Zurich   Travel Guide

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top places to visit in zurich

13 Best Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich boasts of Dadaism, more than 100 art galleries, several renowned museums, like the Kunsthaus ( Museum of Art ) and the castle-like Swiss National Museum , and world-famous architecture, both ancient and contemporary. But for those who aren't

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top places to visit in zurich

Lake Zurich (Zurichsee) Lake Zurich (Zurichsee) free

Surrounding the bottom of banana-shaped Lake Zurich is a tangle of parks and gardens, collectively known as the lake promenade, that make for a picturesque place to spend an afternoon. When the weather is warm, the lake is peppered with boats and its banks are filled with picnickers and bikini- and speedo clad-sunbathers. If you're a jogger, the area is also one of Zürchers' favorite places to pound the ground.

For some of the best views of Zurich and the nearby Alps, travelers suggest taking a boat ride on the lake. Boat tours are available throughout the year and are free for Zurich Card holders, while a daily tram card will get you on the water too.

top places to visit in zurich

Old Town (Altstadt) Old Town (Altstadt) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Every day at 9 a.m., Zurich’s bauarbeiten (construction workers) pause for a z’Nüni , a midmorning snack. Bakeries and metzgerei (butchers/delis) stock an assortment of z’Nüni snacks, including landjaeger (smoked meat sticks), butterbretel, gipfeli (croissants) and mini cheese quiches. – Adam Graham

Zurich's Old Town is the historic part of town – and by historic, we mean medieval. Winding cobblestone alleys run alongside quintessential Zurich attractions like the Grossmunster . You'll also find several acclaimed museums – such as the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus Zürich around the district.

top places to visit in zurich

Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich) Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)

With its assortment of works, some say the Kunsthaus Zurich (the city's art museum), is one of – if not the – best museums in the city. Among an interesting collection of Swiss artists, the museum also hangs works by Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Claude Monet and the largest collection of paintings by Edward Munch outside of Norway.

While the entire museum is worth perusing, previous travelers said a visit to the top floors are a must. On the upper floors you'll find the museum's most iconic works, including pieces by Vincent van Gogh, Monet and Andy Warhol. And before leaving, be sure to check out Auguste Rodin's The Gates of Hell bronze sculpture, which sits just outside the museum's entrance. A new free-standing structure designed by British architect David Chipperfield was added to the museum complex in 2021; it showcases contemporary art from the 1960s and later.

top places to visit in zurich

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Uetliberg Uetliberg free

Standing an impressive 2,858 feet above sea level, Uetliberg offers some of the best views of Zurich and the surrounding alps. Once at the top, travelers will find multiple trails through the dense and ancient yew tree groves for hiking, extreme mountain biking and sledding. Paragliding at the mountain's peak is another popular pastime here.

Though traveling to and from this local attraction will set you back about an hour, visitors rave about Uetliberg's stunning views and superb hiking paths. For an educational twist on your average hike, take the mountain's Planet Trail, which is designed to mimic the sizes of and distances between the solar system's planets (each meter along the path represents one million kilometers). The nearly 4-mile trail stretches between Uetliberg and Felsenegg mountains and takes about two hours to complete.

top places to visit in zurich

Bahnhofstrasse Bahnhofstrasse free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The cheese and chocolate selection at Coop, a supermarket along Bahnhofstrasse, is consistently outstanding and half the price for the same quality you will find in smaller boutiques. After 4 p.m., grocery stores regularly reduce prices on cheese by 50%. – Adam Graham

One of Zurich's popular shopping spots is the sleek storefronts of Bahnhofstrasse. Stretching across Old Town from Hauptbahnhof station to  Lake Zurich , Bahnhofstrasse features a variety of high-end shops, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry, Chanel and Giorgio Armani, as well as H&M and Zara and other affordable brands. Swiss shops like the dessert-focused Confiserie Sprungli and the jewelry-centric Gubelin AG can also be found here.

top places to visit in zurich

Lindenhof Lindenhof free

Whether you want to play a game of chess, relax after exploring  Bahnhofstrasse  or take in some superb views of  Old Town , the Grossmunster and the Limmat River, odds are you'll appreciate Lindenhof. What was once the location of a fourth-century Roman fort is now an elevated plaza with linden trees, benches and giant chess sets.

Many visitors opt for picnic lunches to enjoy the city’s shingled medieval rooftops and half-timber structures and distant alpine views from the shade of the linden trees. Keep in mind, though, that Lindenhof's elevated position means a short uphill climb via stairs or a ramp is required. Once you get there, you'll find a flat, graveled courtyard and wheelchair-friendly terrain.

top places to visit in zurich

Great Minster (Grossmunster) Great Minster (Grossmunster) free

Located in Kreis 1 in the Old Town , the Grossmunster church was the starting place of the Protestant Reformation in Zurich. Preacher Huldrych Zwingli initiated the movement from this austere church's pulpit. But the history of the Grossmunster goes back even further. According to local legend, Charlemagne is said to have founded this magnificent church, which is believed to sit atop the graves of the city's patron saints of Felix and Regula.

Some visitors say that a visit to the Grossmunster would not be complete without a trip to the top of the tower. You'll have to pay 5 Swiss francs (about $5.50) to climb the historic cathedral's 187 steps, but past travelers said the panoramic city views more than justify the fee. Others also recommended taking time to admire the church's ornate bronze doors and stained-glass windows, some of which are designed by artist Augusto Giacometti, while others were crafted by contemporary artist Sigmar Polke. Time your visit during an organ concert to really experience the church's chambered acoustics.

top places to visit in zurich

Minster of Our Lady (Fraumunster) Minster of Our Lady (Fraumunster) free

The Fraumunster is popular with visitors thanks to its distinctive spire (which grace's Zurich's skyline) and its Marc Chagall stained-glass windows. The church is built on the remains of a convent that was founded in the ninth century by Emperor Ludwig, Charlemagne's grandson. Along with its far-reaching history, the property's iconic green spire makes it one of Zurich's most recognizable landmarks.

Some previous visitors said the church's exterior isn't much to look at. However, most agree the interior's stained-glass windows are well worth a visit. In addition to the newer Chagall windows, some featuring designs by Augusto Giacometti, who is famously linked to the stained-glass windows at the  Grossmunster , are also located inside.

top places to visit in zurich

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Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zurich) Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zurich)

The Swiss National Museum resides within a historic, castle-like building in the northern tip of Kreis 1. The museum surveys Swiss art, history and culture from as far back as 100,000 B.C. to approximately A.D. 800. Exhibits cover everything from archaeology in Switzerland to Swiss artistry and craftsmanship. There's even an exhibition designed specifically for children called "A Magic Carpet ride through history" that invites the museum's youngest visitors to travel back in time as they explore a replica of an Arabian palace, a vintage railway car and a large sailing ship.

According to many past visitors, the Swiss National Museum's architecture alone is worth seeing. However, should you decide to go inside, expect to find a comprehensive overview of Switzerland's history. To absorb all that this museum has to offer, previous travelers recommended downloading the free Landesmuseum smartphone app , which includes an English audio guide. This is especially helpful since most of the exhibits' displays are in German.

top places to visit in zurich

Seebad Utoquai, Zurich Seebad Utoquai, Zurich

U.S. News Insider Tip: Zurich’s badi (outdoor pools) generally empty out around 6 p.m. when locals go home for dinner. But many badi (and their bars/cafes) stay open, making them a great place to watch the sunset with an Aperol spritz. – Adam Graham

Zürisee ( Lake Zurich ) is home to many badi (outdoor pools) located on both coasts of the lake – the sun-kissed Goldküste (Gold Coast) and the less sunny (and amusingly nicknamed) Pfnüselküste (Sniffle Coast). But this historic and inclusive white wooden bathhouse located on the city’s lakefront promenade is a traveler favorite and has been serving both visitors and locals since 1890.

top places to visit in zurich

Adliswil – Felsenegg Cable Car Adliswil – Felsenegg Cable Car

Visitors who want to get closer to the alps don't have to venture far to do so. The cherry red Adliswil-Felsenegg cable car is located just outside the city and accessible via a 15-minute train ride. The cable car whisks visitors up more than 2,600 feet (in about five minutes) and offers sweeping views of Lake Zurich and scenic peaks like Säntis, Speer, Glärnisch, Rigi and Titlis. The entire area is partially linked by the planetary path from Uetliberg , about 5 miles away, so many hikers make the walk from Zurich. It's also home to the Albis Nordic Walking Park (six trails at three levels of difficulty) and the Gasthaus Felsenegg inn, where visitors rave about the fondue evenings by a 120-year-old tiled stove.

Previous visitors rave about the fantastic views from the cable car. They also suggest treating yourself to a cup of coffee and a pastry from the restaurant at the top.

top places to visit in zurich

Sprüngli Paradeplatz Sprüngli Paradeplatz

Zurich’s legendary confectionery and patisserie has 15 locations across Switzerland, including many train stations and the Zurich airport. But the Paradeplatz location, which dates back to the mid-1800s, is a must-visit for many tourists – it features a ground-level cafe and bar and an upstairs restaurant, and is an ideal place to experience its variety of sweet offerings. 

The landmark chocolatier and cafe still appeals to moneyed Bahnhofstrasse habitués, but modern visitors also love its heavenly concoctions of rich chocolate truffles and Luxemburgerli, small cream-filled meringue cookies akin to French macarons. Visitors also stock up here on small snacks like butterbrezel (soft pretzel bread stuffed with a layer of butter) and high-quality pastries, bread and open-faced sandwiches.

top places to visit in zurich

FIFA World Football Museum FIFA World Football Museum

Thousands of pieces of memorabilia are spread across three floors covering approximately 32,500 square feet of exhibition space at this ultimate fan’s museum, which explores all aspects of the world of soccer. Recent visitors call out interactive exhibits, like "Planet Football," an overview of all 212 FIFA teams – and "The Rainbow," a collection of national team shirts by color, as well as "The Timeline," a historic overview of the sport. There's also a museum shop, guided tours, events and activities for kids and families, and even an affiliated FIFA sports bar at the nearby Enge train station.

Previous visitors recommended the museum for soccer fans and cited seeing the World Cup trophies as highlights. Others were disappointed that some of the interactive gaming elements within the museum weren't working properly during their visits.

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The Crazy Tourist

Home » Travel Guides » Switzerland » 25 Best Things to Do in Zürich (Switzerland)

25 Best Things to Do in Zürich (Switzerland)

Switzerland’s largest city is on the shore of its glistening eponymous lake. Zürich is a financial powerhouse with a liveability ranking that outstrips almost anywhere in the world. You can catch trains from the Hauptbahnhof and be on a peak breathing in sparkling air in a matter of minutes, and the city’s rivers and that magnificent lake have supreme water quality for swimming. These outdoor pools, or “badis” have become nightspots in the centre of the city.

Zürich’s sights, eye-wateringly pricey shops and effortlessly cool nightspots are in the Altstadt, a historic centre cut in two by the Limmat river which flows off the lake.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Zürich :

1. Lake Zürich

Lake Zürich

This long, crescent shaped lake curves past the wooded peaks of Pfannenstiel to the east and the Albis chain to the west.

There are many ways to make the most of the lake, some we’ll go into more detail about later.

But for convenience if you’re just ambling around the city, take the scenic promenade along the east shore in the Seefeld quarter.

There you can look over to Uetliberg and see the hundreds of yachts and other craft breezing across the lake in summer.

The promenade starts at Bellevue and extends for three kilometres down to Tiefenbrunnen.

It’s one of a network of walkways plotted around the lakeshore in the 1880s.

Top rated tour : 4-Hour City Tour by Ferry, Cable Car and Coach

2. Museum of Art

Zurich Museum of Art

Near the Schauspielhaus on Heimplatz is Zürich’s phenomenal Museum of Art.

There are pieces from the 1200s to the 2000s in a collection that stands out for boasting the largest single cache of works by Swiss artist 20th-century artist Alberto Giacometti in the world.

You can indulge your curiosity in Swiss art, viewing works by symbolists like Ferdinand Hodler, Romantics such as Henry Fuseli or contemporary pieces by the likes of Pipilotti Rist and Peter Fischli.

There’s a great deal of international art as well, like the largest Edvard Munch collection outside Scandinavia, and assorted works by van Gogh, Monet, Marc Chagall, Picasso and Max Beckmann, going back to masters like Rembrandt and Domenichino.

3. Altstadt (Old Town)

Altstadt

Making up the entirety of Kreis 1 (District 1), Zürich’s historic centre is on both banks of the Limmat.

The medieval and early modern streets of the Altstadt are where much of the city’s culture, nightlife and shopping is concentrated.

It’s one of those places you’re happy to get lost in, to chance upon squares, cafes, quirky one-of-a-kind shops and all manner of historic monuments from the four medieval churches to 17th-century Town Hall.

The Limmat waterfront needs to be seen, and on the right bank along the Limmatquai are beautiful medieval guild houses for associations representing carpentry, merchants, spice traders and more.

On the west side of the Altstadt you can sense the colossal scale of the defensive works that took place during the 17th century, when ramparts and the Schanzengraben moat were built.

Recommended tour : Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

4. Lindenhof

Lindenhof

Over the left bank of the Limmat in the centre of the city is a hill once crested by a Roman fortress.

This elevated spot, shaded by lime trees affords an unbroken view of Zürich’s oldest quarters on the right bank, allowing you to pick out landmarks on the skyline like City Hall, the Grossmünster Church, the university and the waterfront on the Limmat.

The Lindenhof is a serene place now, but has had a busy history: Long after the days of the Roman fort, Charlemagne’s grandson Louis the German built his palace here in the 9th century.

And much later, in 1798 the Zürich’s citizens swore the oath to Helvetic Constitution at this very place.

5. Zürich-West

District 5

The Old Town is the honeypot for tourists, but if you’d like to tap into Zürich’s creative and stylish side this former industrial zone is the go-to.

District 5 to the northwest of the Hauptbahhof was a hub for heavy manufacturing until the end of the 20th century.

Little more than a decade ago this was an unpleasant place to be, but its rebirth has been fast.

The showpiece in Zürich-West is the Viadukt, literally a repurposed railway viaduct where the brick arches have been filled with stylish bars, restaurants and shops.

Elsewhere, factories have been pulled down and parks and leisure amenities like cinemas have taken their place.

Climbing over Bahnhof Hardbrücke is another symbol of Zürich-West’s renaissance, the Prime Tower, Switzerland’s second tallest skyscraper.

6. Swiss National Museum

Swiss National Museum

Switzerland’s biggest collection of historical artefacts awaits at this museum that explores Swiss culture and guides you on a trip through the country’s past.

You’ll begin with prehistoric weapons tools and pottery and move through the ages to the 20th century.

Certain eras are particularly well represented, like the medieval period and its masterful Gothic art.

Extending into the Renaissance is the extensive collection of wooden images, carved altars and triptychs from chapels and churches around the country.

You can also witness Swiss art movements in the gallery and browse the contents of Zürich’s former armoury.

All of this is housed in a sumptuous Renaissance Revival palace dating to 1898.

7. Grossmünster

Grossmünster

The two towers of this Romanesque church could well be Zürich’s most prominent landmark.

The Grossmünster, originally a monastic church, was begun at the start of the 12th century and was finished just over a century later.

Anyone keen on medieval architecture will be taken with the main portal and its sculpted capitals bearing grotesques.

The crypt, the oldest part of the church, is also original and has faded frescoes by Hans Leu the Elder from the 1400s.

In the 16th century Grossmünster was ground zero for the Reformation in Switzerland, initiated by Huldrych Zwingli, and the church broke from the papacy in 1523. There’s a museum about these events at the church.

The stained glass windows are modern, and in the choir these composed by Alberto Giacometti, while there’s also a set by German modern artist Sigmar Polke.

8. Zürich Zoo

Zürich Zoo

If you’re the kind of person who demands that animal attractions should be ethical, Zürich Zoo meets the highest standards.

Close attention has been paid to the design of the habitats, synthesising whole ecosystems and allowing animals as much space to roam as possible.

This is most impressive at the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park, where part of the habitat for Indian elephants is in modern biome; there are even underwater viewing areas so you can watch them take a dip.

In all the zoo has 4,000 animals representing 340 species, from emperor penguins that you can follow as they walk through the park, to domestic animals at the petting zoo.

9. Uetliberg

Uetliberg

Since 1875 it has been possible to catch the train from the centre of the city to the summit of this mountain to the southwest.

Taking the S10 on the SZU from Hauptbahnhof you’ll be near the top in just 25 minutes.

From the station on Uetlibertg you’ll just have brief walk to the peak.

And up there the scenery is out of this world, as you gaze over Zürich, its rivers, the lake and the snow-capped Alps in the background.

There’s a restaurant and hotel at the crest, while most day-trippers come to hike in the woodland.

At the start of winter the peak is above the layer of fog that cloaks the city pierced by only the tallest buildings.

If you’re still fresh you could hike back down the slope to the city, but there’s also a cable-car between Felsenegg and Adliswil.

10. Niederdorf

Niederdorf

Under the towers of the Grossmünster is the young and exciting Niederdorf neighbourhood.

Zürich’s locals often call it Dörfli and you’ll know why when you sample the atmosphere in this tight lattice of car-free cobblestone alleys on the right bank of the Limmat.

During the day it’s somewhere to poke around design shops and trendy boutiques, and at night you can paint the town red.

Food-wise, you have to come for zürcher geschnetzeltes, which is veal in a wine and cream sauce.

There are also some spots that warrant special attention, like the Conditorei Péclard, a traditional cafe with century-old decor, and Cabaret Voltaire, one of the birthplaces of the Dada movement.

Related tour : Private Tuk-Tuk City Tour

11. Limmat Cruise

Limmat Cruise

For a voyage down the city’s main river you go to the quay in front of the Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum). There are cruises from April to October, with boats departing every half an hour.

And in the months of July and August you can make the trip any time between 09:05 and 21:05. It’s a journey well worth doing as you’ll be granted a beautiful perspective of Zürich’s Old Town, which sprawls across both banks of the river.

The boats have been designed to pass under all seven of the city’s bridges on the Limmat and will show you sights like Grossmünster and Fraumünster in a different light.

12. Rietberg Museum

Rietberg Museum

In a group of palatial villas and a modern annexe in the Rieterpark, the Rietberg Museum exhibits art and archaeology from around the world.

This might be liturgical objects from the South Seas, Ancient Egyptian statues, Buddhist art from East Asia, African sculptures, but also delicately fashioned masks close to home in Switzerland.

The archives are huge, and there’s lots of material for temporary shows on specific areas of the world or themes.

The museum cafe gives out picnic baskets in summer, if you’d like to take lunch in the Rieterpark.

13. Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse

Zürich’s prime shopping street is one of the priciest in the world per square metre.

And it’s fitting that most of the sleek shop-fronts should bear the logos of international luxury brands.

Think Prada, Chanel, Burberry, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

Zürich wealth is never more ostentatious than on Bahnhofstrasse, and the street is all the richer in December when the Christmas decorations are out.

There’s no traffic, but the street is used by the tram network and these can catch you by surprise.

The plushest shops tend to be towards the south near Paradeplatz.

On this square you can pop into fabled Sprüngli confectionery shop and cafe, where Zürich’s upper crust has been coming for coffee and pastries since the 19th century.

14. Beyer Clock and Watch Museum

Beyer Clock and Watch Museum

Under the Beyer jeweller and watch shop on Bahnhofstrasse is an engrossing museum revealing the history of timekeeping and the art of watch-making.

From the street you wouldn’t know the museum was here, but don’t worry about the lack of fanfare.

As you enter you’ll be handed an ipad, which has in-depth information about each timepiece, the oldest going back 3,400 years.

Packed into this space are navigation instruments, pendulum clocks, intricate automata from the 16th and 17th centuries , exquisitely crafted pocket watches and a preliminary version of the first ever quartz wristwatch from the 1960s.

15. Fraumünster

Fraumünster

This church was founded by Charlemagne’s grandson Louis the German in the 9th century, although most of the architecture is from between the 12th and 15th centuries.

Since 2016 it has been possible to view stonework from the 800s in the crypt after it had been sealed off for more than a hundred years.

As with the Grossmünster, Giacometti also contributed a stained glass window for this church, which you can track down in the north transept.

Then in 1970 Marc Chagall was commissioned to create five windows in the choir, and these are titled Prophets, Jacob, Christ, Zion and Law.

16. FIFA World Football Museum

FIFA World Football Museum

FIFA’s long-mooted museum is in the Enge quarter and opened in 2016. It occupies three floors of a mixed-use development and has a swish layout.

Whatever your opinion on the sport’s governing body, the museum is obligatory for lovers of the beautiful game: The exhibition takes you back to football’s earliest days and documents every World Cup since the first in 1930. There are exciting artefacts from each one, like original World Cup trophy.

Given its state-of-the-art design there’s a lot of opportunity for interaction.

Multimedia takes centre stage, and there are more than 500 videos to watch, while kids can play a host of football-themed games.

17. St Peter

St Peter

Like the other churches in the Altstadt , St Peter is extremely old, going back to the 8th century.

A lot of what you see now is from between the 12th and 18th centuries, but parts of the 9th century foundations have been made visible under the chancel.

One of the peculiar things about the church is that the tower is owned by the city, while the nave belongs to the Canton of Zürich church body.

Part of the reason for that is that the tower was used for most of its past as a watch post to spot fires early.

Near or far away you won’t help but notice the size of the tower’s clock, which with a diameter of 86.64 metres is the largest in Europe.

On the outside wall of the tower look for the 14th-century tomb of Rudolf Brun, Zürich’s first independent mayor.

18. Pavillon Le Corbusier

Pavillon Le Corbusier

Towards the end of his life, Le Corbusier, a dominant figure in 20th-century architecture, designed a museum for his life’s work on the east shore of Lake Zürich at Seefeld.

The Pavillon is seen as a “Gesamtkunstwerk”, in that it’s a work of art in its totality, like the Dalí Theatre and Museum in Spain.

The Pavillon would be his last major project, completed in 1967 two years after he died.

The design of the museum was a break from his traditional style, with his hallmark concrete substituted for steel and brightly-coloured enamel panels.

Inside are paintings by Le Corbusier, sketches of trailblazing projects, drawings, sculptures, written exhibits and lots of examples of his game-changing furniture.

19. Zürich Opera House

Zürich Opera House

The resplendent Neoclassical Opera House at Sechseläutenplatz dates to the 1890s and was conceived by the prolific Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer.

On the square you can pass a minute or two pinpointing the busts of famous cultural figures on the facade, where Mozart, Wagner, Schiller, Goethe, Shakespeare and Weber all have pride of place.

The Opera House continues to garner acclaim, and in 2014 picked up the prize for Best Opera Company at the International Opera Awards.

There are German-speaking tours of the interior and its majestic Rococo Revival hall.

But the only way to taste its magic is at one of the 250 performances each year, by international opera stars and conductors.

20. University of Zürich Botanical Garden

University of Zürich Botanical Garden

Zürich is a notoriously pricey city, so you might be glad to learn that these gardens in Seefeld are totally free.

They contain more than 8,000 plant species at indoor and outdoor displays.

The garden’s main identifier is the group of three dome-shaped greenhouses from the 1970s.

Each of these has different climatic conditions: The largest contains tropical species, while the smaller two house subtropical and savannah plants.

Outside is an arboretum, Mediterranean garden and historically themed gardens growing plants for dyeing and medicine.

The university’s faculty canteen is open to the public if you’d like to cap your trip with a meal or coffee.

21. Outdoor Swimming

Swimming in Zurich

In the city’s rivers and Lake Zürich the water quality is impeccable, and there’s a catalogue of places to take a dip in the open air.

One, the Frauenbad am Stadthausquai is for women only, while the male counterpart is the one at Schanzengraben.

The two are centrally located and are ideal if you want to squeeze some exercise into your day.

Both of these spots also open as stylish bars on summer evenings, in a nightlife ritual that you can’t find in other cities.

People holidaying with little ones should look to the Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen, which is like a small resort on the south side of the city, or Strandbad Mythenquai on the opposite shore.

22. Schanzengraben

Schanzengraben

On the west side of the Old Town is the city’s old moat, started during the Thirty Years’ War in 1642 and not completed until 1678. Now there aren’t many signs of Zürich’s old defences, but you’ll be left in no doubt about the enormity of the project as you navigate this long, zigzagging waterway as it passes the former bastions that reshaped the city.

In the 1880s the Schanzengraben was redesigned for leisure as part of the system of promenades: Take a stairway down to the side of the moat, two metres below the rest of the city, for a peaceful walk down to the lake.

Where the Katz bastion used to be there’s a small branch of the Botanical Garden, with two hectares of flowerbeds and labelled trees.

23. Zoological Museum

Zurich Zoological Museum

Also a welcome free attraction operated by the university, the Zoological museum is just a brief walk from the city centre.

Combining exhibits from the university’s palaeontology museum, this attraction has skeletons and taxidermies for thousands of animal species, both alive and extinct.

Recently the museum has been made more family-friendly and immersive: You can hear the songs of 280 birds, and peer into microscopes to see insects’ most outlandish body parts.

Some specimens can also be touched, so you can learn what boar or deer fur feels like and there are quizzes to keep kids on the ball.

24. Dolderbahn

Dolderbahn

At Römerhof, just east of the city centre you can catch a strange single coach train up to a recreation area and hotel.

They are on the lower reaches of Adlisberg, one of the highest peaks around Zürich.

The line has been here since 1895 and started out as a funicular before switching to a rack railway in the 1970s.

A ride on the Dolder is one of those idiosyncratic things to do in Zürich, and can be a little hair-raising at times as the maximum incline is almost 20%. The trip is covered by a ZürichCARD and at the upper terminus you’ll be treated to a glorious panorama of the city framed by its lake.

25. Street Parade

Street Parade

If you’re young and into electronic music there’s no better place to be in the whole world than Zürich on the second Saturday of August.

This is when one of the world’s biggest electronic parties hits the streets.

Street Parade has been going since 1992 and was inspired by the now defunct Love Parade in Berlin.

This event grows by the year, and now more than a million people turn up for a street party that runs around the shore of Lake Zürich, east to west from Hutoquai to Hafen Enge.

In the parade are some 30 “Love Mobiles” with heavy duty sound systems and hundreds of djs play sets at seven different points around the shore.

Whether you’re into house, trap music, drum ‘n’ bass, trance or any other sub-genre you’ll find a party up your street.

25 Best Things to Do in Zürich (Switzerland):

  • Lake Zürich
  • Museum of Art
  • Altstadt (Old Town)
  • Zürich-West
  • Swiss National Museum
  • Grossmünster
  • Limmat Cruise
  • Rietberg Museum
  • Bahnhofstrasse
  • Beyer Clock and Watch Museum
  • Fraumünster
  • FIFA World Football Museum
  • Pavillon Le Corbusier
  • Zürich Opera House
  • University of Zürich Botanical Garden
  • Outdoor Swimming
  • Schanzengraben
  • Zoological Museum
  • Street Parade

PlanetWare.com

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Zürich

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Zürich, Switzerland's largest city, is a delightful and fascinating place for tourists. Its many attractions and things to do include dozens of museums, a well-preserved old town filled with medieval and Renaissance buildings, and enough art - both in and out of museums - to keep art-lovers happy for a week.

Zurich's tradition of liberal thinking and active intellectual life attracted leading figures that included Georg Büchner, Vladimir Lenin, James Joyce, C. G. Jung, and Thomas Mann, and this tradition continues into modern times. Although it buzzes with business activity, Zürich is one of the finest Swiss cities to visit and is perfectly arranged for sightseeing on foot.

The city is also a good base for visiting many other fascinating places in Switzerland and the nearby Black Forest region of Germany . In fact, a number of these make good day trips from Zürich. Find the best places to visit with our list of the top things to do in Zürich.

1. Niederdorf and the Old Town

2. ride the train up the uetliberg, 3. play on lake zürich, 4. kunsthaus zürich (museum of fine arts), 5. bahnhofstrasse and the bahnhof, 6. fraumünster, 7. lindenhof, 8. limmatquai and the rathaus (town hall), 9. schweizerisches landesmuseum (swiss national museum), 10. grossmünster (great minster), 11. fifa museum, 12. zurich zoo, 13. zurich-west, 14. rietberg museum, 15. st. peter's church, 16. bellerive museum, 17. confiserie sprüngli: a confectioner's café, 18. zurich christmas markets, where to stay in zurich for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to zurich, zurich, switzerland - climate chart.

Old Town

In the midst of this modern financial powerhouse of a city is a neighborhood filled with historic charm, its narrow streets rising steeply on the east side of the river. The Niederdorf area is one of the medieval streets and squares, a lively place to visit, with boutiques, restaurants, and cafés.

Heading up Münstergasse, you'll come to the Napfgasse, with the Brunnenturm, which was headquarters of the Lombard money-changers in the 14th and 15th centuries. Haus zum Napt , at number 6, has a fine interior with rooms furnished in Renaissance style.

On Spiegelgasse, at number 17, is a house where Lenin lived in 1917. In this street, at Cabaret Voltaire, Hans Arp and Tristan Tzara launched the Dada art movement in 1916. Spiegelgasse runs east into the Neumarkt , where you'll find the Shoemakers' Guild House, now a theater, and the Hans zum Rech , dating from the Middle Ages and showing how decorative styles changed over the centuries.

Step inside at least to see its courtyard and the model of Zürich in 1800. The interior preserves painted walls and ceilings from the 17th century and fine ornamental ironwork. The 13th-century Grimmenturm, at number 27, was originally a residence. In these streets, you'll find antiques shops and boutiques, as well as cafés and restaurants.

You can get an overview of the Old Town's warren of charming streets, as well as an orientation of the layout of the city, on the two-hour Zurich Highlights Tour . After riding through the Old Town and hearing the historic commentary from your guide, you'll board the Dolderbahn railway to climb into the hills of the Zurichberg district for views of the Old Town and lake.

Uetliberg

For the best views of the city and the lake, follow locals to their favorite weekend aerie, the 871-meter Uetliberg. Southwest of Zürich, the Uetliberg is the most northerly summit in the Albis ridge, easy to reach by the Uetlibergbahn, a mountain railroad that runs year-round from Selnau station to the upper station. From here it is a 10-minute walk to the summit.

The broad walkway is well lit at night and leads to the summit restaurant, a glass-enclosed space with beautiful views of the city lights below. Daytime views from the lookout tower stretch across the Valais, Bernese, and Glarus Alps, with the Black Forest to the north and the Säntis to the east. From here, an easy ridge walk to the Felsenegg takes a little more than an hour, where a cableway descends to Adliswil.

You can return to Zurich by the Sihltalbahn. Riding to the Uetliberg at night for a dinner of fondue and views of the city with its lights reflected in the snow is one of the locals' favorite things to do in Zürich in the winter.

Boats on Lake Zurich

The focal point of Zürich, and a favorite playground for tourists and locals is the long Lake Zürich. The entire shore is lined with promenades and parks, where local residents catch the sun, jog, picnic, and swim in the lake.

The favorite way for tourists to enjoy the lake is on one of the many cruises that reveal beautiful views to the Glarus Alps. Look for the steamer landing at Bürkliplatz, at the point where the Limmat flows from the lake. The Quaibrücke crosses the river to connect Bürkliplatz with Bellevueplatz.

About 1.5 kilometers from Bellevueplatz is the beautiful Zürichhorn Park , built for the National Exhibition in 1939. Here, you'll find a restaurant; a Chinese Garden ; and a boat landing for the Limmatschiff , a boat that runs from the National Museum along the river to the lake, ending at Zürihorn.

On the opposite shore, Strandbad Mythenquai is a public beach, part of the Seeuferanlage promenades that were built between 1881 and 1887. The 820 feet of sandy shore has diving boards, children's pools, lawns for sunbathing, barbecue sites, and a self-serve rental station for paddleboards.

A large flea-market is held every Saturday on Bürkliplatz from May until October with as many as 500 vendors, including antiques dealers and hobby traders.

Kunsthaus Zürich (Museum of Fine Arts)

One of Europe's top art museums, the Kunsthaus is run by the Zürich Society of Arts and traces its history back to a society of artists founded in 1787. While it has large collections of works by several artists - more paintings by Charles Munch than any other museum outside of Oslo and Europe's most important collection of Monet's works outside of Paris - the emphasis has always been on showing the highest quality works by an artist over the largest quantity.

The Kunsthaus is especially strong in Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, and Modern schools, beginning with the forerunners and early Impressionists Delacroix, Corot, Courbet, and Manet. Two of the most beautiful of the large water lily canvases are at the center of the Monet exhibit. Both Cézanne and van Gogh are represented by paintings from the end of their careers - van Gogh's painted in the final days of his life. An entire room is filled with characteristic dreamlike works of Marc Chagall.

Landmark works of Mirò, Max Ernst, Magritte, and Salvador Dali represent the Surrealist artists, and Matisse is featured both as a sculptor and painter. As you might expect, there are numerous works from the Dada school, begun right here in Zürich. Earlier periods are well represented, with important collections of exceptional paintings from the Dutch golden age, the Flemish ( Rubens and van Dyck ), Italian Baroque, and the Venetian Settecento periods.

Again, the emphasis is on landmark works, such as Domenichino's first great landscape painting of the Baptism of Christ, considered a milestone in landscape painting. Obtaining works of living artists is an important mission, and on the ground floor, you'll find changing exhibits of contemporary sculptures.

Address: Heimplatz 1, Zürich

Official site: http://www.kunsthaus.ch

Christmas decorations on Bahnhofstrasse

Zürich's "Main Street" is the busy pedestrianized Bahnhofstrasse, stretching from the main train station (bahnhof) to the Bürkliplatz at the head of the lake. The 1,200-meter street is one of the most attractive shopping streets in Europe, enlivened by fountains, public art, trees, and distinguished buildings.

Although many of the shops that line it are filled with furs, fashions, jewelry, and other high-end goods, their smartly decked windows and the buildings themselves make it a popular place for everyone to stroll. The middle section of the street was built in 1867 after the filling in of an old moat, the Fröschengraben; the parts towards the lake and the station were built a few years later.

Among the interesting buildings are several dating from the turn of the 20th century: the Weber building (number 75), re-built in 1912 and 1928, and the Jelmoli department store complex at Seidengasse 1, originally designed with a skeleton in iron. Notice especially the 1913 facade of the Peterhof and Leuenhof building.

In the basement of Bahnhofstrasse 31, the Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich displays a large collection of watches and clocks, ranging from sun, oil, and water-clocks to Swiss clocks with wooden wheels and Nuremberg pendulum clocks. In the lower part of Bahnhofstrasse is the Paradeplatz , with the palatial 1876 headquarters of the Schweizerischen Kreditanstalt and the Hotel Savoy Baur en Ville, built in 1838 and reconstructed in 1978.

In the 18th century, there was a cattle market on the Paradeplatz, and later it was used as a parade ground. The imposing Bahnhof itself is an attraction, its soaring hall lined with shops and cafes, with more in the giant mall underneath. Zurich's largest Christmas market is held inside the Bahnhof.

Fraumünster

Often mistranslated to Church of Our Lady, the name of the protestant Fraumünster actually means Women's Church, referring to the founding of an abbey here in 853 for aristocratic women of Europe by the Emperor Ludwig for his daughter, Hildegard. Until the high Middle Ages, the head of the convent was also governor of the city.

The church is a three-aisled, pillared basilica with a Gothic nave built from the 13th to the 15th centuries, a Romanesque chancel, and an Early Gothic transept with high vaulting. In the undercroft, you can see remains of the crypt of the 9th-century abbey church.

Although the church itself is worth seeing, what makes it one of Zürich's most popular tourist attractions is the beautiful set of five stained-glass windows in the chancel created by Marc Chagall in 1970. From left to right, the vividly colored windows show Elijah's ascent to heaven, Jacob, scenes of Christ's life, an angel trumpeting the end of the world, and Moses.

The rosette in the southern transept is also the work of Marc Chagall. In the north transept is another impressive stained glass window, The Heavenly Paradise, created by Augusto Giacometti in the 1940s. The abbey itself was demolished in 1898 to make way for the Stadthaus, but the Romanesque and Gothic cloister survives, with 1928 paintings by P. Bodmer illustrating the legend of the convent's founding and the city's patron saints, Felix and Regula.

Address: Münsterhof, Zürich

View over Zurich's old town from Lindenhof

Between the Bahnhofstrasse and the left bank of the Limmat, the western half of Zürich's old town rises steeply to the quiet tree-shaded Lindenhof. This is where the Romans built their fortified settlement in the fourth century to defend against migrations from the North. Five centuries later, the grandson of Charlemagne built a palace here as a royal residence.

Long after remains of these structures had all but disappeared, some incorporated into buildings around the park, the site was still used for important ceremonies; in 1798 the oath confirming the Helvetic Constitution was taken here. Today, it's a tree-shaded park with benches, chess players, and tourists enjoying the sweeping views across the river and Old Town.

Rathaus (Town Hall) in Zurich

Along the Limmatquai, a popular riverside shopping street, are a number of elegant old guild-houses with sumptuous interiors reflecting the wealth of the guilds which governed the town until 1789. Many of them now house restaurants, so you can get a look inside at the 1719 Haus zur Saffran (number 54); the 1660 Haus zur Rüden (42); and the two-storied Haus zur Zimmerleuten (40) from 1709, with a beautiful oriel window.

Zürich's Town Hall, the Rathaus, is easy to spot, as it overhangs the river and is supported on wide arches at the east end of the Rathausbrücke. Constructed between 1694 and 1698, the massive Late Renaissance building has rich sculptured decoration and a Baroque ceremonial hall that is well worth seeing.

At the end of Münsterbrücke stands the Late-Gothic Wasserkirche , once entirely surrounded by the River Limmat. It was not connected to the land until 1839 when the Limmatquai was constructed. Built onto the north side of the church is the 1794 Helmhaus with an open fountain hall in which special exhibitions are held.

Schweizerisches Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum)

A castle-like building with neo-Gothic flourishes houses an excellent museum showcasing the cultural history of all Switzerland. It is by far the most important collection of Swiss historic and cultural artifacts - more than 820,000 of them, covering a wide range of subjects from prehistory through the 20th century.

The archaeological collections, with artifacts discovered in Switzerland that date from about 100,000 BC to about AD 800 are among the finest in Europe. Entire collections cover works of gold- and silversmiths, textiles, costumes, metalwork, jewelry, watches and clocks, scientific instruments, rural life, carriages and sleighs, musical instruments, crafts, and industrial antiquities.

The medieval wall paintings are particularly interesting, as is the collection of old stained glass. The Armory Tower exhibits an important collection of arms and armor.

Displays follow four themes: early migration and settlement, religious and intellectual history, political history, and the economic development of Switzerland. The Collections Gallery provides an overview in 20 displays showing Swiss handicrafts and products.

A series of reconstructed period rooms, for which the museum is best known, shows furnishings and decorative arts in room settings following the evolution of living spaces through the centuries as needs and tastes changed. Swiss furniture from the 20th century is displayed as well, highlighting the contrasts.

Address: Museumstrasse 2, Zürich

Official site: https://www.landesmuseum.ch/en

Grossmünster (Great Minster)

Standing in an open terrace above the river, Zürich's principal church dominates the city skyline with its twin towers. Built between the 11th and the 13th centuries, it is a Romanesque three-aisled galleried basilica with a chancel over a crypt that dates from about 1100. The upper levels of the towers date from 1487, but the domed tops were added in 1782.

High on the south tower on the river side is a seated figure of Charlemagne, who is believed to have founded the order to which the church originally belonged. You can see the badly weathered original of the statue in the crypt; the outside one is a copy.

Be sure to see the two modern bronze doors done in 1935-36, the sculptured Romanesque capitals, remains of Gothic wall-paintings, and the Late Romanesque cloister from about 1200. The three vividly colored stained-glass windows in the choir were designed by Augusto Giacometti in 1933.

FIFA Museum

Football (soccer to Americans and Canadians) is the world's most popular sport, played in every country, and the FIFA Museum tells the story of its world governing body, and of the World Cup. The emersive experience begins with giant video screens showing football played in countries throughout the world.

At the 13-meter-long Time Line exhibit, visitors can watch the sport grow as country after country joined.

The largest exhibition space is devoted to the FIFA World Cup Gallery, filled with mementoes and history of the two most important competitions: the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women's World Cup. The highlights for fans are a close-up look at the glittering World Cup Trophy and a film with the most memorable moments from World Cup Finals.

Address: Seestrasse 27, Zürich, Switzerland

Official site: https://www.fifamuseum.com/en/

Zurich Zoo

More than 360 different animal species live in the exotic world of the Zurich Zoo, one of the finest in Europe. Animals live as close to their own environments as possible: snow leopards amid the rocky Himalayan landscape, penguins swimming in chilly water, and you can spot flying foxes from a canopy walk amid 13,000 square meters of tropical rainforest.

In the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park, you can watch the Asian elephant family play with their baby and swim in their multi-environment outdoor complex, which was designed to resemble their natural Thai habitat. Trams and trains run to the zoo from the main train station and the Paradeplatz.

Address: Zürichbergstrasse 221, Zürich

Official site: https://www.zoo.ch/en

Zurich-West

Reinventing itself from a former industrial area, Zurich-West is now a trendy district for contemporary art, design, shopping, and dining with an informal vibe and cheeky charm.

The main gathering point is under the arches of the railway viaduct, built in 1894 and known as Im Viadukt. The arches are now filled with designer shops, boutiques, a food market, and restaurants, and the 500-meter-long urban space alongside it is the place to stroll.

Kunsthalle Zurich and Migros Museum both feature contemporary art, the latter of them with a focus on social issues. The former shipbuilding plant, the Schiffbau, is the major venue for performing arts and music.

Rietberg Museum

A Neoclassical villa modeled on the Villa Albani in Rome (it's said to be an exact copy) houses the outstanding collection of Baron Eduard von der Heydt. The villa was built in 1857 for a German industrialist and was a meeting place for Zürich intellectuals.

It is Switzerland's only museum of non-European art, with collections that include Indian sculpture, Tibetan temple pictures and bronzes, Chinese grave decorations, Buddhist stele, and Asian ceramics and jade. There are also arts from the Pacific, the Near East, and North America, along with a collection of African carvings, masks, and bronzes.

The villa sits in beautiful Rieter Park , an English landscape garden with walking paths.

Address: Gablerstrasse 15, Zürich

Official site: www.rietberg.ch

St. Peter's Church

South of the Lindenhof in the part of the Old Town that lies on the west bank of the Limmat, St. Peter's Church stands on a little hill. The oldest parish church in Zürich, it has an early 13th-century Romanesque choir under the tower and a Baroque nave with three-aisles and galleries.

You can see the original 9th-century foundation underneath the chancel. In 1538, the church acquired the largest clock dials in Europe, 8.7 meters in diameter, and still holds that record.

Address: St.-Peter-Hofstatt, Zürich

Bellerive Museum

The astonishingly broad collections in the Bellerive make it Switzerland's most important museum of applied arts. The diverse exhibitions that display these explore various topics and themes, moving seamlessly between art and design and through various historical periods.

The Bellerive is especially strong in works across all media from the Art Nouveau era, with particularly valuable examples of ceramics. Other specialties include textiles, modern ceramics, and marionettes handmade by 20th-century artists. There are 200 historic musical instruments in the collections.

Address: Höschgasse 3, Zürich

Confiserie Sprüngli: A Confectioner's Café

Sprüngli House was opened in 1856, and today, the confectioner's café on Paradeplatz is a favorite stop for locals and tourists. One look at the stacks of temptations in the window, and you'll be drawn inside to at least feast your eyes on the beautifully displayed truffles (made fresh each day), bonbons, cakes, and their signature macarons, called Luxemburgerli.

The retail shop is on the street floor, while the upstairs café-salon serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon desserts in genteel surroundings.

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 21, Zürich

Singing Christmas Tree at the Werdmühleplatz

The month of December is an exciting time to visit Zurich, when streets and squares - even the train station - are filled with kiosks selling holiday foods, gifts, decorations, and works by local craftspeople. Amid the stalls in Werdmühleplatz is the Singing Christmas Tree , a pyramid-shaped platform of evergreen boughs where rows of red-clad children sing Christmas carols.

At Bürkliplatz, visitors can create their own Christmas candles, and throughout the markets are carousels and amusements for children.

One of Europe's largest Christmas markets fills huge Bahnhof, whose main hall becomes a glittering world of lights, highlighted by a 50-foot Christmas tree decorated entirely by Swarovski crystal ornaments. The tree showcases more than 6,000 ornaments from the year's latest and from past years.

A short boat ride on Lake Zurich to Medieval Rapperswil adds a Christmas market featuring a wide variety of local foods.

Most of Zurich's top-rated attractions lie close to the Limmat River, between the Bahnhof (main train station) and Bürkliplatz, where the river flows from the lake. Connecting these two points on the west side is the broad Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's most fashionable shopping street. Rising from the other side of the river is the Old Town of narrow streets and squares lined with Medieval and Renaissance buildings. These highly-rated hotels in Zurich are all in this central area:

Luxury Hotels :

  • Often found on the "Best Hotels in Europe" lists, Baur au Lac is known for great service and its elegant, spacious rooms overlooking the lake, as well as for its Michelin-starred Pavillon restaurant.
  • Not as close to the Old Town, but near the lake and the main shopping area, Park Hyatt Zurich is in the heart of the financial district.
  • A grande dame with Old World style (and free high-speed internet), the uber-elegant Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich faces the Bahnhof but rooms are very quiet.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • In the center of the Old Town and close to shops and restaurants, Hotel Adler offers guests free breakfast and in-room soft drinks amid a contemporary décor.
  • Higher in the Old Town and on a tram line, Hotel St. Josef also includes a free continental breakfast.
  • Farther from the Old Town, Zurich Marriott Hotel is on the riverbank, about a 10-minute walk from the Bahnhof.

Budget Hotels:

  • Just behind the station and on a tram line, Walhalla Hotel overlooks the river and includes a good breakfast buffet.
  • Limmathof faces the main station from across the river, at the edge of the Old Town.
  • In the atmospheric Old Town, citizenM Zurich rooms feature refrigerators and extra-long beds.

Sightseeing Tours :

  • If you have limited time, a great way to see the city's top sights is on a Zurich City Highlights with Felsenegg Cable Car Ride tour. This half-day guided excursion takes you on a luxury coach to see top attractions, such as the old town, Swiss National Museum, Fraumunster Church, and Bahnhofstrasse, and includes a scenic ferry ride across Lake Zurich. After seeing all the city sights, ride a cable car up Felsenegg for a bird's-eye view of the Alps and the mountain towns below.
  • Another option, the half-day Great Tour of Zurich , adds a trip along the lake to the lovely lakeside town of Rapperswil, with a return by boat (April to October) or train in the winter. After a bus ride past Zurich's top sights, the tour in Rapperswil includes its beautiful rose gardens and deer park, as well as free time to shop or explore on your own.

Day Trips :

  • Zurich is surrounded by exciting day trip options, and the most convenient way to experience them is to join a guided tour. One of the most popular is the Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe Day Trip . This full-day tour takes you through the beautiful countryside of the Bernese Oberland and on a cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, where you can enter the heart of a glacier and admire the spectacular UNESCO-listed Alpine wilderness from the Top of Europe.
  • If you want to expand your horizons and visit two countries in one day, the Heidiland and Liechtenstein Tour from Zurich is an excellent option. This full-day tour visits the top sights in Zurich; the medieval castles of Rapperswil; the verdant Swiss Alps setting of the classic Heidi stories; and Vaduz, capital of the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein.
  • Lucerne is also within day-trip distance of Zurich, and the Mount Pilatus Summer Day Trip from Zurich takes you on a fascinating tour of this picturesque city as well as up the 2,132-meter summit of Mount Pilatus. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views over the snow-capped mountains before descending on the world's steepest railway. Top off your tour with a peaceful cruise across Lake Lucerne.

Zürich Map - Tourist Attractions

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Switzerland Travel Guide

10 of the best things to do in Zürich

Caroline Bishop

Mar 15, 2024 • 8 min read

top places to visit in zurich

Discover the best things to do in Zürich, the biggest city in Switzerland © Dario Toledo / Getty Images

Even though its population doesn't even hit half a million,  Zürich is a forerunner in Switzerland when it comes to business, banking, nightlife and gastronomy. If it’s happening in Switzerland, it’s happening in Zürich first.

Highly walkable yet with a chocolate-smooth transport system , Züri – as the locals affectionately call it – has world-class museums, a diverse social scene and a lakeside culture that’s hard to beat. Here are the best things to do in Switzerland's largest city.

A church with a tall steeple dominates a cityscape

1. Admire Chagall’s modernist windows at the Fraumünster

Standing tall on the left bank of the Limmat River, the Fraumünster is one of Zürich’s oldest religious buildings, founded as a convent way back in 853 CE. But its major draw these days is something much more recent: a set of stained glass windows created by modernist artist Marc Chagall in 1967.

The five panels use bold colors and abstract imagery to depict biblical stories. Picasso was apparently a fan, and it’s easy to see why. Chagall was 83 when the windows were inaugurated, but he wasn’t done there. He created the Fraumünster's equally striking rose window at the grand old age of 90.

Detour: Walk over the Münsterbrücke to the Grossmünster on the opposite side of the Limmat, whose twin bell towers are a distinctive landmark in the city. Modern stained glass windows by German artist Sigmar Polke liven up an otherwise plain interior. This lack of adornment is due in part to Huldrych Zwingli, one of the founders of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland, who preached here in the 16th century.

2. Learn Switzerland's history at the Landesmuseum

Housed in a 19th-century stone building near the train station, the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum) is a great place to get a sense of the country. The permanent collection takes visitors through the country’s eclectic history from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Exhibits illuminate Switzerland’s recent history by detailing its attitude to banking secrecy, neutrality, foreign migration and women’s rights (women only obtained the right to vote in 1971) – all much more interesting than it sounds – while a formidable display of pikes and halberds from the Middle Ages shows how far it’s come.

Don’t miss the original 1862 edition of Henry Dunant’s account of the battle of Solférino, which inspired his humanitarian ideology and led to the formation of the International Committee of the Red Cross a year later.

People walk through the pedestrianized center of an old town

3. Wander the Old Town and relax in Lindenhof

When you’re done wandering around the Altstadt (Old Town) – its narrow cobbled streets, decorative buildings, boutiques, cafes, taverns and bierkellers  (beer cellars) may keep you there a while – rest your legs on a bench under the trees at Lindenhof , a peaceful plateau on a hill overlooking the Limmat River and the skyline of its right bank. Once the site of a Roman fort and later a royal palace, these days it’s a meeting place, picnic spot, chess players' hangout and backdrop of choice for selfie-taking tourists.

Planning tip: You'll find water fountains at Lindenhof, but they are all over the city. Unless otherwise stated, the water is as clean and drinkable as anything pre-bottled. Bring your own bottle and top up as you go.

4. Explore Niederdorf’s coffee and craft culture

Known as Dörfli (meaning "little village"), Niederdorf sits on the right bank of the Limmat River and forms part of Zürich’s Old Town. Reflective of Zürich’s young heart as much as its old soul, the area’s cobbled pedestrian alleyways harbor contemporary artists’ galleries and upmarket artisan shops, cafes, delis, old taverns and fashionable bars that draw a lively crowd.

Browse the gourmet coffees and chocolate at  Schwarzenbach grocery , which looks unchanged since it opened its doors in 1864, before having dinner and drinks at Am Rank , a sleek bar that hosts gigs by some of Zürich’s latest young music talents.

5. Discover Dada at Cabaret Voltaire

While WWI was raging in Europe in 1916, a group of artists, writers and thinkers sought safe haven and like-minded souls in neutral Switzerland, which – counter to the country’s reputation these days – became a magnet for the avant-garde. These anti-bourgeois intellectuals would hang out at Zürich’s Cabaret Voltaire , a small bar on a cobbled street in Niederdorf, where they formed Dada, an experimental, anarchical literary and artistic movement.

Today, the bar celebrates this history while also showcasing the work of contemporary artists. Sip a coffee or a Dada Sour in the ground-floor Artists’ Bar – decorated by a different artist each year – or browse the Dada Library in the 1st-floor space where Dada founder Hugo Ball and his friends used to perform.

Detour: If you can’t get enough of Dada, head to the Kunsthaus Zürich , the city’s main art gallery, which holds the world’s largest collection of Dada art, including pieces by Man Ray, Tristan Tzara, and Swiss artist Sophie Taeuber-Arp.

6. Swim in a lakeside badi

Like most Swiss cities, Zürich lives for its waterways, and in summer the banks of the Limmat and the shores of the Zürichsee (Lake Zürich) simmer with sunbathers, swimmers, and the smell of barbecued sausage.

The city’s many badis (swimming baths) are a longstanding part of Zürich life, providing changing facilities, sun decks and water access, as well as offering a place to socialize, eat and drink into the evening.

There’s a quaint, old-fashioned feel to wooden bathhouses like Seebad Utoquai , which dates from 1850 and has both single-sex and mixed zones, as well as a sauna and massage facilities – plus the best sunset views over the city.

Planning tip: Most badis close in winter, so get more lake into your life by taking a boat ride from shore to shore or farther afield with  Lake Zürich Navigation Company , which runs commuter services and leisurely cruises year-round.

Zürich seen from the viewpoint on top of Uetliberg mountain, Switzerland

7. Hike up Uetliberg, Zürich’s local mountain

Higher and mightier mountains are within a short distance of Zürich, but Uetliberg holds a special place in people’s hearts as Züri’s local mountain – so local, in fact, that all you need do to get there is take the S10 tram from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and walk 10 minutes to the viewpoint .

Popular in all seasons, Uetliberg has family-friendly hikes and picnic spots in summer, toboggan runs in winter and an eye-filling panorama of the city and lake all year. It’s particularly special on a fall or winter day when you can rise above the fog that habitually hovers over the city at that time of year and enjoy the blue sky overhead.

8. Join the post-work crowd in Zürich West

In stark contrast to the beauty of the city’s Old Town and riversides, Zürich West isn’t pretty at all. But what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in personality. A patchwork of former industrial buildings, concrete flyovers and railway tracks, this area has been seized upon by enterprising locals in recent years who have opened quirky bars, restaurants and cultural attractions in its unusual spaces.

Explore the boutiques and food hall under the railway arches at Im Viadukt  or catch a theater performance at the Schiffbau , the former site of Zürich’s shipbuilding activity. The post-work crowd can be found at Frau Gerolds Garten , a surprising pocket of greenery where shipping-container bars, independent shops and an organic kitchen garden surround a central area of shaded benches.

Planning tip: Get from the town center to Zürich West on an electric scooter – several companies including Bolt, Vio and Lime offer on-street rental through their apps.

White-painted exterior of Hiltl restaurant in Zürich, Switzerland

9. Eat plant-based food at Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant

Plant-based food may be all the rage these days, but in Zürich, it’s nothing new. The vegetarian restaurant Hiltl has been operating since 1898, making it – according to the knowledgeable folk at Guinness World Records – the oldest meat-free restaurant in the world.

The original restaurant at Sihlstrasse, Haus Hiltl, has since spawned several other outlets across the city, all serving a buffet spread of imaginative salads, pasta dishes and mezze-style creations inspired by flavors from around the world. Even if you’re a dedicated meat eater, you’re bound to find something here to sate your appetite. Haus Hiltl also offers an à la carte menu with table service.

Detour: If vegetarianism isn’t your thing, seek out a classic Swiss bratwurst instead.  Sternen Grill  has been serving this traditional snack since 1963. Pair it with a hunk of bread or a tub of potato salad.

10. Climb the Freitag tower

It’s hard to pass a day in Switzerland without seeing someone with a Freitag bag. This ubiquitous Swiss brand began life in Zürich in the early 1990s as the brainchild of two inventive brothers who decided to make practical messenger bags out of old truck tarps.

It’s appropriate, then, that the flagship store in Zürich West is also made out of recycled materials, nine former shipping containers, to be precise, piled one on top of another to create a creaky old tower. It's a trek up the stairs to the top, but worth it for the view of the area’s industrial sprawl and its surprising incongruities, such as the nearby wave pool where surfers can be seen catching a ride.

This article was first published May 2019 and updated March 2024

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Home » Europe » Switzerland » Zurich

14 BEST Places to Visit in Zurich (2024)

The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich is also the nation’s financial heart. A modern city with a long history, it boasts both gleaming skyscrapers and quaint olde-worlde streets. Sitting close to Lake Zurich and with the River Limmat running through the city, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities when visiting Zurich. Plus, the stunning Swiss Alps are just a short distance away.

Despite its appeal, Zurich (along with the rest of Switzerland) has a reputation of being an expensive city to visit. People looking for a budget break are more likely to choose a different European city and skip Zurich altogether.

While it is true that a Zurich getaway will likely cost more than many other places, a trip really doesn’t need to break the back. We’ve put together this ultimate list of the best places to visit in Zurich to show you how to stretch your travel funds further and have a great time in one of Switzerland’s most captivating cities.

With ideas for all budgets and interests, some of these best places to visit in Zurich are sure to astound you!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Zurich:

These are the best places to visit in zurich, faq on the best places to visit in zurich, have fun at the best places to visit in zurich.

Altstadt, Zurich

Altstadt is where you can find a good selection of budget hostels and boutique hotels allowing you to save a little bit of money on accommodations.

  • Browse works of art by independent artists at Musée Visionnaire.
  • Jump into the world of literature at the Zentralbibliothek Zürich, the main city library.
  • Marvel at the architecture of the Romanesque-style Grossmünster Church.

Now onto the good stuff … the best places to visit in Zurich!

If Alstadt isn’t totally your jam, Zurich has many other areas to choose from. Be sure to check out where to stay in Zurich before scrolling into the excitement below!

top places to visit in zurich

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#1 – Old Town – A great place to see in Zurich if you love architecture

Old Town

  • Home to several important churches
  • Nostalgic and olde-worlde air
  • Cultural experiences
  • Lively night scene

Why it’s awesome: Straddling both sides of the Limmat River, Zurich’s Old Town provides a fascinating peek back in time. Charming medieval streets wind through the area, lined with quaint buildings and historic monuments. There are delightful squares dotted through the Old Town, many of which have ornate water fountains where visitors can refill their water bottles for free. Awash with culture and heritage, Zurich’s Old Town also offers exceptional shopping and dining opportunities. Not just a top place to visit in Zurich during the daytime, the Old Town also boasts a vibrant nightlife.

What to do there: Lose yourself in the atmospheric streets and admire the gorgeous buildings. Wander along Limmatquai and see the stunning old Renaissance-era guild houses from yesteryear, with those built for various merchants, carpenters, and more. Marvel at the imposing Grossmünster, which was built between the 11th and 13th centuries and whose two towers are among the most iconic symbols of Zurich. Step inside the magnificent place of worship to see spectacular carvings and stained glass, descend into the Crypt and visit the Reformation museum.

Visit another of the famous landmarks in Zurich in the Old Town: Fraumünster Church. Located on the site of a much-older abbey, the splendid church is known in particular for its stained glass windows created by Marc Chagall, a modernist Russian-French artist. See the enormous clock at Peterskirche, whose minute hand leaps a whopping half a metre every minute, see the remains of the 17th-century defensive walls and moat, snap a picture of the Central hof Monument, peer down into the ruins of an old Roman heating system, ogle antiques in Museum Strauhof, shop till you drop along Bahnhofstrasse, and party the night away in the many bars and clubs.

Why not check out some of Zurich’s best Airbnb’s in the area and make Old Town your base for a while!

#2 – Lake Zurich – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Zurich

Lake Zurich

  • Scenic boat rides
  • Charming lakeside beaches and swimming spots
  • Relaxing atmosphere
  • Beautiful views

Why it’s awesome: The large, curved Lake Zurich is shaped almost like a banana. In times gone by the lake was primarily an important means of transporting people and goods. Today, it’s a popular recreation and leisure spot for locals and tourists alike, with diverse land- and water-based activities and beautiful views of the hilly backdrop. The water is sparkling clean and there are several beaches around the edges of the lake.

There are also several towns and villages along the shores, many of which have in-demand homes like opulent villas and grand mansions. The atmosphere is relaxed and it’s one of the most scenic attractions in Zurich. Even better—enjoying the beaches and promenade costs absolutely nothing.

What to do there: Board a boat for a scenic ride around the lake, soaking up the views of the elegant buildings, Zurich’s splendid cityscape, the beaches, other vessels, and the wooded hills. Several operators provide diverse boat trips, with sunset cruises, dinner excursions, sightseeing on historic paddle-steamers, and music-focused rides among the options. In the warmer months, sunbathe at the lake’s edges and take a dip in the clean waters; there are several excellent swimming spots around the lake.

Stroll along the promenade, which runs between Bellevue and Tiefenbrunnen in the Seefeld neighbourhood, and enjoy the vistas. If you’re feeling energetic, the promenade is also a great place for jogging, cycling, and skating. You’ll also find pavement artists and street vendors.

top places to visit in zurich

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#3 – Swiss National Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Zurich

Swiss National Museum Zurich

  • Major Swiss museum
  • Combination of free and paid areas
  • Learn more about Swiss history and culture
  • Wide collection of artefacts

Why it’s awesome: The Swiss National Museum is among the most-visited museums in all of Switzerland. It showcases the nation’s history, heritage, and culture from throughout the ages, taking people back to the prehistoric era and then spanning right up to the present day. The collections are well-curated and diverse, with exhibits that include religious artefacts, coins, works of art, archaeological finds, and more. Multimedia displays help to bring the past to life and enhance understanding. The building itself is a beauty, built in the late 1890s to resemble a grand and graceful French chateau. Some parts of the museum are free to visit.

What to do there: Appreciate the eye-catching building from the outside, complete with its towers, turrets, and small windows. Enter the museum to explore the diverse permanent collections and temporary displays. Visit the Simply Zurich section to learn more about the past and development of Zurich, and explore the History of Switzerland exhibit for a more country-wide focus. Travel through the ages to learn how Switzerland came into being and the struggles faced in the past and the present. For greater insights, you could also join a guided tour of the museum.

#4 – Langenberg Wildlife Park – Awesome place to visit in Zurich with kids!

Langenberg Wildlife Park Zurich

  • Family-friendly attraction
  • See various native creatures
  • No fee to enjoy
  • Oldest wildlife park in the country

Why it’s awesome: Part of Zurich Wilderness Park, Langenberg Wildlife Park is one of the most fun Zurich vacation ideas for families. Established in 1869, it is the oldest wildlife park in Switzerland. It is home to animals that are either native to the country or that were once found in the wild across Switzerland. Animals roam freely across large areas, with large enclosed areas that closely replicate conditions as if the animals were in the true wild. Animal welfare is important to the organisation. Easy to reach by train from the city centre, Langenberg Wildlife Park is open all year round and there are no charges to visit. It’s a top free activity in Zurich.

What to do there: Catch the train to the Sihl Valley, just beyond the city limits, and spend some time spotting native (or formerly native), creatures. The park is home to a range of animals big and small, from mice and rats up to brown bears and wolves. There are various species of deer and other animals include boars, bison, lynx, foxes, marmots, horses, and otters. There’s lots of birdlife too. Follow the routes through the forest to see creatures in a natural environment, appreciate the links between humans and animals at the discovery worlds and stop for a bite to eat at the park’s restaurant.

#5 – Moulagenmuseum – One of the more unique places to visit in Zurich!

Moulagenmuseum

  • Quirky and offbeat attraction
  • Medical research and education facility
  • Discover more about diseases
  • Free admission

Why it’s awesome: Zurich’s Moulagenmuseum is a wax museum with a twist—almost certainly unlike any other wax museum you’ve visited before, it contains wax models of diseases! Moulages were once a vital part of medical learning and understanding, important tools to help practitioners recognise different diseases before the advent of plastic moulds and colour photographs. The collection of grotesque models in Zurich is among the biggest such collections in the world.

The museum was established in 1916 and houses almost 2,000 realistic wax models, of which more than 500 are on public display. Although members of the general public can visit the museum, it is also still a centre of learning for Swiss medical students. There is no admission fee to see the horrifying and morbidly fascinating collection.

What to do there: Take a deep breath and brace yourself to confront some of the world’s most horrendous diseases in life-like form. Ogle the curious collection of wax representations, created based on real afflictions and symptoms. The 3D models have the same colouring, size, and texture of the real deal, with some that have even had strands of hair added to make them even more realistic.

If you’ve ever wondered what syphilis, leprosy, hives, herpes, cancer, dermatitis, and other conditions actually look like, this is your chance to find out! Visiting the Moulagenmuseum is definitely one of the most unusual things to do in Zurich. Warning: it’s not for the queasy or faint of heart!

#6 – Thermalbad & Spa Zürich – Great place to visit in Zurich for couples!

  • Mineral spa
  • Rooftop pool
  • Lovely views
  • Soothing ambience

Why it’s awesome: Relax, unwind, and soothe away any stresses and strains while enjoying a romantic experience with your love at the enchanting Thermalbad & Spa Zürich. Housed within an old brewery, the old stone vaults have been converted into Roman-like baths. The ambience is mystical, the architecture is unique, and visitors can benefit from holistic Roman therapies that are some two millennia old.

The warm mineral-rich water comes straight from the Aqui springs that lie beneath the streets of Zurich. The spa also boasts a rooftop pool, a bistro, and a shop, and visitors can treat themselves to a range of soothing therapies and treatments.

What to do there: Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul, and take a blissful journey along with your significant other as you bathe in delightfully warm waters in an atmospheric setting. Dip into the shallow pools and refresh in the steam baths. Afterwards, head up to the rooftop swimming pool for more bliss and to enjoy the great city vistas. Refuel with a tasty meal from the bistro and pick up wellness and beauty supplies from the shop. To really give yourself a loving treat, how about a massage too? Treatments are available in private rooms for two people, meaning that you and that special someone can bliss out together.

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#7 – Sihlwald Forest – One of the nicer places in Zurich to sightsee!

Sihlwald Forest Zurich

  • Escape into nature
  • Outdoor activities
  • Wildlife spotting

Why it’s awesome: The verdant Sihlwald Forest is part of the Zurich Wilderness Park (although it is found in a different location to the Langenberg Wildlife Park, mentioned above). The large forest was gifted to Zurich in the early 1300s by the Hapsburgers. It is the biggest mixed coniferous and deciduous forest in the Mittelland region of Switzerland and it was once an important source of firewood and timber for Zurich.

Today, however, trees are not cut down as part of preservation efforts. Most trees are at least 100 years old, with some that are more than two centuries old. Visitors can enjoy various activities within the forest and there is no charge to enjoy the natural area.

What to do there: Call into the Visitor Centre to discover the array of activities available in the forest and learn more about the local flora and fauna. Follow wildlife-rich hiking trails and soak up the peaceful ambience. Listen to the sweet singing of birds and the clacking of insects that fill the air. You can also go cycling and horse riding. Take a picnic for a pleasant lunch in nature or make use of the BBQ facilities to cook up something tasty.

#8 – Kunsthaus Zurich – A great place to visit in Zurich if you are alone/traveling solo

Kunsthaus Zurich

  • Beautiful architecture
  • Large collection of interesting art
  • Peaceful garden
  • Free admission one day of the week

Why it’s awesome: Housed within a purpose-built building that dates back to the early 1900s, the Kunsthaus Zurich contains one of Switzerland’s most significant collections of art. The architecture is interesting, with Neo-Grec interior decorative designs and eye-catching carvings on the exterior. There are artistic pieces by prominent names in the art world, and there is a strong focus on national artists. Pieces date back to the medieval era and cover right up to the present day. There is normally a charge to visit the art museum, but if you visit on Wednesdays it is totally free!

What to do there: Admire the interesting building from the outside, pausing to appreciate the bas reliefs and contrast the original structure with the newer extension (set to open fully in 2020). Allow yourself a few hours to fully do justice to the many pieces of art in the museum as you see impressive works by artists like Monet, Matisse, Manet, Van Gogh, Chagall, and Picasso. Alberto Giacometti, Peter Fischli, and Pipilotti Rist are among the Swiss artists represented in the museum. Take time to reflect on the interesting artworks in the tranquil Art Garden before leaving.

#9 – Zurich Aviary and Bird Sanctuary – Certainly one of the most exotic places to see in Zurich!

Zurich Aviary and Bird Sanctuary

  • Home to many birds
  • Care for wildlife
  • Family friendly
  • No admission costs

Why it’s awesome: Zurich Aviary and Bird Sanctuary is one of the major family-friendly points of interest in Zurich. Visiting is also a Zurich must-do for anyone with a keen love of ornithology or a passion for protecting and helping wildlife. Located on the edges of the glistening Lake Zurich, the sanctuary has been providing care for birds since the end of the 19 th century. This is a delightful stop to add to your Zurich itinerary .

It offers emergency care for sick and injured wild birds, rescues non-native birds that would be unable to survive in the wild, and looks after lost or abandoned baby birds. There are both native and exotic species within the indoor and outdoor areas and the sanctuary is open all throughout the year. It’s free to visit.

What to do there: Discover the numerous feathered and winged creatures taken care of by Zurich Aviary and Bird Sanctuary and learn more about the important work that the centre undertakes. See birds of all sizes and colours, from humble sparrows and thrushes to colourful parakeets and large toucans. Although there is no charge to visit the centre you might like to consider supporting its work by making a donation, purchasing items from the gift shop, or sponsoring a bird.

#10 – Zurich West – One of the most underrated places to see in Zurich

Zurich West

  • Lesser-visited neighbourhood
  • Hip and trendy area
  • Great shopping, dining, and drinking
  • Cool museums and galleries

Why it’s awesome: Previously an industrial area and still a lesser-visited part of the city, it’s well worth taking the time to explore Zurich West. Many of the old factories and warehouses have been converted and put to more modern use, now housing cool cafes, chic boutiques, a range of enticing restaurants, cool museums, engaging theatres, and vibrant bars. The area also boasts the city’s tallest building: Prime Tower. It’s now one of the funkiest and trendiest neighbourhoods in Zurich. Newer buildings sit alongside the old industrial sites, adding to the visual appeal and interest.

What to do there: Treat your taste buds to a gastronomic delight in one of the many culinary hotspots. Admire street art that liberally adorns many of the walls and buildings, browse in quirky art galleries, refresh in a cool café, and shop in hip boutiques and thrifty second-hand shops. Mingle with locals in the markets, pause to enjoy a few moments of peace in a pretty city park or garden, and snap pictures of the imposing Freitag Tower, which is one of the most impressive points of interest in Zurich. At night time, hit up the area’s bars and clubs for a lively night on the tiles.

#11 – Bahnhofstrasse – A great place in Zurich if you love to shop!

Bahnhofstrasse

  • Famous shopping street
  • Designer shopping and top brands
  • High-class restaurants
  • Energetic atmosphere

Why it’s awesome: The lively Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most famous places in Zurich for shopaholics to satisfy their desires, It’s also among one of the most well-known shopping streets in the world! Dazzling displays sit in shop windows, trying to tempt people inside to part with their cash and walk away with fancy new items. There are many high-end and glamorous stores, filled with goods and creations by famous international designers as well as top Swiss brands. Bahnhofstrasse isn’t only great for shopping, though; there are also many top-class eateries as well.

What to do there: Get into the shopping mood as you wander along the exciting Bahnhofstrasse, swept away by the fervour that usually occurs when people cast their eyes on luxurious goods and have the means to buy, buy, buy! Don’t forget your credit cards if you really want to go hard on the retail therapy—Bahnhofstrasse is known for being one of the most expensive places to shop across the globe! Brands include Dior, Gucci, Bvlgari, Chanel, Beyer, Tissot, Prada, H&M, and Tiffany and Co., and goods include high-end fashions, scents, jewellery, bags, footwear, and more.

A top place for window shopping and people watching too, Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse is made all the more elegant and refined by the many water fountains, trees, and pieces of public art along the street. Stop into the Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich to see a vast collection of watches and other timepieces and admire the large train station, complete with its large, colourful, and unusual angel-like statue suspended inside.

#12 – Uetliberg – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Zurich

Uetliberg

  • Awesome views
  • Walking trails
  • Free activity
  • Accessible day and night

Why it’s awesome: The mountain of Uetliberg towers over the city of Zurich, standing at some 9,377 metres (2,858 feet) tall. There are several trails leading up the mountain, each scenic and offering lovely views. There are even more splendid vistas to enjoy from the peak. There’s no charge to visit the mountain and the trails never close. One of the hotspots in Zurich for local families, it’s also a popular destination with tourists.

What to do there: Catch the train to the foot of the mountain and enjoy a pleasant leisurely hike to the top. Soak up the magnificent picture-worthy views of the city and lake spread out beneath you and, for even more great views, you could consider paying the small fee to go to the top of the panoramic observation tower.

Vistas encompass the Alps and the Black Forest in the distance. There are restaurants and bars atop the mountain where you can linger for longer—especially great for loved-up couples! If you visit the mountain at night time you can see the twinkling lights of the city below and the beautiful reflections shimmering and dancing on the surface of Lake Zurich.

top places to visit in zurich

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#13 – FIFA World Football Museum – Cool place to see in Zurich with friends!

FIFA World Football Museum

  • Celebration of soccer
  • Lots of football memorabilia
  • See the original FIFA World Cup trophy
  • Relax in the sports bar

Why it’s awesome: Open since February 2016, the FIFA World Football Museum is one of the most famous places in Zurich for football fans. Spread across three levels of a ten-storey building, the building also has a library, a football merchandise shop, a café, a restaurant, a sports bar, a hotel, and offices. Created to pay homage to one of the world’s most popular team sports, the museum contains more than 1,000 pieces, with items from every FIFA World Cup and each FIFA Women’s World Cup. There are also multimedia displays, cultural commentaries, and interactive experiences.

What to do there: Feel the passion of the game when you enter the large and comprehensive FIFA World Football Museum and get impassioned as you watch the Visions of Football presentation. Gaze in awe at the original FIFA World Cup trophy and see all kinds of football memorabilia from across the world. Learn more about the development of international football, relive historic moments from past matches, discover how football affects communities, both uniting and dividing people, and see tons of cool facts about all your favourite players. Pick up souvenirs in the gift shop and enjoy time in the sports bar. Buy your tickets online for a Tuesday visit and you can benefit from half price admission too!

#14 – Old Botanical Garden – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Zurich

Old Botanical Garden

  • Oldest botanical garden in Zurich
  • Many plants and trees
  • Historic architecture
  • Free to enjoy

Why it’s awesome: Established in 1837, the Old Botanical Garden was the first such garden in Zurich. It’s located within the Bauschanzli Bastion, which is one of the few remaining examples of the Baroque fortifications in the city. A peaceful, pretty, and charming spot, the garden houses many different species of flora within distinct and attractive areas. If you’re on a tight budget and are staying in one of Zurich’s hostels , you’ll be happy to know there’s no charge to enjoy the garden. Although there may be costs for attending the diverse special events and programs that are regularly hosted at the botanical garden.

What to do there: Stroll through the hilly Gessner Garden to see various herbs used in medieval medicine. Along with around 50 types of herbs, you can also see a memorial to Conrad Gessner, an eminent Swiss physician and naturalist from the 1500s. Discover the different plants help in the attractive and fragrant arboretum, admire the old trees that line the walkways, and step into the Palm House for more botanical discoveries. The Palm House building is a 19th-century protected monument and is used to host a variety of events today.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Zurich

Is 1 day enough to visit Zurich?

If you want to see all the highlights, you will need at least 2 or 3 days to see them all. One day is not enough.

Is Zurich worth visiting?

If you have the money to spend, Zurich is definitely worth a visit. It has beautiful architecture and views of snow-capped mountains in the distance, which is definitely worth checking out.

Is Zurich a safe place to visit?

Generally speaking, Zurich is a very safe city. With all cities, there are some areas to avoid. Stay on the tourist path and you’ll have no problems.

Is Zurich an expensive place to visit?

Yes, Zurich is an expensive place to visit, as is most cities in Switzerland.

Whether you’re looking for attractions to enjoy with your love interest, the kids, alone, or with your mates, Zurich has plenty to suit all tastes. There are many ways to save money in the exciting Swiss city and, if you mix and match free and paid attractions, there’s no reason why visiting Zurich should be excessively costly. Tick off these best places to visit in Zurich and have a great Swiss city break!

If you’ve seen everywhere in the city, head out on some of the amazing Zurich day trips next!

top places to visit in zurich

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Lu Frey

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What to Do in Zurich

top places to visit in zurich

Zurich is an exciting city with numerous attractions and things to do: activities, outings, hikes, sights, museums, tours, restaurants - from gourmet to street food, and, of course, shopping at Bahnhofstrasse, Viadukt or in the Old Town. The biggest city in Switzerland offers indoor and outdoor activities and fun things to do as well in Winter as in Summer and also during the seasons in between.

So, if you are asking yourself what are the places to visit in Zurich, what are the top things to do with kids or which restaurant or café to visit, scroll down and you will find the best ideas for your perfect stay.

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top places to visit in zurich

Cosmo Condina/GettyImages 

It's not the capital of Switzerland (that would be Bern), but Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and its commercial, transportation, and cultural hub. The city is set along the Limmat River, encompasses Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), and is surrounded by mountains. With its scenic setting, colorful and well-preserved Old Town, and ample museums, parks, and pedestrian areas, it is a delightful city to explore. Plus there's a great dining and arts scene, and a comprehensive and efficient system of trams, buses, and boats meaning you can travel around Zurich, including to its outlying areas, with ease.

Get Acquainted with Old Town

TripSavvy / Michela Sieman

Start your visit to Zurich in the oldest part of the city. The Limmat River divides Zurich's Altstadt (Old Town) in two, with the Lindenhof to the west (left) bank and the Rathaus to the east (right). Archaeological remains dating to the pre-Roman and Roman eras have been found in Lindenhof, making it the oldest part of the city. Both halves of the Altstadt are medieval in character, with houses, churches, public buildings, and historic guild-houses dating from the 12th to 19th centuries. Auto traffic is limited on all but the main arteries, making this a lovely area for walking and exploring. Shops and restaurants, some in existence for hundreds of years, line most streets in the Altstadt.

Climb the Towers of the Grossmünster

The most recognizable landmark on the Zurich skyline and a symbol of the city, the Romanesque-style Grossmünster (Great Minster) is one of a handful of important churches in the Altstadt. Construction on the present church began in 1100, and the church was allegedly founded by Charlemagne. When the church seceded from the papacy in the 1500s, it became the focal point of the Swiss Reformation and the growth of Protestantism in the country.

After touring the interior, you can climb one of the Grossmünster's twin towers for sweeping views over Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the mountains beyond.

Ride a Tram

New and vintage trams rumble all over Zurich, and connect visitors and residents to practically all parts of the city and its suburbs. Apart from being a convenient mode of transportation, the above-ground trams are also a way to see the city. Single tickets are good for 30 minutes and are priced from 2.70 Swiss francs with prices going up according to how many zones are crossed. A simpler way around the fairly complicated zone and tariff system is to buy a Zurich Card , which includes unlimited travel on all city transport and free or reduced admission to dozens of museums.

Zip Around on an Electric Scooter

tolgart/GettyImages 

When in Zurich, make like a local and zip around town on an electric scooter, hundreds of which are readily available through various rental and share programs. You simply have to download the app for the company you wish to rent from, leave your email address and credit card number, scan the available scooter, and take off. When you're done with your ride, leave the scooter parked wherever; an online mapping system will let the next user know where available scooters are waiting. On Zurich's mostly flat streets, this is a fun way to get around, and you'll blend right in. Apps and scooters are currently available from Circ , Lime , and Bird .

Take a Boat Ride on Lake Zurich

A sightseeing boat ride on Lake Zurich or the Limmat River is a fun and relaxing way to take to the water any time of year. Lake Zurich Navigation Company operates a large fleet of sightseeing vessels, including motorboats and steam-powered ships. Sailings are more frequent in the warmer months and include such novelties as a fondue cruise (yes, please!), beer cruises, and salsa-dancing cruises. If your stay in Zurich is over and you're transferring to a different location along the lake, a boat commute is a scenic and fun option.

Stroll the Limmat

The Limmat River cuts a pretty swath through Zurich, and like all rivers in Switzerland, it's remarkably clear and clean. On both sides of the Altstadt, but particularly on the Lindenhof side, it's possible to walk along the embankment and to watch the swans, ducks and, in warm weather, swimmers and kayakers enjoying the river. The waterfront walkway runs under covered arcades in places, and passes historic buildings, squares, and riverside bathhouses.

Swim in the Lake or River

Swimming in Lake Zurich and the Limmat River is a favorite pastime of Zurich's residents young and old, and many of them are willing to brave very chilly water to take a dip! All along the banks of both bodies of water are places to wade in and swim, including bathhouses with changing areas and "swimming pools" built out over the water. There are also beaches and grassy areas along the lake where you can just roll out a towel. If you want to take to the water and (hopefully) stay dry, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and canoe rentals are available.

Ascend the Uetliberg

Courtesy of Zürich Tourism 

The closest mountain to Zurich, the Uetliberg is 2,850 feet above sea level and offers sweeping views of Zurich, the lake, and the Alps beyond. Trams depart every 10 minutes from Zurich's main station for the 30-minute ride to Uetliberg station, from where walking trails depart for the summit. Hiking and mountain biking trails fan out from the summit, and in winter, it's a popular sledding area. Families will enjoy the Planet Trail, a walking trail with a scale model of the solar system. There are casual to upscale restaurants at the Uto Kulm Hotel , plus modern rooms and suites if you just can't tear yourself away from the views.

Marvel at the Fraumünster

With its elegant green steeple rising across the river from the Grossmünster, the Fraumünster (Women's Minster) is built on the remains of a ninth-century abbey. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Fraumünster was a powerful and independent woman's abbey, which even minted its own coins. The steeple dates to 1732, though sections of the oldest parts of the church still remain. Art lovers come to see the 20th-century stained glass windows by artists Alberto Giacometti and Marc Chagall.

Eat Fondue and Hearty Swiss Fare

Fondue is likely the most iconic Swiss cuisine you can eat—bubbling hot, melted cheese served with chunks of bread and small potatoes for dipping. You'll find it all over Zurich, but Le Dézaley , on the Rathaus side of the river, has been serving it up for a century. It and Swiss Chuchi , also on the Rathaus side, are also great places to try raclette, a dish of melted cheese typically served with thick-sliced bread, pickled vegetables and sliced, cured meat. For hearty Swiss fare like Wienerschnitzel, rösti (fried potatoes), and sausage sold by the meter, try Zeughauskeller , a raucous, rustic eatery in a building from the 1400s.

Drink Coffee at a Historic Cafe

Zurich has a strong coffee culture, and there are several historic cafes and coffee roasters around the city where patrons can sip a premium brew, nosh on chocolate, pastries, or other sweets, and soak up the storied setting. Schwarzenbach has been roasting coffee and selling high quality beans, teas and foodstuffs in the same Marktgasse location since 1910. In a building from the 1300s, elegant Conditorei Schober , in business since 1842, has tea and coffee-drinking salons that are almost as frilly as the fancifully packaged chocolates, candies, nuts, and pastries it sells. Right near the mouth of the Limmat, Cafe Bar Odeon was once the haunt of Albert Einstein, Vladimir Lenin, James Joyce, and a host of other early 20th-century intelligentsia.

Shop Along Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse, the wide boulevard that starts at Zürich Hauptbahnhof train station and ends at the lakefront at Bürkliplatz, is often called the most expensive stretch of real estate in the world, and the labels are not far off. The street is lined on both sides with high-end to ultra-high-end retailers—the kind of stores where security has to buzz you in. Prada, Chanel, TOD's, Salvatore Ferragamo—they're all here, along with millions and millions of dollars of jewelry and watches. Even if you can't afford to shop here, it's fun to window shop; plus the prices get much more affordable the closer you get to the train station.

Dive into Zurich West

The development of Zurich West, a once-abandoned industrial area, is an absolute success story of urban planning and repurposing. Former factories and even an old railway viaduct have taken on new life as Zurich's trendiest area for shopping, dining, nightlife, and living. Be sure to check out the Freitag Flagship Store (home of the made-in-Zurich recycled bags), which is housed in a high-rise crafted out of 17 shipping containers, the Im Viadukt food hall, and the top-floor bar at the 35-story Prime Tower .

Sample Sweets at Fancy Chocolatier

Switzerland is synonymous with chocolate, and in truth, eating good Swiss chocolate is a life-changing experience. Zurich's streets are dotted with fancy chocolatiers, many of which have been handcrafting delicate bon-bons, macarons, brittle candies, and other confections for 100 years or more. Window displays are often spectacular and tempting, and while fine chocolate can be very expensive, it's perfectly acceptable to just purchase a couple of pieces to enjoy on the spot. Hallowed halls of chocolate and all things confectionery include Confiserie Teuscher , Confiserie Sprüngli , and Läderach .

Ponder Picassos at the Kunsthaus

Courtesy of Zürich Tourism

One of the largest art museums in Switzerland, Zurich's Kunsthaus houses thousands of works of art from the 13th century to the present. While the collection is vast and varied, the museum is best known for its holdings of Impressionism, Expressionism, and Modernism—among the finest anywhere. Allow at least a few hours to scratch the surface here.

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Zurich - Do List adapted header image

21 amazing things to do in Zurich

Your ultimate guide to things to do in Zurich – from the lakeside city’s best restaurants and shops to museums and sightseeing

Set alongside a shimmering lake and framed by alpine mountains, Zurich seamlessly blends the indoor and outdoor. Take a stroll around the Old Town, check hip attractions like the  Viadukt and then take a dip in a ‘badi’ – open-air swimming pools beloved by locals.

For the best views, hop on a train and head towards a nearby mountain, or for high life of a different kind, eyeball Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. Zurich also loves to party, with an exciting network of bars and clubs open into the small hours and beyond.

RECOMMENDED: Find out about Zurich’s best restaurants .

Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere.

You can also find out more about  how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world , or take a look at our list of the  50 best things to do in the world right now .

Hop on a boat at Limmatschifffahrt

1.  Hop on a boat at Limmatschifffahrt

The flat boats of the Limmatschifffahrt offer a different view of the city – from the bottom up. Built to pass below the seven bridges over the Limmat, they offer space for up to 51 passengers. It can get crowded at the Landesmuseum station, where the boat begins its one-hour round trip, so check the website in advance for departure times and arrive early. Fancy a dinner cruise on the lake? Board one of the Dreamboats of ZSG, departing from Bürkliplatz – fondue trips and barbecues are on offer.

Spend an artsy day at Kunsthaus

2.  Spend an artsy day at Kunsthaus

Zurich’s Kunsthaus may not be the MoMa or the Tate, but it has plenty to offer. Lovers of Alberto Giacometti will find a whole series of rooms dedicated to the Swiss artist and sculptor, and the likes of Van Gogh, Monet and Chagall are displayed in small but bright rooms on the top floor. The permanent collection can be visited for free on Wednesdays.

Take a stroll down the Niederdorf

3.  Take a stroll down the Niederdorf

The old town stretches between Central and Bellevue and is often referred to as the 'Dörfli' by locals. It actually consists of two parts – Niederdorf and Oberdorf. Though something of a tourist trap – fondue restaurants and souvenir shops are common hereabouts – the old buildings and narrow streets are charming enough, and the area has generous offerings of quirky shops and cosy bars. Don’t miss Cabaret Voltaire , the cradle of Dada, and its Café duDA . For impressive views of the city, climb up one of the towers of Grossmünster – those who suffer from vertigo might first want to stop by the Bodega Espanola for a bolstering Moscatel.

Explore Zurich West

4.  Explore Zurich West

Originally a run down area full of decaying warehouses, Zurich West – also called 'Kreis 5' or 'Industriequartier' – is now an alternative heart of the town. Its main attraction is the Viadukt , a stretch of shops, restaurants and bars built into the arches of the old railway viaduct that runs between the bank of the river Limmat and Hardbrücke station. Nearby Frau Gerolds Garten offers cute little shops, an urban garden and some seasonal attractions, such as a Saturday market in summer and a fondue tent in winter. Every local’s favourite restaurant, the Rosso  – with its crispy pizzas and industrial atmosphere – is a few steps away.

Go on a bar crawl

5.  Go on a bar crawl

Rather than go on one of the group tours offered on various websites (and designed mainly to get participants drunk before the third stop), put together your own itinerary. However, we do have a few suggestions: start with a beer at El Lokal and admire the skeleton hanging from its ceiling, before moving on to Central, where you might want to have a quick snack. If cocktails are your thing, hit  Raygrodski  (we strongly recommend the 'Hot Russian). The Wohnzimmer is the place for a mellow ending, while the bar of the Plaza might get you in the mood for a long night out.

Visit the Flussbad Oberer Letten Badi

6.  Visit the Flussbad Oberer Letten Badi

The editors of hipster-bible Monocle never get tired of pointing out the Badis as Zurich’s unique attraction. The Badi of all Badis is definitely the Flussbad Oberer Letten , whether you lounge around on the wooden panels of the right bank, play a game of beach volley, enjoy a drink from the container bar or join the sun-hungry at Pier West on the left bank. 

Walk down Bahnhofstrasse

7.  Walk down Bahnhofstrasse

Known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Bahnhofstrasse is popular with visitors. Its lower half (starting from the main station) is filled with the usual high street brands, while most of the luxury shops are situated at the upper end, close to Bürkliplatz and the lake. Café Sprüngli’ s outside tables on Paradeplatz, the epicentre of the Swiss banking world, are the place to be on a sunny afternoon (try their hot chocolate if it’s chilly), while in December you should wait until after dark to see the dazzling lights of ‘Lucy’, Bahnhofstrasse’s custom made Christmas illumination.

Ascend the Uetliberg

8.  Ascend the Uetliberg

Departing from the main station, the SZU takes you all the way up Zurich’s backyard mountain, the Uetliberg. Take the journey up to the top where you can climb the observation tower and enjoy the views in all directions. A planet trail takes you over to the Felsenegg, from where you can take the cable car down to Adliswil (and return to Zurich on the train). If you prefer to head straight back to town there are various hiking trails downhill. On a winter’s day if you're lucky you might be able to sledge down the Uetliberg – an exceptional experience as Zurich doesn’t usually get much snow.

Rent and ride a bike

9.  Rent and ride a bike

Some of the best activities in town come for free, like renting a bike – or using one for free, in fact. Leave a CHF 20 deposit at one of the Züri rollt containers and enjoy the city on two wheels. Other similar bike hire schemes are also run across the city by LimeBike and Zuri Velo. You might want to cycle down either side of the lake, or simply use the bike to get round town quicker. Why not start at the Bellevue rental station, enjoy a quiet ride with striking river views down the car-free Limmatquai, before making your way around the train station and down Josefstrasse and its ecletic selection of shops until you reach Josefswiese and the Viadukt ? Then you can hand in your bike at the on-site rental station and quench your thirst with a Gazosa lemonade from the kiosk.

Get a first-class view from the Jules Verne Panorama Bar

10.  Get a first-class view from the Jules Verne Panorama Bar

Some call it a tourist trap, but sitting in the Jules Verne Panorama Bar with 360-degree views of the city, sipping on a cocktail and holding your significant other's hand might be as close to a perfect date as it can get in Zurich. The bar is just below the Urania Sternwarte and reached through the elevator inside Brasserie Lipp . It can be crowded, but a table beside the window is worth the wait. To top up your stargazing experience, check Urania Sternwarte's website for public tours and events – and bring a warm sweater, because it can get chilly when they open the dome.

Gaze at the Limmat river from a tram

11.  Gaze at the Limmat river from a tram

Zurich’s trams are much more than a simple means of transportation – they’re an attitude and a lifestyle, so buy a ticket and hop on! Enjoy views of the old town and the Limmat river on the 4 or the 15. The 7 takes you down one side of the lake – take the 2 or 4 for the other side – and the 10 offers an almost scenic ride all the way to the airport. Looking for that special ride? Seasonally changing themed trams like the fondue tram, the sushi tram or the apéro tram run from designated stops

Discover burger heaven at Heidi & Tell Co.

12.  Discover burger heaven at Heidi & Tell Co.

It’s all in the name: Zurich burger restaurant Heidi & Tell is full of Swiss clichés, but not to embarrassing effect. A focus on quality over quantity means a limited menu made up of fresh vegetables, homemade bread, grilled Swiss meat and mountain cheese – all free from preservatives and flavour enhancers. It’s about as far from the greasy burger stereotype as you can get. Wash it all down with a beer from the restaurant’s vast selection.

Go veggie in style at Hiltl

13.  Go veggie in style at Hiltl

Forget about Züri Geschnetzeltes, the veal dish with a creamy sauce of which some people might tell you is Zurich’s iconic culinary offering. Go vegetarian instead. Founded in 1898, the Hiltl is – according to the Guinness Book of Records – the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant, and its famous buffet is filled with over 100 enticing dishes. Owned by one of the fourth generation of Hiltl's (Rolf), the spacious restaurant spreads over two floors and has become a small vegetarian empire with its own bar, cooking classes and shop – there's even a nightclub. If you still feel like a plate of 'Geschnetzeltes', the Hiltl serves its own vegetarian version.

Party on at Street Parade

14.  Party on at Street Parade

Zurich is famous for its Street Parade, the electronic music festival in August which sees a long stretch of decorated trucks – the Love Mobiles – make their way through a dancing crowd of about a million people. If you’re looking to carry on the party, the Kaufleuten is a classic venue, and you can hardly go wrong with the Plaza or the Mascotte . A marginally edgier (and younger) crowd can be found at the Hive or the Härterei , and newer venues on Langstrasse like Cafe Gold  and Kinski  continue to attract attention.

Take a dip at Thermalbad & Spa Zurich

15.  Take a dip at Thermalbad & Spa Zurich

On a cold and rainy day, head to the Hürlimann Areal and its Thermalbad & Spa. The view over the city from its rooftop pool is outstanding, and this alone is worth the entrance fee. But there's more: you can relax in the huge wooden water-filled tubs of the old brewery in the basement and – for an additional sum – enjoy the Irish-Roman spa with its steam baths and shallow pools. It gets very crowded on weekends, so arrive early. If you are looking for a more intimate spa experience, check out the Stadtbad on Helvetiaplatz with its stylish hammam.

Scoff Sunday brunch

16.  Scoff Sunday brunch

Sundays are all about brunch for Zurich’s young, cool and hip, and you’ll find it hard to get a table at one of the popular venues if you don’t book in advance. Head to Kafischnaps , Café des Amis  or Nordbrücke for a casual, bistro-style brekkie and mingle with the locals who spend hours here reading their Sunday newspapers. For those with kids in tow, the Markthalle is perfect.

People-watch at Zurich Horn

17.  People-watch at Zurich Horn

The best way to get to know any city is to people-watch, and the promenade in Lake Zurich’s Seefeld district, known as the Zurich Horn, allows plenty of opportunity for that. It’s here that people come to stroll, cycle, skate, lounge about on the shore and have a dip in summer. Watch street artists gather crowds around their trompe l’oeil chalk drawings, pick up handmade jewellery at street stalls or sit on a bench and scoff an ice cream. 

Head up to Lindenhof

18.  Head up to Lindenhof

The historic centre of Zurich is up on this hill. Overlooking the Old Town, Limmat river and cathedral, the elevated spot of Lindenhof is the former site of a Roman castle, around which the city of Zurich grew. There are still remnants of Roman and medieval settlements up here, earning its status as a site of national importance. But these days people come here to relax rather than ruminate on history.  

Stroll through the Botanischer Garten

19.  Stroll through the Botanischer Garten

The three glass domes in the palm houses of the Botanischer Garten (botanical garden) might make you worry about an alien invasion. But despite their exotic and often stunning appearance, all the plants inside the spheres appear to be earthlings. Take an early morning stroll across the vast grounds or just sit and relax for a while on a sunny afternoon. The botanical garden is rarely crowded and can deliver instant peace and happiness when you stumble upon a pretty flower or watch the branches of the old trees swing with the wind.

Get cultured at Helmhaus Zurich

20.  Get cultured at Helmhaus Zurich

Zurich's Helmhaus gallery displays contemporary art with a strong focus on Switzerland- and Zurich-based artists. Each year the gallery mounts five exhibitions, including solo shows, group shows and themed exhibits. As a rather huge bonus, entry is free. 

Get schooled at the Tram Museum

21.  Get schooled at the Tram Museum

You can learn more about the history of Zurich’s trams in its own tram museum. Original carriages from 1897 onwards are on display as well as models. A special museum tram runs to the venue every last weekend of the month (check the website for timetable), and there are special family Sundays with handicraft activities.

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Pocket Wanderings

20+ fun things to do in Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich Sunset

In my opinion, Zurich is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, known for its stunning scenic views and unique culture.

While famed for its world-leading financial institutions, delectable chocolates and luxury watches, I love that there is more to Zurich than just its financial prowess. 

It’s a city where you can explore the immense history of the old town, embrace the local culture at various museums, and enjoy the natural alpine beauty that surrounds the city.

I found one of the best things to do in Zurich is to visit the old town, a charming area of the city characterised by narrow streets, old buildings, and beautiful architecture.

A perfect place to explore on foot, take in the sights and sounds of the city, and experience all it has to offer.

Foodies like me will feel right at home in Zurich, sampling some of the finest Swiss cuisine on offer and a cheeky chocolate or two!

See what I got up to on my trip to Zurich along with other recommendations from fellow travellers. Here you can discover the best things to do in Zurich for a truly unforgettable stay.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

1. Explore the old town (Altstadt)

Opening times: N/A

Prices: N/A

Tours and tickets:  

  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours
  • Zurich: 2-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour
  • Zurich: Private eTukTuk City Tour

Zurich’s old town (Altstadt) is a charmingly picturesque part of the city, enticing visitors from across the globe.

You’ll be greeted with narrow streets, historic buildings and stunning architecture – as well as a host of cafés, restaurants and local businesses.

I would argue that one of the best ways to experience the old town is to join a walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide.

With an organised tour, you can delve that little bit deeper into the history of the area and its significance. 

Zurich Old Town

The stunning stained glass windows of the Fraumünster Church and the towering spires of Grossmünster Church are must-sees in this part of Zurich.

I just love that you’ll find iconic Swiss landmarks around every corner in the old town. 

As well as the plethora of historic buildings and landmarks, the old town is also home to several museums and galleries.

The Swiss National Museum is one of my favourites, offering a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Switzerland.

Good to know: I’d recommend getting the Zürich Card which gives you free public transport use and free or reduced admission to many attractions in the city.

You can get 50% off the cost of the Old Town Walking Tour with this card and much more. 

2. Visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate

Opening times: 

  • April to October: daily 10:00 – 19:00
  • November to March: daily 10:00 – 18:00

Prices: 

  • Adults: CHF 15
  • Concessions: CHF 13
  • Students & apprentices (under 16): CHF 13
  • Children aged eight to 15: CHF 10
  • Children under eight: free

Tours and tickets: Zurich: Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket

If you’re a chocolate lover like me, no trip to Zurich could ever be complete without a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate.

This attraction, located in the Kilchberg district, offers you a chance to learn about the history of chocolate and the process of chocolate making – and more importantly, sample the goods.

Upon arrival, you are greeted by a giant chocolate fountain, which I honestly think is what dreams are made of!

Chocolate fountain in the Lindt Home of Chocolate

The tour begins with an enticing short film. You then move on to the chocolate-making demonstration, where you can watch the master chocolatiers at work.

After the demonstration, you have the opportunity to explore the interactive exhibits. These include a chocolate tasting station and a virtual reality experience.

There is also a large chocolate shop on site, where you can purchase the infamous yet delicious Lindt chocolates to take home.

I find that the Lindt Home of Chocolate is a wonderful Zurich attraction to visit for families with children, as there are plenty of hands-on activities and exhibits that are sure to keep kids entertained.

For the chocolate lovers among us, this trip is pretty much a non-negotiable!

Good to know: As you can imagine, the Lindt Home of Chocolate is a hugely popular place to visit. So I’d always recommend booking in advance to secure your spot. 

3. See the Grossmünster

  • March to October: Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 18:00; open Sunday after the service
  • November to February: Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 17:00; open on Sunday after the service.
  • Adults: CHF 5
  • Children aged six to 16: CHF 2
  • Entry is free for Zürich Card holders.

The Grossmünster is a Romanesque-style Protestant church dating back to the 12th century. It’s a prominent landmark in the city and beyond.

Grossmünster Zurich

The church is known for its grand towers, and you can actually climb to the top of one of the pair. 187 steps later, you’ll be met with stunning views of Zurich from the top – which I think are well worth the effort.

Inside the church, take a moment to admire the beautiful stained glass windows and the impressive organ, which was built in 1960.

The church also houses a Reformation Museum in the cloister that displays artefacts from the church’s history.

The Grossmünster is located in the heart of Zurich’s old town. It’s easily accessible by various modes of public transportation. You can take a tram or bus to the nearest stop and walk a few minutes to reach the church.

Good to know: Legend says that the Grossmünster stands on the former burial place of the city saints Felix and Regula.

4. Relax in Park Platzspitz

Opening times: Daily but closes at night

Tours and tickets: N/A

I find that one of the most relaxing things to do in Zurich is to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. So be sure to spend some time in the beautiful Park Platzspitz.

Located in the heart of the city, this park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists as a haven within the city.

The park is situated on an island in the Limmat River next to the National Swiss Museum. It offers gorgeous views of the city and the surrounding alpine vistas.

Park Platzspitz Zurich

Here, you’ll find a variety of flora and fauna, including ducks, swans, and other waterfowl. You can take a leisurely stroll along the park’s many paths beside the river and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

For those looking for a bit more activity, the park offers a range of sports facilities. These include a football pitch, a volleyball court, and a basketball court for you to enjoy.

There is also a playground for children, making it a great spot for families.

Good to know: Dogs are allowed at Park Platzspitz, so feel free to bring along a furry friend. 

5. Explore the Swiss National Museum

  • Tuesday to Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
  • Thursday: 10:00 – 19:00
  • Friday to Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
  • Adults: CHF 10
  • Concessions: CHF 8
  • Children under 16: free 

Located in the heart of Zurich, the Swiss National Museum offers a fascinating insight into Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage.

Housed in a beautiful neo-Gothic building – which I find to be an architectural masterpiece in itself – the striking building was designed by Gustav Gull and was completed in 1898.

You can explore a vast collection of exhibits that cover Swiss history from prehistoric times to the present day.

Swiss National Museum

Expect to see everything from ancient artefacts and mediaeval weapons to modern art and contemporary design. A real highlight of the museum for me is the collection of Swiss watches and clocks.

Switzerland is famous for its precision timepieces, and the museum has an extensive collection of watches and clocks from various periods in history.

Sadly they’re behind lock and key, so you won’t be able to try them out for yourself!

Good to know: The Swiss National Museum hosts several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. So I’d recommend checking out what’s on during your trip.

6. Enjoy a Lake Zurich boat cruise

  • Zurich: City Sightseeing Tour with Lake Cruise
  • Zurich: City Tour, Cruise, and Lindt Home of Chocolate Visit

I don’t think there’s anything quite like experiencing the beauty of the city by taking a boat cruise on Lake Zurich. It’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Zurich.

The crystal-clear water is surrounded by imposing mountain scenery and picturesque towns. It’s a wonderful way to capture the juxtaposition of the city. 

Lake Zurich

There are several companies that offer boat cruises on Lake Zurich. These range from short but sweet sightseeing tours to longer excursions that take you to nearby towns and villages. 

No matter which company you choose to sail with, you’re sure to enjoy a relaxing and scenic boat ride on Lake Zurich.

Be sure to bring your camera to capture the simply lovely views that will surround you. 

Good to know: Some companies offer cruises on Lake Zurich under the golden hues of the setting sun, making for an unforgettable (and Instagram-worthy) experience.

7. See a Candlelight Concert

Prices: From 49 CHF

Tours and tickets: Zurich concerts

Candlelight Concerts

For an evening of accessible classical music in a breathtaking setting, I’d really recommend attending a Candlelight Concert. 

Created by Fever, these concerts involve local musicians performing familiar tracks in a space illuminated by thousands of candles. 

You can choose from a variety of different programmes, depending on whether you’re after the classics or a more modern twist. 

From works by the great composers, such as Chopin, Mozart and Vivaldi, to famous movie soundtracks and tributes to popular artists like ABBA, Ed Sheeran and Queen.

While I didn’t manage to catch a Candlelight Concert in Zurich during my visit, I did attend a Hans Zimmer by candlelight performance in London and it was a truly fantastic evening.

Check the Zurich schedule of events before planning your trip to see whether any of the performances take your fancy.

8. Ascend the Uetliberg for panoramic views

Ascending the Uetliberg – known as Zurich’s mountain – offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city, the azure Lake Zurich and the surrounding Swiss countryside.

Standing at a huge 870 metres above sea level, I think it’s the perfect spot for breathtaking views of Zurich and the Alps in the distance.

To reach the top of the peak, you can easily take a train from the main station in Zurich to Uetliberg station – which takes just 20 minutes.

Lake Zurich overlook from Uetliberg

From there, it’s a short walk to the summit, where there is an observation tower that provides 360-degree views of the Swiss country.

Once you’ve reached the top of the snow-covered peak, I recommend enjoying a delectable meal and a refreshing drink at the Uto Kulm restaurant, which is located inside the observation tower.

The restaurant offers a range of tasty Swiss and international dishes, as well as a selection of Swiss wines and other beverages.

For those who enjoy hiking and more of a challenge, there are several trails that lead to the top of the Uetliberg. These trails offer incredible views of the natural beauty of the area.

Good to know: There are two official bike trails that take you up the Uetliberg: the Triemli and the Höckler.

9. See the art at Helmhaus Zürich

  • Tuesday to Wednesday: 11:00 – 18:00
  • Thursday: 11:00 – 20:00
  • Friday to Sunday: 11:00 – 18:00

Prices: Free

In the heart of Zurich’s old town lies Helmhaus Zürich, a contemporary art museum dedicated to celebrating Swiss artists and the dynamic art scene in Zurich.

The museum features a wide range of contemporary art, from delicate paintings and sculptures to bold installations and multimedia works.

The exhibitions are curated by a team of experts who are proud to showcase the very best of Swiss and international art.

Helmhaus Zürich

Here, you can see pieces by some of the country’s most famous and celebrated artists, including Ferdinand Hodler, Alberto Giacometti, and Pipilotti Rist.

In addition to its permanent collection, the gallery also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. 

Good to know: The temporary exhibitions showcase the work of both established and emerging artists – giving you a unique opportunity to experience the latest trends in contemporary art.

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10. Have a cocktail at Jules Verne Panorama Bar

  • Tuesday and Wednesday: 17:30 – 23:00
  • Thursday: 17:00 – 23:00
  • Friday: 17:00 – 00:00
  • Saturday: 14:00 – 00:00

Offering simply breathtaking views of the city, it’s no wonder why the Jules Verne Panorama Bar is a firm favourite social spot for locals and tourists.

If you’re looking for a touch of elegance with your after-sightseeing cocktails, this is the place to be and one of the best things to do in Zurich.

With a sophisticated atmosphere and extensive cocktail menu, you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable evening.

Add in Swiss alpine views while sipping on your tipple of choice and I don’t there’s anything more you could need. 

One of the bar’s signature cocktails is the Jules Verne Martini, which is made with gin, vermouth, and a touch of absinthe. Personally, I like my cocktails to punch me in the face, so this sounds right up my street!

Another fan-favourite drink is the Swiss Mule, which is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with Swiss vodka and ginger beer.

Good to know: The bar also serves a selection of small plates, such as charcuterie and cheese boards, as well as desserts. The prices are on the higher side, but I think the view makes it worth it.

11. See the art at Kunsthaus Zürich

  • Tuesday, Friday to Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
  • Wednesday to Thursday 10:00 – 20:00
  • Adults: CHF 23
  • Concessions: CHF 18
  • Children under 18: free
  • Zürich Card holders: 20% discount

Kunsthaus Zürich is one of the most popular art museums in Switzerland and houses a vast collection of art from the Middle Ages through to contemporary times.

Here, you can explore the museum’s extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations from world-renowned artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso.

Kunsthaus Zürich

The museum also has an impressive collection of Swiss art, including works by the celebrated Ferdinand Hodler and Alberto Giacometti.

I’d recommend taking advantage of the museum’s guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the collection and exhibitions.

The museum also offers educational programmes for children and adults, including workshops, lectures, and courses.

Good to know: Fans of architectural design won’t be disappointed when you see the building that houses the artwork.

12. Visit Cabaret Voltaire

  • Tuesday to Thursday: 17:00 – 22:00
  • Friday to Saturday: 13:30 – 22:00
  • Sunday: 13:30 – 18:00
  • Regular: CHF 14
  • Cabaret Voltaire members: CHF 8
  • Zürich Card holders: 50% discount

Tours and tickets: Zurich: E-Bike City Tour

I’d recommend Cabaret Voltaire as a must-visit for art-fanatics and anyone interested in the history of the iconic Dada art movement.

The venue was founded in 1916 by a group of artists – including Hugo Ball and Emmy Hennings – hoping to create an alternative to the mainstream culture of the time. 

Today, the venue still hosts exhibitions, performances, and events that celebrate the spirit of the world-famous Dada movement.

You’ll find a collection of impressive Dada art and literature, as well as a range of temporary exhibitions to explore in the Vaulted Cellar. 

In addition to the museum, you can also attend performances and events at Cabaret Voltaire.

The venue hosts regular concerts, readings, and other cultural events, providing a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of Dada in a contemporary context.

Good to know: You can find a bar in the Historic Hall and the Artists’ Bar in the entrance area for refreshments.

13. Go on a bike tour

One of the best ways to explore Zurich is by bike. With its flat terrain and extensive network of cycle paths, I love that the city is a cyclist’s paradise.

There are several bike rental shops in the city, making it easy to rent a bike for a few hours or a whole day.

See Zurich by Bike

My favourite bike tour route is along the deep-blue shores of Lake Zurich, which offers stunning views of the lake and the nearby peaks.

The route takes you through the charming Swiss towns of Kilchberg and Rüschlikon, where you can stop for a coffee or a bite to eat in one of the many local cafés.

Another popular route takes you through the historic old town, where you can see some of Zurich’s most iconic landmarks.

For those who prefer a more guided experience, there are several bike tour companies in Zurich that offer bike tours with local guides. 

Knowledgeable guides will take you to some of the city’s hidden gems and provide you with interesting insights into Zurich’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Good to know: It’s easy to get carried away on bike rides, so I’d recommend taking a picnic and stopping off at one of the top Zurich attractions for a well-deserved break. 

14. Spend an afternoon at Flussbad Oberer Letten Badi

Opening times: Daily, 09:00 – 20:00

Flussbad Oberer Letten Badi is a popular swimming spot in Zurich, located on the banks of the winding Limmat River. I think it’s one of the best things to do in Zurich during the summer months.

Soak up the sunshine and take a dip for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature and the stunning Swiss scenery.

Oberer Letten

The swimming area itself is 400 metres long and features diving boards for the more adventurous among us.

The water is clean and refreshing, and there are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available for visitors to use.

In addition to swimming, there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy at Flussbad Oberer Letten Badi.

You can play beach volleyball, table tennis, or even try your hand at slacklining. Plus, I love that the book boxes provided by the Bühl Foundation mean you’re never far from a good story. 

Good to know: There is also a restaurant on site, serving a variety of snacks, drinks, and meals.

15. Admire the views from Lindenhof

Lindenhof is a hill located in the centre of Zurich’s old town, offering unrivalled panoramic views across Zurich, Grossmünster Church and over the Limmat River.

There’s a giant chess board located on the hill and you can play life-sized chess, which I find certainly adds to the charm of the place.

To reach Lindenhof, you can climb up the stairs or take the elevator located near the St. Peter’s Church. If you’re able to, the climb is worth it as the views from the top are breathtaking. 

Lindenhof is also a historical site; it was once a Roman castle and later a royal palace. Here, you’ll glimpse the remains of the castle walls and the old lime trees that give the hill its name.

Good to know: The walk to reach the top of Lindenhof can be steep, so may not be suitable for everyone. But if you can, I really believe that seeing the views from this gorgeous spot is one of the best things to do in Zurich. 

16. Relax at Hürlimannbad & Spa Zürich

Opening times: Daily 09:00 to 22:00 (spa closes at 21:30)

Hürlimannbad & Spa Zürich is an oasis of relaxation, uniquely combining modern and traditional architecture to create a calming atmosphere. 

The spa features a large indoor pool, outdoor pool, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. The outdoor pool is open year-round and is perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day.

While the rejuvenating saunas and steam rooms provide a variety of temperatures and fragrances, allowing you to choose your perfect experience.

The spa also offers a range of treatments, including luxurious massages, relaxing facials, and body treatments – I’d definitely recommend treating yourself while you’re here!

Good to know: In addition to the spa facilities and treatments, Hürlimannbad & Spa Zürich also has a restaurant that serves healthy and delicious meals. 

Discover my pick of the best spa resorts in Switzerland .

17. Stroll through the Zurich Botanical Garden

  • Monday to Friday: 07:00 – 19:00
  • Saturday to Sunday: 08:00 – 18:00
  • Tropical greenhouses are open daily, 09:30 – 16:45

The Zurich Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city that is home to over 7,000 plant species, including rare and exotic plants from all over the world.

Each area of the gardens has its own charm, but the Alpine Garden is my personal favourite, with its collection of plants from the Swiss Alps.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich

The Palm House is also definitely worth a visit in my opinion, with its tropical climate and diverse range of plants from around the world.

In addition to the array of plants, the Zurich Botanical Garden also has a range of sculptures and art installations scattered throughout the beautiful grounds.

These add an extra dimension to the experience and make the garden a true feast for all of the senses.

Good to know: While the gardens are best viewed in the spring or summer, I think the tropical greenhouses are still worth a visit in poorer weather conditions. 

18. Explore the city by segway

  • Zurich: Public City Segway Tour
  • Zurich: Private Guided Segway Tour

For an utterly unique and exceptionally fun way to explore Zurich, consider taking a Segway tour.

Segways are two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicles that are easy to ride and provide an exciting yet efficient way to see the city.

Ride through the old town to see the quaint charm the place holds or travel along the shores of Lake Zurich for incredible lakeside views.

Zurich Cobbled Street

Another popular segway tour takes you through the Zurich West neighbourhood where you’ll see street art, hip cafés, and cool shops.

I love that segway tours are a great way to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, and they’re suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. 

19. Go shopping on Bahnhofstrasse 

Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world – and I can see why!

It stretches from the Zurich train station to Lake Zurich and is lined with luxury boutiques, well-known department stores and high-end jewellers.

If you’re looking for designer clothing, Swiss watches, or expensive jewellery, this is the place to be. The street is home to some of the world’s most famous luxury brands, including Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.

Hermes Zurich

The shops are housed in beautiful, historic buildings with ornate facades and elegant window displays.

Even if you’re not in the market for a new handbag or watch, it’s worth strolling down Bahnhofstrasse to admire the architecture and opulence on show – I know I love a bit of window shopping!

There are plenty of Swiss chocolate shops and souvenir stores selling traditional Swiss products like cowbells and cheese.

You can also find high-quality Swiss-made watches at more affordable prices than the luxury brands.

Good to know: It’ll be no surprise to know that shopping on Bahnhofstrasse can be expensive. The luxury brands charge premium prices, and even the more affordable stores are still pricey.

However, if you’re looking to treat yourself or someone special, Bahnhofstrasse is the perfect place to do so.

20. Visit Zurich Opera House

Zurich Opera House (Opernhaus Zürich) is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in Switzerland.

The building itself is a masterpiece of neo-classical architecture, and the interior is adorned with intricate decorations and luxurious plush seating.

It is also renowned for its acoustics, which are considered to be among the best in the world.

Visitors to Zurich can choose to take a guided tour of the Opera House, which I’d really recommend. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the building’s history, architecture, and operations.

During the tour, visitors can explore the main hall, stage, orchestra pit, dressing rooms, and other areas that are normally off-limits to the public.

The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the Opera House, and they provide fascinating insights into the world of opera and theatre.

Of course one of the best things to do in Zurich is to see a performance at the Opera House. It hosts a wide range of productions throughout the year, including operas, ballets, concerts, and plays.

As you’d expect, the performances are world-class, featuring talented artists and musicians from around the globe. 

Good to know: If you’re a student or under 26 years old, you can take advantage of discounted tickets through the Opera House’s “Junge Oper” program.

21. Go swimming in the rivers and lakes

Zurich is a city that is famous for its serene lakes and rivers: the water is clean, clear, and refreshing with many different places where you can jump in and take a dip.

One of the best places to go swimming in the city is Lake Zurich. The lake is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens.

Zurich River

There are many different beaches and swimming areas around the lake, and you can easily find a spot that suits your needs.

Another great place to go swimming is the Limmat River which runs through the city and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

If you are looking for a more natural swimming experience, then I’d recommend heading to the Uetliberg mountain.

Once you reach the summit, you’ll find a stunning natural swimming pool that is fed by a mountain stream and surrounded by unforgettable scenery.

Good to know: In addition to swimming, there are many other water-based activities that you can enjoy in Zurich. You can rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the lakes and rivers, or you can take a boat tour and enjoy the sights from the water.

22. See the views from Felsenegg

Tours and tickets: Zürich: City Highlights Tour by Coach, Cable Car, and Ferry

Felsenegg is a mountain located in Zurich that offers birds-eye views of the city and the surrounding Swiss areas.

One of the best things to do in Zurich is to take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the dedicated observation deck.

I love that the cable car ride itself is an experience, as it passes over the treetops and offers breathtaking views of the countryside as you rise among the snow-capped peaks.

At the top of Felsenegg, visitors can take a leisurely walk along the hiking trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

There are also several restaurants and cafés where visitors can relax and enjoy a scrumptious meal or a drink while taking in the views.

Good to know: One of the most popular activities at Felsenegg is paragliding. Take to the skies on a tandem paragliding flight with a licensed instructor and experience the thrill of flying over Zurich and the surrounding areas.

This is a great way to get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the city and the beautiful Swiss countryside.

Let me know any of your Zurich recommendations or questions in the comments! You can also watch my travel vlog to see what I got up to on my most recent visit to Zurich:

For more Zurich inspiration, discover my pick of the top luxury hotels in Zurich or unearth the best day trips from Zurich .

Planning a trip to Switzerland? You may also like:

  • 15 best spa resorts in Switzerland
  • 12 most scenic train rides in Switzerland 
  • 21 beautiful fairytale towns in Switzerland
  • 10 amazing ski resorts near Zurich
  • Geneva or Zurich: which Swiss city to visit?

Jessie Moore

Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

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16 Top Attractions & Things to do in Zurich

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Its small population may suggest otherwise, but Zurich is a world-class city that stands at the forefront of Swiss culture, cuisine, and nightlife. The happening, walkable city quickly immerses you in the action, in part, thanks to silky smooth public transport.

With the help of Züri, you can dance between Zurich’s collection of world-class galleries and museums, explore the sightly waterfront or open up that wallet and get shopping along Bahnhofstrasse.

Zurich

It’s not just about the renowned institutions, chocolates, or boutiques either. Nestled on the shores of Lake Zurich, the city offers grand open green spaces that are easy to find. The same can be said of the river swimming pools, which become their own version of cold-water therapy in the winter.

When you aren’t swimming with the locals, you can admire the surrounding Alps as much as Zurich’s Renaissance and medieval architecture. All these things to do in Zurich lead to a hefty appetite, one you’ll enjoy squishing in this gastronomic paradise.

16. Chinese Garden

Chinese Garden


Presented as an expression of appreciation for the technical and scientific aid provided to Kunming, Zurich’s sister city, the Chinese Garden offers a tranquil retreat. One that transports visitors beyond the Swiss borders, evoking a sense of stepping into another world.

Get lost among pathways that meander through bamboo groves, flowering plants, and ornamental trees. Visitors may pause to admire the elegant bridges that span ponds teeming with koi fish, and appreciate the carefully curated architecture, featuring pavilions, pagodas, and other traditional Chinese structures.

Situated close to the shores of Lake Zurich, it is perfect for those seeking a peaceful stroll, cultural immersion, or a quiet retreat from the bustling city.

15. FIFA Museum

FIFA Museum

Attention, football enthusiasts and sports lovers alike! The FIFA Museum offers an exhilarating and educational journey, diving into the enthralling history, and cultural impact of the world’s most celebrated sport.

The FIFA Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of football, with interactive exhibits highlighting the champions, classic matches, and major milestones that have shaped the sport. Visitors can take a trip down memory lane, watching videos of legendary goals and momentous victories while exploring how football tactics have evolved over time.


For a truly memorable sight, don’t miss “The Rainbow,” a remarkable 35-meter display featuring national team shirts arranged to create a vibrant rainbow of colors. This showcase represents all 211 member associations of FIFA.

14. Confiserie Sprungli at Paradeplatz

Confiserie Sprungli

Since opening in 1836, Confiserie Sprungli has remained one of Switzerland’s oldest and most renowned chocolatiers. This flagship store offers a haven for the sweetest of sweet tooths.

Found on the iconic Bahnhofstrasse, Sprugli’s inviting storefront is decorated with a stunning selection of delicately crafted sweets, presented in elegant showcases. As you enter, you will be surrounded by the delightful scent of freshly made chocolates and pastries, captivating your senses from the start.

The culinary artistry at Confiserie Sprüngli is showcased with their signature treats. Their Luxemburgerli, macaroons with a mouth-watering texture, and decadent truffles are all crafted with the highest quality ingredients and traditional recipes that have been passed down over the years.

13. Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

A serene sanctuary tucked within the vibrant cityscape, Zurich’s Botanical Garden offers visitors a delightful retreat into the world of biodiversity and natural beauty.


Botanical Garden visitors have the opportunity to explore diverse botanical realms, such as the Alpine Garden, harboring more than 2,000 indigenous plant species from the Alps. The Mediterranean Garden hosts 1,200 varieties from the Mediterranean region, while the Tropical Greenhouse showcases an impressive array of tropical flora.

The garden also has a large number of educational programs providing valuable insights into plant biology, conservation efforts, and the importance of preserving our natural environment.

12. Museum Rietberg

Museum Rietberg

Coveted by art enthusiasts, the Museum Rietberg unveils a world-spanning collection of captivating artworks.

The renowned Museum Rietberg houses a vast collection of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts from around the world. As you explore its galleries, you will gain insight into the cultural nuances, traditions, and beliefs of different continents and eras. From Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, each exhibit unveils a unique story, allowing you to immerse yourself in a journey through time and regions.

The museum is situated in the lovely park of Zurich, which makes a great spot for a stroll or rest after a long day of exploring the galleries. Visitors can also take advantage of the outdoor area with benches and shady trees for a relaxing cup of tea or picnic.

11. Zoo Zurich

Zoo Zurich

An exciting and educational experience, Zoo Zurich offers a fascinating glance into the world of wildlife conservation and biodiversity.

Zoo Zurich hosts a diverse array of over 300 animal species, from gorillas and elephants to fierce tigers. Beyond the animals, the surroundings are equally breathtaking, decked with lush greenery and a vibrant assortment of plants.

Upon arrival, the warm and welcoming staff greets you and guides you through the zoo. Whether opting for a self-guided adventure or joining a knowledgeable tour, there are many opportunities to get lost in the animals’ worlds and their natural habitats. Additionally, the zoo offers interactive attractions like an observation deck for elephants and an enclosure providing a closer look at the stealthy tigers.

10. Opernhaus Zürich

Opernhaus Zürich

This pillared neoclassical building may not be the most architecturally iconic building in Zurich, but it holds an incredibly important place in the history of opera. The original theater that was built here was the main location for Richard Wagner’s works during his exile from Germany.

It was also home to the world premiere of Chekov’s opera. Though it has gone through many architectural versions, today’s opera house pays homage to composers like Weber, Wagner and Mozart, as well as writers like Schiller, Shakespeare and Goethe with prominent busts. The opera house continues to be a world-class venue for Opera, and seats twelve hundred.

9. Swiss National Museum

Swiss National Museum

The Swiss National Museum houses extensive collections that touch upon every aspect of culture and the art of living in Switzerland, from the Stone Age to the present day. The Landesmuseum building was built in 1898 by Gustav Gull in the form of a French chateau. It contains a number of unique pieces like an armory tower and a large collection of religious wooden liturgy carvings, panel paintings, and altars.

A historical collection of Swiss coins dating back from the middle ages, and a wonderful chivalry display and gothic art collection round out this uniquely excellent museum. After a day of browsing, the lakeside of the museum is also a stop for one of the tour boats on Lake Zurich.

8. Kunsthaus Zurich

Kunsthaus Zurich

The Kunsthaus Zürich houses one of the most important art collections in Switzerland assembled over the years by the local art association. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, with an emphasis on Swiss art.

Major works by artists such as Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso and the Swiss Alberto Giacometti can all be seen here. The museum was designed by architects Karl Moser and Robert Curjel, and opened in 1910.

Particularly notable are the several preserved Moser interiors in the original section of the museum, decorated in masterful Neo-Grec style.

7. Zurich Altstadt

Zurich Altstadt

Akin to stepping into a time capsule, Zurich Altstadt is where history, culture, and charm converge to create an unforgettable experience.

Located in the heart of the city, it is the oldest part of Zurich, with a history that dates back to the Roman Empire. The Altstadt, or old town, is filled with winding cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and historic buildings that have been preserved for centuries.

The centerpiece of the Altstadt is the Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style church built in the 12th century. Inside, visitors can marvel at the intricate stained-glass windows and impressive frescoes. Adjacent to the church is the Fraumünster, a beautiful Gothic-style abbey. This abbey features a unique organ, as well as impressive sculptures and paintings.

6. Lindenhof Hill

Lindenhof Hill

Offering sweeping views of the Limmat River, the charming, red-tiled rooftops of the Old Town, and the distant peaks of the Swiss Alps, Lindenhof Hill provides a breathtaking vantage point that captures the essence of Zurich’s beauty.

Ascending to this park area involves a somewhat steep climb, yet the sweeping vistas make the effort truly rewarding. Abundant with excellent photo opportunities, you’ll gaze across to the Grossmünster and other notable landmarks.

Lindenhof Hill holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. It’s a beloved gathering place, where people come to socialize, play chess on the oversized boards provided, or simply sit back with a coffee and enjoy the view.

5. Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse

This Zurich’s street of high-end couture shops is the best-known shopping area in all of Zurich, as well as the most expensive real estate in all of Europe. Many of the world’s best known designers have stores here, along with the world headquarters of Credit Suisse. There are also the delicious chocolate shops and cafes of Paradeplatz square, on Lake Zurich, at the end of the street.

This high-end street came from humble beginnings, however. It was created out of the exterior moat when the city’s walls were pulled down, and was once called Fröschengraben, or the ditch of frogs.

4. Fraumunster

Fraumunster

Known as the women’s church, this church is considered one of Zurich’s four main churches. Fraumunster was originally built in 853 by Louis the German for his daughter, Hildegarde, to have a place to worship. It was a convent for seven hundred years, and at one point the abbess was called to be ruler of the city.

Today, the church is open for services and tours. Of special interest are the stained glass windows, some as tall as 9 meters (30 feet) high, as well as frescoes by the artist Paul Bodmer and the church clock tower.

3. Uetliberg

Uetliberg

It may lie in the shadows of the iconic Swiss Alps, but Zurich’s own Uetliburg is one worth climbing. At over 850-meters tall, the “mountain” towers over the old rooftops of Zurich.

  In the summer, you’ll see the early birds getting the worm as their footsteps hit the paths towards the summit. You too can join them on this roughly 90-minute journey that features 426 meters of elevation gain.   But if you’re not up for that adventure, trade the hiking boots for public transport and quickly find yourself a short stroll from the summit. At the peak of Uetliburg, you’ll be afforded the best views of Zurich and even the Alps.   Come wintertime, an unrelenting fog often descends upon the city. You can pierce this veil with a trip up Uetliburg to feel as if you’re standing above the clouds.

2. Lake Zurich & Lake Promenade

Lake Zurich

This large, glaciated lake was formed by glaciers in the Alps and stretches from Zurich to many other smaller towns, including Thalwil and Kusnacht. The lake is very clean, and is home to many different beaches and swimming areas. Starting from the Bellevue area, a boardwalk goes for about 3 kilometers along the lake towards Tiefenbrunnen.

About halfway from Bellevue there is a meadow where it is great to relax on a sunny day. Boat lovers will find a large number of companies offering passenger ships, which can give tours of the lake or take a ferry to some of the other towns on the lake. Travelers here can find large manors, and beautiful islands to explore.

1. Grossmünster

Grossmünster

This “Great Minister” church is one of Zurich’s four main churches and believed to have been founded by Charlemagne. The legend states he commissioned a church on the site where his horse fell to its knees by the tombs of Zurich’s patron saints.

The twin towers of this church are often considered the most recognizable landmark in all of Zurich. The church has had many different upgrades to its original twelfth century version.

Modern additions to the church include stained glass by celebrated artist Augusto Giacommetti, and Bronze sculpted doors by Otto Munch. The church continues to be home to the crypts of Felix and Regula, the patron saints of Zurich, and an honorary statue of Charlemagne as well.

Where to Stay in Zurich

Zurich Hotel

Located on the stunning shores of Lake Zurich, the old town offers a unique combination of old-world charm and modern flair. From its illustrious past to its cosmopolitan present, Zurich’s city center is alive with energy and culture, making it a must-see destination for any traveler.

For a boutique retreat in the heart of the city, book a stay at Hotel Seidenhof. Standing a mere 50 meters away from the renowned Bahnhofstrasse, surrounded by a plethora of shops and museums, you’ll find yourself at the epicenter of activity and attractions. To complement your stay, Hotel Seidenhof also offers free bikes services, breakfast, and they provide yoga mats in the room.

With origins dating back to the 16th century, Hotel Adler stands as a delightful establishment sitting in the heart of Zurich’s vibrant “Niederdorf” district — a charming corner of the Old Town. The hotel offers an atmosphere of sophistication and refinement, from the luxurious bathrooms to the beautiful wall decorations of various city scenes. Guests are provided with complimentary refreshments in the room’s minibar, as well as free Wi-Fi in all rooms, providing a convenient and connected experience.

How to get There

Zurich Central Station

This vibrant metropolis is accessible through various convenient means of transportation. For those arriving from afar, air travel serves as the fastest route. Zurich Airport, Switzerland’s largest international airport, welcomes flights from major cities worldwide, ensuring seamless connections for global visitors.

The city also flaunts an efficient and extensive train network, with Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB) serving as a hub for both domestic and international services. High-speed trains link Zurich with neighboring European capitals like Berlin, Milan, and Vienna, offering travelers a scenic and comfortable journey through idyllic countrysides.

Road trippers seeking an adventure on wheels can explore Switzerland’s well-maintained roadways. Several bus companies, including FlixBus and PostBus, operate regular services connecting Zurich to nearby cities, allowing travelers to enjoy a leisurely yet remarkable trip to Switzerland’s largest city.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Zurich

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  • 15 Splendid Places To Visit In Zurich In 2024 While On A Swiss Vacation

23 Mar 2023

Nestled between the wooded hills on the east & west sides, the Neolithic town of Zurich stands at the northwestern tip of silvery-watered Lake Zurich. With its medieval-age architecture and some newly built tourist buildings, there are plenty of places to visit in Zurich. 

15 Best Places To Visit In Zurich

Churches, museums, theaters, gardens, and more; the list of the city’s offerings are endless. But, to make things easy for you, here’s a hand-picked list of the 15 best places to visit in Zurich, Switzerland.

  • Fraumünster Churche
  • Grossmünster Churche
  • St. Peter’s Church
  • Schweizerisches Landesmuseum
  • Rietberg Museum
  • Pavillon Le Corbusier
  • Zürich Opera House
  • Theater am Neumarkt
  • Zoological Garden
  • Chinese Garden
  • Bürkliplatz
  • Lake Zürich
  • Botanical Garden Grüningen

1. Fraumünster Churche

Night photo of Fraumunster Church and bridge over Limmat River

The Fraumunster Churche literally translates to Women’s Church and refers to the founding of an abbey at the location in 853 by the then Emperor Ludwig. As per historic references, the church, with its convent, was inhabited by the aristocratic women of Europe. The 3-aisled and pillared basilica with a Gothic nave is worth seeing in itself. But what makes it so popular among the places to visit in Zurich is the addition of stained glass windows in 1970 – windows in north transept by Augusto Giacometti and the 5 part-cycle in Chancel & Rosette in south transept by Marc Chagall.

Where: Fraumünster, Stadthausquai 19, 8001 Zürich Opening hours : 10 am – 4 pm (1st November – 31st March); 10 am – 6 pm (1st April – 31st October) Entry charges: Free Website | Reviews

Get Ready To Chomp At The 10 Best Restaurants In Zurich

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2. Grossmünster Churche

The twin towers of the Grossmunster Churche with the cloud-covered Alps in the background

Grossmunster Churche or the Church of Great Minister is another of the most amazing places to see in Zurich. According to the legend, the graves of the city’s patron saints Felix and Regula were discovered by Charlemagne, who built a church as a monastery on the spot. The Romanesque crypt, bronze doors designed by Otto Munch, choir windows designed by Augusto Giacometti, and the stained glass windows designed by Sigmar Polke add to the beauty of the church.

Where: Grossmünster, Grossmünsterplatz, 8001 Zürich Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm (1st November – 31st February); 10 am – 6 pm (1st March – 31st October) Entry charges: Free Website | Reviews

3. St. Peter’s Church

The large clock tower of the St Peter Church in Zurich

With the largest clock face in Europe, St Peter’s Church stands as a must-see tourist attraction in Zurich. The clock face measures a whopping 8.5 m in diameter. The church also houses five bells dating back to 1880, the largest of which weighs over 6 tons. It is also the oldest Parish church in Zurich, with its original 9th-century foundation walls still visible beneath the chancel.

Where: Kirche St Peter, St-Peter-Hofstatt, 8001 Zürich Opening hours: 10 am – 4 pm (1st November – 31st March); 10 am – 6 pm (1st April – 31st October) Entry charges: Free Website | Reviews

Also visit: Predigerkirche

Zurich Nightlife: 10 Happening Places For The Nightowls!

4. Schweizerisches Landesmuseum

Swiss National Museum and its reflection taken from across the water body

Located in the heart of the city, Schweizerisches Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum) is one of the most amazing places to go in Zurich . Housing the largest collection of cultural-cum-historical objects in a fairytale castle, the museum takes you on a history tour. From handicrafts to everyday objects and from prehistoric times to the present; the museum has it all. If you are looking for places to visit in Zurich at night for photography, this is an ideal location. 

Where: Landesmuseum Zürich, Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich Opening hours:

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday – Wednesday; Friday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am – 7 pm

Entry charges:

  • Adults CHF 10*
  • Concessions CHF 8*
  • Children (under 16) Free

* 1 CHF = INR 70.44; as on 11th February 2016 Website | Reviews

5. Rietberg Museum

Rietberg Museum and the various collectibles that it showcases

While on a Zurich sightseeing tour, you are sure to come across this chest of treasures nestled amidst a beautiful garden. The Rietberg Museum boasts of a unique collection of art & cult objects from across the globe – beautifully carved Swiss masks, cult objects from South America, Buddhist art from Asia, and enchanting sculptures from Africa. The greenish-blue glass entrance adds to the beauty of the museum.

Where: Museum Rietberg, Gablerstrasse 15, 8002 Zürich Opening hours:

  • Monday: Off
  • Tuesday; Thursday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10am – 8 pm
  • Collection: CHF 14 (Regular); CHF 12 (Concessions)
  • Temporary Exhibits: CHF 18 (Regular); CHF 14 (Concessions)

Website | Reviews

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6. Pavillon Le Corbusier

The lush lawn outside and the entrance to the Pavillon Le Corbusier

Pavillon Le Corbusier, the final construction piece by the world-famous architect, is one of the most stunning tourist attractions in Zurich for those who love art and design. An exhibition space by the Lake Zurich, the pavilion houses oil paintings, drawings, furniture, and sculptures. The building architecture in itself is stunning, with a floating roof and colored slabs that give the place a rhythmic character.

Where: Pavillon Le Corbusier, Höschgasse 8, 8008 Zürich Opening hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday – Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm

*Open only during summers (i.e. from May – October) Entry charges: Free Website | Reviews

Also Visit: Bellerive Museum that houses the most important collections of international applied art, Museum of Design , Haus Konstruktiv that promotes constructive & conceptual design, Tram Museum , Kunsthaus Zürich (Museum of Fine Arts) ,and Beyer Clock and Watch Museum

7. Zürich Opera House

Zürich Opera House

Image Source

Opernhaus Zurich or the Zurich Opera House is the Mecca of music in the quaint old town. Among the most popular places to visit in Zurich, the Opera House showcases performances featuring popular singers as well as premiers. At times, the house also showcases ballets. About 250 performances take place every year, featuring renowned international stars. At the International Opera Awards of 2014, it was also awarded as the Best Opera Company of the Year.

Where: Opernhaus Zürich, Falkenstrasse 1, 8008 Zürich Website | Reviews

10 Best Hostels In Zurich To Zip Up A Staycation In A Backpack

8. Theater am Neumarkt

Theater am Neumarkt

At the heart of the old town, the modern Theater Neumarkt presents contemporary plays. A new theme is addressed every four months and presented through various plays. This innovative program makes it a popular place to visit in Zurich. In addition to the contemporary plays, it also stages plays for children from time to time.

Where: Theater Neumarkt, Neumarkt 5, 8001 Zürich Website | Tickets

9. Tonhalle

Tonhalle Zurich

The Tonhalle Zurich is one of the most popular tourist places in Zurich for those who love music. Built in 1895, the beautifully decorated concert hall has a capacity of 1,455 guests. Every season, over a 100 concerts are performed here by a team of 100 musicians and a conductor.

Where: Tonhalle Zurich, Claridenstrasse 7, 8002 Zürich Entry charges: Varies from concert to concert; free for disabled people Website | Reviews

Also Visit: Schauspielhaus Pfauen and Zürcher Theater Spektakel

Indian Restaurants In Zurich: The Spicy, Tangy, And Sweet India Of Switzerland

10. Zoological Garden

The Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park at the Zurich Zoo

The Zurich Zoo and Masola Rainforest are amazing places to visit in Zurich for those who wish to see a variety of animal species in beautiful natural enclosures. One can see, inter alia, snow leopards, bears, tortoises, tigers, penguins, and gorillas. But the key attraction is the recently added Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park that allows visitors to see the resident elephant family. If you are looking for hotels in Zurich, you can find places located around this garden. 

Where: Zoo Zürich, Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm (November – February); 9 am – 6 pm (March – October) Entry charges:

  • Adults (from 25) CHF 26
  • Disabled visitors CHF 13
  • Youths (16 – 25) CHF 19
  • Children (6 – 16) CHF 13
  • Children (up to 6 years) Free

11. Chinese Garden

The beautiful temple garden by the lake at the Chinese Garden in Zurich

One of the highest-ranking temple gardens outside China, the Chinese Garden here is one of the most beautiful places to see in Zurich. A gift from the Chinese town of Kunming, the garden houses a pond, a small island, and a small palace on the banks.

Where: Chinagarten, Bellerivestrasse 138, 8008 Zürich Opening hours: April – November; 11 am – 7 pm Entry charges: CHF 1 for children (under 14 years); CHF 4 for adults Website | Reviews

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12. Bürkliplatz

Bürkliplatz zurich

Burkliplatz is among the must-see tourist attractions in Zurich. Though primarily a boat dock, it is also a marketplace, art area, and event site. The scenic views of the Alps across the Lake Zurich can be enjoyed from the dock. The lakeside promenade was created in 1880s with Quaibrücke (Lakeside Bridge), boulevards, meadows, and parks.

Do not miss: Sunday Flea Markets

13. Lake Zürich

A ferry carrying tourists in the Lake Zurich on a cloudy day

It is hard to find a photo album of Zurich that does not feature the Lake Zurich. What was once only a transportation route, has turned into a popular excursion point for swimming, picnics along the banks, or ferry rides for the splendid views of the city, villas in Zurich and the Alps. If you are looking for places to visit in Zurich in one day, this is a perfect detour destination.

10 Hostels in Switzerland That Are Every Backpacker’s Haven

14. Botanical Garden Grüningen

Botanical Garden Grüningen

Image Credit: Dimhou by Pixabay

One of the places to see in Zurich for the nature lovers, the Botanical Garden at Gruningen houses a collection of plants from across the globe in 16 different sections. It is on the criteria of ecology, biodiversity, research, and protection of these species that the site is divided.

Where: Botanischer Garten Grüningen, Im Eichholz 1, 8627 Grüningen Opening hours: April – October; 10 am – 5 pm Website | Reviews

15. Üetliberg

The television tower atop the Uetliberg mountain overlooking the Zurich city

At a height of 2,850 feet above sea level, Uetliberg affords a splendid panoramic view of the city, the lake, and the majestic Alps. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Zurich for nature & adventure lovers, the mountain is particularly popular in November. It is then that it is over the layer of fog that covers the city, making it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Zurich in 2 days. 

Things to do: Hiking, biking, paragliding, sledging, picnicking, and Planet Trail Website | Reviews

7 Best Homestays In Switzerland That Will Leave You Spoilt For Choice In The Alps

It is hard to cover all these tourist places in Zurich unless you have a long vacation planned in the city itself. But, we hope, we might have helped you zero down to a few places that you must visit on your next trip to Zurich . Let us know your choices by way of comments.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click  here . 

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Zurich

What is Zurich known for?

Apart from being known as the economic hub of Switzerland, Zurich is quite famous for its extravagant lifestyle, high-end shopping, fancy chocolates, and amazing natural settings.

Which is the most romantic place to visit in Zurich?

Some of the most romantic places in Zurich are: 1. Mühlesteg Bridge- Secure you love lock on this famous bridge. 2. Grossmunster Church- Enjoy surreal vistas of the Alpine peak 3. Lake Zurich- Take a romantic boat ride along with the swans 4. Altstadt- Enjoy a delicious brunch in the romantic setting this beautiful town. 5. Chinese Garden- Romance under the beautiful cherry blossoms

What is there to do in Zurich for 2 days?

Here is what you can do in 2 days in Zurich: 1. Absorb the mesmerizing beauty of Grossmünster church and its surroundings. 2. Explore the beautiful Alter Botanischer Garten 3. Enjoy scrumptious meals at Le Dézaley 4. Take a boat ride at Lake Zurich 5. Trek to the Uetliberg for some breathtaking views

What should I buy in Zurich?

Cuckoo Clock, Cheese Fondue Set, Swiss Chocolate, Swiss Watches, Victorinox Swiss Army Knife are some of the famous things to buy in Switzerland for shopping.

What is the best time to visit Zurich?

June and August is the best time to visit Zurich if you like to enjoy the cozy temperature of Zurich. If you love snow and December to February is the perfect time to visit as you will see fewer crowds and enjoy most of the tourist attractions in tranquillity.

How far is Üetliberg from Zurich?

Üetliberg is 4.8 km away from Zurich city and can be reached by train in less than 30 minutes.

How do you get around Zurich?

Bus, car, trains, cable cars and boats are the options you can get to get around in Zurich.

Is Zurich safe for tourists?

Yes. Zurich is known as the safest place on earth and you can explore the city without a fleck of worry.

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top places to visit in zurich

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Places to Visit in Zurich

  • Switzerland
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Tourist Places to Visit in Zurich

Here are some of the best places to visit in zurich:.

Have a blissful ride of the Rotair

Rapperswil Castle

Rapperswil Castle

Discover the allure of Rapperswil Castle, a stunning medieval fortress in Rapperswil, Switzerland. Perched atop a hill overlooking Lake Zurich, this historical gem offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Explore its well-preserved ramparts, courtyards, and towers, immersing yourself in the rich history and architectural beauty of the castle. A must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking to embrace the charm and cultural heritage of Rapperswil Castle, a timeless treasure in the heart of Switzerland.

Lindt Home of Chocolate

Lindt Home of Chocolate

Indulge your senses in the ultimate chocolate experience at the Best Lindt Home of Chocolate! Immerse yourself in a world of delectable Swiss chocolate delights, where passion and craftsmanship come together. Explore a captivating journey through the history of chocolate, witness master chocolatiers at work, and treat yourself to an array of irresistible treats at this chocolate lover's paradise. A true haven for cocoa enthusiasts, the Best Lindt Home of Chocolate promises a sweet escape like no other.

Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum)

Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum)

Swiss National Museum is acclaimed as the most significant establishment offering insights into the cultural history of Switzerland, and is a must visit spot in the country. It is located at the confluence of Sihl and Nimmat rivers, adjacent to Park Platzspitz.

Through numerous permanent as well as temporary exhibitions, the museum complex has a wealth of information to offer about the various aspects of Switzerland’s history, culture, and art during different eras. The museum houses amazing assortments of paintings, photographs, and texts that walk the visitors through the late Middle Ages, the era when Switzerland established itself as a federal state to the present.

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Kunsthaus (Museum Of Fine Arts)

Kunsthaus (Museum Of Fine Arts)

Kunsthaus Zürich is an epitome of art that acknowledges the work of many prominent artists of the past and the present, such as Alberto Giacometti, Picasso, Backmen, Claude Monnet and Edvard Munch. The museum has made its mark internationally for presenting a huge collection of artworks including the old and the new ones.

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Fraumünster Church

Fraumünster Church

Cradled on the west banks of Limat, Fraumunster Church is one of the most renowned destinations in Zurich. Its close proximity to a pristine river flowing to Grossmunster further enhances its charm. A popular name among the history buffs, Fraumunster dates back its existence to the 9th century.

Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse, a tiny and yet so imposing street of Zurich is all centred with luxurious fashion brands, Swizz-chocolate shops, warm cafes, art galleries and much more. This extravagant high street of Zurich is well known as one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping arcades in Europe while being the third most expensive on the global list.

Rhine Falls, Switzerland

A famous mountain lying in the Swiss Plateau, Uetliberg is a mountain situated towards the northern terminal of the Albis chain, which is located in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. The mountain is considered to be the best point of the Albis hill range since it provides a birds-eye view of the entire Zurich city, the lake of Zurich, and the alps mountains.

Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich is a picturesque Swiss lake located in the heart of Zurich. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, it offers recreational activities, boat rides, and a serene atmosphere for relaxation and enjoyment.

Zurich Zoo

A captivating wildlife sanctuary in Switzerland, home to over 400 species. Explore stunning exhibits, witness animal conservation efforts, and enjoy educational experiences for all ages.

Enjoy private transportation without any hassles and queue

Old Town (Altstadt)

Old Town (Altstadt)

Steeped in history and packed with a whole lot of sightseeing and shopping, Altstadt is the oldest part of the city and among the best tourist places in Zurich. The Roman Empire of Zurich came into being in the Old Town which makes this attraction more than 2000 years old.

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St. Peter's Church

St. Peter's Church

Dating back to the first century, St. Peter's is the only baroque church in Zurich. It is known for its tower clock face which is the largest in the whole of Europe with a diameter of 8.7 metres. The five bells in the tower dating back to 1880 are also of prime importance with one of them weighing over 6000 kgs, without clappers.

Rietberg Museum

Rietberg Museum

Housing a diverse collection of artefacts from America, Asia, Africa and Oceania, Rietberg Museum, also known as ‘Emerald’ is situated in Zurich, Switzerland. Primarily focusing on the non-European arts and designs, the museum has become a great site of historical splendours. 

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Lindenhof Hill

Lindenhof Hill

Another historical site and among the many tourist places in Zurich is Lindenhof Hill in the city’s Old Town. It is a moraine hill and a public square around which the city has developed over the years. The hill is also in close proximity to the central Limmat River, where tourists often flock for a 360° view of the town.

Zurich Opera House

Zurich Opera House

Built in the 19th century, this famous performance hall is still used today to host several musical as well as dramatic events. It is among the most noteworthy Switzerland tourist places and a haven for enthusiasts of classical music as well as those who appreciate exquisite architecture.

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Bürkliplatz

Bürkliplatz

An exquisite lake shore promenade, Bürkliplatz is a town square in Zurich canton of Switzerland. Located in the historic Alpenquai region near the sublime Lake Zurich, the Quay Bridge is also situated next to it which crosses the river Limmat at the outflow of Lake Zurich known as Quaianlagen.

Niederdorf

Offering splendid sights, culinary delights and shopping in Zurich's old town, Niederdorf is fondly referred to as “Dörfli” by the locals. This small village built in medieval times in the Jewish quarters extends as far as Bellevueplatz. Niederdorf runs parallel to the Limmatquai and is a walking zone where pedestrians can enjoy a relaxed stroll while admiring the beauty that Zurich has to offer.

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Irchelpark stands out as one of Zurich's most sprawling and spacious parks. Since the 1980s, it has been a dedicated sanctuary for nurturing and preserving indigenous flora.

Pavillon Le Corbusier

Pavillon Le Corbusier

Situated on the Zurichsee Lakeshore, Pavillon Le Corbusier is an architectural marvel and a Swiss art museum dedicated to renowned Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Corbusier wanted to showcase his best works in a building that he personally loved and since there was nothing around, he worked on designing the Pavillon himself in the 1960s.

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Street Parade

Street Parade

There’s no party in Zurich better than the annual street parade, and you ought to not miss it because it is most definitely one of the best places to visit in Zurich! Thousands of electronic and techno music fans take to the streets and make their way to this dance fest held around Zurich’s lake basin.

Ubs Polybahn

Ubs Polybahn

Probably the most adorable tram ride you can experience amidst the vast expanse of beautiful Zurich is the UBS Polybahn. The UBS Polybahn funicular is a short railway journey connecting Zurich to Central Square. Dating back to the late 19th century, this funicular is popular among tourists and locals who want to ride to the top of the viewing point and admire spellbinding views of the city!

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Wasserkirche

Wasserkirche

Among the most renowned places to visit in Zurich is the Wasserkirche which translates to ‘Water Church’, owing to it being built on an island. Designed in Gothic style, the construction of the structure was originally started in the 10th century and completion of work happened towards the end of the 15th century.

Fifa World Football Museum

Fifa World Football Museum

FIFA World Football Museum opened its door in 2016 and is meant to be a commemoration of the history and heritage of World Football and FIFA. The FIFA World Football Museum chronicles the over-a-century long journey of World Football and FIFA, in a swanky multimedia environment.

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Urania Sternwarte

Urania Sternwarte

One of the most visually stunning places to see in Zurich is the Urania Sternwarte because this high tower literally lets you reach for the stars! The Urania Observatory which came into being in 1907 was the first building of Zurich to be built in concrete. To date, it continues to be one of the most distinctive buildings situated in the Old Town.

Hauptbahnhof

Hauptbahnhof

Zürich Hauptbahnhof which translates to Zurich Main Station is the largest railway station in Switzerland. The rail services here include intra-city, intercity, as well as inter-country with trains running between Switzerland and neighbouring countries like Germany, France, Italy and Austria. With up to 2915 trains running per day, Zurich HB is one of the busiest railway stations in the world.

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Museum Bellerive

Museum Bellerive

While strolling along the pristine Zurich Lake, you’re sure to come across a resplendent villa called the Museum Bellerive. Established in the year 1968, the intricately designed museum houses some of the finest works by globally renowned artists like Emile Gallé, William Morris, and a host of others.

Türlersee

Reflecting the sky hovering over its head, Türlersee is an absolute gem from nature's treasury. Located around half an hour's drive from Zurich, Switzerland, Türlersee is situated at an elevation of 643 m above sea level. The azure blue water of the pristine lake adds to the lush greenery of the quiet surrounding valley to give the landscape an illusion of a slice of paradise on earth.

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Limmatquai And The Rathaus (Town Hall)

Limmatquai And The Rathaus (Town Hall)

Lined with plush homes and old-school architectural buildings, Limmatquai is a high-end shopping street along the banks of the Limmat River and most definitely one of the best places to visit in Zurich. Limmatquai, flocked by locals and tourists alike, looks lavish with vibrant stores and eateries dotting the street.

People Also Ask About Zurich

Which are the best places to visit in zurich.

1. Zürich Opera House:  If you’re looking for one of the best places to see in Zurich for an unforgettable Swiss vacay, you must visit the Zürich Opera House. It is the Mecca of music, and you can see various splendid performances featuring premiers and popular singers here. At the 2014 International Opera Awards, it was awarded as the Best Opera Company. 2. Bürkliplatz:  This is primarily a boat dock, art area, event site, and a marketplace where you and your partner can celebrate your love and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Alps. The flower and vegetable market at Bürkliplatz is a must-visit for lovers of regional and seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and specialties from the farms. 3. Lake Zürich:  If you’re looking for one of the most romantic places to visit in Zurich, you must head to Lake Zürich, a famous spot for walking, picnicking, and swimming during the summers. The lake is bordered by St.Gallen, the cantons of Zurich, and Schwyz. 

Which are the best museums to visit in Zurich?

1. Money Museum:  This is one of the best places to visit in Zurich for history enthusiasts as it focuses mainly on the future of money and monetary history. It features pieces from the collection of Juerg Conzett, Swiss numismatist, and traces the story of money back to its roots, present, and beyond. You can see here old money press machines, old-world currencies, jewelry, shells, and bars of salt used as a means of currency. 2. Museum Rietberg:  If you’re looking for one of the best places to see in Zurich, you must visit Museum Rietberg, dedicated to non-European art. Artwork from Africa, America, Oceania, and Asia have been featured here. Some of the most notable pieces are Buddhist sculptures from China that date back to the 6th century. 3. Swiss National Museum Zurich:  Explore Switzerland’s magnificent history by visiting the Swiss National Museum Zurich, one of the best places to visit in Zurich. It gives an insight into the rich tapestry of the country’s culture and history with various temporary exhibitions.

What is the best time to visit Zurich?

August and June is the best time to visit Zurich as the average temperature remains around 21°C, making it easy for you to explore the destination.

How to reach Zurich?

By Flight:  Most airlines fly to Zurich Airport, the largest airport in Switzerland, but SWISS International Airlines, the national carrier, operates the most flights here. From the Zurich airport, you can board a train to Hauptbahnhof. The railway station is situated at the airport’s shopping center Level-2.  By Road:  Most highways in Switzerland lead to Zurich, so driving is an extremely easy option if you’re coming to Zurich from another part of the country.

Is Zurich worth visiting?

Yes, Zurich is extremely worth visiting as it offers you an amazing blend of modern and advanced civilization along with a touch of nature. The city is surrounded by beautiful hills, valleys and has its own mountain: the Uetliberg. Some of the best places to visit in Zurich include lakes, art galleries, museums, and aviaries, making it a  must-visit site for people of all interests.

Is 1 day enough for Zurich?

No, one day is not enough to discover all that Zurich has to offer. But if you still plan to explore the city in one day, the best places to see in Zurich include LINDENHOF, the minuscule quarter of Schipfe, and Lake Zurich. 

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One Day In Zurich Travel Guide For A Zurich City Break

Luxurious financial capital of switzerland with a cultural flare.

Z urich is a beautiful city that offers plenty of attractions and activities for solo travelers. It is a city filled with art, history, the amazing shopping, as well as close to nature. Everyone can find something to suit their taste in this Swiss metropolis. Here are some ideas on how to spend 24 hours in Zurich as a solo traveler.

The city has long been known as the financial capital of Europe, but it also has rich history since the Roman times. Zurich, like Geneva Switzerland, is two of the most expensive cities in the world. While Zurich may not be known as a cultural city with a decent nightlife scene, it actually is undercover really cool. It shouldn’t be missed even if you only have 24 hours to spare. 

One way to do this is to make this a one-night stopover on your trip. Arrive early, take a bus or free walking tour in the morning. Keep your schedule flexible, but you may want to make reservations for two hot items on the visit, namely a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Factory or a great food tour with some Swiss Fondue as well as some other foodie hot spots. Below are some suggestions for all budgets visiting Zurich for 24 hours.A day or two in Zurich can give you a great introduction to the German speaking area of Switzerland. 

A Brief History of Zurich 

Zurich dates back to 15 BC and was founded by the Romans. It was part of a route that permitted trade to travel over the Alps. While we know it has Zurich, the Romans called it Turicum. If you tour the city some ruins remain under parts of the city. The city prospered in the 11th and 12th centuries, helped by the Fraumunster, which as a convent attracted many rich European princesses. 

In 1351, Zurich joined the Swiss Federation and during the 14th and 15th centuries, its territory was exclusively established for trade and money lending. Until the end of the Old Zurich War (1436-1450), it swayed between remaining with the Swiss Federation and Austria. Switzerland became an independent country in 1815, with its 1848 constitution not permitting them to enter any wars. Zurich remains the country’s largest city, with the largest airport in the country (with fantastic shopping), and its financial capital. 

Zurich Itinerary For One Day In Zurich 

The city is well-located in Central Switzerland and they say, is the heart of Europe with its beautiful city. Notably, you can get to Zurich by car, bus, train, or airplane with many airlines offering services. I arrived by plane to allow both visiting times that day, with a night stay, to allow a full day to make a 24-hour trip, although some may want to add a day depending on your interests.

Next, I looked into my top choices to visit in case they required a reservation. Lindt Chocolate is so popular it was sold out for a few days, so make sure you make reservations if you are a chocolate lover like me! (Luckily I did make it on a tour to get my supply of chocolates for my trip.) Also, it may depend on your budget, but various things are free like walking through the old town or around the lake, It also ma    

How to Get to Zurich Switzerland and “Where is Zurich”? 

Zurich is in Central Europe and a hub for many modes of transportation, making it a great and easy place to visit.

  • Main Zurich Train Station: You may find yourself coming to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (also called Zurich HB); it is the largest train station in Switzerland. It is about 6 miles from the airport in Zurich. Most local trains come through this station. I chose to buy a 24-hour transportation card called the Zurich Card City Pass. Notably, it can be purchased for a 24 or 72-hour timeframe and entitles you to travel on an unlimited 2nd class basis on any public transportation. You can buy it via the Zurich City Guide app or at the station. The price is reasonable and it does cover you on the river/boat, public transportation on the lake, as well as the funiculars like the Polybahn. The Polybahn connects the central square with the Polyterrasse via its historic red funicular originally built in 1889. It is only a short ride of a few minutes but is free and you can get the best views of Zurich. Check online for train hours since it is closed on holidays and Sundays. 
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the major international airport in Switzerland and home to Swiss International Airlines. This is how I made it to Zurich, I also loved the airport with all its upscale stores and some great places to eat. The airport is a short 15-minute train ride from the City Centre. Notably, the city is pretty compact, especially the historic old town, so it is easy to see, 

Best Place To Stay In Zurich For All Budgets 

I arrived in Zurich and planned to stay overnight so I can see more of this historic city. Being one of the most expensive cities in Europe, I am showing a few options below, but there are also some large chains here. 

  • FIVE Zurich Hotel – Luxury city resort @fivezurich 

www.zurich.fivehotelsandresorts.com

Hotel Hirschen: This 4-star hotel has a quaint charming ambiance while offering helpful amenities. It dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest hotels in the city. It is also well-located within a ½ mile from the Swiss National Museum. 

  • Motel One Zurich – This 3-star hotel offers a breakfast buffet, etc.

@motel_one  www.motel-one.com

  • CitizenM Zurich: CitizenM is a hip boutique hotel located in the business district of Zurich. @citizenM   www.citizenM.com
  • For a fun and hip hotel check out 25Hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse is located close to the train station, and its’ decorations are inspired by the contrast between capitalism and the redlight district. The designer Werner Aisslinger created an artistic and fun hotel close to everything and perfect for a 24-hour stay in Zurich. If you aren’t staying there check out the NENI restaurant with an eclectic menu of Mediterranean cuisine. 
  • Old Town Otter Hostel: This former hotel is now a hostel. There are 45 beds in 9 dorms and 5 private rooms and it is well-located near the Old Town and Lake. It does have free coffee/tea and a small breakfast like toast and muesli.  www.oldtownzurich.com
  • By the Airport I also stayed at the Capsule Hotel. Check out the video below

Besides these options, there are the hotels including Marriott, Hilton, etc, as well as AirBnB, VRBO, etc.

Things to Do in Zurich Switzerland

Although it is known as an expensive city, there are various things to do in Zurich for all budget levels.

  • Swiss Food Tour: This was a fantastic food tour and this company offers lunchtime and evening tours. If you plan to take a tour, I would make a reservation, since some do sell out.  www.swissfoodtours.com  If you want to experience an elevated foodie experience there are two options a private food tour like I took or an option for those looking to experience the food scene on a small group tour. My guide took me to places I would never have found on my own and also shared a range of both local cuisine and fun cocktail spots. The private tours can be catered to your interests and had a few special surprises. However, you will have to subscribe to my Youtube channel so you don’t miss the Swiss travel adventures. 
  • Archeological Windows Zurich- If you want to satisfy your inner Indiana Jones, check out the Archeological windows where you can get a key from the city in order to see the ancient roman ruins underground. I learned about this and got to try it out thanks to my amazing tour guide at Swiss Food Tours on the private tour. 

Take A Chocolate Tour

  • Lindt Home of Chocolate Tour: This self-guided tour takes about 2 hours. It was awesome, but I almost missed it so make sure you reserve in advance. I particularly loved the all-you-can-drink chocolate, learning about the history of chocolate in Switzerland, as well as getting to take home plenty of samples. They also have the world’s largest retail Lindt store. This is a must if you are a chocolate lover! If you go on the self guided tour it is about $16 USD plus the cost of taking public transit. However, there is also a sweet small group tour that includes a tour, boat trip on Lake Zurich, and transportation if you don’t feel like going solo.

Explore the History, Culture Art of Zurich, Switzerland

  • Walking Tours: There are both free tours (Free Walking Tours Zurich) and paid tours. It’s a great way to learn more about the area, especially the history and culture of the city. Also, this is the perfect activity if you are solo traveling to meet other travelers.  www.freewalk.ch
  • What is Dada? It is an art form that formed during the First world war, and its main purpose was to challenge social norms of society and make art that would shock, confuse or outrage people. Dadaism’s main purpose was to challenge the social norms of society, and purposefully make art that would shock, confuse, or outrage people. Here you can explore the largest collection of DADA art in the world.

Explore Old Town Zurich

  • Zurich’s Old Town known as Altstadt: Stroll the streets of historic Zurich and its lovely buildings, stores, and restaurants. It is along both sides of the Limmat River and it’s free to stroll the area. This area encompasses everything built in Zurich before 1893. 
  • Roman Ruins: In, under, and around Zurich are some old Roman ruins since it was once inhabited by the Romans. There is one free site called the Archeological Window in the Lindenhof cellar. While it is free through the Town Hall, you need to leave a credit card as a deposit so they get back the key to it. There are also other locations like the opera house. It just depends on your time and level of interest.
  • River Transport or Boat at Lake Zurich: If you have a Zurich Card pass, you can use public transport on the river or the lake. Zurich’s Old town hugs the Limmet river on both sides, and is something to witness by water. Luckily it is included in your day pass for public transit!  www.zuerich.com

More Things To Do In One Day In Zurich

  • Ride on the Polybahn (Funclaire): For a great view of the city, go up the furnclair. It goes up to have a great view of the city. It is located near the universities and you can have a drink or food up there, or make your own picnic..  www.polybarn.ch
  • Swiss National Museum: This unique building was constructed in 1898 similar to a French Renaissance chateau. Check opening hours, but is generally open from 10 am-5 pm Tuesday through Sunday, although it is open until 7 pm on Thursday. It costs ten Swiss francs. Although it’s free for kids under 16 and Zurich Card holders.  www.landesmuseum.ch
  • Zurich Opera House: The opera house is a lovely building, housing the Zurich Opera since 1891 and It is also home to the Zurich Ballet. So you may enjoy a performance or just see this grand building.  www.opernhaus.c om
  • Retail Therapy – walk the Bahnhofstrasse: This is the most exclusive avenue for luxury shopping. Stroll the avenue.

   The Four Churches of Zurich Old Town

  • Grossmunster Church: This twin-tower romanesque protestant church is an icon in the city. It is free to go in but there is a cost to climb the tower, 
  • Fraumunster Church: Another iconic church with a copper-topped spire. The church does have a crypt museum and stained glass by Marc Chagall. 
  • St.Peter’s Church: This protestant church is one of the four main churches in the Old Town area of Zurich, This church was consecrated in 1706, the bells date back to the 1880s, and the church was restored in the 1970s. Oddly the church steeple is owned by Zurich, while the rest is owned by the parish. The church’s clock is very large, having the largest face in all of Europe.
  • Predigerkirche Church: Explore the 4th oldest church in Zurich’s Old Town. Predigerkirche is known for it’s high steeple and being the highest edifice in Zurich.

My advice is to plan out your route saving the locations on Google Maps so you maximize the use of your time. 

Food in Zurich, Switzerland – Restaurants, Cafes, and Cheap Eats In Zurich

Given I had a fantastic food tour that takes 3-4 hours of your day. I decided to eat some smaller meals in cafes too. The Swiss Food Tour I mentioned above was superb. There are also so many restaurants and cafes to try, including many with Michelin stars. You can’t forget to try the Cheese Fondue and Rosti (fried potato pancake), Here are some suggestions of places to try:  

  • Cafe & Conditorei 1842: This cafe offers great homemade chocolate and pastries, and is a cozy baroque setting. There is also a terrace depending on the weather, (Hint: I had the best hot chocolate here, it’s a bit more but I enjoyed it. www.cafe1842.ch Do yourself a favor and get the hot chocolate here!
  • Raphael’s: Raphael’s has great handmade chocolates, coffee, and ice cream. So many great options.  www.raphaels1989.com  I am a coffee fanatic, so I loved recharging my energy with a great latte here.
  • Le Dezeley for Fondue! I was lucky to find this place on the Swiss food tour and this place rivaled the fondue spot I found in Geneva. 
  • Best View and cocktails (or mocktails): Jules Verne Panorama Bar is great for creative cocktails or cocktails and has the best view of the city all year round. It is located in an old observatory, which makes the experience extra special.
  • Best Bakery: Bäckerei Vohdin is the oldest bakery in Zurich selling traditional sweets and baked goods. It is cash only. I was lucky to try it thanks to the kindness of a stranger who bought me two sweets to try before I left on the plane. It is also really close to Old Town Otter Hostel so perfect for budget-friendly breakfast or lunch!

Recommendation

Zurich Switzerland is a culturally rich city, and not just the banking capital of Switzerland. Many tourists skip Zurich to see other picturesque Swiss towns or head to the Swiss Alps, but it is definitely worth at least 24 hours. Being one of the major hubs in Europe, it is very easy to reach and explore in a one or two-day stopover. Zurich maybe expensive, but there are still things to do in a day in Zurich for all budgets as well as solo travelers. While planning your trip, remember you may want to make reservations ahead of time, especially for the Lindt Chocolate Museum and food tours. 

If you are visiting for a short amount of time just use your card because Switzerland uses a different currency from the rest of Europe. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc.

In conclusion, there are many things to enjoy in Zurich from food and nightlife to cultural experiences and museums. It may be one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but there are plenty of things to do in Zurich for all budgets and it is a place you should not skip if it is close to your other European adventures. 

Fun Zurich Fact

There are over 1,200 fountains in Zurich. Bring a reusable water bottle because the water is drinkable.

Also, there are four official languages in Switzerland including Swiss German, French, and Italian, and about 60,000 people speak Romansch. Zurich is located in the Swiss German section of Switzerland so be sure to brush up on a few phrases although most people speak English in the city center. 

What would you not miss in Zurich if you only had 24 hours? Save this for later to help plan your trip!

Other Resources:  

www.VisitZurich.com

www.Travelsofsarahfay.co m

Check out some of my other blog posts on Switzerland:

Zermatt Winter Travel Guide

Skiing In Switzerland On A Budget For Digital Nomads

Geneva Winter Travel Guide

All Rights Reserved by Sarah Errafay

Save This For Later!

The post One Day In Zurich Travel Guide For A Zurich City Break appeared first on Travels of Sarah Fay .

If you only have one day in Zurich or 24 hours this is the perfect guide for solo travelers and for travelers of all budgets.

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Top 25 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland In 2024

Yippee, the summers are near and most of you all might have planned a trip to Europe. Today I am going to explain to you about one of the most amazing places to visit in Europe that is Switzerland. Switzerland! The name itself is charming. Many of us dream of Switzerland to be on a honeymoon or a family trip. In this article I am going to explain to you about the top 25 places in switzerland which you should not miss when you are on a Switzerland Tour .

This amazing European destination has great monuments, natural landscapes and amazing and awesome scenarios that you should not miss at any cost. So let’s begin with the main article. 

Table of Contents

Why visit switzerland.

Europe has many exotic destinations, calm and clean beaches, stunning rock formations, beautiful islands and fascinating monuments all throughout the continent but Switzerland actually stands out. There are many things that you can explore when on a tour to this amazing country.

Especially if you need a break from the hot  summers in India then you should certainly be at this foreign destination. Now you are going to be informed about the top 25 places which you should not miss at all then you are on a trip to Switzerland. 

Here is the list of 25 places to visit in Switzerland

Geneva

This is actually one of the top 25 places which you should not miss at all when you are on a Switzerland tour. 

Geneva is actually mongst the most important, most populous, and most amazing cities of Switzerland , this is a jewel that revolves itself around its fascinating namesake lake. It is to be noted that some cities of Switzerland are rooted in culture and history and other recent ones are top in party spots. This destination is perfect for every visitor.

With the mesmerising lake flowing right along the centre of the city, the background of the Alps, and an overhead bridge from where the glory of the city can be captured, Geneva comprises the intricacies of the old and new just wonderfully. 

Geneva is an indispensable part of your Switzerland tour ; you just cannot afford to miss such a rocking place over there. This place has an ability to recharge and refresh your mind. There are spectacular views at Geneva which you should certainly capture when on your tour. 

2. Swiss Alps

Swiss Alps

Located in east of Lake Geneva and being one of Europe’s iconic places, the alpine region of Switzerland unfolds magnificent Swiss beauty with its stunning lakes, majestic peaks and amazing valleys.  Making for one of the most magnificent ski spots on the globe, the Swiss Alps has some of the most fascinating and top most visited ski resorts too. 

This place also allures hikers throughout the world for a amazing budget-friendly hiking feel. The sign-posted trekking trails in this place permit you to enjoy an exploration in the Alpine hub safely without much chance of getting yourself lost among the mountains. 

The Swiss Alps comprises of a plethora of little hamlets like the Grindel wald, where visitors and tourists get an opportunity to connect with mother earth and get an amazing glimpse of the Alpine region. 

Zurich

This is a place that adds up images of mesmerising and untouched beauty of the stunning, Alpine forests, Swiss meadows and pristine mountain lakes. The city is bifurcated into two by the River Zurich into the Old and New Town regions. The Zurich town is beautified with centuries-old churches,residential houses related to the Renaissance era cobbled streets. You can find  wonderful imprints of these cultures on the architecture here due to its adjacency to Germany, France, Liechtenstein and Italy. You can explore Zurich with the best Switzerland tour package which will take you to an amazing world of the cultural richness and contemporary elegance of this place. 

4. Montreux

montreux

Being an amazing resort town, Montreux is placed on Lake Geneva in the south-western part of Switzerland. This town is located between Lake Geneva, hills, wooded forests, and vineyards which attract people from all over the world to escape the hurry of their lives amidst the fascination of this place.

Though this is a tiny location it has so much action attached with it that can keep you interested for many days. Lake Geneva is an indispensable part of any Switzerland itinerary and takes the spotlight with its mesmerising backdrop decorated by fig, palm trees, mulberry, and almond. 

Enjoy boating in the lake or tuck in delectable Swiss food and wines near the riverside cafes 

Also Read : Top 15 Most Popular Tourist Places in Europe 2024

Zermatt

This charming alpine village, Zermatt is located at the foot of one of the most beautiful and largest mountains of Switzerland known as The Matterhorn. One of the most amazing places to visit on a Switzerland tour , Zermatt is popular for its untouched wonder which is so calm and peaceful that it will take you away from all your busy schedule. Zermatt is basically a car-free village and its beauty can be gazed at horse driven carriages, on foot Gondolas and even electric cars. 

You can find as many as 30 ancient buildings including granaries which represent the age-old way of living of the mountain cultures. This region also has an amazing ancient church, a popular Mountaineer’s cemetery, and a museum attributed to mountaineering too. 

6. St Moritz

St Moritz

Let us know about the next destination in Switzerland, St Moritz.

You can enjoy a great vacation in St Moritz that is a heavenly place for the visitors. St Moritz, which is surrounded by around twenty-five crystal clear mountain lakes, glaciers, snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, offers a pure view of nature.

This place is dotted with quaint villages and cobbled streets layered by crystal sheets of snow. The tall pines and the stone castles create an amazing picture of living in this wonderful place. St.Moritz is guarded with many tourist attractions which attract them with their amazing combination of fascinating luxury and natural experiences. 

St Moritz has contemporary art centres presenting the notable work of the artists and museums that take you into the fascinating history of this town. Here you can also find great clubs and shopping joints for a mind relaxing leisure. This place homes mountain restaurants and other accommodation that render an out of the world experience.

Also Read : Travelers can explore this amazing European nation without a Schengen visa, Here’s Where & How

7. Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken is a quintessential Swiss town which lie in the lap of the gigantic Alps. The long-fabled mountains surrounding the town is always seen welcoming visitors for over a hundred years, making Interlaken the one of the most visited destination present in Switzerland The untouched scenic wonder of the Swiss Alps along with its great culture and a very magnificent, small-town allure make this place an amazing destination. 

Interlaken from its beautiful lakes to snow-capped mountains, has been a favourite destination. The old heart of Interlaken, its base, is filled with buildings which carry us back centuries. You can enjoy a walk past old hotels, magnificent cafes, and chocolate-making workshops at this place. Just like the other parts of Switzerland, Interlaken also has a delicious variety of cheese which you should certainly try on your memorable Switzerland trip.  

8. St Gallen 

St Gallen 

This place is among the best destinations located in Switzerland. One of the top most tourist place is the Abbey of Saint Gall which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Abbey’s popular library includes books dating back to the 9th century. The official language of this region is  German but the largest spoken language is a local dialect of Alemannic Swiss German.

Lugano

Lugano which is nicknamed as the Monte Carlo of Switzerland, is a famous destination in Switzerland known for its magnificent lifestyle and  beauty that makes tourists and exploring travellers from all over the planet to its powerful beaches. A number of mountains, Mediterranean style squares and arcades, parks and mountainous zones encircle the city which is a traffic-free region.

In this amazing city, you will certainly enjoy the amazing untouched Italianate architecture, promenades by the side of the lochs, the parks on the waterfront, shopping streets and filled of life squares with arcades and hotels. 

This place is also popular for being the residence of the world famous Nobel Prize winner, Hermann Hesse. The city of Lugano is deeply connected to artists and art lovers.

There are actually many centres that motivate the architectural styles and ancient artwork. You can even find numerous museums like Swiss Customs Museum Lugano, Museum of Cultures, Fondazione Gabriele e Anna Braglia, Gabinetto di storia naturale,etc in the city where many famous artworks by many popular artists are on presentation beginning from Jawlensky, Renoir, Degas and Klee, With Switzerland trip packages you can enjoy an amazing experiences in Lugano, allowing you to get engrossed in the city’s varied offerings and develop memories for a lifetime. 

The amazing climatic weather of the place makes tourism a power. The climatic conditions are moderate all through the year with a temperature lying in the range of 5 degree celsius to 25 degree celsius. July being the hottest month of the year and January being the coldest month of the year you can have a great time over here. If you haven’t been to this place in Switzerland, then you should get ready for this amazing experience. 

Basel

Basel, which shares its borders with France and Germany, lies on the banks of the River Rhine in the northwest zone of Switzerland. Basel is one of the most wonderful cities in Switzerland which is known for the diversity of some amazing plants and animals. It has a long line of lilac flowers along the stunning Rhine River. 

Basel also has its own amazing Old Town area, which takes you back to the luxurious and a low speed of life as it was in the mediaeval time. This has stone houses with well-kept boutiques, and vantage points to see stunning views of River Rhine. tiled roofs, beautiful cafes. There are many cruises available for you to stroll at the beauty of the river.

You can enjoy this amazing city on your Switzerland tour , and enjoy the fascinating mix of history, natural beauty and its distinctive charm. 

11. Schaffhausen

Schaffhausen

The Inhabitants, the shippers worked over there and later got themselves settled down. Schaffhausen has a great natural beauty with its amazing trails, waterfalls, the awesome views of the Alps and much more. Schaffhausen is one of those few cities where the Old Town area is actually free of cars. Deemed to be the most fascinating of the old town zones on the whole of Switzerland trip, its constructions have huge bay windows and other attractions. 

There are granaries and merchant houses which date back to the Baroque times. The shops present over here have a painting resembling amazement to them with their flowered windows. You can easily find amazing cafes, cheese shops, dressmakers, perfumery and chocolatiers. Paying to the Munot Bell over there is an mesmerising experience.

Thun

Thun is located in the Bernese Oberland zone. Its magnificent natural beauty comes from its location adjacent to Loch Thun that  is deemed to be amongst the most fascinating lakes in Switzerland.

It’s popularly said that Thun has everything that an ideal vacation has. Its mediaeval churches, castles, old town area and cafes & charcuteries.   In fact, Thun is actually considered as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland.

Thun is not visited by many travellers, who are in favour of the more famous cities, making it a perfect place for those who love a bit of calmness and peaceful environment. The city is located around the lake that is a large vantage point in itself which looks onto the majestic Jungfrau and Eiger, Monch. 

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Bern

Bern, here we have the capital city of Switzerland situated in the northern zone of the Bernese Alps on the plateau among the canton. Being one of the top most iconic cities on the planet Bern is a place that is amazingly awesome.

Bern is perhaps the best place to visit in Switzerland . Bern is called as one of those most well-conserved cities throughout the world and this fact is proven by the manner it has maintained its rich architecture, culture and heritage for ages. One of the most attractive things at Bern is the hundreds of fountains which back to the 13th-century, and each of these fountains is an amazing treat to our eyes. 

Ogre Fountain is actually a place you should not miss when in Bern. The fountain features a depiction of a scary mediaeval ogre consuming kidd. This is an outstanding experience ! Bern’s Old Town area on account of its fascinating mediaeval-age experience has made to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

14. Lauterbrunnen

lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen is a stunning panorama of cascading waterfalls and alpine magnificence. This iconic village situated between majestic peaks is a gateway to some best destinations and if them is Jungfraujoch.

If you wish to spend your vacation in a valley situated between majestic cliffs and roaring waterfalls then Lauterbrunnen can offer you an amazing Switzerland tour package from India. Placed in the Swiss Alps, the Lauterbrunnen valley is named among the top conservation zones in the country. Being at this place is a rocking experience altogether. 

The magnificent beauty of the attractive landscapes of Lauterbrunnen has the ability to restore and rejuvenate your mind making you get one of the best feelings ever. The availability of various hiking trails and cross-country skiing in the valley adds to the fun of adventure lovers heading up to Switzerland to get engrossed in winter sports. 

15. Rhaetian Railway

Rhaetian Railway

The ticket to enjoy the alpine region of Switzerland, Rhaetian Railway is a prominent segment of tourism in Switzerland. The Rhaetian railway is a mountainous rail network connecting Italy to Switzerland and gives you a breathtaking experience of getting through some of the most amazing views of the Swiss mountains. 

This railway ride experience is one of those things which are mainly included in the Switzerland itinerary of tourists arriving there. As we have the Shimla or Darjeeling railway, this Rhaetian railway experience is a great attraction for tourists, mainly kids. This amazing UNESCO railway route renders you an opportunity to stroll at the towns and traditional villages set in some great locations.

You should certainly not miss this immemorial experience when on a tour to Europe. You just need to have your ticket and enjoy the beauty of several bridges, tunnels, bridges, mountain passes and viaducts which are recorded among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

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16. Zytglogge

Zytglogge

Here we have another iconic place to be included in your Switzerland tour, the Zytglogge. This amazing tower has some extraordinary characteristics like astrolabium which is an astronomical calendar clock and the musical mechanism which was engineered in 1530.

Right before the clock reaches the hour a crowing cock expresses the commencement of an amazing spectacle. This view is just magnificent and you should not miss it. The hands of this astrolabium take movements somewhat slowly but in a precise manner. The discs of this amazing astronomical calendar clock are artfully fixed above the Clock Tower’s entry point. 

17. Grindelwald

Grindelwald

Located in the bosom of the Bernese Alps, the cool little place, Grindelwald is a another great place to visit in the Switzerland . The city of Grindelwald Switzerland has about 3,600 natives living in and around this place and it attracts tourists throughout the globe . This place calls you for a refreshing experience from your busy schedule. Situated opposite the background of some important towering mountain peaks, Grindelwald is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Switzerland. 

You can find some amazing lakes, green valleys, hiking trails and other attractions at this place which will help you get a fascinating experience of this heavenly place. 

The beauty of the this magnificent Grindelwald is even elevated with the mesmerising attractions present over there. 

18. The Geneva water fountain 

The Geneva water fountain

Ae you might refer the Jet d’Eau or the Geneva Water-Jet is a gigantic fountain situated in Geneva. This fountain is listed among city’s most popular landmarks which is even listed on the city’s official logo and tourism web site Geneva’s hosting of group stage matches at the UEFA Euro 2008. Located at the Lake Geneva leaves like the Rhône, this place is visible throughout the city even from the air when soaring high Geneva at a height of 33,000 ft.

Two 500 kW pumps functioning at 2400 V consuming one megawatt of power this fountain is a great masterpiece. Five hundred litres of water per second are thrown up to a great height of 140 metres. The Geneva fountain costs 510,000 CHF on an annual basis. The water is jerked out of the ten-centimetre nozzle at a pace of 200 km/h. At any given moment, there is about 7,000 litres of water above. 

19. Titlis Cliff Walk

Titlis Cliff Walk

Here we have another place which you should not miss when on a Switzerland tour. You can enjoy a mind-boggling day in the Snow at Mount Titlis at a height of 3,020 metres from sea level. You can experience only winters at the peak. The Titlis is the only accessible glacier in the entire region. If you head to the destination with an adventurous purpose then you will surely have some great moments over there. The breathing snow capped mountain peaks will be an iconic experience at this place in Switzerland. 

20. Gruyeres

Gruyeres

You can explore the attractions of Gruyères, Switzerland amazingly blended into your Switzerland tour package. This fascinating town is also a heaven for chocolate and cheese lovers. This place promises a variety which is an immemorial experience for every tourist. 

You can certainly add this amazing place in your Switzerland tour from India. This town dates back to the 13th century. Being the place of lovers of chocolate and cheese, this destination in the Fribourg canton of Switzerland resides some globally famous cheese and chocolate factories where you can have a view of the entire process related to its production. You can learn about this large and amazing place where world famous cheese factories are situated. You can also enjoy the taste of these amazing varieties of world famous cheese. 

21. Lucerne

Lucerne

Here we have the next place on the list and that is Lucerne. Lucent is that name which is among the top most visited places in Switzerland.  

Situated in the heart of Switzerland, on the banks of the Reuss River, the14th-century Lucerne is deemed to be one of the most fascinating places in the country. 

Loads of emerald-green meadows  with mesmerising charms, ancient towers edge around the surprising Lake Lucerne with mountains covered with snow at the top background and church spires. This creates Lucerne look straight out of a picture postcard making it one of the most fascinating places to visit on the land of Switzerland. This landscape even motivated Leo Tolstoy and Mark Twain to write about its wonder. People who have been to Switzerland till date have not missed this place out of their itinerary.  

22. Rhine falls

Rhine falls

Literally no tour to Switzerland is fulfilled without visiting Europe’s biggest waterfall popularly known as the Rheinfall. Situated right on the border between Germany and Switzerland, Rhine falls are also called the Niagra Falls of Europe. These waterfalls were formed around 15,000 years ago as a result of some tectonic shivers. You can enjoy the mesmerising site and have an out of this world experience. 

23. Bachalpsee Lake

Bachalpsee Lake

This is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland. Bachalpsee is also known as the Bachsee is a loch with an area of 19.9 acres. This lake can be headed to with a wonderful cable car ride above Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland. This lake, which is situated at an elevation of 2,265 m is divided by a naturally created dam, the smaller part of this lake is 6 m below.

24. The Bern Cathedral

The Bern Cathedral

You can explore the vengeance of The Cathedral of Bern which is Switzerland’s one of the most iconic landmarks. You can have a glimpse of its amazing Gothic architecture, ornate sculptures and impressive spire. You can unfold the rich heritage and religious prominence of this historic cathedral building. This construction serves as a symbol of Bern’s rich cultural heritage. The Bern Cathedral is a sure place for history lovers and visitors finding to get themselves in the richness of spirituality and architectural wonder of this mesmerising monument. 

25. Swiss National Park

Swiss National Park

This destination is part of the worldwide UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Swiss National Park is situated in the Western Rhaetian Alps and is dispersed across an area of 170 sq km. The majestic conserved area of the national park includes stunning mountains and fascinating valleys including rich wildlife and some mesmerising river streams.

If you want to get closer to nature then this national park is certainly among the best places you can ever visit on your Switzerland trip. You can experience some of the most wonderful landscapes of the nation from a proximity. You can enjoy a glimpse of some of the best wild animals and birds like golden eagles, marmots, chamois, ibex and red deer. 

So are you going to Switzerland this summer ?

Switzerland has amazing destinations to be explored all throughout the country. You are literally going to be at a true paradise of the world. So now you need to be ready for your mesmerising Switzerland tour . 

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Dibash Sarkar

Digital Marketing & SEO | Content, Blogger, Web Developer | Biotechnologist | Financial Advisor & Stock Trader | Digital & Performance Marketing | Content, Website, SEO SEM, Web Performance Advocate | UI/UX | Brand Building | Management, Sales & Ads | Tech Savvy | Nick Name - Dibz

Top 15 Most Popular Tourist Places in Europe 2024

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