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.

The Swiss National Museum, which received a contemporary architectural extension in 2016, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except on Thursdays when the property is open until 7 p.m.). Visitors ages 17 and older are charged 10 Swiss francs (less than $11) to enter, though admission is free for all Zurich Card holders and children 16 and younger. Museum tickets include access to restrooms, a gift shop, a cafe and a library. The museum is located across the street from Hauptbahnhof train station. Most Zurich trains, trams and buses stop at Hauptbahnhof or the adjacent Bahnhofquai station. For more information about the Swiss National Museum, visit the museum's official website.