Markets and culinary discoveries

A market has been held on Place des Halles since the 19th century. Maison des Halles, built in the 1570s, originally housed goods such as grain and textiles. For a taste of the local cuisine, the seasonal Food Tour Neuchâtel takes visitors through the Old Town, with several tasting stops. It includes local cheese, Neuchâtel dried Salsiz sausage, wine, a main course, coffee or tea, and a piece to take away. As availability and the tour’s offerings may change, check the details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Neuchâtel, Saint-Blaise Ne, Enges, Thielle-Wavre, Cressier Ne, La Chaux-De-Fonds, Val-De-Ruz, Le Locle.

For the main travel overview: Neuchâtel.