Zurich isn’t just Switzerland’s financial hub, it’s a city where medieval alleyways meet lakeside picnics, cutting-edge museums, and mountain views just a train ride away. Split by the Limmat River and sitting on the northern edge of Lake Zurich, the city offers a mix of history, culture, food, and nature that surprises first-time visitors.
Whether you’re here for a quick weekend or a longer Swiss adventure, this guide covers the best things to do in Zurich, where to stay, what to eat, and practical tips to make the most of your trip.
Amazing Things to Do in Zurich:
1. Explore Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt)
Wandering through Zurich’s Old Town is like stepping into a storybook. Narrow cobbled lanes wind past centuries-old guild houses, boutique shops, and inviting cafés.
Highlights include:
- Grossmünster: The city’s twin-towered landmark with sweeping rooftop views.
- Fraumünster: Home to stunning stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.
- Lindenhof Hill: A peaceful green space that was once a Roman fortress. Today, locals play chess under the trees while visitors take in panoramic views.
- Niederdörfli Quarter: Known for quirky alleyways, independent stores, and lively nightlife.
Tip: Visit early in the morning when the streets are quiet, or late at night when the area buzzes with bars and live music.
2. Enjoy Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is the city’s playground year-round.
- In summer, locals swim at public lake baths known as Badis, rent paddleboats, and picnic along the promenade.
- In winter, the lakeside comes alive with Christmas markets, mulled wine stalls, and festive lights.
Best experience: Take a two-hour boat cruise from Bürkliplatz—it’s scenic, affordable, and offers a new perspective of Zurich.
Budget tip: Skip pricey lakefront restaurants. Instead, grab a bratwurst from Sternen Grill near Bellevue and enjoy it on the lakeside.
Check Also: Top 8 Things to Do in Zermatt – Alpine Adventure Guide
3. Ride the Polybahn to ETH Terrace
This bright red funicular takes you from Central Square up to the ETH Zurich university terrace in just a minute. The ride is short, but the reward is a sweeping view of rooftops, church towers, and the lake.
There’s also a small café at the top, making it a pleasant stop between sightseeing.
4. Hike or Ride Up to Uetliberg
Zurich’s “local mountain” stands at 871 meters and delivers panoramic views of the city, lake, and, on clear days, the Alps.
You can:
- Take the S10 train from Zurich HB (about 25 minutes).
- Hike up in roughly 90 minutes for a rewarding climb.
At the top, you’ll find a lookout tower, walking trails, and even a ridge path to Felsenegg.
Tip: Go at sunset for golden views over the lake.
5. Visit Zurich’s Museums
Zurich has a museum for every interest.
- Kunsthaus Zürich: Switzerland’s top art museum, featuring works from Giacometti to Van Gogh.
- Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum): A castle-like building showcasing Swiss history.
- WOW Museum: Interactive, family-friendly, and designed to spark curiosity.
- Specialty museums: Focus on design, watches, and football.
Money-saving tip: Many museums are free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Other Things to Do in Zurich:
- Family-friendly: Zoo Zurich, WOW Museum, Botanical Garden.
- Food lovers: Lindt Home of Chocolate, Markthalle at Viadukt, Sternen Grill.
- Nightlife seekers: Langstrasse clubs, Hürlimann rooftop spa, live music venues.
- Culture enthusiasts: Opera House at Sechseläuteplatz, Bahnhofstrasse shopping, seasonal festivals.
- Nature escapes: Limmat River cruises, Chinawiese park, Josefwiese for picnics.
Pro tip: Zurich is compact. You can mix cultural stops with lakeside relaxation in one day.
Getting to Zurich:
- By plane: Zurich Airport (ZRH) is 15 minutes by train from the city centre.
- By train: Direct connections to Basel (1 hr), Lucerne (45 min), Geneva (2h 45), and Milan (3h).
- By car: Driving is possible, but traffic and parking are difficult. Public transport is more convenient.
- By boat: Ferries connect Zurich with nearby lake towns such as Rapperswil.
Check SBB.ch for train schedules.
Getting Around Zurich:
- On foot: The city centre is compact and walkable.
- By tram or bus: Reliable and scenic. The Zurich Card offers unlimited travel plus museum discounts.
- By boat: Seasonal Limmat River cruises offer a peaceful way to see the city.
Tip: Download the SBB app for easy ticketing and live schedules.
Best Time to Visit Zurich:
- Spring (April–May): Blossoms and café terraces reopening.
- Summer (June–August): Warm weather, swimming, Street Parade festival.
- Autumn (September–October): Golden colors, wine festivals, fewer crowds.
- Winter (December–February): Christmas markets, cozy Old Town, ski day trips.
Highlight: Zurich’s Street Parade in August is one of the world’s largest open-air techno festivals.
Where to Stay in Zurich:
Budget (<150 CHF):
- Zurich Youth Hostel – Near the lake, breakfast included.
- Oldtown Hostel Otter – Central, casual, backpacker-friendly.
- MEININGER Hotel Zurich Greencity – Modern and affordable, slightly outside the centre.
Mid-range (150–300 CHF):
- Hotel Adler Zürich – Old Town charm with a Swiss restaurant.
- 25hours Hotel Langstrasse – Trendy design, lively atmosphere.
- Hotel Rössli – Boutique option with a rooftop terrace.
High-end (300+ CHF):
- The Dolder Grand – Luxury spa, Michelin dining, sweeping views.
- Baur au Lac – Historic lakeside hotel with a private park.
- Widder Hotel – Boutique elegance in restored townhouses.
Where to Eat in Zurich:
Budget (<25 CHF):
- Sternen Grill – Zurich’s legendary bratwurst.
- Haus Hiltl Take-Out – From the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.
- Äss-Bar – Yesterday’s pastries at discount prices.
Mid-range (25–50 CHF):
- Swiss Chuchi – Fondue and rösti in a cozy Old Town setting.
- Rosso – Industrial-style pizzeria in Zurich West.
- Tibits – Vibrant vegetarian buffet, pay by weight.
High-end (50+ CHF):
- Pavillon – Two Michelin stars, refined French cuisine.
- IGNIV Zürich – Creative Swiss tasting menus.
- The Restaurant at The Dolder Grand – Award-winning fine dining with city views.
Zurich Tourist Attractions You Can’t Miss:
Some of the most popular Zurich tourist attractions include Old Town Zurich (Altstadt) with its medieval charm, the glittering Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, and the scenic Lake Zurich boat tour. History lovers will enjoy the Swiss National Museum, while nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Uetliberg mountain for panoramic views.
Unique Experiences in Zurich:
Beyond the classics, Zurich offers plenty of unique experiences. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets filled with art galleries, sip coffee in hidden cafés, or explore the vibrant food scene with Swiss chocolate tastings and local specialties. Seasonal Zurich festivals and events, such as the Street Parade and Christmas markets, add even more color to the city.
Lake Zurich Boat Tour:
A Lake Zurich boat tour is the perfect way to see the city from a new perspective. Whether you choose a short round trip or a full-day cruise to nearby towns, the sparkling waters and Alpine backdrop make this one of Zurich’s must-do activities.
Old Town Zurich (Altstadt):
The Old Town Zurich (Altstadt) is the city’s historic heart, filled with medieval buildings, charming alleys, and landmarks like Grossmünster Church. It’s the perfect place to stroll, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine.
Bahnhofstrasse Shopping Street:
Known worldwide, the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street is a paradise for luxury shopping. From Swiss watches to designer boutiques, it’s one of the most famous shopping avenues in the world.
Swiss National Museum:
Dive into Switzerland’s history at the Swiss National Museum, which showcases art, artifacts, and cultural heritage. It’s a must-visit for anyone curious about the country’s rich traditions and evolution.
Zurich Festivals and Events:
From summer music festivals to cultural celebrations, Zurich festivals and events keep the city lively year-round. Highlights include the Zurich Film Festival, Street Parade, and festive holiday markets.
Zurich Travel Tips:
For the best experience, keep these Zurich travel tips in mind:
- Get a Zurich Card for free public transport and discounts.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the Altstadt.
- Plan ahead for festivals, as hotels fill up quickly.
- Try local dishes like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in cream sauce).
Conclusion:
Zurich blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy, offering everything from lakeside walks and mountain views to museums, nightlife, and world-class dining. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, the city is compact, easy to explore, and full of surprises. With its mix of culture, nature, and Swiss hospitality, Zurich promises something memorable for every traveler.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Zurich best known for?
Zurich is known as Switzerland’s financial hub, but beyond business, it’s famous for its beautiful Old Town, Lake Zurich, world-class museums, luxury shopping on Bahnhofstrasse, and easy access to the Swiss Alps.
How many days do you need in Zurich?
Two to three days are ideal for exploring Zurich’s highlights, including the Old Town, Lake Zurich, Uetliberg, and a museum or two. With more time, you can enjoy day trips to Lucerne, Rhine Falls, or the Swiss Alps.
Is Zurich worth visiting?
Yes. Zurich offers a unique mix of history, culture, food, nightlife, and nature. You can explore medieval streets, swim in the lake, hike nearby mountains, or enjoy Michelin-starred dining all in one city.
