Neuchâtel, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#1612
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Neuchâtel is a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, known for its stunning views and historic architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 34,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Swiss Franc (CHF). 1 CHF ≈ 1.10 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banking options include UBS and Credit Suisse. Digital banks like N26 are also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options including Airbnb, local real estate websites such as Homegate, and Spotahome. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely across stores and cafes. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Neuchâtel offers affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The old town area, near the lake, provides a charming atmosphere with easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center is ideal, with cafes and coworking spaces nearby. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café des Alpes offers a nice atmosphere for coworking. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Littéraire is popular for its quiet ambiance and excellent coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups organized through platforms like Meetup.com focus on tech and startups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Neuchâtel Expats Facebook Group is a great community hub for events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, along with local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Trottinette Neuchâtel offers scooter rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Neuchâtel is a popular lakeside beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Swiss International Air Lines serves regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights available through Air France and Lufthansa. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access to A5 and A20 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Neuchâtel Train Station is the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes available for trams and buses through TransN. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains frequently connect to nearby cities like Lausanne and Bern. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital neuchâtelois is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Room Neuchâtel offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Park Neuchâtel is a popular gym among locals. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie automatique Neuchâtel provides convenient laundromat services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Just Eat are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fondue Neuchâteloise is a must-try local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Nemo’s Kitchen is a popular spot for vegetarian and vegan meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Boulangerie Fournier is famous for pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The market at Place des Halles offers fresh produce at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options include Coop and Migros for groceries. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue des Bains is well-known for its nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Neuchâteloise produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cave du Château offers wine tastings and a varied selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks at various festivals offer local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Da Nando serve excellent Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Château de Neuchâtel provides stunning views and historical insight. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Laténium is the city’s archaeological museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Town features medieval buildings and cobbled streets. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Neuchâtel Cathedral showcases beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival is a notable event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center hosts various cultural institutions and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | L'Atelier des différences is a popular theater space. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets at Place des Halles offer local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The festival Neuchâtel Jazz is a highlight in the music calendar. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city has multiple murals and street art installations around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cuisine et Culture offers Swiss cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Souterrain showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former city hall is a fine example of renaissance architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is renowned for its watchmaking heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Creux-du-Van is a stunning natural rock formation nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jura National Park offers hiking and nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The scenic path along Lake Neuchâtel is ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | La Coudre offers breathtaking views over the city and the lake. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands at Grande Cariçaie are perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the lake allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Swiss Post offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Media Markt and FNAC provide tech repair options. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | L'Institut de Langue offers French classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliothèque publique et universitaire provides great study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Maison de la Culture hosts events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On Neuchâtel is a local gaming lounge. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Neuchâtel offers gaming and 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 4,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 172,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 312,000). |
| 🏠 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 4,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 384,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 296,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on global income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approx. 40% including communal taxes. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7.7% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 3% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Switzerland offers attractive tax treaties, with favorable conditions for expats. |