Neuchâtel, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#1612
47.009924, 6.82438
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Neuchâtel is a picturesque city located along the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, known for its beautiful old town and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 34,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Swiss Franc (CHF). Standard exchange rate is 1 CHF ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt are major mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut, UBS, and Raiffeisen are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnbs, local rentals and hotels in the city center. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings on platforms like Homegate and Comparis. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Neuchâtel and Hotel de l'Ecluse offer affordable stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cube Neuchâtel offers flexible coworking solutions with a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café du Cerf is popular among remote workers, offering good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Digital Nomads Neuchâtel on Meetup hosts monthly networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Neuchâtel Facebook Group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Neuchâtel, providing convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Velo Neuchâtel offers bike rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The beach at the outskirts of lake Neuchâtel, around 15 minutes by bike. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Helvetic Airways serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Swiss International Air Lines offers flights from nearby airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to A5 and A20 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Neuchâtel Railway Station connects to regional and international destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes start from CHF 60. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to Yverdon-les-Bains, Bienne, and Lausanne are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital de Neuchâtel offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga and Pilates Neuchâtel provides various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Neuchâtel offers a range of fitness options for all types of workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie Automatique at Rue de Zürich offers self-service laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Eat.ch are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fondue Neuchâteloise is a must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Pachyderme offers a delightful menu with many vegetarian choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie G. Boucher is known for its exquisite pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Neuchâtel's weekly market at Place des Halles offers fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local jewelers and artisan products can be found on Swiss online platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros offer online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The old town has many bars and pubs, especially along Rue du Seyon. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie des Franches Montagnes produces local beers worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cave de la Côte offers local wines and tasting experiences. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks at Place des Halles often provide delicious quick bites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Sicilienne serves excellent Italian fare. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Neuchâtel Castle and the old town are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Art and History showcases Swiss culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Collegiate Church of Neuchâtel is a splendid example of Gothic architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Temple du Bas serves as an important Protestant landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Neuchâtel Carnival takes place every spring, attracting locals and visitors alike. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town features charming streets and vibrant cultural life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Théâtre du Passage hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Neuchâtel's weekly market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues host live music ranging from jazz to classical. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the streets of the old town for impressive murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops are often held at Palais des Expositions. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie d'Art La Fontaine features local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the former vault of the cheese factory which is now a cultural center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Neuchâtel's watchmaking tradition is a key part of its heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Jura Mountains offer hiking and skiing options within a short drive. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Neuchâtel is close to the Parc Naturel Régional du Doubs. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths along Lake Neuchâtel provide scenic views for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit Chaumont for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding regions. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Reserve de la Grande Cariçaie is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Picnic spots by the lake allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | PostFinance provides reliable shipping services across Switzerland. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | MediaMarkt offers electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Paddle Club Neuchâtel has facilities for table tennis enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Language School Neuchâtel offers courses in French and German. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliothèque Publique et Universitaire de Neuchâtel is excellent for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centre de Vie is a hub for various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Lounge Neuchâtel features modern gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Neuchâtel provides various gaming entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 220,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 4,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 288,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 336,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 304,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Effective corporate tax rate is about 14-15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The withholding tax rate on dividends is 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Swiss tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate in Neuchâtel is around 41%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate in Switzerland is 7.7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations exist for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the rental value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is around 1.5-3% in Neuchâtel. |