Switzerland has a reputation for being a luxurious and expensive country. But what if I told you that you could spend a weekend in a medieval town, enjoy cinematic views and sample local delicacies for less than CHF 100 a day? Fribourg, located on the border of two languages and the gorges of the Saane River, is not just a “hidden gem”, it is your key to budget luxury in Switzerland. We will tell you how to use local life hacks, transport secrets and the best free photo spots to keep your budget intact. Well, almost intact.

0 CHF Marvels: Best Free Photo Spots and Views in Fribourg

1. St. Nicholas Cathedral — Fribourg’s Gothic heart

Step into history — and look up. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, St. Nicholas Cathedral is crowned with over 150 heraldic shields on its ceiling. The stained-glass windows? Art Nouveau masterpieces by Joseph Meho. Pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago pass through here, and for those chasing views instead of blessings, there’s a 75-meter-high tower with a view that rivals postcards.

Last but not the least – entrance to the Cathedral itself is free! But the real lifehack for budget photographers is the 75-metre tower. There is NO admission fee, so it is both the cheapest and best panorama in the city.

Lifehack: go before closing time to catch the golden hour over the Old Town.

📅 Open year-round, daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Want more Swiss charm? Check out our guide to 15 cities full of history, culture, and quality living

2. The old town: medieval, intact, alive

With more than 200 Gothic façades, cobblestone lanes, and shadowy arcades, Fribourg’s old town feels like a living museum without the dust or the entrance fee. The Bern Bridge (13th century!) and lower town houses cannot but fuel you with time-travel energy. Despite the fact that no time machine required, it’s one of the top medieval towns in Switzerland to explore on foot.

📅 Go anytime, but summer tours add storytelling sparkle.

3. 15 bridges, countless stories

Fribourg is stitched together with bridges — 15 in total — each from a different century or mood board. Don’t miss the St. Johann Bridge for its best free view over the river bend. All of them are the perfect spot to shoot your Reels or take a stunning photo of medieval houses clambering up the cliffs.

Photo tip: Head down to the river to shoot the bridge from below. It’ may be the best free postcard of Fribourg.

📅 Best seen in spring and fall, with blossom or golden leaves framing the scene.

4. Trinkwasser — the statue that never stops crying

“La Pleureuse,” a sculpture by Franziska Koch, stands silently on Rue de Romont, near the Christ jewellery store.  It is open-air art, accessible 24/7 just in the heart of the city. This sculpture provides you with a profound, Instagram-worthy shot without the museum entrance fee. It is a reflection of the city’s mood, accessible to everyone.

🎭 Interpret as eco-critique, emotional monument, or both.

📅 Always there, always weeping.

2. Fribourg Travel Hacks: Save Money on Transport, Food, and Activities

1. The funicular that runs on wastewater

Since 1899, this charming little tram — le funiculaire — has carried passengers up and down between Fribourg’s upper and lower towns. What makes it unique? It’s powered by recycled wastewater. History meets sustainability, and somehow it still feels romantic. A true hidden gem in Fribourg.

🚃 Two cars, 55% incline, all charm.

📅 Daily service, maintenance permitting.

💰 Well, you will have to pay for the ticket, CHF 4.50. However, with the Fribourg City Card you will be able to ride it for free. There are lots of interesting offers included, just have a look

Markets и Saffron Bread (Salty over Sweet)

Try the saffron bread with Kilbi mustard (Moutarde de Bénichon) — yes, it’s sweet and clove-infused.

Skip the pricey tourist restaurants. Head to the Saturday market at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville to buy fresh cheese, bread, and meat, or just to stroll around and see what Swiss farmers have to offer. Then, have a picnic by the bridge or river.

Must-try: Saffron bread and Kilbi mustard are authentic, budget delicacies that can be bought at any bakery. Or, and this is even a better option, at the Market

🍽 Weekly markets: Saturdays at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville or Wednesdays at Place Georges Python.

Fribourg is full of surprises. From its funicular fuelled by wastewater to its fountains you can drink from, this city doesn’t just do history — it reinvents it.

Where to have a budget meal in Swiss Fribourg

Fribourg has plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can eat well without breaking the bank. Of course, you’ll find pizzerias and fast‑food spots like McDonald’s on Google Maps.

But if you’d like to eat like many working Swiss people, head to the cafés at Migros, Coop, or Manor. Manor often runs special offers on Saturdays, with breakfast for just CHF 6.50. Between Migros and Coop, I’d recommend Coop.

Here’s why: in addition to a main course (usually around CHF 12.20 –19.90 CHF), at Coop café you can pile your plate with as many appetizers and salads as you like and pay only for the plate size — CHF 6.50 or CHF 9.50. At Migros salads are priced by weight, so the final cost depends on your selection. In addition, Coop Café is located in the shopping centre Fribourg, directly opposite the train station. You may find it interesting to take a stroll through the city’s most popular shopping mall to feel the city atmosphere as it is.

And last but not least — at all these cafés you’ll also find Swiss specialities — sausages, rösti, fondues or all the above — that give you a taste of local flavours without stretching your budget.

If you still want to treat yourself and try the most authentic local food, I would recommend Café du Midi. Here you can try locally produced cheese from the Swiss Alps in all its variations and types. You can order a simple assortment of different types of cheese and jambon, or you can (and I would call this the best choice) order fondue just as it is prepared in Fribourg. Here is a link to the menu and prices for your reference. By the way, Fondue has been served here since 1877 (!!!) and is considered a veritable fondue institution.

3. Budget Luxury Shopping — Vintage, Brands and Treasures at local Secondhand shops

Shopping in Fribourg can be a luxurious experience without breaking the bank. One way to do this is to visit second-hand shops. This is a great opportunity to buy authentic items, including designer or just local brands, at incredibly low prices.

Life hack for tourists: If you just want to browse the shops without any particular goal in mind – simply to see what local producers have to offer consumers – I would recommend strolling along Rue de Romont or de Lausanne.

Emmaüs Fribourg: a hypermarket of vintage and authentic treasures

Forget magnets and key rings. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Swiss souvenir or decorative item, head to the huge Emmaüs Fribourg warehouse.

The perfect ‘budget luxury’: This charity hypermarket is a veritable labyrinth of vintage items. Here you can find absolutely everything, say, furniture, tableware, books, antiques, art, and even skis, clothing, all at prices that seem ridiculous not just by Swiss standards.

Life hack for tourists: This is the perfect place to buy unique, handmade items or old ceramics. You won’t just be buying a souvenir; you’ll be bringing home a piece of Swiss history. If you forgot to pack clothes, you can find quality items here for the price of a cup of coffee.

📍 Address: Route de la Pisciculture 6E 1700 Fribourg

ZigZag Fribourg: Branded clothing from previous collections

If you’re focused on a designer wardrobe and style, don’t miss ZigZag.

Beyond secondhand treasures, the store also features brand-new pieces from past collections of renowned brands. It’s an effortless way to refresh your wardrobe while embracing Switzerland’s idea of budget-friendly luxury. At ZigZag you’ll find these items at prices comparable to European outlets—yet conveniently located in the heart of Fribourg. Stylish shopping without the guilt.

📍 Address: Bd de Pérolles 32, 1700 Fribourg

🕝 Opening hours

Budget Day Trips from Fribourg

All these places are in Canton Fribourg, so you won’t spend much time to get there. As to money, there is a detail to keep in mind: train tickets aren’t free. A return trip to Murten costs around CHF 25 per person. You can easily check current prices or book your tickets online right here.

To be honest, each of these places (except for the last one, because such a hike is more of a challenge) deserves to be seen and experienced. How to choose the one?

As an option, you can browse my blog, or perhaps just flip a coin and let chance determine your next destination. When else can you see where it will take you, if not during your holidays and travels?

Now, let’s explore the top places to visit in Canton Fribourg:

• Murten — a lakeside medieval postcard with a touch of resort flair. Magical beyond belief.
• Estavayer-le-Lac — castle meets beach (it is free), and windsurfing is optional (but recommended). Moreover, it is so to say a camping capital of the canton Fribourg.
• Gruyères — castle, cheese, and a dash of Alien (yes, there’s an HR Giger museum).
• Schwarzsee — a mountain lake wrapped in folklore and pine.
• Lac de la Gruyère & Ogoz Island — an island with castle ruins you can reach by foot. Well, not all year round, but when the water drops. As a rule, the island becomes walkable when the lake level drops below 668 m above sea level, which usually happens around March. If you are interested, follow the link for the details.