Are you ready for the trip of your lifetime? From lively cultural havens to classic European traditions, Zurich is a city like no other—and it’s bursting with unforgettable things to do. Zurich offers many things to do, from immersing yourself in the Old Town, relaxing at a thermal bath, checking out Bellevue & the Opera House, or exploring Lake Zurich. With so many options, you’ll never run out of things to do in Zurich.
So, let’s get started planning the perfect trip to Zurich!
Key Takeaways
Explore Zurich with its trains, buses, trams, and river/lake cruises.
Discover unique shops, cafes, eateries, and iconic landmarks in the Old Town of Zurich.
Enjoy various activities from watersports to cable car rides, shopping, museums, art galleries, and more!
Table of Contents
How to Get Around in Zurich
Public transport is the best way to get around Zurich – Switzerland’s largest city. Trains are the most punctual way to get around in Zurich, with a single ticket costing CHF 4.3.
Although if I am honest, walking is the best way to get around. I only jump on a tram or train if I have walked too much! Downtown (old town, lake, etc) Zurich is so compact you rarely need to worry about public transport unless you go further afield.
The Zurich Card
To make the most of your time in Zurich, consider getting a day pass at CHF 8.6 or a Zurich Card, which costs CHF 27 for a 24-hour pass and CHF 53 for a 72-hour pass.
The Zurich Card comes with amazing benefits. You get free or discounted entry to various museums and activities. Plus, you can get discounts at certain restaurants. And for a fun day out, why not add a Limmat River boat cruise or a short trip on Lake Zurich?
Bike Rentals
If you want to roam the city on two wheels, Züri Rollt is the bike rental service in Zurich. Show your ID and put down a 20 franc deposit at the bike station near the main train station and you’ll be ready to go. Return the bikes to the same station you got them from at the end of the day and you’ll get your deposit back.
Where to Stay in Zurich
Picking the right accommodation is key to having an enjoyable trip. With Zurich’s varied areas, from the bustling city center to the tranquil Old Town, there is a lodging option to fit every traveler’s needs.
For luxury travelers, quite a few 5-star options are available – from the Storchen on the Limmat and Park Hyatt Zurich to the Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich and star-studded Baur au Lac. Mid-range hotels such as Seegarten Swiss Quality, Motel One Zurich, and Hotel Adler offer great value for money. Budget-minded visitors also have plenty of options, with Pension fürDich, Kalkbreite Pension & Guesthouse, and Hotel Hottingen providing comfortable stays.
Accommodation in Zurich can certainly be expensive, but finding a place to suit your budget is possible without sacrificing quality. Prices vary depending on the location and type of hotel but generally range from luxurious to low-cost.
Immerse Yourself in the Old Town
The Old Town of Zurich is a historic city center that’s been around since the 9th century. It’s a great place to start your tour of Zurich, and there are plenty of cool tours that you can take, such as
the Old Town Walking Tour
the eTukTuk City Tour.
You can wander the winding streets and discover the unique shops, cafes, and eateries or enjoy the beautiful river and lake views. With its massive clock face, the iconic Grossmünster double towers and Peterskirche (Peter’s Church) are must-see landmarks in the Old Town. And a big part of the old town, which spans both sides of the river, is Niederdorfstrasse…
Niederdorfstrasse
It’s an artsy and trendy area in District 1 (Old Town) that the locals call Dörfli. This area is a great spot to explore, as its backstreets are filled with unique shops, cafes, and eateries. So, don’t just walk down the street, turn left, and get lost in the back alleys (use Google Maps to get back again!)
Must-visit spots include
Café & Conditorei 1842 (for great cakes or hot chocolate)
Cabaret Voltaire (for art lovers)
Every year, Niederdorf hosts the Dorflifascht festival at the end of August. It’s the perfect time to enjoy street food, shopping stalls, live music and shows. Don’t forget to try the local traditional dish, zürcher geschnetzeltes (one of many must-eat foods in Zurich). It’s veal in a wine and cream sauce, and you can grab a plate at Zeughauskeller.
Limmatquai Riverfront
The Limmatquai Riverfront is a scenic lake promenade along the Limmat River right next to Niederdorfstrasse. It’s a great starting point for your trip to the city as you can take in the stunning views of the river and Lake Zurich, with the Rathaus and Grossmünster in the background.
During your stroll, you can check out the boats lined up along the river, plus the restaurants and cafes on the promenade. I recommend taking a break for a drink or coffee at any of these.
Hotel Storchen (it’s 5 stars, with views of the Grossmunster, but you can enjoy it for way less)
Grand Cafe Motta (the other side of the river, but great people watching)
Terrasse (sit outside on a sunny day, close to Bellevue and Lake Zurich)
You can also go for a dip in the river or even take a boat tour. Head up to the Uetliberg and admire the panoramic cityscape for an even better view.
Lindenhof Hill
Lindenhof District is an area located in Altstadt (the Old Town). Here, you can find a hill and a public square with one of the best views in town. You can see right over the old town and the Limmat River from up here, and it’s a great spot for those jealousy-inducing Insta-shots!
Many a local can be seen playing a huge chess game here. So, you can also spend some time just people-watching or just chilling, especially in summer, as the trees keep this place cool.
Fraumünster
Fraumünster Church is an important landmark in Zurich, set up by Louis the German in the 9th century. It’s got some stunning frescoes, an organ, and stained glass windows made by Marc Chagall.
You can take an audio-guided tour of the church and the crypt for CHF 5, with a free audio guide included. The tour takes you through the church’s history and lets you admire the frescoes and other artwork.
Grossmünster
Grossmünster is a centuries-old Romanesque cathedral that was the starting point of the Reformation in Switzerland, led by Huldrych Zwingli, and the church cut ties with the papacy in 1523. According to legend, Felix and Ragula were beheaded here and they picked up their heads and walked up forty steps before they eventually dropped dead. Charlemagne then ordered the building of Grossmunster on the spot.
The Romanesque portal, with its columns, carvings and stained glass windows done up by Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti in 1932, are stunning features of the cathedral. Climb up the Karlsturm tower for a fantastic view of the city, the Alps and Lake Zurich. It only costs around CHF 5, and you get some views I rarely see anywhere else in Zurich.
Entry to the cathedral is free, but the “special parts” like the tower and back areas cost. Opening hours are 10 am to 6 pm, though they’re slightly reduced from November to February.
St. Peter’s Church
St Peter’s Church is Zürich’s oldest church and it has Europe’s biggest clock face. This 8th-century church is a must-see if you visit Zurich, with its stunning Romanesque architecture and beautiful carvings. The outside wall of the tower is home to something special: the 14th-century tomb of Rudolf Brun. He was Zürich’s first independent mayor.
The clock on St Peter’s Tower has a diameter of 86,64 meters, making it the largest in Europe. Plus, it’s free to visit, giving you the perfect opportunity to take in its grandeur. So head to St Peter’s Church in the Old Town of Zurich.
The Opera House
The Opera House is an excellent cultural spot in Zurich with great shows, art galleries, and more. It is on the far end of Sechseläutenplatz at Bellevue, an excellent spot for a break. You can grab an ice cream at Movenpick or even a coffee. Takeaway is great because the square is full of free seats you can move around to your own perfect spot!
Visiting the Zurich Opera House is a must if you are looking for culture. It’s been around since the 1890s and was designed by Fellner & Helmer. It has a wide variety of shows, from opera to ballet to concerts. Tickets for the Opera House range from CHF 30 to CHF 230, depending on the seat and show. You can purchase tickets online, at the box office, or by phone.
Explore Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is one of Zurich’s most popular attractions. With its crystal blue waters backed by distant snow-capped peaks, it’s no wonder why people flock here for a day or two of relaxation. On the lake, you can go swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, or kayaking in the summer and ice skating (on rare occasions) or hit up a sauna in the winter. Locals also love to sail, swim, plunge, and surf. Take a boat cruise for a more classic way to explore the lake.
You can also ride the cable car up to Felsenegg for a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains. If you’re not up for a boat ride, take a scenic stroll along the lake promenade for a romantic picnic lunch. You can also explore the Limmat River on a river cruise, grab a bite at one of the waterfront restaurants, or even take a cable car up to the Uetliberg as a finale to your day. More on that later!
There’s no shortage of things to do in the area, whether you’re visiting Zurich for the first time or you’re a long-time resident.
Shop on Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is a street in Zurich that starts at the Hauptbahnhof railway station and ends at Lake Zurich. It is known for its international luxury brands like Prada, Chanel, Burberry, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as its famous square, Paradeplatz – which is the banking center. Of course, there used to be both UBS and Credit Suisse here, but soon it will be just one!
When on Bahnhofstrasse, you can take your time to look around in one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. Remember that the lower end is more “normal” shopping, while the luxury stuff is at the lake end. So, if you don’t want to walk the whole way, catch the tram to Paradeplatz!
Don’t forget to stop for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at Café Sprüngli, which is on the corner of Paradeplatz too. It’s also the perfect spot to grab one of Sprungli’s famous Luxemburgerli macaroons!
You can also have a short stop at the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum, which is home to an insane collection of navigation instruments, pendulum clocks, automata from the 16th and 17th centuries, pocket watches, and even a preliminary version of the first quartz wristwatch from the ’60s.
Head Up the Uetliberg
It’s Zurich’s mountain, located in the city itself. Uetliberg is the perfect spot for a day trip out of the city and can be reached by taking the S10 on the SZU from the Hauptbahnhof or a 25-minute train ride from Zurich. From the top of Zurich’s home mountain, you can get a great view of the city, its two rivers, and Lake Zurich, and you even have the Alps in the background. At least on a clear day!
You can also hike in the woods, take the cable car between Felsenegg and Adliswil, enjoy a scenic promenade, or go tobogganing on the slopes if it’s winter and snowy. I find winter is the best time to visit Uetliberg, when the peak above the fog tends to envelop the city’s shores, and only the tallest buildings poke through.
Relax at a Thermal Bath
Hürlimannbad & Spa Zürich is the perfect spot to relax and unwind, with many facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, submerged wood barrels, steam baths, and massages. It’s a chill spot in the city’s heart, with healing mineral waters and epic views thrown in. It is right around the corner from the large area where Google works in Zurich. And the building is a restored brewery with some great accommodation at the B2 Hotel right next door.
The highlight of this thermal bath is the huge rooftop pool with incredible underwater jets and a fantastic view of the city skyline. Visitors should take note of the no-photo policy at the Zurich Thermal Bath and leave their camera and phone in a locker before entering.
The Zurich Thermal Bath is reasonably priced, so visitors can enjoy its healing waters without breaking the bank.
Swim at A Badi
One of Zurich’s most popular places to swim in summer is the Obere Letten. It is just a few minutes from the main train station and a downstream part of the Limmat River.
Such a “Badi” (as they are called locally) is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat and spend some quality time with family and friends. A Badi offers indoor and outdoor pools, slides, and a beach volleyball court, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to do some laps in the pool or relax on the beach, there’s something for everyone.
Grab your swimsuit and head to one of Zurich’s traditional Badis for some fun in the sun. You can find river pools such as
Frauenbad am Stadthausquai (female-only)
Männerbad Schanzengraben (male-only)
Unterer Letten and Oberer Letten Pools
Seebad Utoquai along Lake Zurich
Seebad Enge on the other side of the lake
Immerse Yourself in Zurich Museums
The many and varied Museums in Zurich offer a unique opportunity to explore Switzerland’s long history and the local art scene. From the Kunsthaus Zurich and Swiss National Museum to the FIFA World Football Museum, Zurich is a city full of must-see gems for the museum-lover.
Whether you’re looking to explore the Middle Ages, delve into the history of football, or want to find out more about Switzerland, there’s a museum in Zurich that’s sure to satisfy your curiosity.
Most museums offer free admission once a month or sometimes on a particular day of the week, so check the museum’s website for the latest info on hours and prices.
Kunsthaus
It’s an art gallery with a pretty impressive collection of art in Switzerland. The Kunsthaus Zurich is the perfect place for art lovers, or anyone looking to explore the art of the Middle Ages to now. The gallery holds 4,000 paintings and sculptures. It also boasts 95,000 prints and drawings, covering almost 1,000 years. Notable works include pieces by Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti.
With a Zürich Card, visitors get 33% off their ticket, and if you’ve got a Fraumünster ticket, you can get a CHF 5 discount. It’s a great way to explore the city’s art and culture.
Swiss National Museum
It’s also known as the Schweizerische Landesmuseum and has exhibits about Switzerland’s history. The Swiss National Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the country’s culture and history from the Middle Ages to today. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, weapons, tools, pottery, decorative arts, and more.
You can also explore the Simply Zurich collection, which offers insight into Zurich’s history and diversity. The museum offers free admission with a Zürich Card, and they also have an events calendar with concerts and other events happening all year round.
Museum Rietberg
It’s an art museum in Zurich that focuses on non-European art. Museum Rietberg has 23,000 objects and 44,000 photos spanning architecture, costume and textiles, decorative and industrial arts, paintings, and sculpture. It’s one of the few museums in Switzerland dedicated to non-European art and the large collection of artifacts and photographs highlights its importance.
The museum also offers special guided tours focusing on different parts of the collection, such as its Asian art collection.
Many Other Museums
Apart from those mentioned in the previous sections, several other museums in Zurich are worth exploring. The Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum, located at the Lindt & Sprüngli factory on the shores of Lake Zurich, is an interactive museum where you can learn the history of chocolate-making and even try out some chocolate treats.
The Zoological Museum is a great place to get up close and personal with some of Switzerland’s native wildlife, and the Petting Zoo at the Fluntern Zoo offers a chance to feed animals and learn about animal conservation.
Zurich is also home to the FIFA World Football Museum, the Pavillon Le Corbusier, and the Swiss Science Center Technorama. For those looking to explore more of Zurich’s culture, there are many other museums to choose from, such as the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst and countless other Zurich Museums!
Discover Zuri-West
It’s a trendy spot in West Zurich, or as the locals call it, “Zuri West”. Here, you can explore the Viadukt, an old railway viaduct turned into a cool spot with designer shops and a market hall. Viadukt has it all – Swiss fashion boutiques, designer home stores, urban bike outlets, and secondhand stores. It’s also near the legendary Freitag Tower and Frau Gerold’s Garten!
You can easily get there by bike – a great 15-minute ride along the river. So, Zuri West is the place to be if you’re looking for a unique shopping experience and some alternative fashion.
Explore Zurich’s Seedier Side at Langstrasse
Langstrasse is pretty cool – it’s got an awesome vibe and is affordable compared to other parts of Zurich’s Old Town. The street is long and spans various neighborhoods.
You can start at Limmatplatz by catching a tram or walking from Zurich HB. Then, gradually make your way along Langstrasse. But honestly, the gems of Langstrasse are not on the street itself but on its many backstreets. You can find endless cheap but tasty restaurants and upcoming coffee stores.
I eat there regularly and some of my favorite restaurants include:
Chin Chin for Vietnamese
Josef for a varied dinner of small plates or just a drink
Lily’s is great for quick and cheap Asian food
The Bite for a tasty burger
Tenz for sumptuous Momos
Other Activities in Zurich
One thing people often miss is a trip with the Polybahn cogwheel train up to the terrace of ETH University for some awesome views. It’s also where Einstein used to teach and the home to some fun museums. And, at sunset, you can see the whole city at its best!
The Rote Fabrik, further down Lake Zurich, is great for catching concerts and events, and there are plenty of bars and clubs around. It allows you to explore Wollishofen and maybe even include a trip to the Lindt Chocolate Experience (Museum and Factory).
Some other ideas include:
- visit the many Zurich chocolate shops
- sampling some delicious Swiss fondue
attending the infamous Street Parade in August
exploring the insanely large Zurich Zoo
or take a day trip out of Zurich
Day Tours
If you want to get out of the city for a day, consider a tour of Mount Titlis, where you can take in the panoramic view, stroll along Europe’s highest suspension bridge, or visit the charming town of Lucerne. Zurich Zoo is one of the oldest in Europe and is home to over 300 species living in almost natural habitats, perfect for a family outing. The University of Zurich Botanical Garden is free and has over 8,000 plant species in indoor and outdoor displays. The Chinese Garden in Zurich is a picturesque temple garden with ponds, a palace, and a small island.
Zurich is an amazing place for families to explore, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages.
Summary
Zurich is the perfect destination for a captivating winter getaway. With its modernity and flair, it offers a variety of sights and attractions to make your trip unforgettable. From exploring the medieval quarter in the old town to the unique boutique shops, restaurants and back streets around Niederdorfstrasse to shopping on Bahnhofstrasse – Zurich has something for everyone!
Whether you’re looking to hit the ski slopes in the Swiss Alps, go tobogganing on Uetliberg or paddle boating on Lake Zurich, or explore the art and culture of Switzerland through its galleries, churches and museums, Zurich will not disappoint.
Be sure to immerse yourself in the beauty of this great city during your visit and reap all its rewards.
Plan Your Trip to Switzerland
Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more
Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums.
Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland.
Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland.
Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland.
Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zurich known for?
Zurich is most renowned as the financial capital of Switzerland and a prime tourist destination. Its well-developed banking sector and vibrant cultural scene make it one of the most popular cities in Europe, offering visitors an unforgettable experience every time.
How many days should I visit Zurich?
You need at least two days to really experience Zurich! A weekend is a great time to explore the beautiful city, unwind in parks, or take advantage of a range of cultural and historical activities.
But if you have more time, why not stay for even longer?
Do they speak English in Zurich?
Yes, English is widely spoken in Zurich and throughout Switzerland. A large percentage of the population speaks English, with it being more common in larger cities like Zurich.
It’s definitely possible to use English for almost everything while in Zurich.
Is Zurich more fun than Geneva?
Overall, it depends on what type of atmosphere you prefer. Geneva is a great option for travelers wanting to enjoy numerous cultural opportunities with plenty of activities in the city and beyond. Zurich has more in terms of traditional Swiss culture and many picturesque attractions. Therefore, whether Zurich is more fun than Geneva is ultimately up to the individual.
