One Day in Zürich – Maps & Best Places

Zürich, despite its reputation of being one of the most expensive cities in Europe, should not be left out of your perfect Switzerland Itinerary.

You may wonder how to spend one day in Zürich and why it is worth the visit?

With the large international airport of Zürich, there is a great chance that you will be passing the city on your tour of Switzerland.

Therefore, make the most out of it and get to know the best things to do and see in Zürich.

Maybe you feel like wandering through the colourful old town or climbing the Karlsturm one of the two towers of Zurich’s landmark, the Grossmünster Church. Or what about simply chilling by Lake Zürich?

Even if you only have one day in Zürich (or a few hours) you will still get a good feel of the metropolitan city.

In this article you find the perfect walking tour around the old town of Zürich City and what to see and do in a few hours in Zürich. Be warned We did over 21k steps that day to cover as much as we could.

I even added on some extras should you be lucky enough and have two days more in Zürich.

Zürich Map – One Day in Zürich

Click on the map to get full access and save it to your phone for when you visit.

On this map are plenty of Zürich Landmarks, flower parks and other things to see in Zürich. Definitely plenty of kilometres to cover when visiting Zürich in one day.

If you happen to visit during the week leading up to easter you have to possibility to follow Zürich’s Rose Fountains. On the map we have marked these fountains with a pink flower image.  Some of Zürich’s churches fill their fountains up with roses to celebrate easter. After all only because of a painful Friday we all can celebrate easter Sunday with joy.

How to spend one day in Zürich

Zürich in a nutshell; Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland with close to 410’000 inhabitants. Although nothing to compare to any other major international city like New York, London or even Milan.

The city has remained cute, compact and manageable for a one-day visit.

The public transport system running through the city is perfect and allows you to easily hop on and off the trams or buses that run all day and late into the night around Zürich. More info is below on the Zürich city transport card.

But even on foot, Zürich is manageable.

Zürich tourist attractions are more or less centered around the old town, and this is where you will spend most of your time.

The picturesque Swiss city centre of Zürich gives the feeling you are not in a large busy place, but spending a day in a large village. Yet the urban feeling is still present.

Zürich is surrounded by hills and the Swiss mountains are only a short distance away.

With the river Limmat running through the city and into Lake Zürich, it gives a great feel when you visit Zürich in one day during the summertime.

Zürich caters to pretty much all needs.

Whether you are looking for the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, need a bank, want to do some shopping at the Bahnhofstrasse, or simply want to immerse yourself in history and museums. You will find it here.

Enjoy your one day in Zürich and find the best things to do in the city.

Take a guided Zürich city tour

If you prefer to let someone else show you the best of Zurich why not join one of the great guided city tours by Get your Guide.

Not only are they very professional, and knowledgeable about the tours they offer, it will also take the stress and time of planning away from you.

We use them a lot all over the world, and have never been disappointed.

The Guided Zürich City tour is a highlight in their portfolio, and recommended by other travellers.

One Day in Zürich

Everyone’s city interests are different, and that is good.

With plenty of things to do in Zürich in one day, I have put together this perfect walking tour of Zürich. We cover a lot of tourist attractions in Zürich you do not want to miss.

Further below you will also find things to do in Zürich that we missed out on, but you might want to add to your one day in Zürich itinerary.

If you have the opportunity to stay longer than just one day in Zürich, we also cover day trips from Zürich and wander a bit more outside of Zürich city. Perfect activities to add if you are staying in one of the many Hotels in Zürich.

But the main point of this article is to show you what you can do and see in just a few hours in Zürich. Unfortunately, we did not hit the best day weather-wise, but hopefully, you can still see how beautiful Zürich is.

Perfect for when you have a long layover or want to stop for a few hours whilst on your road trip through Switzerland.

How to get from Zürich Airport to the city

If you do have a long layover, why not head to the city and pick some of the best places to see in Zürich we mentioned here.

It is super easy to get from Zürich Airport to the city.

The best way is to get to Zürich Hauptbahnhof ( main station) as this is also where we start our City walking tour and most of the Zürich Landmarks are situated. Trains run daily every 5-10 minutes from 5 am to midnight. Check on the SBB time tabel and add Zürich Airport to Züruch HB (Hauptbahnhof).

Stay the night

If you are fortunate enough and can spend more time in the city check out the hotels in Zürich on the map below.

You can find accommodation and Hotels in Zürich that meet the needs of every budget.

Best things to do in Zürich in one day

We assume that you will be arriving to Zürich on public transport and start this walking tour in Zürich city at the main train station called Hauptbahnhof.

If you are short on time skip point 7, 8 and 9 and just stay within the circle of the old town. I have listed the places to see in Zürich as we walked it.

Travel Tip: Best is to get a Zürich City Card,  especially if you do add points 7-9 to your Zürich itinerary. Alternatively, if you do have a Swiss travel Pass the public transport in Zürich will be covered.

1. Ride the UBS Polybahn up to the ETH

Let’s start by getting a view of the roofs of Zürich’s old town.

Head east from the Hauptbahnhof crossing over the River Limmat by the Hauptbahnhof Brücke (bridge). On the right side after the central tram station is the entry to the UBS Polybahn funicular.

The Polybahn, also known as the UBS Polybahn, is a funicular railway in the city of Zürich, Switzerland. The line links the Central square with the Polybahn terrace by the main building of ETH Zürich. (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)

As many students use the funicular, it runs every 5 minutes and is super short.

At the top head to the terrace which is located on your right to get a nice view over the roofs of Zürich’s old town and Lake Zürich.

Time: You don’t need long at all but still a nice way to start this Zürich walking tour.

Price: The ride costs Chf 1.20 and there is a ticket machine just in front of the entry.

If you have the City of Zürich Zone 110 ticket, this is included, also included on and GA Abo’s and Swiss Travel Pass.

Unfortunately, the Polybahn is not accessible by wheelchair or with a pushchair.

2.  Schlender through Niderdorfstrasse

Called by the locals “s’Dörfli”

At the exit from the Polybahn at the central tram station, take the narrow alley street on the left (Niderdorfstrasse) and follow it along all the way until the twin towers Grossmünster and Fraumünster.

This part is packed with restaurants, and art and other small shops are mixed up along some very quaint alley streets. Throughout you will be walking on cobbles which gives the area a nice historic feel.

The area runs parallel to the river Limmat, so you always have a focus point. And feel free to zigzag the streets as you wish.

Time: You don’t need too long for these stretches. It all depends if you enter every little shop or just walk along the alleys.

The direct path to the Grossmünster from the Polybahn Central Station is only 1km. Adding a few zig zags along the way, I would guess 30 mins and you are done.

3. Step inside Grossmünster and climb one of the towers

This is Zürich’s landmark. The Grossmünster is a Romanesque-style Protestant church and one of the four major churches in Zürich.

The church is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. If there is an event the church will be closed to the public.

Climb to the top: Climb the 187 steps to the top of one of the twin towers called Karlsturm to get a better view.

Having climbed many towers in Prague and having always enjoyed the incredible views from the top, I figured that this would be a great activity too.

Unfortunately, the top is fenced in. There is a view, you have to stand on your tiptoes because the outside stone wall of the balcony is about 1.5m high and blocks part of the view.

All in all, the climb and seeing the inside of the tower is much more interesting than the top. If you are short on time, just visit the church and skip the climb.

Time: This is an in-and-out quick visit to the church. Add 20 minutes if you climb the Karlsturm.

Price: To climb the Karlsturm costs Chf 5.-.

4. Cross over Münsterbrücke

Right outside of Grossmünster is the beautiful Münsterbrücke crossing over the River Limmat. Also, on the other side you will see the Fraumünster church, which we recommend you visit (see point 5).

Photography tip: If you stand a bit aside of the bridge it gives you a great angle with Fraumünster church in the background.

To photograph the bridge, you see it better along the Limmatquai if you walk further away from it.

5. Discover the unique windows at Fraumünster Church

If you love unique glass windows then you have to step inside Fraumünster church. The world-famous stained-glass windows are by Marc Chagall and were created in the 1970s. Very colorfoul and special indeed.

Time: No more than 30min.

Price: free of charge to visit Fraumünster

6. Zürich Opernhause and Sechseläutenplatz

After the Fraumünster Church cross back over Münster bridge and walk down towards the lake shore – Bellevueplatz.

First, you notice the immense large place where random chairs give the people the opportunity to just sit and watch the world go by.

This is also the place where the annual Sechsilüüte takes place. A Swiss traditional spring festival, where a massive snowman is burned and the time taken for how long it takes until his head explodes.

Yep, this is true. The quicker it goes, the legend determines how good the summer will be.

In the far back is the beautiful building of the Zürich Opera House. Shows have played here since 1891, it is also the Bernhard-Theater Zürich and home to the Zürich Ballet.

Lake Zürich shore is right there and invites you to sit down, and watch the many birds and swans whilst having an ice-cream.

7. Gardens of Villa Patumbah

Recommended that you visit during spring flower blossom time, otherwise, skip it.

Left of the Sechseläutenplatz at the end towards the Opern Hause is a tram station (Opernhaus tram station).

Hop on tram No 2 or 4 until Fröhlichstrasse. From there it is a 6minutes walk up to the gardens of Villa Patumbah.

The magnolia trees are magnificent and with the villa as backdrop, this is a great photography spot.

Time: The tram ride is only 10 minutes plus the walk. I don’t think you need more than 30 minutes of your one day in Zürich.

Price: The visit to the Villa Patumbah is free of charge

8. Travel into Zürich’s Chinese Garden

Why is there a Chinese garden in Zürich – you may ask?

The garden was a gift from Zürich’s Chinese partner town Kunming as thanks to Zürich’s technical and scientific assistance in the development of the Kunming city drinking water supply and drainage.

If you have visited the Gardens of Villa Patumbah, then walk down towards Lake Zürich’s shoreline. The Chinese Garden is right there at Zürichhorn.

I did not go inside, but I took some photographs. It looked pretty small to me and you will for sure not need a lot of your precious time in Zürich.

Time: Count 30 minutes if you enter the gardens.

Price: The entry into the Chinese Gardens in Zürich is free of charge

9. Take a stroll along Lake Zürich and observe the swans

If you have done points 7 and 8, then this is perfect. Just walk back to the Opernhause and Sechseläutenplatz along the lake shore.

You will be passing through a beautiful park, some restaurants invite you for a drink whilst many Swans float elegantly on the water.

A nice walk to reflect on what you have seen in Zürich.

Time: From the Chinese Gardens to where the River Limmat enters Lake Zürich at Bellevue is 1.5km / about 30-minute walk.

Alternatively, you can go back to the tram station you exited at point 7 and take the tram back to Bellevue.

10. Take in the view at Lindenhof Hill

Cross over the Quaibridge and walk north along the River Limmat. This is again an area where you can easily zig-zag through the narrow streets and admire the beauty this place offers.

If you stay on the riverfront you have a nice view of the Münsterbrücke once more.

Pass Fraumünster church and head direction St. Peters Church.

The church is a popular tourist attraction in Zürich and belongs to the four main churches in Zürich. It is very well known for its very large clock tower.

Carry on and you will eventually start walking a little bit uphill to Lindenhof Hill

It is a large park and you will get a nice view down over the river and towards the lake and old town of Zürich. The Grossmünster twin towers give this place a nice backdrop.

If you are visiting Zürich with kids, then there is also a playground nearby.

Time: From your last place at Bellevue, it is about 1km. Depending on whether you will zig-zag through the old town or take the direct route.

Once at the top you don’t need much time.

11. Visit Zürich’s Policestation – Giacometti Halle

This is not a joke. Zürich has probably the most beautiful police station in the whole world!

The police station is inside the Giacometti hall.

The hall was designed between 1923 and 1925 by Augusto Giacometti, a distant relative of the better-known Alberto.

From Lindenhof Hill walk back down direction north and head towards the river. It is only a 5 min walk.

It is worth just a quick visit as it is really super nice.

You have to leave your ID card to enter.

Time: A quick 10 minutes stop on your City walk.

Price: Surprisingly it is free of charge.

12. (Window) Shopping at the famous Bahnhofstrasse in Zürich

If you still have the energy and time whilst visit Zürich in one day, make your way up to the famous Bahnhofstrasse.

You will find chocolate shops like Sprüngli and Lindt Chocolatier, fashionable clothes shops and many brand names you hear from the rich and famous.

As it is on the way back to the train station where our walking tour in Zürich ends, this is a great way to finish.

Where to Eat in Zürich Old Town

You will be passing many different food shops, restaurants and small snack bars along this walking tour in Zürich. But if I had to pick one great place to eat in Zürich, I would go to the Haus Hiltl located at the Sihlstrasse 28.

Only about 7 minutes’ walk from the Giacometti Hall.

Hause Hiltl carries the title of being the first and oldest vegetarian restaurant in the World, operating since 1898.

When I stepped inside, I felt like entering India. The smell was so nice.

They have all kinds of food, buffet style if you like and you pay per weight on your plate. All looked super fresh and delicious.

More best things to do in Zürich

 Visit Üetliberg – Top of Zürich

If you do have 24h in Zürich, then we suggest you add an early morning visit to Üetliberg, Zürich’s house mountain.

You can easily combine this activity with the above walking tour.

Hard to believe when standing at 871 metres above sea level, having the most beautiful view over Zürich City, Lake Zürich and well along the Swiss Alps, that you are still in Zürich city.

Üetliberg is super convenient to combine urban with nature.

Getting there

It will take you about 30 minutes each way to get to the top.

Whilst Uetliberg is only accessible by train or on foot, and not by car, you should still go for it.

From the main train station, Hauptbahnhof Zürich take the S10 to the end of the line. Trains run frequently every 15 mins.

Hiking up Üetliberg is possible but count at least one hour. Maybe this would be a great idea if you have more than just one day in Zürich, so better to take the train.

At the top: Get an even better view and climb the look-out tower. As this may be an early start, take in the view in comfort and sip a coffee at the Uto Kulm hotel, before heading back down again.

Spring Blossom Time in Zürich

If you visit Zürich during the spring blossom time, mid-March to mid-April then you might want to head to Idaplatz. Pretty much every street in this area has a tree alley with rose and white Japanese cherry trees. ( I think that is what the trees are) If you get the timing right this is a photographer’s paradise.

Getting there: Take the tram to Lochergut station. Only 20minutes off the station on your left is already the famous Bertastreet. The whole street is on the alley of Japanese cherry trees. Super pretty when in blossom. Walk up the street and check out the side streets from there. They all have nice trees with spring blossoms. Idaplatz is two blocks up on your left.

Visit Zürich Zoo

One of the biggest and most beautiful zoos in Switzerland is the Zürich Zoo.

Zürich Zoo is located just outside the city centre in the countryside, but is still easy to reach.

The zoo is over 90 years old but has always invested and updated its environment.

Habitats such as rainforests, steppes and river landscapes have been precisely recreated for this purpose and ensure a realistic experience.

Getting there:  As you are already in Zürich take tram No 6 from Bahnhofstrasse/Zurich main station to final stop “Zoo”!

Botanical Garden of the University of Zürich

This is an activity in Zürich you need a bit more time to enjoy.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Zürich is only a short tram ride from the city centre and if you love this kind of garden then you should visit.

The large garden presents around 7000 plant species.

Getting there: From the Hauptbahnhof take Bus No 31.

If you are around the Bellevueplatz take Tram No 13.

 Take a splash in the Thermal Baths – Hürlimannbad & Spa

If you have more than one day in Zürich and Spa & Thermal baths are your thing, then make your way to the Zürich Thermal Baths at Hürlimannbad & Spa.

This activity in Zürich is great if you overnight in the city. You can still do the recommended walking tour above and then relax your muscles in the warm waters.

Getting there: The easiest way to reach the thermal bath is by tram. From Zürich main station (or anywhere you are) take No 13 to Waffelplatz. It is then only a 6 mins walk away.

Do you need The Zürich Card?

The Zürich card – City pass covers unlimited travel by tram, bus, and train within the city of Zürich. Furthermore if you have the time you can also join a short cruise on lake Zürich and on the Limmat.

With the Zürich Card, you get free admission into the Swiss National Museum, 33% discount to the Kunsthaus (Art Museum). And even better for all football fans a 30% discount to the FIFA Football Museum.

The card costs CHF 27 for a 24-hour pass and CHF 53 for a 72-hour pass. Definitely worth getting it if you stay in Zürich for several days.

Swiss Travel Guide

You may also like these articles on our blog whilst travelling in Switzerland.

Travelling Switzerland by Train

• 10 amazing Swiss Travel Itineraries from 2 to 15 days and more
• 15 days Travelling Switzerland by train Discover the beautiful Swiss landscape whilst sitting in the comfortable Swiss trains.
• Riding the Gornergrat Train, one of the most stunning train journey in Switzerland and beyond.

I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when you are planning to spend one day in Zürich.

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below. So that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

Thanks for sharing it!