Discover the USA

The "city that never sleeps" offers some of the world's most iconic sights with Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. World-class museums like the MoMA, Broadway and the countless neighbourhoods from Brooklyn to Manhattan make New York an inexhaustible destination full of energy.

This immense canyon in Arizona, up to 1,800 metres deep, is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth and can be admired from numerous viewpoints along the South Rim. Rim-edge hikes and helicopter flights offer unforgettable perspectives on a landscape shaped by millions of years of erosion.

The legendary Golden Gate Bridge defines San Francisco's skyline, while the Pacific Coast Highway winds along the coast to world-class wine regions like Napa Valley and the dream beaches of Malibu. Hollywood in Los Angeles rounds out the California dream with glamour and film history.

From the geysers of Yellowstone to the red rock formations of Zion National Park to the giant sequoia trees, America's national parks offer incredible scenic diversity. The historic Route 66 links nostalgic diners, neon signs and the pure freedom of the American road trip along its legendary route.

Direct flights from Zurich to New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco are offered by several airlines, with flight times of 9 to 12 hours depending on the destination. Swiss citizens only need an ESTA approval, applied for online in advance, for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

English is the de facto official language, even though there is no official national language at the federal level. Spanish is also widely spoken in many regions, particularly the Southwest.

The US dollar (USD) is the official currency. Card payment is common practically everywhere, but tipping in restaurants and for services is firmly embedded in the culture and expected.

The USA is one of the pricier destinations worldwide, with prices for hotels, restaurants and rental cars similar to or above Swiss levels, especially in big cities like New York and San Francisco.