Zurich, the biggest city in Switzerland, offers essential tours for visitors. Here are 10 reliable suggestions on what to do in Zurich.
Zurich, the biggest city in Switzerland, is situated in central Europe at the base of the Swiss Alps. Often considered the gateway to the country, Zurich is recognized as the economic hub of Switzerland and has been ranked as the city with the highest quality of life globally by Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey, as well as the wealthiest in Europe.
Zurich served as my entry point in Switzerland, and my initial experience was remarkable. The city boasts the country’s biggest airport with direct flights to 170 global destinations. Furthermore, it is just a ten-minute train ride to the largest central station in the country.
The urban area provides a wide range of attractions, blending contemporary city life with the historic charm of an ancient town. Simply strolling through the Old Town is a valuable experience.
Ready to begin the journey? Here’s a guide to exploring Zurich.
In this article you will find:
- Top attractions in Zurich
- Top Tours in Zurich
- Zurich’s museums
- Free activities in Zurich
- Activities for children in Zurich
- Activities to enjoy in Zurich during the evening
- Activities to enjoy in Zurich when it’s raining
- Swiss Travel Pass – A pass for traveling in Switzerland
- Zurich dining establishments
- Zurich accommodations
- Check out additional advice from Zurich.
- Frequently Asked Queries
Top attractions in Zurich
Zurich is recognized as the city of water due to its location near Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, with 1,200 drinking water sources available for residents and visitors. To save money and reduce waste, it is recommended to purchase one water bottle and refill it from the city’s numerous fountains or taps.
What activities can be done in Zurich? Here is a list of 10 essential tours in the city, catering to all ages and interests, including parks and museums.
- Main Street
- Limmatquai is the name of the street.
- Grossmünster Church
- Fraumünster Church
- Lindenhof area
- Saint Peter’s Church
- Rennweg is being referred to.
- Zürich West – District 5 Area
- Opera House
- Town hall
See the information provided below for specifics on each one.
Bahnhofstrasse – Text 1
It is a highly frequented street in the city that starts at the main station and ends at the convergence of Lake Zurich, lined with popular shops. I suggest making it your initial stop when exploring Zurich.
It is essential to walk from the central station, which is a pleasant visit in itself, to the end of Bahnhofstrasse. The street culminates in a lovely view of Lake Zurich, from where you can begin your exploration of the historic city. For easier navigation, I recommend using this app.
- Private Guided Tour of Zurich in Portuguese
- Complete Zurich Tour
- Zürich sightseeing tour
- Zurich offers the finest panoramic vistas and a complete historic city center!
Limmatquai 2
Limmatquai, located in the historic area of the city alongside the Limmat River, is a car-free street lined with cafes, vibrant shops, and Swiss restaurants. This picturesque area offers a pleasant 1km riverside walk and is a must-visit spot in the city.
The Grossmünster Church is described in Text 3.
This Protestant church, located on the shores of the Limmat River, is a prominent landmark in Zurich. Constructed around 1100, it has undergone multiple reconstructions and is now accessible to visitors.
His stained glass works by the German artist Sigmar Polke stood out to me for being modern, colorful, and diverging from traditional stained glass.
The Fraumünster Church is discussed in Text 4.
The Church of Fraumünster in Zurich, located near Grossmünster, is well-known for its impressive stained glass windows created by renowned artists Augusto Giacometti and Marc Chagall. The five windows by Chagall depict stories from Christianity, leaving visitors in awe.
- Explore the key sights of Zurich by taking a bus tour with an audio guide.
- Zurich: Sightseeing tour, boat trip, and stop at the Lindt Chocolate House
- Zurich sightseeing tour by bus lasting 2 hours
- Zurich’s Old Town: Walking Tour Lasts 2 Hours
Lindenhof, number 5
Lindenhof, a significant attraction in the city’s historic area, is a must-visit spot for those who appreciate stunning views, such as photographers and nature enthusiasts. In the past, it was the site of a Roman castle that no longer exists, and it now serves as the sole park enclosed by the city walls, drawing visitors with its rich history, central location, and picturesque scenery.
Church of Saint Peter – Text 6
The church of St. Peter, constructed in the 9th century near Lindenhof, is Zurich’s oldest religious building. Known for having Europe’s largest church clock, it is more than just its exterior that captivates visitors. Inside, its austere ambiance with minimal embellishments highlights the significance of marble columns and baroque murals. The site is open every day and admission is free.
7 – Rennweg
Rennweg, located near Limmatquai, was the primary thoroughfare in Zurich during the Middle Ages. Today, it remains a key highlight of the historic area with delightful narrow streets that are worth exploring on foot.
Explore Limmatquai thoroughly during a complete tour of Zurich.
Zürich West – District 5 Quarter
Diego Imai captured the photographs.
Zürich West, a neighborhood in Zurich, was once known for its factories and industries but has evolved into a vibrant area with a mix of preserved elements, offering plenty of dining, art, design, culture, architecture, and nightlife.
I will mention three favorite attractions in the neighborhood, but exploring on foot one day will reveal many more!
- Freitag’s flagship store in Switzerland is renowned for its eco-friendly bags and is housed in a container-built shop where visitors can access a stunning city view from the top.
- Frau Gerolds Garten may have been my preferred spot, with its bars and tables where the staff gathers on a sunny day to talk and socialize outdoors.
- The Viadukt used to be a viaduct and train line, but now it has been transformed into a unique and contemporary shopping center. Each arch of the viaduct features a variety of stores, as well as regional and international dining options.
Opera House – Text 9
The Zurich Opera, housed in a neoclassical building constructed in 1891, is a significant cultural hub in Switzerland. Renowned artists like Placido Domingo, Cecilia Bartoli, and Renée Fleming frequently grace its stage with performances.
The venue provides a diverse range of international cultural events including ballet, theater, and music shows. Guided tours of the concert hall are available upon reservation and cost approximately CHF 180 per person. More details can be found on their website.
Rathaus – Building of the City Council
Rathaus, located on the Limmat River in Zurich, features a blend of baroque and Renaissance architecture. It currently serves as Zurich City Hall and is open to visitors who can admire the displayed artworks and learn about the region’s political history.
Explore additional transportation choices in Zurich for an essential itinerary.
Top Tours in Zurich
We have chosen additional fantastic options for you to enjoy during your trip to Zurich. Check out the following tours to enhance your itinerary.
chsyys/StockVault
Zurich’s museums
The FIFA Museum is a must-visit for fans of football, featuring a wide array of significant football artifacts and exhibits including trophies, gear, and authentic jerseys worn by legends like Diego Armando Maradona and Zinedine Zidane. Operating hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, with admission priced at approximately CHF 26.
Take a stroll to enhance your palate by visiting the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg, the world’s biggest chocolate museum. The interactive experience guides guests through the history of chocolate, from its discovery to present-day consumption and production. Explore the factory’s past, indulge in unlimited tastings, and join a guided tour for around CHF 10. The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 7pm.
List these essential museums in Zurich in your itinerary:
- FIFA Museum
- Fine Arts Museum
- Swiss National Museum is the name of the text.
- Rietberg Museum – A museum named Rietberg
- Lindt’s Chocolate Factory
Explore additional transportation choices in Zurich for an essential itinerary.
Free activities to enjoy in Zurich
If you’re in the city and looking for free tours, the Historic Centre offers historic buildings, cobbled streets, churches, attractions, and various amenities like restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s a great option to explore and visit landmarks such as Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and St. Peter.
Lake Zurich offers a pleasant setting for strolling, picnicking, and admiring the scenic views. The Botanical Garden at the University of Zurich is a free attraction that showcases over 9,000 plant species, making it an ideal summer destination to appreciate the local flora in full bloom.
- Zurich’s Historical Center
- Lake Zurich – A body of water known as Lake Zurich
- Historic churches
- Botanical Garden
Explore additional transportation choices in Zurich for a recommended itinerary.
Activities for children in Zurich
When taking your children for a walk in Zurich, you can consider visiting Zurich Zoo, where 340 animal species are housed in natural habitats. The zoo is open daily, and tickets are priced around CHF 29.
Consider taking your son to discover the history of the football world at the FIFA Museum, which showcases trophies, memorabilia, and equipment related to the sport. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, with tickets priced at approximately CHF 26.
- Zurich Zoo is the name of the text.
- FIFA Museum
- Nordamerika Native Museum is also known as NONAM.
Explore additional transportation choices available in Zurich for a recommended itinerary.
Activities to enjoy in Zurich during the evening
There are many options for nighttime entertainment in the city, including restaurants with local cuisine, bars serving great cocktails, and electronic music clubs for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere.
In the Niederdorfstrasse area, it’s recommended to visit Gräbli Bar, open 24 hours for drinks and conversation. Kreis 5 district is known for its modern vibe, with warehouses turned into bars and electronic music venues like Exil and Moods.
Restaurant Oepfelchammer in Zurich’s old town offers a delightful dining experience with its charming and modern ambiance, as well as delicious local cuisine. Reservations are required for dinner, which is available Tuesday to Saturday from 4 pm to midnight.
Consider experiencing classical music by visiting the Opera House, which showcases opera shows, ballet performances, and theater productions in a neoclassical setting. Online ticket sales are available for your convenience.
- Establishments serving alcoholic beverages
- Dining establishments
- Photographs
- Opera House
Explore additional transportation choices in Zurich for an essential itinerary.
Activities to enjoy in Zurich when it’s raining
When the weather is unfavorable for outdoor activities in the city, consider making use of the hotel amenities like dining at the restaurant, using the pool, or relaxing at the spa. Alternatively, you can explore indoor attractions such as museums or shopping malls like Sihlcity Shopping, ShopVille Shopping, or Letzipark Shopping Mall.
- Explore museums
- Enjoy your stay at the hotel
- Shop at the shopping center
Explore additional transportation choices in Zurich for an essential itinerary.
Swiss Travel Pass – Pass for Travel in Switzerland
One helpful suggestion for extended stays in Switzerland is to consider using the Swiss Travel Pass. This pass provides unlimited travel for a set number of days on all public transport lines in the country and includes free museum entry.
This service offers two options: Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass FLEX, both valid for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days. The first provides consecutive days of transportation, while the second allows travelers to use the pass for up to 30 days within the specified durations.
The Swiss Travel Pass provides complimentary entry to more than 500 museums, a 50% discount on cable cars and mountain peak trains, Swiss panoramic trains, and free travel for children under 6 when accompanied by a valid STS ticket holder.
Restaurants located in Zurich
Zurich offers a variety of dining options for those looking to enjoy good food. The local gastronomy features delicious dishes influenced by German, French, and Italian cuisines.
The Chäslp is situated atop a mountain with a charming and cozy ambiance, making it an ideal spot to savor authentic Swiss fondue. Reservations are required for visits between Wednesday and Sunday.
Laderach is the perfect spot to sample authentic Swiss chocolates that will tantalize your taste buds with their handmade and exquisite flavors!
Sometimes, the desire for a tasty and well-prepared burger is overwhelming. In such instances, we recommend The Bite for its casual ambiance, friendly service, and delectable menu options like snacks, fries, nachos, and salads.
- Ground level
- Laderach
- Walliser Kanne – A pot from Wallis
- The Bite
Sightseeing and gourmet tour in Zurich, including cheese fondue.
Zurich accommodations
Consider staying at one of Zurich’s top hotels. We have compiled a comprehensive list of highly-rated guesthouses in the area to assist you in finding the ideal accommodation. Explore a selection below:
- The Dolder Grand is available daily starting at €783 with a rating of 9.1.
- Sorell Hotel St. Peter is available daily starting at €320 with a rating of 9.1.
- Zurich’s aja Hotel offers daily rates starting from €137, with a rating of 8.3.
- Baur au Lac is available every day starting from €797, with a rating of 9.1.
Explore all accommodation choices available in Zurich.
Check out additional advice from Zurich.
We provide a list of full articles to assist you with planning your trip.
- Swiss travel insurance
- Swiss Mobile Chip – A chip for mobile devices from Switzerland.
- Tours in Switzerland
- Activities to experience in Switzerland
- Activities in Montreux
- B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa located in Zurich
- Activities to enjoy in Lausanne
- Activities to participate in Basel
- Activities in Bern
- How to journey by train in Switzerland
- Hotels in Lucerne
- Hotels in Interlaken
- Geneva accommodations
- Hotels in Lauterbrunnen
- Zermatt accommodations
- Accommodations in Zermatt
- Hotel Alpenblick
- Hotel Schweizerhof
Wishing you a secure journey to Zurich.
A safe journey to Zurich is necessary for entry into the country under the Schengen Treaty, which mandates a minimum medical-hospital coverage of €30,000 for travelers. Having insurance not only mandatory but also helps guarantee a more seamless trip.
Zurich’s mobile chip technology
Spend time in Zurich with a reliable connection by purchasing a Zurich mobile chip or eSim at a great price. Explore the offers from America Chip for unlimited internet with a discount coupon. View prices now.
Tours and Ticket Options Available in Zurich
Plan your Zurich tours in advance with Civitatis to avoid long ticket queues and ensure your spot on the best tours. Book from the comfort of your home and pay in installments without IOF fees. See prices now.
Flights heading to Zurich
Find the best deals on air tickets to Zurich by using the Promo Go platform for accountable flight options. Take advantage of daily promotions to save on your purchase.
Renting a car in Zurich
You can rent a car online for Zurich and pick it up when you get there to continue your trip. Take advantage of RentCars offers to find the best option for you through the rental platform. – VIEW PRICES
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still looking for the information you require, refer to the brief FAQs about the common queries of our readers.
A reliable option for purchasing tour tickets in Zurich is Civitatis or GetYourGuide, trustworthy websites that we recommend for your travels. Check out the tours available and secure your booking!
During your visit to Switzerland, make sure to explore the Historic Centre, St. Peter’s Church, Grossmünster, and Fraumünster in the city if you only have one day. Don’t miss the FIFA Museum as well.
If you have a couple of days to explore the city, it’s recommended to visit key landmarks like the Church of St. Peter, Grossmünster, and Fraumünster on the first day. On the second day, make sure to check out the FIFA Museum, Lindt Home of Chocolate, and take a leisurely stroll around the Rathaus area in the evening.
If you have allocated three days to explore Zurich, we recommend the following itinerary: Day 1 – Visit the Historical Center, St. Peter’s Church, Grossmünster, and Fraumünster. Day 2 – Explore the FIFA Museum, Lindt Home of Chocolate, and take a leisurely stroll around the Rathaus area. Day 3 – Wander along Bahnhofstrasse, Limmatquai, and explore the Zürich West – Kreis 5 Quarter.
Spending four days in Zurich provides the opportunity to explore a variety of attractions at a more relaxed pace. Consider the following itinerary: Day 1 – Historical Center, St. Peter’s Church, Grossmünster, and Fraumünster. Day 2 – FIFA Museum, Lindt Home of Chocolate, and a leisurely stroll in the Rathaus area. Day 3 – Bahnhofstrasse, Limmatquai, and Zürich West – Kreis 5 Quarter. Day 4 – Rennweg, Museum of Fine Arts, and Sihlcity Shopping.
Staying in Zurich for five days allows for a comprehensive exploration of the city. Here is a suggested itinerary: Day 1 – Visit the Historical Center, St. Peter’s Church, Grossmünster, and Fraumünster. Day 2 – Explore the FIFA Museum, Lindt Home of Chocolate, and Rathaus area. Day 3 – Discover Bahnhofstrasse, Limmatquai, and Zürich West – Kreis 5 Quarter. Day 4 – Explore Rennweg, Museum of Fine Arts, and Sihlcity Shopping. Day 5 – Visit the Rietberg Museum and ShopVille Shopping.
Winter is the optimal period to explore the city, typically from November to January, when it is blanketed in snow and experiences low temperatures averaging 5°C. Many visitors engage in winter activities like skiing, ice skating, mountain climbing, and enjoying snowy landscapes during this time.
During the European summer, from June to September, the warmer temperatures provide an excellent opportunity to engage in outdoor activities like strolling in parks and partaking in the city’s diverse offerings such as festivals, live music events, and outdoor movies. You also have the option to cool down at Lake Zurich and public swimming pools.
When you’re in the city, make sure to include the Historical Center, Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, Saint Peter, Lake Geneva, and the Lindt Home of Chocolate in your itinerary.
You can use the 10% off coupon for Columbia Sportswear to buy gloves, socks, caps, snow jackets, fleece, and other cold thermal clothing. Columbia jackets are well-regarded and available for purchase online or at Columbia stores in Brazil. 😉
