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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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/

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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’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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 of the best things to do in Zürich

Mar 15, 2024 • 8 min read

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 13, 2019 and updated Mar 15, 2024.

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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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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. 

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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Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Zurich, Switzerland

By Stacey Lastoe

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Switzerland’s largest city may not (yet) draw the crowds of its other Western European counterparts, but it has more than enough of its share of panache to lure travelers and keep them engaged, entertained, and edified. The eminently walkable city, in spite of streets that zig and zag, is also increasingly bike-friendly. To wit: in 2024, Zurich will host Cycle Week, the national biking festival, and serve as the location for the annual Road and Para-Cycling Road World Championships. But you don’t need to ride competitively to enjoy Zurich’s myriad charms—gorgeous waterfront location, historic Old Town, sophisticated shopping, and artsy neighborhoods among them.

Best savored slowly over the course of a couple of days with a loose itinerary, the Swiss city’s Biennial returns this October to bring over 200 works of art from 50 artists. Works will be on display at the Kunsthalle Zurich, but if you miss the event, consider a spring venture when the city is in its full, glorious magnolia- and cherry-blossom bloom. Come summer, the lakefront buzzes with swimmers, sun bathers, and people watchers, cementing Zurich’s year-round appeal.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Thanks to direct flights from the US, Zurich has largely functioned as a stopover en route to the country’s Alpine skiing villages—but the city is worth a stop on its own.

The best things to do in Zurich, Switzerland

For many travelers to Switzerland, Zurich—thanks to direct flights from the US—has largely functioned as a stopover en route to the country’s Alpine villages for world-class skiing and legendary aprés . But Zurich also shines all on its own. A self-guided walking tour in Old Town, part of which is pedestrian-only, is an opportunity to get a feel for the city beyond its reputation as one of the world’s banking centers. The Limmat River runs through Old Town, where historic squares are nestled in with shops like Le Creuset, Max Chocolatier, and locally-owned retail boutiques. Panoramic views reward visitors making the 187 step climb to the top of Grossmunster , a cathedral said to have been built on the graves of the city’s patron saints.

After walking or cycling through Zurich, make another climb up to one of the city’s highest points where a day pass to the The Dolder Grand’s Spa provides the perfect respite for tired feet. The plunge pool circuit is a godsend in the warmer months, and not just for its euphoric-inducing properties. Book a treatment—the organic urban skin facial or a custom massage—or just have a spa lunch before checking out the meditation room, hidden like a speakeasy at the end of a winding path.

Opportunities for art fixes abound, but the best place to wander is Kunthaus Zurich . Housing one of the country’s largest art collections across two buildings following its recent expansion, the art museum displays works from Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and other major artists from around the world. Grab a cocktail or snack from Kunsthaus Bar in the Chipperfield Building before venturing to the original building across the street.

Frau Gerolds Garten is an urban beer garden serving traditional Swiss cuisine like fondue.

Where to eat in Zurich

Even the lactose-challenged among us have a hard time passing up a traditional fondue set, but Switzerland cuisine proffers much more than the country’s famous cheese in melted form ( Frau Gerolds Garten , however, doesn’t disappoint on this front). Switzerland’s prices can also cause sticker shock in even the most well-heeled travelers, which is why it’s essential to take advantage of attractively priced lunches, like the one at Rosengarten where three course menus change weekly but are always a steal.

In spite of its prime waterfront location on the shores of Lake Zurich, Mediterranean-leaning Chez Fritz , doesn’t mail in the menu. Seasonal items are reflected on a relatively small menu, but whether opting for the pork steak with truffles and chanterelles or the quail preparation, you’ll find thoughtful food priced affordably.

Both Zunfthaus Zur Waag and Kronenhalle are Zurich institutions serving traditional Swiss cuisine, including a variety of veal dishes, in fine dining atmospheres. For more casual fare, there’s Restaurant Rosso . From the owners of Bar Basso and Osso is this hip pizza joint featuring set course menus; option 3 —house salad, pizza slices, main course, and dessert for 70 CHF—is a wise choice.

Take advantage of your hotel’s breakfast buffet the next morning or go in search of fresh pastries and caffeine from Buchmann Beck Rennweg or Steiner Flughafebeck . Carry out a sandwich from the former—made on freshly baked bread, it’ll prove clutch later in the day.

By Olivia Morelli

By Matt Ortile

By Jessica Puckett

By Juliet Kinsman

The Dolder Grand hotel celebrates its 125th birthday in 2024.

Where to stay

While the hilltop location of the city’s grand dame will do a number on your quads if walking is the preferred mode of transport, The Dolder Grand , as grand as its name suggests, really is in a class of its own—and affords some of the best views of the city and its leafy surroundings. Celebrating its 125-year anniversary next year, The Dolder Grand has effectively found a way to marry old and new in a way that works, even if Duane Hanson’s 'Traveller'—a life-like sculpture hanging out by the bar—makes you do a triple take. Not content to rest on its Michelin stars at The Restaurant (one of six on-site dining options) Chef Heiko Nieder recently debuted a seasonal pop-up here, called Blooms; the all-vegan outdoor restaurant is both a sign of the times and a love letter to a garden of produce that came alive just in time for the recent opening.

For more affordable options there's the funky 25 Hours, Zurich , which resides in an arty enclave in Zurich West. The boutique property features modern furniture, colorful drapes, funky artwork, and Schindelhauer bikes for use. A more intimate, serene stay can be found at the five-star Widder Hotel . Its prime location in Old Town means easy access to restaurants, shopping, and the Kunsthaus. Comprising just 35 guest rooms and 14 suites, the luxe property feels like a true city escape, even if, by night, the Widder Bar, which takes its signature mocktails as seriously as its signature cocktails, suggests otherwise. And with the Schweizerhof brand of hotels strong in Switzerland, the Zurich outpost, nearly 150 years old, brings class, elegance, and attentive hospitality—minus any pretension.

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The Top 15 Things to Do 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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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 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!

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

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• 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

• 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.

With a Zurich City Pass , you can experience the best of Zurich at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

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

• 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!

• 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!

• 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

• 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!

• 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

• 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!

• 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

• 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.

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

• 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

• 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!

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Best places to visit in switzerland.

Switzerland is known around the world for its chocolate, cheese, charming towns and scenic landscapes . Everywhere you turn, you're treated to a little bit of history and a little bit of nature's beauty, as well as plenty of mouthwatering cuisine in between. U.S. News considered factors like sights, culture, accessibility and variety of things to do, plus traveler and expert input, to calculate the best places to visit in Switzerland. Peruse the list below, and vote for your favorite spots.

Appenzell District

Jungfrau region.

Interlaken's unique location between two lakes – Lake Brienz and Lake Thun – makes it a breathtaking spot for a vacation. Here, you can spend hours hiking various trails, taking in the castle-studded shores of Lake Thun on a boat cruise or gazing at the surrounding mountains from the Harder Kulm observation deck (accessible via a funicular). To see more of the region's stunning scenery, go for a ride on the Schynige Platte Railway or sign up for a paragliding or skydiving excursion.

Travelers looking to ski or snowboard in the Swiss Alps should head to Zermatt. This small, car-free town in the middle of the Alps is famous for housing one of the world's most famous attractions — the Matterhorn (a peak so popular that it inspired a Disneyland ride) — and Switzerland's highest ski resort. Novice and expert skiers and snowboarders can spend the bulk of their vacation hitting the slopes, which showcase incredible mountain views. After shredding powder, visitors can ride the Gornergrat train, pick up a slab of homemade chocolate from a local shop or savor cheese fondue at a traditional Swiss restaurant.

Picturesque Lucerne sits on Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, framed by snowcapped mountains and medieval buildings. This beautiful city's old town is home to historic attractions, lively town squares, boutique shops and old churches. Top attractions include the Musegg Wall and its towers (the preserved fortifications date back to the 13th century) and Europe's oldest wooden covered bridge, the must-see Chapel Bridge, which was originally built in the 1330s. Those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure can also ride a cable car to Mount Pilatus for stunning views of Lake Lucerne and plenty of activities at the top.

This lakefront city on the Swiss-Italian border offers visitors a unique travel experience. Because Lugano shares waters with neighboring Italy, the city features a mix of Swiss and Mediterranean influences in everything from its cuisine to its architecture. Plus, Lugano boasts unforgettable panoramas. Visit Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, both of which you can reach by funicular, for bird's-eye views of Lake Lugano and the city. Or, spend a few hours hiking the Olive Grove Trail or strolling the gardens of Ciani Park. If you'd rather lounge on a beach, head to Lido di Lugano.

Zurich is a cosmopolitan financial center, a foodie haven and a romantic European city that appeals to all types of travelers. A vacation here should include spending time admiring Lake Zurich, exploring the trendy bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, meandering through Lindenhof park and exploring the city's distinct neighborhoods. Join well-heeled shoppers (or just admire the window displays) on Bahnhofstrasse, a world-famous exclusive retail boulevard. While here, be sure to sample the famous dark chocolate Champagne truffles from specialty chocolatier Teuscher.

Visit the medieval town of Gruyères if you want to feel as if you've stepped back in time during your next trip. Its good looks (think: car-free cobblestone streets, fountain-filled squares and a 13th-century castle) create an old-world ambiance you're bound to love. Plus, the town is world-renowned for its Gruyère cheese, which you can sample and learn more about at a local cheese dairy or cellar. Sampling chocolate is also a must-do here, so be sure to check out a chocolate factory or attend a chocolate workshop while in town.

Like its neighbor Lugano, Locarno is located in the Ticino region near the Italian border. This quiet, small town is surrounded by stunning scenery (it sits on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the foothills of the Alps), and since it's the warmest destination in Switzerland, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. Be sure to stroll through the picture-perfect main square, Piazza Grande, where the city hosts several summer festivals, and trek to Madonna del Sasso, considered sacred among Roman Catholics. Then, head to the Verzasca river valley to swim or bungee jump.

Appenzell captures the essence of Switzerland with rolling hills, a car-free village and well-preserved customs. Visitors can take in the scenic landscape of the Appenzell District (located in the northeastern part of the country) by taking a cable car to the oft-photographed Aescher guest house, picturesquely built into the rock face, or hiking the region's "experience trails" like the Gonten Barefoot Trail and Appenzeller Kapellenweg, which weaves past 11 chapels. Meanwhile, the tiny village of Appenzell boasts quaint, frescoed shops and Museum Appenzell, which highlights the region's traditional crafts, folk music and art.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a small town that boasts more charm and incredible scenery than Brienz. Located in the stunning Bernese Oberland region, Brienz sits on the northeastern shore of Lake Brienz, which features gorgeous turquoise water and is flanked by towering evergreen mountains. Some of the best ways to soak up the awe-inspiring setting include strolling picture-perfect Brunngasse (often proclaimed the most beautiful street in Europe), riding the Brienz Rothorn Bahn (which traverses a steam rack railway) and taking a boat tour to lake attractions like Giessbach Falls.

Set along the banks of crystal-clear Lake Geneva in western Switzerland, this city is known for its incredible views and as the headquarters of the Red Cross and the United Nations. Geneva is also home to some iconic sights, including the Jet d'Eau (one of the world's tallest water fountains) and an old town with cobblestone streets and picturesque squares. While exploring the latter, be sure to check out the Saint Pierre Cathedral, which features Roman, Gothic and neoclassical details.

The capital of Switzerland, Bern sometimes gets overlooked for flashier Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva. But Bern holds many charms, including an old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) featuring the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, Renaissance-style fountains and a Gothic cathedral with the highest spire in Switzerland. The city also boasts many museums – several dedicated to Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern when developing his theory of relativity. Head to Gurten mountain – which you can reach by funicular, by bike or on foot – for sweeping views of the city below.

As the largest ski area in central Switzerland, Engelberg is a winter playground, with a long, snowy season for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and sledding. But don't sleep on a summertime visit here; warmer months allow for a bevy of fun family activities like a toboggan run, 300-plus miles of hiking trails and water activities on Trübsee lake. Regardless of when you visit, you won't want to miss the TITLIS Rotair, a revolving cable car that takes riders up Mount Titlis, and the other cable lifts that stop at a glacier cave, a panoramic restaurant, and the TITLIS Cliff Walk.

Considered "the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism," St. Moritz welcomes travelers with world-class skiing, swanky hotels, renowned après-ski offerings and top-notch restaurants. In addition to offering downhill skiing trails so highly regarded that the town has hosted the Olympics twice, St. Moritz features excellent spots for cross-country skiing, sledding and winter hikes. Come summertime, the area invites outdoor lovers to golf, bike, hike or enjoy water sports and swimming in the surrounding lakes.

The Jungfrau Region is the perfect place for first-timers wanting to experience the otherworldly splendor that is the Swiss Alps. But be forewarned: The destination is sky high. Popular attractions like the Jungfraujoch (which features Europe's highest train station), the Grindelwald-First cable car and the First Cliff Walk Presented by Tissot sit at the top of towering peaks. The innovative Eiger Express gondola offers even faster transport to the top (just 15 minutes from Grindelwald). For those who'd rather stick closer to Earth's surface, prioritize a hike on a lower-level valley path and a visit to the Pfingstegg toboggan.

Tourists may not be as familiar with Montreux as they are with its Lake Geneva neighbors, which makes this Swiss town such an undiscovered gem. Quaint Montreux features a waterfront promenade dotted with flowers and trees, a medieval castle and a charming old town, not to mention a statue commemorating Freddie Mercury (Queen recorded multiple albums here from 1978 to 1995). Montreux is also surrounded by vineyards and hosts a popular open-air jazz festival every summer, while the holiday season brings the festive Montreux Noël market.

Located less than 5 miles from Montreux, Vevey is another Lake Geneva gem. This town's picturesque promenade along the lake is filled with flowers and features a sculpture of Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last 25 years of his life in Vevey. The Alimentarium, a nutrition-focused museum, also adorns the shoreline with its beautiful sandstone building, which once served as the headquarters to Nestlé (the company is still based in Vevey). After admiring the town, visitors can take a cog railway to the scenic Les Pléiades vantage point for its stunning views and the astronomy-centric Astropléiades trail.   

The second-largest city on Lake Geneva, Lausanne is characterized by its renowned Gothic cathedral and surrounding hilly terrain. The stunning lake views and colorful city center don't hurt, either. Travelers can take in Lausanne's lively atmosphere by checking out the city's cafes, admiring the old town's beautiful architecture and perusing the exhibits at the Olympic Museum. No visit would be complete without venturing outside the city to nearby Lavaux, where you can enjoy wine from vineyards that are so scenic and well-preserved (some date back to the 11th century), the area was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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10 Best Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland

Posted: March 22, 2024 | Last updated: March 22, 2024

Considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, boasts a thriving financial sector, a flourishing art scene, and a stunning urban setting. In this cosmopolitan metropolis, you can visit world-renowned museums, marvel at the majestic Alps in the distance, and savor a dynamic food scene featuring traditional Swiss delicacies as well as contemporary international cuisine. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, our carefully curated list of the top ten things to do in Zurich will help you make the most of your visit.

Visit Zurich’s Art Museums

The Kunsthaus Zurich, the country’s largest art museum, has a collection spanning more than 800 years of art history. With a diverse range of pieces, from medieval sculptures to modern masterpieces, the museum’s crown jewels are undoubtedly the Impressionist paintings by Monet, Picasso’s works from the Classic Modern movement, and the Expressionist paintings from Kokoschka, Beckmann, and Corinth.

Visit the Swiss National Museum for a comprehensive overview of the country’s history and the Haus Konstruktiv Museum, which showcases Switerzland’s constructive, concrete, and conceptual art. Zurich also has several specialty museums, such as the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum and the FIFA Museum, as well as photography exhibitions and festivals like ZüriCarneval and architectural open houses that offer a glimpse into Zurich’s design heritage.

Explore Old Town

Zurich’s Old Town, or Altstadt, is a historic district teeming with cobbled streets, quaint cafes, boutique shops, and traditional Swiss restaurants. Many of Zurich’s notable places of interest are found here, including four iconic churches: Grossmunster, Fraumunster, St. Peter’s Church, and Wasserkirche. As you explore the old town, the towering spires of these four churches will become your guideposts.

Be captivated by Grossmunster’s stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture and Fraumunster’s Marc Chagall-designed stained glass windows, each intricately displaying a timeless Biblical tale. For breathtaking city views, ascend St. Peter’s Church and take in the spectacular scenery from its clock tower. Learn about the long and intriguing history of Wasserkirche, the oldest church in Zurich, deemed a site of idolatry during the Reformation.

Stroll the Limmatquai

Named after the Limmat River that gracefully runs alongside it, the half-mile Limmatquai promenade, a favorite of locals and tourists, provides postcard-worthy views of the river and the storied landmarks of Old Town Zurich. Adding to the promenade’s appeal are the historic guild halls and trendy arcades now home to upscale restaurants and fashion-forward boutiques. And for capturing the essence of the city, there’s no better spot to snap some stunning photos.

Visit Zurich’s Parks and Gardens

Zurich has around 70 parks and gardens. Two of the most notable are Platzspitz Park, which is great for leisurely walks and picnics, and Belvoirpark, known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, beds of iris flowers, and tranquil ponds.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich is another gem for nature lovers. With a collection that includes several thousand species of plants from all over the world, the garden serves as both a research facility and an inviting outdoor public space.

Go Skiing on Epic Alpine Terrain

Amidst the snow-capped Swiss Alps, within a two-hour drive of Zurich, you’ll find some of the best ski destinations in the world, including the charming village of Flumserberg and the alpine wonderland of Andermatt. Known as the “Pearl of the Alps,” Flumserberg provides an exhilarating range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to paragliding and mountain biking. With traditional wooden chalets and cozy cafes, Andermatt, which has more than 60 miles of ski slopes, is a lively place for après-ski activities. There’s even an après-ski train .

For a more intimate skiing experience, head to the Engelberg, where you can enjoy its quiet slopes and stunning mountain vistas. Of course, each of these destinations is also a fantastic spot for year-round getaways.

Hike on Nearby Scenic Trails

From rugged mountain trails to serene lakeside paths, Zurich provides various options for hikers of all levels. Start with the popular Uetliberg Mountain and its well-marked trails. Here, the stunning panoramic views of Zurich and its surroundings are easily accessible by train.

Explore the trails at Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, and take a boat cruise to get up close and personal with its cascading waterfalls. For a more challenging hike, ascend to the summit of Schöneberg Peak and be rewarded with even more awe-inspiring vistas.

Cruise on Lake Zurich

A boat tour of Lake Zurich is an unforgettable way to experience the area’s scenic beauty. The lake’s peaceful waters are surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and beautiful lakeside towns. To make the most of your adventure, opt for a private boat tour or hop on a traditional paddle steamer where you can enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the lake’s scenery.

Ride a Scenic Train to Jungfraujoch

Take a day trip to Jungfraujoch to ride a scenic train. Standing tall at 3,466 meters in the majestic Bernese Alps of Switzerland, Jungfraujoch is a coveted summit for adventure seekers. Ascending this peak via train offers breathtaking views of the Jungfrau region near Interlaken and a unique journey on the Jungfraubahn, Europe’s highest-altitude railway. For a taste of Swiss village life, consider a trip to Grindelwald and Interlaken, where the verdant scenery and quaint villages are mesmerizing.

Try Local Swiss Foods

When visiting Zurich, you won’t have trouble finding two of Switzerland’s signature foods: fondue and raclette. Many restaurants in the city, such as Restaurant Swiss Chuchi, Raclette Factory, and Walliser Keller, serve these dishes. In winter, the city also has a vintage fondue tram , where you can enjoy delicious fondue on an exciting ride through the city.

Zurich is also a prime destination for chocolate lovers. The Lindt Home of Chocolate is a notable destination providing a deep dive into Swiss chocolate, with tastings and interactive exhibits. You can also try a Swiss chocolate walking tour to indulge in a variety of chocolate treats. Aside from cheese and chocolate, the city is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants like Ignev Zurich and Elmira. Head to Restaurant Krone Altstetten or Alpenrose for upscale and contemporary Swiss cuisine that is sure to delight. For those looking to sample a variety of Swiss specialties, Zurich’s weekly markets offer everything from artisan cheeses to handmade chocolates.

Shop on the Bahnhofstrasse

Take a shopping spree on Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s most famous fashion street. Stretching from the Hauptbahnhof train station to Lake Zurich, this bustling thoroughfare is lined with high-end boutiques, department stores, and luxury brands, selling everything from fashion and jewelry to luxury Swiss watches and chocolates. Even if shopping is not on your agenda, a walk down Bahnhofstrasse is worth it for the lively atmosphere and the impressive window displays.

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18 Best Things To Do In Zurich For Free

Switzerland is an expensive country to visit, and it’s no secret that Zurich is one of its priciest cities. It costs a fortune to stay in the city for a few days, especially if you’re not going to survive on supermarket food the entire time. So, it’s perfectly normal to want to save money on tourist attractions while you’re staying in Zurich.

The funny thing is that there’s a plethora of things you can do in the city without spending a cent. Many museums have free entry, as do churches and public parks. You can even visit a bird sanctuary for free, and walk around a 19th-century botanical garden. Those are some of my favorites, and here’s a more in-depth look at all the best things to do in Zurich for free!

Table of Contents

Uetliberg Mountain

Uetliberg is Zurich’s home mountain that offers dramatic views of the city rooftops and Lake Zurich. The mountain is most easily accessible by mountain trains, but those cost money. So, instead of paying for a train ticket, you can hike to the mountain from the city center for free.

It takes about two hours to reach the top of Uetliberg , and it’s absolutely worth it. The hike is a really good way of getting some exercise into your trip to Zurich and getting to enjoy the splendid sights without spending any money. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, and for experienced hikers, this will be a piece of cake. 

Once you’re at the summit, there are a bunch of other things you can do for free. My favorite is the Planet Trail , which is easy and very fun to follow. 

Old Town Zurich

The old town of Zurich is the best thing about this city, at least for me. The cobblestone alleys, the wonderful architecture, and the towering Gothic churches are all stunning sights to behold.

While there are countless guided tours of Zurich Old Town , strolling through the central city streets doesn’t have to cost you a dime. You can easily organize a self-guided tour and spend hours roaming around Zurich Altstadt, discovering all of its famous landmarks.

The top sights in the old town of Zurich are Grossmunster, Fraumunster, Bahnhofstrasse, St. Peter’s Square, Lindenhof, Paradeplatz, the Swiss National Museum, and the Zurich Opera House. Some of these attractions have free entrances and are mentioned in more detail below.

Tip : Many churches are free to enter and touring them is a must during a walking tour of the Zurich Old Town. And if you try to walk inside a church with paid entrance, the worst that can happen is that you’ll not be let in.

Botanical Garden

Zurich has several botanical gardens, but the one in the heart of the old town is where you’re going if you don’t want to pay any entrance fees. Situated at the western edge of the city center, the Old Botanical Garden boasts a wonderful collection of trees and medicinal plants.

The garden dates back to the early 19th century, and it is locally famous for its octagonal palm house. The small glass building houses all the plants and trees that have no business being in Zurich, and which wouldn’t survive a day in the harsh Swiss climate.

The Old Botanical Garden in Zurich is open every day from 7 AM until 7 PM. In the garden is also the Ethnographic Museum, another Swiss museum with free entry. Visit the place to see some unique objects in the collocation, and learn something about the Swiss culture and tradition.

Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse is arguably the most expensive street in Zurich. Lined with luxury shops on either side, this iconic city street is home to some of the priciest boutiques in the city. But walking down the street is entirely free, as long as you’ve got enough self-control to stay on the street and not go inside the shops.

The iconic Bahnhofstrasse is also the most famous street in the city of Zurich. It runs all the way from the Zurich HB railway station down to the lake, featuring many iconic city landmarks. The street can be traversed on foot, which is completely free, or in a tram.

Grossmunster

Grossmunster is one of the two famous churches in the city’s old town. It is best known for its twin clock towers, which offer stunning panoramic views of the Limmat River. The protestant church is also famous for being the home church of Huldrych Zwingli, the leader of the Reformation in Switzerland.

Anyone can enter the church for free and tour its immaculate interior. See the beautiful stained glass windows and the ornate sculptures that decorate its walls. Access to the towers is charged, and the panoramic views of Zurich’s rooftops have a price of 5 CHF.

Lindenhof is the hill in central Zurich, situated on the site of a former Roman fort. You can see remnants of the old fort here, and you can also enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Limmat River and the buildings that line its shore.

The hilltop is also a popular gathering place for the locals, especially the older crowds. Open-air chess is played here, and you can challenge someone to a match, or just observe the veterans in action.

Lindenhof is easily accessible by a short walk in the old town of Zurich.

Fraumunster

Fraumunster is an evangelical church on the bank of the Limmat River. The church is most easily recognizable for the green roof of its clock tower.

Touristic tours of the church are usually charged 5 CHF, but you can enter the church for free if you pretend that you’ve come to pray. Also, anyone can attend the Sunday service at 10 AM for free. It’s held in German and you might not understand what’s going on, but it’s a good opportunity to discover the gorgeous stained glass windows by Giacometti and Chagall for free.

The Crypt Museum is accessible only if you’ve paid the entrance fee.

Lake Zurich

One of the best things about Zurich is that it lies on the shore of Lake Zurich. For anyone who visits the city in the summer, this means lounging on beaches and swimming in the lake.

Head to the shore and walk around for a little while, admiring the panoramic views before your eyes. Lake Zurich is wonderfully scenic, and even just being near the water is enough to put you in a good mood.

But on a warm summer day, jumping in the chilly lake is the perfect way of cooling down. Although there are multiple bathing areas that charge an entrance fee, there are even more spots where you can put down a towel without having to pay for anything.

Zoological Museum of Zurich

The Zoological Museum of Zurich is hands down my favorite free attraction in the city. Situated at the University of Zurich, this natural history museum boasts two floors of exhibits. With so many different things to see here, the museum practically gives away a couple of hours of fun for free.

The museum’s collection includes everything from mammoth skeletons to unicorn models. It’s a fascinating museum and an absolute must for all animal lovers in Zurich. The only downside is that it’s a bit away from the city center, but it’s still easily accessible by bus, tram, and funicular.

Also, the museum is on a hill above the lower city and offers beautiful views of Zurich’s rooftops from its surroundings.

Swiss National Museum

The Swiss National Museum boasts the largest exhibit on the culture and history of Switzerland, and it’s a must for anyone who wants to learn more about this spectacular country. The standard entrance fee is 10 CHF, but it is possible to enter the museum for free with a variety of cards and passes.

So, if you have the Zurich City Card or the Zurich Museum Pass, you can tour this museum without spending a cent. Until recently the museum was also free with the Swiss Travel Pass, but this rule has been changed a few times. Currently, it is still included in the list of museums you can enter for free with the Swiss Pass, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go in and ask.

St. Peter’s Square

Situated in the heart of Zurich Old Town, St. Peter’s Square is a large public space in front of the namesake church. The square boasts charming buildings, cobblestone alleys, and plenty of benches that you can sit on if you ever need a break.

It’s a great place for a quick rest in between sightseeing sessions. St. Peter’s church is free to enter for everyone, but it’s not quite as grand or striking as the other Zurich churches, so you might be underwhelmed if you’re expecting breathtaking artwork and stunning vaulted ceilings.

Zurich Succulent Plant Collection

Head to the Mythenquai beach to see a very interesting greenhouse in Zurich. It houses the city’s succulent collection, which is surprisingly rich for a city with a pretty harsh climate.

The Succulent Plant Collection mostly features cacti and more species than you would expect to see in a desert. The collection is categorized by origin and includes succulents from Madagascar, South America, Africa, and many other places where cacti are native.

The display is impressively large, and it’s a miracle that such a fun place can be toured for free. Expect to spend at least 20-30 minutes here walking around, possibly even more if you read all the info panels to learn something about the succulents.

It goes without saying, but do not touch any of the cacti at this botanical garden because you’ll have regrets. If you get the free bike rental, you can easily cycle from the old town to the greenhouse in about 10 minutes. Otherwise, it’s a 30-minute walk from central Zurich.

Voliere Zürich

Arboretum Zürich is a vast public park on the northwestern shore of Lake Zurich. In it is the Zurich Aviary, a small bird sanctuary with free entrance. This is more than just a zoo in Zurich; it’s a rescue station for wild birds found injured or sick. The Aviary is staffed every day and accepts emergency cases daily.

Anyone can show up at Voliere Zurich and tour the place in 20-30 minutes. You can see many unique bird species here, and learn about each one. It’s even possible to sign up for tours of the bird care station and boarding house, which aren’t normally open to the public.

But this is available only to groups and school clubs, and you would have to try to contact the aviary well in advance to ask for a tour. You’re more likely to be granted a tour of these places if you work with animals or have previous experience caring for birds.

Free Bike Rental

The Zurirollt program offers anyone the option to rent a bike for free. You just need to show your ID and leave a deposit of 20 CHF, which you will get back once you return the bike. So technically, it won’t cost you anything.

Zurich is a fairly big city, and cycling is a great way to get around quickly without spending money on public transport. You can cycle along the shore of Lake Zurich, past the Opera House and the Chinese Garden, and even up to Uetliberg.

River Pools

The popularity of outdoor bathing in Zurich draws roots from the Roman Era, and there’s a lot to unpack about the bathing cult of Zurich. What’s most important in this context is that the city offers a wide selection of river pools that anyone can access free of charge.

Throughout Zurich, there are various bathing areas on both the Limmat River and Lake Zurich. Many have paid entrance, and those places usually include lockers, bathrooms, and even cafes and restaurants. But the city also has a bunch of places with free entrance, and they’re perfect for travelers who want to experience the bathing cult of Zurich without spending any money.

Männerbad Schanzengraben , Flussbad Oberer Letten , and Flussbad Unterer Letten are some of the best free river pools in Zurich.

Tip : In the summer, the free bathing areas get crowded quickly. For the most enjoyable experience, head there early in the morning and get ready to leave when other people’s towels start touching your own.

Belvoir Park

Situated in the southwestern part of Zurich, Belvoir Park is a vast green space near the lake with free entry. It’s right next to the Rieterpark with the Rietberg Museum, which is one of the museums you can visit for free with the Swiss Travel Pass. But that’s not the point.

Belvoir Park features landscaped walking paths, sculptures, fountains, and playgrounds. Visit to spend an afternoon away from the crowds of central Zurich, relaxing under the shade of a massive tree. In the spring, come here to see some beautiful flowers and enjoy the park in all its glory.

The park is situated on the grounds of a 19th-century mansion, and the villa still exists on the grounds. Nowadays it houses the Belvoirpark Restaurant, which serves classic Swiss cuisine in an idyllic setting.

Zurich West

Zurich West is a city district that often gets overlooked by tourists because it isn’t home to the city’s most famous landmarks. While most people prefer to roam around the old town, Zurich West is a great area for the younger crowd. The trendy neighborhood has increased in popularity over the past few years, after its 180° transformation from an industrial quarter.

A walking tour of this neighborhood is a great way to discover a different side of Zurich. The modern buildings, office campuses, and even the tallest tower in the entire city area are all in Zurich West. The district also has a bunch of free public parks, as well as some of the best nightclubs in Zurich. But those aren’t free.

Langenberg Wildlife Park

The Langenberg Wildlife Park in Langnau am Albis is a top destination for outdoor lovers in Zurich. It’s a vast wilderness area with hiking trails, wildlife, and plenty of barbecue spots. Best of all, access to the wildlife park is free of charge!

I love to go here when I need a break from the crowds of Zurich because it’s such a serene place. I can spend hours watching the bears swim and admiring all the wildcats. There’s a cafe at the park where you can get a bite to eat, but I prefer to bring my own food and make use of the designated BBQ areas because it’s more fun.

If you get a free bike from Zurirollt, you can travel to the wildlife park for free. It takes about 45 minutes to cycle from the old town, and the terrain is mostly flat except for the last stretch from Adliswil.

Map of Zurich Attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

What museums are free in zurich.

The Zoological Museum, Paleontological Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Archeological Institute and Museum, and focusTerra are free museums in Zurich. Many other museums are free for tourists who have the Zurich City Card and the Swiss Travel Pass. 

What is free in Zurich with SwissPass?

With the Swiss Pass, you get free entrance to 24 museums, free use of public transport, unlimited travel on buses and boats, and free rides on panorama trains.  Discounts for mountain trains are also a benefit of the Swiss Travel Pass. 

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10 Beautiful Towns near Zurich for Day Trips

• September 1, 2020 May 21, 2024
• Beautiful Towns , Day Trips

Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Darla Uhl

Switzerland has spectacular mountains, pristine lakes, lush valleys, and charming cities. Although Bern is its capital, some people consider Zurich as its unofficial capital. Zurich is the financial center of and most populous city in Switzerland .

Although there is more than enough to see and do in Zurich, there are other places worth visiting as well. This list presents ten small but beautiful towns near Zurich if you have only a day to spare.

10 Beautiful Towns Near Zurich

Along the shores of Lake Constance is the charming, historic port city of Arbon in Thurgau . It is not only an excursion destination but also a holiday region. It also offers lots of possibilities for biking, hiking, and water sports.

How do you get from Zurich to Arbon?  From  Zurich , take the train to Romanshorn . Transfer to the next train to Arbon . The total trip from  Zurich  to  Arbon takes  1 hour and 19 minutes  including transfer time. Arbon can be reached from Zurich by car in an hour.

While visiting Arbon, you can begin by strolling in its historic old town. You can also visit the following sites:

• The Arbon Castle – is currently a regional historical and cultural museum. It also has a 33-meter-high tower
• The Roman watchtower of the fort “ Arbor Felix ” was built back in 280
• The Gallus Chapel from the 12th century was built in honor of the Irish messenger Gallus
• St. Martin’s Catholic Church – is probably the oldest Christian community in Lake Constance

Once you are done visiting the historic sites, you can also ride the Lake Constance ship , go to the swimming pools, or cycle along the famous Arbon terrain overlooking Lake Constance. For old-timer fans, the Saurer Museum presents 20 historic vehicles produced in Arbon (trucks, buses, military vehicles, and fire trucks).

If you want to read more about Arbon , check out our article The Historic Town of Arbon, Switzerland .

2. Stein am Rhein

The idyllic town on the Upper Rhine is full of medieval buildings with painted facades and half-timbered houses. Stein am Rhein owes much of its preserved beauty to the Windler Foundation , which provides yearly financial support to maintain this beautiful town. Its location is right where Lake Constance flows into the Rhein River .

How do you get from Zurich to Stein am Rhein?  From  Zurich , take the train to Winterthur . Transfer to the next train to Stein am Rhein . The total trip from  Zurich  to   Stein am Rhein takes  1 hour and 7 minutes  including transfer time. Stein am Rhein is accessible from Zurich in 40 to 55 minutes by car.

If you would like to read more about Stein am Rhein , you can check out The Pretty Town of Stein am Rhein, Switzerland .

Worth visiting is Lindwurm Museum – the only Empire House in Stein am Rhein which dates from 1279. The lovingly completed reconstruction of this bourgeois house from the middle of the 19th century showcases the upper-class lifestyle of small towns.

One of the best-preserved Medieval monastery complexes St. George’s Abbey and the Hohenklingen Castle , built high above the town in 1225, are also worth visiting. The tourist office of Schaffhausen also provides a 75-minute guided tour of the old town. Click here for more information.

GetYourGuide offers a great city tour of Zurich alongside Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein . This is a decently priced tour with a professional multilingual guide and a comfortable bus. You can buy it from GetYourGuide with this link – Best of Zurich City Tour: Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein .

Along the Aare River lies a small town called Aarburg , which is dominated by its fortress once owned by the Habsburg family. Located in the district of Zofingen , the town of Aarburg connects the Olten region with the rest of inner Switzerland.

How do you get from Zurich to Aarburg?  From  Zurich , take the train to Olten or Aarau . Transfer to the next train to Aarburg-Oftringen . The total trip from  Zurich  to   Aarburg takes  50 minutes  including transfer time. Aarburg is accessible from Zurich in 46 minutes by car.

The Aarburg fortress is a nationally recognized cultural asset and is currently used as a youth center. Public tours are available every Saturday at 2:00 p.m. from spring until autumn. For more information, click here .

Aarburg is not only a beautiful old town recognized as a Swiss Heritage Site . It also has wonderful and relaxing hiking trails along the river Aare and a baroque museum from 1750.

If you would like to read more about Aarburg , you can check out this article: The Picturesque Town of Aarburg, Switzerland .

4. Einsiedeln

Einsiedeln is a town popular not only among Catholics and pilgrims wanting to see the famous Benedictine Abbey and the Black Madonna but also among all other visitors wanting to view this 300-year-old baroque monument. The interiors are splendid and culturally meaningful. A garden and a horse stable can also be found on the abbey grounds.

How do you get from Zurich to Einsiedeln?  From  Zurich , take the train to Wädenswil . Transfer to the next train to Einsiedeln . The total trip from  Zurich  to   Einsiedeln takes  50 minutes  including transfer time. Einsiedeln is accessible from Zurich in 34 minutes by car.

Guided tours of the monastery organized by Einsiedeln Tourism are available daily (except Sundays and public holidays) and cost CHF 18 per adult.

The town of Einsiedeln itself is charming and filled with small shops, hotels, restaurants, and bakeries. Our favorite is Bäckerei Schefer . There is also a national ski jumping center with four hills located in Eschbach, Einsiedeln.

If you would like to read more about Einsiedeln , check out our article: Einsiedeln – The Most Famous Monastic Village in Switzerland .

5. Bremgarten

Bremgarten is a charming little medieval old town along the banks of the Reuss river. It is listed as a heritage site of national significance.

How do you get from Zurich to Bremgarten?  From  Zurich , take the train to Dietikon . Transfer to the next train to Bremgarten . The total trip from  Zurich  to   Bremgarten takes 39 minutes  including transfer time. Bremgarten is accessible from Zurich in 24 minutes by car.

Guided city tours can be booked for individuals (CHF 10.-) or groups of up to 25 persons (CHF 120.-) on the website of the Bremgarten Tourist Office.

Bremgarten has a lot to offer, such as the town hall , the armory , the former prison , and the still-existing city fortifications. It also has a church district called the “Little Vatican.”

For kids, there is a large sprawling area in St. Josef Foundation with various animals and play areas.

6. Lenzburg

Lenzburg is well-known for the Lenzburg Castle – one of the most important hilltop castles in Switzerland. The museum and the exhibitions at Lenzburg Castle show 1000 years of castle history. Various rooms within the castle present how families lived from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. On the topmost floor is the children’s museum where little children can play as little princesses and knights and get to know the resident dragon, Fauci .

How do you get from Zurich to Lenzburg?  From  Zurich , take the direct train to Lenzburg . The train journey from  Zurich  to   Lenzburg takes 19 minutes . Lenzburg is accessible from Zurich in 35 minutes by car.

The small town with medieval Old Town of national importance is discovered at the heart of the Lenzburg castle region; home to the Lenzburg, Hallwyl, Wildegg, Brunegg and Habsburg castles. – MySwitzerland.com

If you would like to learn more about the Lenzburg Castle, you can check out the article Lenzburg Castle: Stepping Back in Time to Medieval Switzerland .

7. Rheinfelden

Rheinfelden , Switzerland is located on the left bank of the river Rhine across the German town of the same name. Once a part of the Kingdom of Burgundy and Further Austria , it later joined what was known as the Helvetic Republic in 1802.

How do you get from Zurich to Rheinfelden?  From  Zurich , take the direct train to Rheinfelden . The train journey from  Zurich  to   Rheinfelden takes 1 hour and 6 minutes . Rheinfelden is accessible from Zurich in 53 minutes by car.

The town received the famed Wakker Prize in 2016, which was awarded by the  Swiss Heritage Society  for the development and preservation of its architectural heritage. It is also a spa town with the existence of sole uno – a wellness park resort.

There are several sites worth visiting in Rheinfelden:

• The Catholic Church of St. Martin
• The Johanniter Chapel
• The entire medieval city wall
• The Feldschlösschen brewery
• The Fricktaler Museum

There are various tours within Feldschlösschen Brewery available to the public for CHF 18 to CHF 40 from Mondays to Fridays. The brewery and Maestro Zobler tours are also open on Saturdays.

The nearby town of Augst is also worth visiting from Rheinfelden. It is the oldest Roman town at the Rhine and the archeological site of Augusta Raurica still stands.

8. Laufenburg

Laufenburg Switzerland is a town in Canton Aargau on the Rhine River directly across from its twin town Laufenburg in Germany.

How do you get from Zurich to Laufenburg?  From  Zurich , take the train to Döttingen , Brugg AG , or Stein-Säckingen . Look for the bus to take you thereafter to Laufenburg . The total travel time from Zurich is 80 to 90 minutes . Laufenburg is accessible from Zurich in 48 minutes by car.

…mountain by the waterfall, by the whirlpool, by the rapids  – Beat Zehnder: Die Gemeindenamen des Kantons Aargau, on the meaning of laufenburg

A beautiful town also crowned with the famed Wakker prize in 1985, Laufenburg has the following places also worth touring:

• The old town with its walls and towers
• The remains of   Burg Laufenburg – fell into ruins after the 30-year-war
• Church of John the Baptist

FUN FACT. Did you know? Until 1801, Laufenburg in Germany and Laufenburg in Switzerland were actually just one town.

If you would like to know more about Laufenburg , check out our article: Laufenburg, Switzerland: One Town, Two Countries .

Eglisau is a town in Canton Zurich on the Rhine River .

How do you get from Zurich to Eglisau?  From  Zurich , take the S9 train directly to Eglisau. The total travel time from Zurich is 32 minutes . Eglisau is accessible from Zurich in 28 minutes by car.

Surrounded by vineyards on the banks of the Rhine River , Eglisau is a beautiful town near Zurich to visit. The Gothic-style Church of Eglisau built back in 1716 sits in the old town. It is a protected monument due to its being a national cultural asset.

The biggest and most beautiful house in the region is Weierbachhus . In this house from 1670 sits the local museum. It presents the town’s history and lifestyle including ships, fishing, salt trade, and many more.

If you would like to read more about Eglisau , you can check out this article: Eglisau, Switzerland: The Best Of This Wine Village .

10. Steckborn

Steckborn is a town in Canton Thurgau on Lake Constance ( Bodensee ). It is in the southwestern area of Untersee .

How do you get from Zurich to Steckborn?  From  Zurich , take the train to Schaffhausen. In Schaffhausen, transfer to the connecting train going to Steckborn . You can also take the train to Frauenfeld . In Frauenfeld, there is a bus going to Steckborn . The total travel time from Zurich including transfer is 70 to 76 minutes . Steckborn is accessible from Zurich in 58 minutes by car.

Steckborn has a charming old town. Its distinguishing landmark is the Turmhof Museum. The 700-year-old Turmhof Museum was once the seat of the abbots of Reichenau. Now, it shows the culture and history of the Untersee area. The exhibitions include prehistoric finds from the region, rural furniture during the Age of Enlightenment, and a collection of handicraft tools from the local craftsmen.

You can also visit the baroque church in the city center. It is an understated but nevertheless beautiful church that has been added to the country’s cultural heritage protection ( Denkmalschutz ) since 1968.

Don’t Forget: Zurich’s Old Town

For those who just wish to stay in Zurich , don’t forget that Zurich also has a pretty little old town called Niederdorf . It is a pedestrian-friendly old town between Central and Grossmünster, Limmatquai, and Seilergraben. It houses quaint boutiques, restaurants, cinemas, and hotels.

In Zurich, you can visit the following:

• The  Grossmünster Church   ( Great Minister)  – is likely the most recognized landmark of Zurich. It is a wonderful church in the old town. The Romanesque-style Church has slender and striking towers. It is the cradle of the Zwingli Reformation.
• The Frauenmünster Church – Is the smallest of the 34 Evangelical Reformed churches in the city. Built by the grandson of Charlemagne back in 853, it also showcases windows created by world-famous Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti .

Click here for more detailed information regarding Zurich’s best attractions :

• Closest Mountains To Visit From Zurich
• 14 Popular Zurich Attractions Near Zurich Train Station
• 10 Best Free Museums and Parks in Zurich
• 25 Best Things To Do In Zurich, Switzerland
• 12 Best Unique Experiences In Zurich
• Top 8 Things to Do in Zurich on a Rainy Day
• Complete List Of Museums in Zurich Open On Mondays

* Disclosure: By clicking on our affiliate links, you may support TouringSwitzerland.com while incurring no additional costs. We appreciate your support!

Related Posts

• The Historic Town of Arbon, Switzerland
• The Pretty Town of Stein am Rhein, Switzerland
• Laufenburg, Switzerland: One Town, Two Countries
• Einsiedeln – The Most Famous Monastic Village in Switzerland
• The Picturesque Town of Aarburg, Switzerland
• Eglisau, Switzerland: The Best Of This Wine Village
• Most Beautiful Lakes Near Zurich
• Popular Ski Resorts Near Zurich
• 11 Beautiful Medieval Towns in Switzerland
• Lenzburg Castle: Stepping Back in Time to Medieval Switzerland

Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.

Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.

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Zurich’s Old Town

Attractions of the Old Town:

The attractions listed below are the ultimate must-sees of Zurich’s historic city center.

Grossmünster

The twin towers of the Grossmünster are regarded as the most recognized landmark in Zurich and are as much part of the city as the lake and the glitzy shopping streets.

St. Peter Church

Not only is St. Peter the oldest church in Zurich, it also has the largest tower clock face in Europe. Two records are definitely worth a visit.

Fraumünster Church

Not far from Paradeplatz, this church is known for its magnificent Chagall windows, but its history, too, is worth exploring.

Giacometti Murals

The most beautiful precinct in the world is situated in Zurich's Old Town, where Augusto Giacometti's magnificent murals (1925) adorn the vaulted ceiling and the walls.

Cabaret Voltaire

This is the birthplace of the 1916 Dada art movement that conquered Zurich and the entire world. Today, visitors appreciate the multi-lingual performances, collages and sound poems.

Kunsthaus Zürich

With its new extension, which opened in 2021, the Kunstmuseum Zürich is the largest museum in Switzerland and exhibits outstanding works of art.

Streets and Alleys:

Starting at the Zurich Main Station, you can easily discover the Old Town – including the famous “Niederdorf”– on your own.

Bahnhofstrasse

Apart from the Grossmünster church, the Bahnhofstrasse is undoubtably the most famous landmark of the historic city center. Back in the day, this luxurious shopping street used to be a ditch.

This charming part of the Old Town is situated on the right bank of the River Limmat. The car-free part of Kreis 1 is a great place to shop, have a drink, and experience the soul of the city.

Augustinergasse

The Augustinergasse lined with old and colorful houses adorned with bay windows, lanterns and arches is especially beautiful and immensely photogenic.

In medieval times, the “Schipfe” was used as a place of transshipment for important goods. In the 16th century, the silk and shipbuilding industries, as well as public baths, started to establish themselves here.

Paradeplatz

Did you know that the world-famous financial center in the heart of Zurich was used as a cattle market in the 18th century?

Rennweg did, in fact, used to be the widest street in Zurich. Today, it is home to exclusive boutiques and the famous Widder Hotel.

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

Those who want to learn more about Zurich’s eventful past can participate in the most popular guided city tour, the “ Zurich Old Town Walking Tour ”.

On this tour, professional guides offer fascinating insights into the origins of Switzerland’s biggest city, explain its significance for Switzerland through the ages, and also relate stories about famous Zurich personalities.

With the Zürich Card , guests can benefit from 50% discount on this tour.

Squares and Gardens:

Visitors to the Old Town will find peace, relaxation, and plenty to please the eye in the beautiful gardens and parks, and on terraces with great views.

To this day, a tombstone dating from 180 AD can be found on the way up to the Lindenhof. The inscription, “Turicum”, is the first written mention of the ancient name for Zurich.

This magnificent garden is well known to the students of Zurich University and ETH Zurich. But it is an absolute gem for guests from all over the world, too.

Polyterrasse

The charming Polybahn takes just 100 seconds to ascend from Central to the ETH terrace. And the trip is well worth it, for at the top there are beautiful views over the Old Town.

Old Botanical Garden

Tucked-away paths and benches, a pretty glass pavilion, and, below it, the babbling of the Schanzengraben canal.

Bürkliterrasse

On a clear day, the view sweeps across the deep-blue Lake Zurich to the snow-capped Alps in the distance. So beautiful that it is almost kitschy.

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Switzerland

Whether it’s summer or winter, Switzerland beckons with its picturesque landscapes and rich heritage. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the crystal-clear lakes and charming Alpine villages, there’s something to captivate every traveler. Keep on reading for a list of the top 10 things to do in Switzerland that promise to make your stay as diverse as it is captivating.

Let’s uncover stunning Swiss landscapes as we explore all the jaw-dropping natural wonders this country has to offer.

A Guide to the Top 10 Things to Do in Switzerland

• Zermatt and Matterhorn
• The Bernese Alps
• Jungfraujoch Pass
• Lake Lucerne
• Visit Interlaken
• Les Diablerets and Glacier 3,000
• Lake Geneva
• The Swiss Plateau
• Aletsch Glacier

1. Start Your Adventure at Zermatt and Matterhorn

Let’s kick off our adventure in Zermatt, a charming Alpine town nestled at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. First conquered in 1865, its distinctive silhouette later served as inspiration for a renowned Swiss chocolate brand… Any guesses as to which?

And for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, snagging tickets to the Gornergrat railway , which departs from Zermatt and climbs to an altitude of 3,084 m, is one of your best options. You’ll be treated to one of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes, so don’t miss out!

2. The Bernese Alps

Ah, the Bernese Alps. You’ve probably heard of them, but experiencing their majestic valleys and exploring their Alpine villages is something else entirely. Year-round visitors are captivated by this Swiss region, but there’s more to do here than just admire the scenery! Opt for a day trip to Grindelwald , for example, and you’re in for an authentic Swiss treat.

If you find yourself looking for more places to visit, consider checking out the filming location of the classic James Bond picture “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969). Hitch a ride up on a cable car ride to Schilthorn and enjoy a blend of pop culture with natural landscapes! Our personal favorite, though, is this cable car ride up Mount First . Once you reach the top, you’ll see why, with so many activities waiting for you!

3. Take a Train Ride through Jungfraujoch Pass

Nicknamed the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch is a hill found between the summits of Jungfrau and Mönch and a must-see Alpine destination.

Picture it: a railroad built in the early 20th century that leads you all the way up to Europe’s highest station. It’s called the Jungfraubahn, stretching almost 9 kilometers and cuts through mountain tunnels. During the ascent, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery. It’s hands down one of the coolest train rides you’ll ever take.

Once you reach the top, get ready for a whole world of fun activities that’ll make you feel like you’re on top of the world! Be sure to swing by the Sphinx lookout point for some epic views, experience the Alpine Sensation, explore the Ice Palace, and hey, why not visit the Lindt Museum again? After all, there’s no such thing as too much chocolate. So what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to the top of Europe , and let the adventure begin!

4. Sail Lake Lucerne

Let’s keep exploring Switzerland and set our sights on Lake Lucerne. Tucked safely between the cantons of Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, this postcard-worthy lake is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and historic lakeside towns. Along the water’s edge, Lucerne ‘s charming downtown beckons with its cobblestone streets and vibrant houses, offering visitors a delightful journey back in time.

If you find yourself in the postcard-worthy town of Lucerne, don’t miss out on a boat trip along the lake to take in its breathtaking beauty from a different perspective. But if you’re up for something a bit more adventurous, check out this electric cargo bike tour through Lucerne instead? Feel the thrill of the wind in your hair as you explore the stunning Swiss landscapes! And a little eco-tourism on any trip is a huge plus.

Any foodies out there? Switzerland is best known for its stunning Alpine landscape, but don’t sleep on it’s unique gastronomy! Tantalize your taste buds and savor a classic Swiss cheese fondue, raclette, or Röstis at one of the charming lakeside restaurants in Lucerne.

5. Visit Interlaken

Tucked away between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is the perfect middle ground for exploring the Bernese Alps. The town offers plenty of activities for your leisure like a paragliding adventure offering stunning birds-eye views and tranquil boat rides along the lakeshores for a calmer experience.

For adrenaline junkies seeking the ultimate adventure, why not take it to the max with a skydiving experience in Interlaken ? Get ready for some truly breathtaking views of the majestic Bernese Alps that’ll stick with you for a lifetime!

In Interlaken, be sure to book a cable car ticket up to the Harder Kulm lookout , perched at 1,322 meters above sea level. From here, you can take in panoramic views of the stunning Bernese Oberland region and catch glimpses of the majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. It’s a breathtaking experience you won’t want to miss.

6. Get to know Les Diablerets and Glacier 3,000

Of course, you can’t visit Switzerland without trying your hand at some fun winter sports! In fact, Switzerland is often considered the best skiing destination thanks to its sprawling Alpine landscapes, wide range of ski slopes, and top-notch ski areas. So what are you waiting for, grab your gear and get ready for some serious fun on the slopes.

Pro tip: if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, check out the iconic ski resort of Les Diablerets in the Vaud Alps. With a wide range of slopes for all levels, hit the powder for breathtaking panoramas of the Alps.

And don’t miss Glacier 3000 nearby, where you can ski on the glacier, go tobogganing, and stroll the thrilling Peak Walk suspension bridge for epic 360-degree views. With this cable car ticket , you’re set for a mountain getaway like no other – and the best part? You can hit the slopes here all year round, even in summer!

7. Take a Boat Ride on Lake Geneva

Between Switzerland and France, you’ve got to check out the stunning Lake Geneva, easily one of the best places to visit in Switzerland. And while you’re there, don’t miss out on a panoramic tour of Geneva itself, with its famous Jet d’Eau.

Insider tip: if you want to go a little off the beaten path consider visiting Montreux . While it’s still a sought-after destination, not everyone has it on their radar like its more famous neighbors in Geneva.

Check out its ties to legendary artists or soak in the stunning views at the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And don’t miss Chaplin’s World , where you can step into the world of the legendary actor and director Charlie Chaplin. Plus, no visit is complete without exploring the majestic Chillon Castle . With so many things to do, plan your getaway to Montreux today!

8. Experience the Swiss Plateau

Now, let’s head over to the Swiss Plateau, where you’ll find a blend of flatlands and mountains. Zurich , the big cheese of Swiss cities, is a buzzing cultural hotspot. Dive into Switzerland’s story, from its earliest days to now. And don’t miss strolling through the medieval streets of the old town – it’s like stepping back in time.

With one of our excursions, you can get up close and personal with the Rhine Falls , Europe’s largest waterfall. Hop on a boat for a truly unique experience but remember to bring something waterproof – it can get pretty splashy!

9. Explore the Aletsch Glacier

When planning your trip to Switzerland, make sure to add the Aletsch Glacier to your things-to-do list. Tucked away in the canton of Valais, this massive glacier is a must-see destination for thrill-seekers. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s got serious bragging rights as the largest glacier in the Alps.

Looking to explore the trails of the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn nature reserve? Look no further! With the Aletsch Explorer Pass in hand, you’ll have access to the Aletsch Arena ski resort cable cars and the MGbahn train, making it a breeze to reach the best viewpoints in the region. From stunning hiking trails to breathtaking vistas, get ready to discover some of Switzerland’s most beautiful places with a complete day pass.

10. End Your Visit in Bern

To cap off your Swiss journey and complete our top 10 destinations list, let’s head to the capital together. With our private tour of Bern , you’ll uncover one of the many amazing cities in Switzerland and its remarkable architectural legacy. From the UNESCO-listed Old Town to its charming cobbled streets, medieval residences, and iconic fountains.

Fun fact: Did you know that Einstein once called this city home?

Why not end your visit with a real bang, and book a helicopter flight to soar above the Swiss capital? It’s hands down the best way to take in the breathtaking views of Bern from above!

Switzerland isn’t just another tourist spot – it’s an immersive journey that promises natural beauty at every step. Whether you’re craving mountain thrills, lakeside serenity, or cultural city vibes, this country has it all. With so many things to do in Switzerland , time flies when you’re having fondue !

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