Neuchâtel in Switzerland is taking part in our free Passport scheme. Each Newcastle city taking part has carefully selected a series of special offers just for visitors. Read on for details of these offers.

Exclusive Passport Offers

We have arranged the following exclusive offers with participating local businesses and tourist attractions. Follow the links for more information about each offer.

Restaurant/cafe/bar offers

Photograph by G. Perret

• A Chocolatissimo gift at Chancellery

Walking/guided tours

Photograph by G. Perret

• Half price on a guided visit to “Neuchâtel à la Belle Epoque”

Special visits to buildings/cultural attractions

1st photograph by Vincent Bourrut

• Free Entrance in the City’s four museums (Jardin botanique, Musée d’histoire naturelle, Musée d’art et d’histoire, Musée d’Ethnographie)

Exclusive offers

• On prior request possibility to meet with City Councillors and/or to visit official buildings

1st photograph by G. Perret

 

Contact

If you have any queries about these offers please contact:

Name: Damien VAUCHER

Email: chancellerie.comunale@ne.ch

Weblinks: www.neuchatelville.ch 

Highlights in Neuchâtel

⦁ Caste and Collegiate church
For lovers of old stones and sublime panoramas, take a step up to appreciate this essential part of the thousand-year-old city.

At the origin of Neuchâtel
Flamboyant yellow limestone, spires reaching for the sky, white facades, turrets and a covered walkway: the Castle and Collegiate Church have stood side by side since the 12th century and form an emblematic ensemble, proudly enthroned on their rocky spur. You have to walk from east to west and from south to north to discover all the nooks and crannies: hidden courtyards, flowery cloisters, stone walkways and graceful turrets.

Viewpoints
Because of its dominant position, the Castle and Collegiate Church offer astonishing views of the surroundings. The most spectacular one plunges from the esplanade over the roofs of the historic centre to the lake. To the east and north, the walkway takes you through contrasting areas of vegetation, old stonework and views of the more recent districts. Don’t miss the footbridge and the path that leads to the Ethnography Museum for a complete tour of the site.

A lively place
A popular historical site, the district is not content to be a witness to the past. It lives in harmony with its time and its inhabitants. It is not uncommon to see petanque players on the west side of the esplanade, or a State Councillor coming out of his office, as the cantonal government has its headquarters in the Castle. In summer, don’t miss a drink on the picturesque café terrace at the foot of the southern façade of the building to enjoy a unique view of the city and the lake.

⦁ The Tour du Fantastique
In a historic old-town setting, a unique museum invites you to escape: immersive John Howe exhibition, café with a view, shop and workshops for all.
Nestled within the former prison and medieval tower of Neuchâtel’s old town, the Tour du Fantastique emerges as a new space devoted to imagination and art. This museum transforms the historic site into a true realm of cultural and fantastical escape. Its inaugural exhibition showcases over 250 drawings and paintings by artist John Howe, spread across four floors in an immersive scenography. Beyond exhibitions, the Tower features a shop, a café with lake views, events, masterclasses, and workshops for all ages. An unmissable destination for lovers of fantasy, science fiction, and visual creation — a place where imagination comes to life. tourdufantastique.com

⦁ Did you know it? It’s possible to visit Neuchâtel in the Belle Epoque
As the 20th century dawned, Neuchâtel enjoyed a magical interlude prompted by a variety of amazing developments. Inspired by those golden years, the unique tours in the “Neuchâtel in the Belle Epoque” series take you back in time to discover how people in Neuchâtel lived a century ago.
Scavenger hunt “Les Chenapans”
To do with your family, in groups or school outing. A host of thrilling challenges add spice to the scavenger hunt, “Les Chenapans – The Rascals”. Participants criss-cross the city to seek out wall paintings inspired by the Belle Epoque. Plenty of surprises and fun at every stage along the route – but only the smartest competitors will reach the unique treasure at the end of the trail. Guaranteed fun for all the family!
Mission astrophone – urban escape game
Come and solve riddles in old telephone boxes and discover Neuchâtel in a different way thanks to a new kind of urban escape game! To be experienced in a group, with family and friends or as a team building outing.
Guided tours accompanied by a local guide
Discover an interactive route linking a series of experiences that offer fun as well as information. The highlight: you soak up the ambience of a genuine tram interior of the period as you enjoy this audiovisual tour. Suchard chocolates and a secret absinthe tasting will tickle your nostrils and taste-buds, and you can also try your hand at some of the Belle Epoque popular games.
Lake cruise aboard the steam boat “Le Neuchâtel”
You can follow this exploration of the early 20th century with a cruise on board the “Neuchâtel”, an iconic Belle Epoque steamer that was completely renovated in 2014. You can prolong your experience with the help of a digital app that helps you seek out a romantic figure of the Belle Epoque.
⦁ Panoramic funicular railway La Coudre – Chaumont
Just 5 minutes from the town center, the funicular railway La Coudre – Chaumont takes you to an original ride up to an altitude of 1,000 m in less than 10 minutes. The panoramic tower located at the arrival offers a stunning view of the Three Lakes and the Alps. www.neuchateltourisme.ch/chaumont
⦁ Art and History Museum and Jaquet-Droz Automatons
Presentation of three incredible androids dating the 18th century and real ancestors to the modern computers. www.mahn.ch
⦁ Laténium, park and museum of archaeology
From the Ice Age to the medieval times, the museum takes the visitor 50,000 years back in time. Thousands of finds are on exhibit, such as those from the prehistoric lakeshore villages and the world-famous weapons of the Celtic civilization. It is set in an archaeological park on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. www.latenium.ch