mini cruise zurich

Lake Zurich Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for a fun cruise on Lake Zurich? This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about your lake and river cruise options from Zurich, so you’re definitely in the right place.

A cruise on the lake is one of the best activities you can do in Zurich because it is not only fun and relaxing but gives you a unique perspective on the city.

Types of cruises, ticket price information, and seasonal cruise timetables are all included in this detailed guide. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Lake Zurich cruises and start planning your adventure immediately!

Table of Contents

Cruise Recommendations

There are lots of cruises and boat trips on Lake Zurich, making it hard to choose. Although a cruise is fun, it is even better if you combine it with a walking tour, cable car ride or chocolate factory tour!

Below is a short selection of some tours worth considering (4.5-5 star ratings only). Many combine other great activities in Zurich so you save time and money!

• Small Group walking tour & cruise in Zurich
• 3 in 1 – Tour, Cruise and Cablecar ride with views over Zurich
• Private Tour:  Walking Tour & Boat Cruise
• Cruise, Tour and trip to Lindt Museum

Main Types of Cruises on Lake Zurich

We can sort the types of cruises on Lake Zurich by length and by theme. When it comes to the duration of the cruise, travelers can choose from mini, short, and long lake cruises.

Mini-Cruises

Mini cruises usually take up to 1-2 hours and take you to one of the nearby towns in the lower part of the lake, closer to the city. They’re short and sweet; perfect for travelers who want to experience a cruise on Lake Zurich or Limmat River.

Short Cruises

Short cruises usually last up to three hours and visit towns near the lake’s center. They often have an onboard restaurant so that you can enjoy snacks and drinks on board.

Long Cruises

Longer cruises on Lake Zurich are the best option for people who want to explore the surroundings, see the entire lake, and enjoy a full day out. These round trips are up to 4 hours long, taking you from Zurich to Rapperswil and then back to Zurich.

You can get off the boat in Rapperswil and explore the town, it’s well worth it. Even if you just manage to stroll along the lakeshore and maybe walk to the top of the Rapperswil Castle , it will give you a great overview of this stunning historic town.

Related Reading

Swimming in lake zurich: best spots & tips.

Unique Cruises

Lake Zurich is also famous for themed lake and river cruises. If you find a regular boat trip boring, consider going on a fondue cruise or even a murder mystery cruise!

Unique cruises take place on Lake Zurich just a few times in a season, so you will need to plan your entire trip around the cruise if that’s something you want.

However, some themed cruises happen more often than others. The fondue boat cruise is very popular in Zurich and takes place frequently, but the murder mystery trip happens once or twice a month.

My Recommendations

• 3 in 1 – Tour, Cruise and Cablecar ride with views over Zurich

Winter Cruises

Given the colder weather, there are fewer cruises in winter. However, that does not mean you can’t go on a Lake Zurich Cruise.

Lake Cruise Tours

A few companies still offer lake cruise tours, usually combined with a walking tour or visit to the Lindt Factory (because it is near a dock). Here are a few I have found:

• Best of Zurich and Surroundings – Extended City Sightseeing Tour with a local
• Zürich Charms Unveiled: Private City Center Walk and Lake Cruise
• Zurich Sightseeing With Lake Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate
• The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat

Local Ferries

Local Zurich Lake ferries still run in winter, just on a reduced schedule. Just remember, that these are not “cruises” per se, but local ferries.

The simplest way to find the ferry times is on the SBB website, however as a general rule from the Bürkliplatz docks in Zurich there are

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• two journeys a day to Rapperswil

• two boats a day to the Lindt Chocolate Factory and Museum (aka Kilchberg ZH (See))

Fondue Cruise

Another popular winter cruise option is the Fondue Cruise, which takes place at night on Lake Zurich

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for Zurich lake cruises depend on a number of different things. If you already have the Swiss Travel Pass, you can go on a free cruise. It won’t be a themed cruise and you most likely won’t get any food for free, but you won’t have to pay for a ticket just to get on the boat.

As for all the other cruises, it’s important to note that themed cruises are a lot more expensive than sightseeing cruises. The themed cruises usually include dinner and drinks, and it’s no secret that going out in Zurich is not a cheap sport at all. The fondue cruise is around 65 CHF, while the murder mystery cruise costs around 115 CHF.

Sightseeing cruises are dirt cheap compared to themed ones. Prices for the mini round trip cruise start at around 7 CHF and go up to 43 CHF for a long lake cruise. In any case, expect to spend at least 50 CHF if you want to eat and drink something on the boat. You can bring your own food and drinks to save money, and this is the best thing to do if you want to get off the boat at some point and explore towns on the lake shore.

You can buy the tickets online at the ZVV and SBB online shops, as well as onboard all ZSG boats. Tickets are also available for purchase at the tourist information office at Zurich main station, the ticket office in Zürich Bürkliplatz, and all ZVV and SBB ticket machines.

On top of all that, you should know that tickets are necessary for children and dogs, and they’re 50% cheaper than regular adult tickets.

The timetable for cruises on Lake Zurich depends on the season, weather conditions, and destination. There are fewer departures in the winter season, especially for longer routes. Departures for one-way trips and shorter routes are more common, especially in smaller lakeshore towns.

Cruises are more popular in the summer season, so there are more departures from all docks along the shore. In any case, you can see the current timetable for cruises on Lake Zurich right here .

Things To Do In Zurich: History, Culture, and Swiss Delicacies

How to get to the main boat docks in zurich.

Most boat cruises depart from Zürich Bürkliplatz. This is a public square on the shore of the lake, which doubles as one of the most important transport hubs in the city. Most tram and bus lines in Zurich pass through here, so it’s really easy to reach the ferry terminal.

If you happen to have accommodation in Zurich’s old town, you can just walk to Zürich Bürkliplatz; it’s at the end of Bahnhofstrasse, so it will be a pleasant walk through the heart of the city. The pier is just a 10-minute walk away from both Fraumunster Church and Zurich Opera House, so it’s easily accessible from the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cruises on Lake Zurich

Is A Zurich Lake Cruise Included in the Swiss Pass?

Yes, you can go on a free Lake Zurich cruise if you purchased the Swiss Travel Pass Flex . It’s not included in the cheapest travel pass option, but only in the mid-range one. You will still need to pay for any food and drinks you consume on board, but you don’t have to spend any money on a ticket.

It’s important to note that the Travel Pass covers only sightseeing lake cruises. If you’re interested in one of the themed cruises, you must pay the full price.

How much does it cost to go to Lake Zurich?

That depends on so many different things. It can be anywhere from a few francs to several thousand, depending on whether you’re including the cost of plane tickets, accommodation, transport through Switzerland, and finally, boat cruise tickets.

Even without the plane tickets, it will cost you hundreds of $/€/£/₣. Hostels in Zurich start at around 100 Francs per night, and that’s for the cheapest type of accommodation available. The lake cruise can cost anywhere from a few francs to several hundred, eating out in Zurich is quite pricey, and train tickets to other nearby towns aren’t cheap either.

The Swiss Travel Pass can get you some great discounts, but it costs around 250 Francs for 3 days, and that’s the cheapest option that doesn’t include a Lake Zurich cruise. So to answer your question, it costs a lot of money to go to Lake Zurich – 300-400 Francs for a couple of days at least, not including the plane tickets.

Is Lake Zurich worth visiting?

Lake Zurich is definitely worth visiting if you’re staying somewhere in the area and you’ve never been before. The city of Zurich is absolutely amazing, and one of the most popular places to visit in entire Switzerland.

But if you want to visit Lake Zurich specifically for the lake and fun water activities, you might be a bit disappointed. Sure, there are things to do and places to see, but it’s not quite as popular as the lakes of Thun, Brienz, Lucerne, and Neuchatel. These are better options for people who want to have fun on the water and swim, but none of those will allow you to walk through the streets of Zurich.

Can you swim in Lake Zurich?

Yes, Lake Zurich offers plenty of opportunities for swimming. There’s a small beach area in the city of Zurich, but if you want to avoid the crowds it’s best to head to a more remote part of the lake. There are plenty of beaches along the shore of Lake Zurich that are rarely as busy as the swimming areas in the city.

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One thought on “ Lake Zurich Cruises: Everything You Need to Know ”

Hi there, appreciate if you can explain more details on Zurich Lake and River cruise particularly during winter season. I planned to go to Zurich sometimes in late February and really interested to take one of either mini or short cruise, however I noticed that you didn’t mentioned on its availability during winter time. If available, what their time-table would be? Thank you and best regards.

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Affordable cruising on Lake Zürich

Zürich has an abundance of pretty sights and things to do. There is wandering around in the old town of Zürich, enjoying cool places like Frau Gerolds Garten and Urban Surf, and of course, there is the lake! Tourists and locals alike spend sunny days out by the lakeside, walking the long promenade from the inner city all the way to the Zürichhorn park and beach. Meanwhile, ships and boats glide over the water next to them. What many tourists may not know is that many of the ships are actually part of the Zürich public transport network, making a trip on Lake Zürich surprisingly affordable!

The Zürich Navigation Company (ZSG Rundfahrten) offers a wide variety of what they call ‘unique cruises’. Think of cruises allowing you to dance on a boat in Lake Zürich, or culinary cruises where you can eat burgers, mezze or of course Swiss cheese fondue. While these cruises are a great way to combine food with a lake experience, they are rather pricy.

Shorter lake cruises for a fraction of the price

If you have the budget for the more unique cruises offered on Lake Zürich, I think you should absolutely go for it. However, it is great to see that even more budget -conscious travellers can enjoy the lake for a fraction of the price. In collaboration with the Zürich public transport company, there are several cruises that you can take without breaking the bank. The one that we took and that I recommend taking is the so-called ‘Mini lake cruise’. This cruise only takes about an hour and is thus great to combine with other activities in Zürich.

The mini-lake cruise starts at Zürich Bürkliplatz, right in the middle of the center at the end of the famous Bahnhofstrasse. From there, the mini-lake cruise takes you to different places around the lake such as Zürichhorn, Zollikon and Wollishofen. There are cruises that take you further out on the lake, but these are more expensive and might be a bit too long for visitors with limited time in Zürich. You can find an overview of all cruises under ’round trips on the ZSG website .

We enjoyed the mini-lake cruise so much because it was a great way to get a glimpse of lake life in Zürich, while still being able to do other activities in the city. Especially as we only did a day trip from Luzern where we live, spending several hours on a boat would have been too long for us.

Seats both inside and outside

Naturally, sunny days are preferred when taking a cruise on the lake. However, even for colder and overcast or rainy days, the cruise could be part of your day program. There are seats inside the ship, where panorama windows still allow you to look out and see the lakeside parks, mansions and other sights.

The outside seating on the boats fill up quickly, especially on sunny days, so prepare to either wait or sit inside during your cruise.

Only CHF 6.80, or included in your Zürich day card

Tickets for the cruise can not be reserved or booked in advance. Instead, you buy a ticket at any of the ZVV ticket machines, in the SBB app, or onboard the ship. Tickets for the mini-lake cruise only cost CHF 6.80 for adults, and 3.40 CHF if you have the half fare card.

For visitors with a public transport day pass for Zürich, the mini-lake is free of charge. The same applies to those with a ‘ Zürich Card ‘. However, as the Zürich Card also includes other cruises on the Limmat river and the lake, the mini-lake cruise might not be your best option.

So there you have it, want to enjoy Lake Zürich without breaking the bank? Head over to the ZSG website and find departure times that fit your travel itinerary!

• lake cruise
• mini-lake cruise

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Enjoy a little boat trip on Lake Zurich in the ZVV zones 110, 140, and 150. The trip includes the route between Zurich Bürkliplatz and Oberrieden/Herrliberg with additional stops.

Unfortunately, this offer is not bookable at the moment.

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Day hike above Lake Walen from Zurich

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With the day ticket, experience unlimited travel by boat on Lakes Thun and Brienz, two beautiful and turquoise blue lakes in the Bernese Oberland.

From Zurich: City tour and cable car ride to fondue fun at sunset

Experience Zurich's culinary side with a visit to the largest Lindt store in the "Lindt Home of Chocolate". Enjoy a traditional cheese fondue with a 4-course menu at sunset.

Duration: 4:45 hours

Small lake cruise Lake Zurich from Zurich

About this ticket.

Mobile ticket accepted

Use your phone or print out the voucher

Meeting point

Bürkliplatz (Lake), 8001 Zürich

Halbtax | Swiss Half Fare Card

Free cancellation

Full refund in case of cancellation up to 24h before start

about 1:30 hours boat tour

24-hour ticket for ZVV zones 110, 140, and 150

• Enjoy a small, 1:30 hour cruise on Lake Zurich
• Start your round trip at one of the 9 specified docking stations
• Hop on or off at any of the 9 stops around Lake Zurich with a 24-hour ticket.
• Discover the surroundings of Zurich from the lake
• With the GA, the Swiss Travel Pass, and the SBB day passes, you can travel for free

Description

With the ticket, you can use the boats on Lake Zurich between Zurich Bürkliplatz and Erlenbach (eastern shore) or Thalwil (western shore). You can start and end your little round trip at any of the following stops.

• Zurich Bürkliplatz
• Zurich Wollishofen
• Kilchberg ZH
• Erlenbach ZH
• Küsnacht ZH
• Küsnacht Heslibach

Without getting off, the round trip takes just under 1 hour and 30 minutes. Since this ticket is valid for 24 hours, you can also use it for other rides with public transport in the ZVV zones 110, 140, and 150. This also includes buses and trains.

Onboard the restaurant, you have the option to buy food and drinks.

Practical information:

• Suitable for: wheelchair users, strollers, dogs (over 30 cm with ticket 2nd class for dogs)
• Bicycle transport is not guaranteed (bicycle ticket required)

Swiss Activities Tip

Küsnacht is a small place on the lower right shore of Lake Zurich. In Küsnacht, you can find the Küsnacht Tobel with the Dragon Cave. It is part of the Pfannenstiel chain and a site for fossils. A footpath leads through this popular excursion destination to the mouth of the village stream into Lake Zurich. Two large boulders are called Dragon Head and Alexander Stone. By the way, Tina Turner, who passed away in May 2023, lived in Küsnacht for ten years.

Out and about with a wheelchair

All passenger ships on Lake Zurich are wheelchair accessible.

• Travel in a wheelchair in 2nd class (MS Panta Rhei also 1st class possible)
• Wheelchair must be a maximum of 80 cm wide
• MS Bachtel has no wheelchair-accessible restrooms
• The staff helps with boarding at all landing stages if needed

Important Information

• Please check in advance the timetables on the day of travel

Meeting Points

From CHF 9.20

Discount: Halbtax | Swiss Half Fare Card

booked 149 times

booked 220 times

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Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise

Top off your classic city sightseeing tour of Zurich, the economic and cultural centre of Switzerland, with a one-hour boat trip on Lake Zurich! Tour the university quarter by bus, explore the quaint Old Town on a guided walk and discover the city’s highlights from a different perspective during an audio-guided lake cruise. 

• Catch a glimpse of the famous Bahnhofstrasse and the financial district
• Cruise the university quarter on the traces of its alumni Albert Einstein
• Tour the noble Zürichberg district with unparalleled views
• Explore the Old Town on a guided walk through medieval alleys
• Enjoy a 1-hour cruise on Lake Zurich with an audio guide

Tour description

Board a comfortable, climate-controlled coach and set out past the castle-like Swiss National Museum, the luxurious shopping avenue Bahnhofstrasse and Zurich's renowned financial district . Enjoy a magnificent view of crystal-clear Lake Zurich during a photo stop at Enge harbour. Continue along the lake, passing the grand Opera House and the university quarter with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) and the University of Zurich. Tour distinguished districts with stately mansions from glorious times past and convince yourself of the high standard of living on the threshold of the popular Zürichberg recreational area . 

After a short glimpse of the city, the lake and the snow-covered Alps, you drive past the Kunsthaus art museum down to the charming Old Town . Follow your tour guide on a  guided stroll  through the inviting pedestrian zone with imposing guild houses, the Church of St. Peter with Europe's largest clock face, the Grossmünster church and the Fraumünster church with its impressive stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. 

Exhilarated by numerous anecdotes about Zurich, you say goodbye to your tour guide. A short stroll along the picturesque Limmat brings you to nearby Bürkliplatz. Embark on a scenic one-hour cruise on crystal-clear Lake Zurich past grand lakeside villas and popular lidos. Sit back and relax as you listen to compelling stories about the history of the city, the lake and the surrounding mountains over an audio guide app on your own device before ending the tour at Bürkliplatz. 

• Guided Old Town walk
• Boat cruise on Lake Zurich with the Audio Guide App "ZSG Tour"
• Partly guided tour by professional multilingual guide
• Transportation in comfortable coach with AC
• Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
• Meals and drinks
• Personal expenses

Good to know

• Routing may have to be amended due to construction work or public events without prior notice. 
• If you do not have unlimited data in Switzerland, we recommend downloading the ZSG Tour App in advance. Available for Apple iOS and for Google Android
• The tour ends at Bürkliplatz square.  

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Home » Activities » Boat Tours

Lake Zurich Boat Cruises

• Switzerland
• Zürich City
• Last Updated: 18 Jun 2024
• By Tanya, Founder of Swiss Family Fun

If you buy something through a link here, we may earn a commission. See our disclosure policy . Note that p rices and opening times may change without notice.

Zurich lies on the north end of Lake Zurich and the Limmat river cuts directly through the old town. So doing a boat cruise is a great way to see some of the city and environs. It’s also a fun way to visit nearby attractions like the Lindt Chocolate Factory.

Below are suggested boat cruises and self-guided boating options for Lake Zurich.

Boat Tickets

1. limmat river cruise, 2. short lake cruise, 3. long cruise to rapperswil, overview of lake zurich cruises.

This map shows Lake Zurich cruise routes. You can see the current cruise offers and timetables on www.zsg.ch

Below are a few cruises we recommend. There are also many dining cruises, like the  Brunch Cruise on Sundays and Cheese Fondue Cruise , which runs in fall and winter. You need to book ahead for these special cruises.

Boats on Lake Zurich are part of the public transport system. If you have a valid public transport ticket for the corresponding zone, the ticket is valid for the boat, as well as trains, buses and trams in that zone.

You can buy tickets:

• ticket office at the Bürkliplatz ferry dock
• SBB mobile app or SBB.ch
• on the boat if there is no ticket machine or office at the dock

Lake Zurich boats are free with the Swiss Travel Pass . Discount for Swiss Half Fare Card , Eurail Global Pass , and children age 6-15. Under 6 ride free.

If you buy the Zürich Card , it includes the Limmat river cruise and all short lake cruises as far south as the Thalwil and Erlenbach stops.

This small boat cruises along the Limmat river, where you can see some of the most beautiful Zurich landmarks like the Grossmünster cathedral.

Starting at the Landesmuseum dock near the Zürich HB train station, it’s a 55 min loop down river and into the lake. But you can get off at any stop along the way for a shorter trip.

If you have time, we suggest get off the boat at  Zürichhorn , where you can enjoy refreshments at the  beer garden  with lake views.

Then you can ride the boat back to the city. Or you can walk back to the city along the lovely lakeside promenade. The walk takes about 25 mins to reach Bellevue, where you’ll find restaurants and trams connecting to all parts of the city.

The boat has a glass roof, so you have unobstructed views. It is air conditioned. It has room for one wheelchair, but strollers must be folded.

Time: 55 mins round trip / 30 mins one way Landesmuseum to Zürihorn

Cost:  CHF 4.40/adult round trip, CHF 14/child6-16, under 6 free. Free with Zürich Card and Zurich city day pass.

Open:  daily April – late October / departs every 30 mins from 10:50 – 17:20 (until 19:50 in July & Aug)

Location:  board boat on Limmat river near Zürich HB main station, stop:  Zürich Landesmuseum

The “Kleine Seerundfahrt” is a 90 min loop around the north end of Lake Zurich. This is a good choice if you want to spend more time on the water or want a break from walking. You can hop on & off the boat at any of the stops.

We suggest combining this with a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate, which is at the  Kilchberg ZH stop . Then get back on the boat and continue the cruise back to Zurich.

Time:  90 min loop

Cost:  CHF 8.80/adult round trip, CHF 4.40/child 6-16, under 6 free. Free with Zürich Card.

Open:  year round / departs every 30 mins from 10:30 – 18:30 (until 19:50 in July & Aug)

Location:   Zürich Bürkliplatz  ferry dock / tram stop:  Bürkliplatz

The longest cruise on Lake Zurich goes to Rapperswil, a picturesque historic town on the south end of the lake. It has a nice castle, small car-free old town, a nice lakeside promenade with lots of cafes, and a big playground with grassy fields below the castle.

From Zürich Bürkliplatz, the “Grosse Seerundfahrt” takes a little over 2 hours to reach Rapperswill. On the way back, you can ride the train, which takes about 36 mins if you catch the fast train.

Time: 2h10 one way

Cost 2024: about CHF 35.60/adult round trip (optional train one way). Free with Swiss Travel Pass , discounted with Swiss Half Fare Card and Eurail Global Pass .

Timetable: In summer, 5 times per day, each direction. In winter, twice a day each direction. See current timetable .

Location:   Zürich Bürkliplatz (See) ferry dock to Rapperswill SG (See)

Learn more in my Rapperswil Day Trip article .

• TAGS: ferry

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Lake Zurich Cruises

ZSG Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Mythenquai 333 8038 Zürich Phone  +41 (0)44 487 13 33 zsg.ch

Enjoying unforgettable moments on a boat cruise or aboard one of Lake Zurich Navigation company’s Dream Boats.

During all seasons and on all parts of the lake as well as the river Limmat, Lake Zurich Navigation offers various scheduled boat cruises daily (between 1.5h and 4h). Passengers can relax on well-maintained steamboats or motor vessels as well as Limmat boats while enjoying the lovely landscapes that roll past. For a very special experience, passengers may treat themselves to one of the Lake Zurich Navigation company’s boat cruises on various Dream Boats. Among these are the Fondue Cruise, the Steamboat Dinner or the Late Riser’s Brunch (Breakfast Boat). Whether party person, epicurean or families, there is a suitable Dream Boat for everyone.

Excursion tips

• Knie’s Kinderzoo (children’s zoo) Rapperswil
• Lakeside promenade Walenstadt
• Rapperswil, the “City of Roses” on the shores of Lake Zurich with picturesque old town and four rose gardens
• Uetliberg – Zurich’s local mountain
• Chocolate factory Lindt & Sprüngli

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This route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and GA travelcard. Book Swiss Travel System tickets

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Discover the surroundings.

ZSG Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Mythenquai 333 8038  Zürich Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)44 487 13 33 [email protected] zsg.ch Show Route

ZSG Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Mythenquai 333 8038 Zürich Phone  +41 (0)44 487 13 33 zsg.ch Show Route

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Zürich Tourismus Im Hauptbahnhof 8001  Zürich +41 (0)44 215 40 00 [email protected] Website

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Current Offers

Dupont brasserie und bar, zurich dupont the location for your event.

valid: 14.09.2024 - 31.12.2024

Zürich Tourismus, Zurich Zürich Card

Zurich history of money in zurich tour, zurich zurich for children tour, zurich city tour: made in zurich.

valid: 14.09.2024 - 29.03.2025

Zurich Zurich’s Powerful Women Tour

valid: 26.10.2024

Zurich Me, My Zurich and You walking tour

valid: 14.09.2024

Zurich Cycling holidays Swiss "Schoggi"-Tour

Price per person in double room valid: 14.09.2024 - 31.12.2024

Zurich Dada Art Movement Tour

Time...., zurich time… lounge, discover zurich.

Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise

• Circular tour through Zurich
• Most important places of attraction
• Cruise on Lake Zurich

On this circular tour through the center and Old Town of Zurich, guests discover the city´s business and financial district, the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping mile, the main museums, the university quarter, part of the picturesque Old Town, and the Limmatquai with its historical guild houses. At the same time, they can listen to a comprehensive commentary about Zurich´s history, culture and attractions via a modern audio guide system.

The tour is followed by an unaccompanied 1½-hour cruise on Lake Zurich, departing from the landing stage at Bürkliplatz. The fresh lake air coupled with the magnificent views of the city and snow-covered Alps treat participants to an impressive experience. The cruise finishes at Bürkliplatz, not far from the Bahnhofstrasse and the Old Town.

Time and Duration

Available on the following days, additional information.

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I’ve Been Cruising for 20+ Years, Here Are the 15 Best Dinner Outfits to Pack for Your Next Trip — From $27

These stunning styles match any dress code — and budget.

Travel + Leisure / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

When you think of a cruise, you might imagine walking around in flip-flops and a bathing suit all day. But for me, one of my favorite things about setting sail is the excuse to dress up. Many cruise lines have dress codes at night in their ship's formal dining rooms, and if you choose to eat at a specialty restaurant, you’ll want to show up looking your best. I've been cruising for over 20 years , which adds up to about 15 cruises, and have sailed everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. Needless to say, I’ve learned a thing or two about what you’ll need once aboard.

Cruise dress codes have become more relaxed in recent years. However, I just got back from a five-night cruise to Bermuda on Royal Caribbean ’s Liberty of the Seas, and the itinerary included multiple theme nights. When there was no theme, guests were asked to wear smart casual outfits in dining rooms and on-board restaurants. I took this as an opportunity to turn the ship deck into my own personal runway with flowy maxi dresses , lightweight linen , and colorful floral prints. Here are 15 cruise outfits that will make you the best-dressed guest aboard your next cruise.

Anrabess One-shoulder Wide-leg Linen Jumpsuit 

A night on a cruise ship isn’t just about good dining — you’ll often have the chance to see a show before or after your meal. This breezy wide-legged jumpsuit would be a comfortable option to wear all night long, especially while sitting for long periods. It’s made with lightweight linen for breathability and features a fashionable silhouette with a one-shoulder strap. The cinched waist and smocked back are ultra-flattering on different body types while the side zipper makes it easy to put on after a long day at the beach.  

Grace Karin Criss-cross Halterneck Floral Maxi Dress 

Every night might feel like a tropical night when you’re out at sea, but there was actually a dedicated theme night on my most recent cruise that required a specific look. I packed a flowy blue maxi dress with a halterneck and Hawaiian-inspired flower print and ended up wearing it to Chops Grille , which is arguably Royal Carribean’s nicest specialty restaurant. While my dress is an older style from For Love & Lemons , I found a dress with a similar one on Amazon for a much more affordable price. 

Abercrombie Linen-blend Shell Mini Dress 

Abercrombie

Linen clothes and beach vacations may go hand-in-hand, but this mini Abercrombie dress is versatile enough to become a most worn item in your wardrobe — which is always helpful to take into consideration if you’re using girl math to justify your trip's clothing purchases. On a cruise ship, I’d wear this dress with sandals, but it instantly becomes city-ready when paired with cowboy boots. The high neckline balances its mini length and it features vertical stitching to accentuate your curves.

If you’ve ever sailed with Virgin Voyages, you know the cruise line features Scarlet Night , a full-ship activation where guests are invited to dress in red. This dress would be perfect to pack, and it also comes in black, gray, and white for those who prefer neutrals.

Reformation Annabella Lace Trim Linen Minidress 

Another common cruise theme night is for guests to be asked to wear all-white outfits. A white dress is a timeless closet staple that you’ll wear again and again. If you don’t already have one, why not invest before your trip? In my opinion, no one does white dresses better than Reformation, and this button-down dress is the perfect combination of classic and trendy. The lace trim gives an otherwise simple shirt dress a more feminine touch.

The high-quality materials make it worth the splurge — it’s made from 100 percent linen, which is lightweight, breathable, and durable. One Nordstrom shopper said they kept receiving compliments on this dress, while another called it “my favorite summer dress.” Hurry, it's selling out fast.

Travel + Leisure / Rebecca Shinners

PrettyGarden Floral Maxi Dress 

I wore a red maxi dress with pink flowers on my cruise, and you should too. Or, you could go with one of the 29 other colorways of this flowy maxi dress, ranging from solid light blue to pink and blue stripes. My dress is from Faithfull the Brand , and while its 100 percent linen fabric made it worth the splurge to me, I can’t deny that this more affordable version from Amazon is just as eye-catching.

A long, tiered maxi skirt makes this a comfortable option for walking through windy decks. The one-shoulder tie is stylish but also practical, making the dress more adjustable. It’s no wonder the dress has more than 3,700 five-star ratings. One reviewer , who called it “very comfortable” and “flattering,” said, “If you are on the fence, go ahead and buy it — you won’t regret it!”

Nashalyly Tiered Maxi Skirt

Tiered white maxi skirts have become a popular trend recently, but they’re also a match-anything closet staple. My mom wore this boho-inspired style multiple times on our recent trip, inspiring me to add a similar Aerie skirt to my own wardrobe. However, you can achieve the same look with this top-rated style from Amazon , which is available in a slew of colors and made with a lightweight gauze material that can be dressed up for a smart casual outfit, or worn casually during the day.

Meshki Suki Knit Maxi Dress With Flowers 

Crochet is another fabric that goes hand-in-hand with a tropical vacation. This maxi dress was a bit out of my comfort zone but ended up being one of my favorite outfits of the trip. I felt so good in it all night long. My dress is Caroline Constas from Marshall’s , and while it isn’t available online, this Meshki version is basically identical. It features the same 3D crochet florals but has the bonus of coming in five different colors. The black with white flowers might have to go into my cart for my next vacation.

FQA Long Evening Gown

If you’re the type of person who enjoys dressing up, a cruise is your time to shine. Most cruises I’ve been on have included one or two formal nights, but on my most recent trip, this was replaced with a "wear your best" night. While some people dressed down, others wore gowns. Personally, I never mind being the most dressed-up person in the room. After all, a cruise does offer great family photo opportunities. 

This dress features a thick material with spandex for some stretch, which makes it comfortable and flattering, while the leg slit will keep you cool. “The V-neck and sleeveless design gave it an elegant yet comfortable feel, and the split wrap style added a touch of flair. I received so many compliments throughout the evening,” said one reviewer, who wore this dress on a cruise . A versatile piece you can re-wear is always a win, and this dress would also be appropriate for a black tie wedding.

Grace Karin Sequin Wrap Mini Dress

One of my all-time favorite cruises took place during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, ending with a balloon drop on the ship’s promenade. If I were to ring in the new year in a tropical destination again, this Amazon-loved number is the dress I’d want to be wearing. 

Similar to a sparkly option I've been eyeing from Pacsun, this pick is sure to help you stand out with its shimmery navy sequins and sexy wrap front. The dress has some stretch to it to keep you comfortable throughout dinner in the dining room. Throw a pair of silver kitten heels in your suitcase and you’ll be ready for a long night of celebrations.

Anrabess One-shoulder Smocked Two-piece Set

A matching set is a one-and-done travel outfit that you can rely on to look and feel good on board. I wore a floral two-piece from Marshall’s to dine at Sabor, Royal Carribean’s Mexican specialty restaurant, but I’m eyeing this Amazon set for my next cruise. The one-shoulder top is smocked all over, which I find hugs your body in a way that’s both comfortable and flattering. It’s paired with a maxi skirt in a simple but pretty silhouette. Plus, it has pockets — perfect for stashing your state card, which is pretty much the only thing you need on a cruise ship. 

This set comes in 18 colors, including both prints and solids. While it would be perfect for a smart casual night, it also comes in white and floral prints, depending on what themes you’re packing for. Reviewers who have worn this set everywhere from Hawaii to Mexico praise its lightweight material as being perfect for summer. "The material is very soft and flattering," said one shopper . And, if you’re going on a longer trip, you can mix and match this set with other tops and bottoms to make the most of your vacation wardrobe.

Resistor Midi Slip Dress

There are other patterns besides florals to make a statement. To add charm and fun to your cruise outfits, I recommend opting for something like the Resistor Midi Slip Dress that's decorated in unique, geometric squiggles for intrigue. the simple yet elegant nature of the slip dress will match any cruise itinerary. Plus, Personally, I was eyeing this Madewell x Lisa Says Gah! illustrated dress inspired by the Greek Isles and deep blue seas; I can’t think of a better way to spend a night than watching the sunset over the ocean while wearing lemon wedges and wine bottles on my dress.

Wayf Two-piece Poplin Pleated Skirt Set

I’m the type of person who likes to dress on theme for where I’m headed, and this set says, "New England cruise." I’d imagine sailing from Maine to Canada in the matching poplin shirt and pleated skirt. Plus, it fits the smart casual dress code of most cruise lines. The long-sleeved top would keep you comfortable in a cold dining room, but the sleeves can also easily be rolled up. I’d likely wear this outfit with loafers or ballet flats, but it could also be made more warm-weather appropriate with slip-on sandals . 

Cider Tube Ruched Ruffle Mini Dress

This might look like just another white dress at first glance, but stick with me here to see the vision. Disney Cruise Line is known for having a pirate theme night during some itineraries, and this dress would be the perfect base for your outfit. Just add accessories and, shiver me timbers, you’ll look like an extra straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean .  

On other ships, the dress would be a great pick for an all-white night or a more casual night where you skip the formal dining room and head straight for the buffet. “This is the perfect summer dress that you can dress up or down,” said one reviewer . “The quality was good and it fit very well.”

Peppermayo Ayla Satin Mini Dress

This yellow slip dress was one of the first things I packed for my trip, and I felt so good in it that I brought it to the beach in Bermuda for a fun photo shoot. Not only was butter yellow one of the biggest color trends of this past summer, but it also looks great against a fresh sun tan. However, this dress is also available in blue if you prefer.

As someone with a smaller chest, I was worried about how the bust would fall on me, but it ended up being ultra-flattering due to the ruching. It’s also a higher cut and provides more chest coverage in comparison to other similar dresses I’ve tried. The delicate lace and satin material feel elegant while the open back makes it perfect for warmer nights at sea. If you do choose to order this dress, keep in mind that there’s no stretch (though the tie back is adjustable) and Peppermayo tends to run small. I went up one size, following the size chart for just the right fit. 

Newshows Lightweight Button-down Cardigan

You may have dinner dresses, matching sets, and jumpsuits on your packing list, but trust me, this cardigan is the one piece of clothing you won’t want to set sail without. Cruise ships are notorious for blasting the air conditioner inside and you won’t want to be forced to cover your chic dinner outfit up with a sweatshirt. Toss this cardigan into your suitcase to stay warm without sacrificing your outfit. It comes in 35 different colors to match any look, but I prefer to go with white so I only have to pack one. 

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