Avoid tourist traps forever

We’ve all done it while on our holidays: walked into a bar, ordered a round, taken a sip, and then it’s hit us. Oh no. We’ve made a terrible mistake. We’re in a tourist trap.

What if there was an app that could guide the way, offering expert insider advice? Well, now there is.

Switzerland Tourism has created the sort of app that will transform any Swiss sojourn from tourist trap hell to heroic holiday, giving insider information on seven key cities.

Instead of performing an internet search for the best places to go, the “Make My Switzerland” app actually uses expert opinions from the achingly hip movers and shakers who live in Switzerland.

Here, we get top tips from seven local ambassadors:

Linus Von Moos, Illustrator, Lucerne

“When I’m looking to impress, my first choice is always Grottino 1313. Why? Well every day the head chef creates a new exciting menu for his diners – including two courses at lunch and four in the evening. In fact, its combination of culinary delights and unparalleled atmosphere makes it one of Lucerne’s best kept secrets… so don’t go telling everyone.”

Luisa, Cultural Manager, Basel

“On the corner of Klybeckstrasse and Feldbergstrasse you’ll find my favourite haunts in Basel right next door to each other. First up is Restaurant Feldberg where you can enjoy superb French cuisine. Next door there’s the Agora Bar that serves up plenty of beer, wine and live music…and if you want to keep dancing, head on to Ladybar with its late licence.”

Mel Mercury, DJ, Bern

“When me and my mates want to spend a few hours hanging out together, we always head to Fariboles. They serve French lemonade, delicious canapés and the best coffee in Switzerland. Well worth a visit.”

Andrin Willi, Editor, Zürich

“For locals like me Restaurant Volkshaus is somewhat of an institution these days. It serves simply prepared Swiss cuisine in an authentic, yet contemporary environment and the large windows at the front are perfect for gazing through over a glass of wine.”

Helen Swain, Editor, Geneva

“If you and your mates are after a few cocktails to get the evening started in style - then I recommend you visit the utterly elegant Verre A Monique. With dim lighting, stylish décor, tasty tapas and crystal glasses, this is one bar is almost guaranteed to give you a night to remember.”

Luc Berthold, Student, Lausanne

“Want to dance the night away? Then hit the 3rd floor of the nightclub MAD in Lausanne – Le Bedroom. With a truly special atmosphere and décor, spend the evening chatting or dancing from 11pm when the DJ kicks off. Part of the biggest and best nightclub in Switzerland with five floors of music, drinks and dancing, there’s really no better place to spend an evening with friends.”

Marian Bader, Photographer, Lugano

“Tabla in Lugano really is one of a kind. As well as serving traditional Indian food alongside local Ticinese dishes, this fantastic restaurant also has an amazing terrace that overlooks the nearby woods - perfect if you just fancy an aperitif and a drink.”