Zurich Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & My Travel Tips
Updated: 4 days ago
In this blog article, you will find the best places to visit in Zurich, some of my favourite restaurants, and other useful tips and recommendations.
Zurich is well known to be one of the major financial centres in the world. Being Switzerland's biggest city with the largest population, Zurich, funny enough, is not the capital of Switzerland. Bern is. Zurich embraces a beautiful lake, has a lovely old town, and thanks to its neutrality during WW2, it has preserved some incredible historical sights.
Traveling to Zurich and Getting Around
Best Places to Visit in Zurich
Two Things You Have to Try When in Zurich
Few Personal Recommendations
How Many Days Do You Need in Zurich?
Best Time to Visit Zurich
Video
Traveling to Zurich and getting around
Zurich’s airport is one of the best airports in the world because it offers a lot of international flights. Also, my personal first impression was great, and if I had to choose a transfer airport, I would definitely not hesitate to put Zurich Airport high up on the list of destinations. We flew from Spain to Zurich with Swiss Airlines, and again, I have to preach about Switzerland’s standards. The flight was pleasant; we got free water and a cookie. Small things, but they matter.
Once you land, you, of course, can take a taxi to the city centre, but if you are budget travelling, then your options are the train or tram. In general, trains and trams are the two most popular methods of transport within the city. The train is a very popular way to travel within Switzerland too. From the airport to the city centre of Zurich, you can take a train line ’S-Bahn’ - S2 or S16. They go daily from 5am until midnight and will take you approx. 5 to 10 minutes. If you are travelling during the day and want to choose more of a scenic route, then the tram is your best option. You will need to pick ‘Line 10’ and the ride will take you approx. 35 minutes.
This is where my first tip comes: If you are planning to use the tram a lot to get around the city often or, for the whole day, your best option is to get a 24h tram day ticket. So if you arrive in the evening and you know you will be “traming” a lot during the morning to explore Zurich, it might be worth getting a day ticket as your first trip from the airport. Therefore, saving on travel expenses the next day!
If you are just planning to stay in the city, the tram will be the best option for you. The train is more convenient if you are going further out in the suburbs or even doing some day trips from Zurich to other towns and cities.
Best places to visit in Zurich
Grossmunster Church, is one of Zurich's most iconic landmarks, easily recognised by its two impressive towers. The church dates back to the 12th century and played an important role in the Swiss Reformation. You can also climb the Karlsturm tower for beautiful panoramic views over Zurich's Old Town and the river.
Fraumunster Church is located just across the Limmat River from Grossmünster, so you can easily visit both. The church was originally founded as a women's abbey in the 9th century and is particularly famous for its colourful stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. Even if you're not particularly interested in churches, the windows alone make it worth a visit!
Lake Zurich is another iconic landmark of Zurich that you will definitely not miss throughout your trip, as it is a massive part of Zurich and accessible from different points in the city. You can always have a relaxing walk by the lake, feed the swans, or take a boat trip. However, if you want a special ambience, then I highly recommend the restaurant ‘Lake Side’. It offers a Mediterranean kitchen, a brilliant atmosphere, and most importantly, a spectacular view over the surrounding lake.
Zurich Opera House is a beautiful historic building located near Lake Zurich, right by Sechseläutenplatz, one of Switzerland's largest city squares. The opera house is famous for its opera, ballet, and classical music performances. Even if you're not planning to attend a show, it's worth stopping by to admire the architecture and enjoy the lively square.
Swiss National Museum is located right next to Zurich's main train station and is one of the best places to learn about Switzerland's history and culture. The museum itself looks like a fairytale castle and offers exhibitions covering everything from medieval times to modern Switzerland. It also has a lovely courtyard where concerts and cultural events are occasionally organised.
Kunsthaus Zurich is one of Switzerland's most important art museums, featuring an impressive collection of European art, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh. The museum combines historic and modern architecture and is a great place to visit if you enjoy art or want to spend a few hours exploring something different in Zurich.
Bahnhofstrasse is all about shopping in Zurich! This street is iconic itself because it hosts all the major brands and is one of the most expensive streets in the world, due to its property pricing. You will find the most expensive and luxurious brands as you walk through. Switzerland, in general, is famous for having the best watch brands. Therefore, you’ll find some of the most extravagant and expensive timepieces on that street too.
Zurich Old Town gives off a quintessential European old town vibe. Small, winding pedestrian roads will get you lost as you admire the Romanesque and historic architecture and enjoy the boutique shops and cafes. Also, a great place to stay in Zurich, as you will be close to most places mentioned in this travel guide.
If you are planning to travel around Switzerland, make sure to check out my guide to the 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland!
Uetliberg - top of Zurich. It is the highest point in Zurich, which offers beautiful views of Zurich city and the lake. It is 870 meters high and has a tower at the top that gives you a few extra metres. To get to the top of the tower, you will need to pay extra, and I warn you; you should only attempt this if you are not scared of heights! The floor and steps are see-through, and even I developed a bit of vertigo at the summit. At the top of the mountain, you will also find a hotel and a cafe where to relax and have a drink after your hike up. If you do decide to hike up, you can always take a bus or train up there. The train you will need to choose is the S10 or buses: 32, 33 or 89. The train will take you closer, giving you a shorter trip to the top.
Other places that I personally didn’t visit, but might be of interest to you are:
Lindt Home Chocolate, which is a chocolate museum but also offers workshops
Two things you have to try when in Zurich
Switzerland, in general, is famous for its good quality chocolate and different types of cheeses, so while visiting Zurich, you definitely need to take the opportunity and try chocolate and cheese there.
There are many different chocolate brands, and most of them will have shops all over Switzerland, so options are plenty. The big brands also do workshops, and some have museums with their best pieces over time. If you want to try a true Swiss chocolate, then the oldest brand (since 1819) is called ‘Cailler of Switzerland’.
When it comes to cheese, you have to try one of these so-called ‘Cheese places’. A popular way how to enjoy different cheeses is via fondue, and these places usually will offer you plenty of different types and styles of cheeses with extras like pieces of bacon, mushrooms, or others.
If you don’t smell like cheese after you leave then the place wasn’t good enough!
Here are my top 3 cheese places in Zurich:
My absolute personal favourite: Chasalp
A Few Personal Recommendations in Zurich
If you are a fan of cocktails, you have to visit Bar Am Wasser! Their concept is very unique - the menu presents all continents, and you can choose a cocktail based on the location. Cocktails themselves are different too. Only 10% of the menu is standard cocktails, the rest are new, unique ones. Also, for my second cocktail, I chose a Piña Colada, and it was nothing like the standard Piña Colada you would have imagined. The consistency was completely different, but amazing, the best Piña Colada I have ever had!
Another place I would like to recommend is the Metrapol. Great for a coffee break in between exploring Zurich. It has a wonderfully historic ambience, as it is surrounded by a neo-baroque facade. It offers an inside and outside area. I am all about the details, and I just loved how the coffee and beer were served. Coffee came with a brownie, and beer with popcorn, which both were amazing, not just something on the side. I appreciate those small things. It also has the restaurant part, which offers sushi.
How Many Days Do You Need in Zurich?
I would recommend spending 1 - 2 days in Zurich. One day is enough to explore the Old Town, visit the main attractions, and enjoy a walk along Lake Zurich. However, if you have two days, you can explore at a more relaxed pace, visit some museums, and take a trip up Uetliberg Mountain for beautiful views over the city.
Best Time to Visit Zurich
Zurich is a great destination throughout the year, but summer and December are particularly lovely times to visit.
From June to September, you can enjoy warm weather, outdoor cafés, swimming in Lake Zurich, and plenty of outdoor activities.
December is also a wonderful time to visit, when the city is decorated for Christmas and filled with festive markets. If you prefer fewer crowds and generally lower accommodation prices, consider visiting in spring or autumn.
I have put together a video about my Switzerland trip, which covers Zurich too.
If you are just interested in Zurich, skip to minute 4.24.
FAQ: Visiting Zurich, Switzerland
Is Zurich worth visiting?
Absolutely! Zurich is a beautiful city with a charming Old Town, lovely lake views, interesting museums, and plenty of restaurants and cafés. It's also a great destination for a short city break.
How many days do you need in Zurich?
I would recommend 1 - 2 days. One day is enough to see the main attractions, while two days will give you time to explore the museums, enjoy Lake Zurich, and visit Uetliberg Mountain.
Is Zurich expensive for tourists?
Yes, Zurich is one of Europe's more expensive cities, especially when it comes to accommodation, restaurants, and transportation. However, you can save money by walking, using public transport, and enjoying free attractions like the Old Town and lakeside promenades.
Can you explore Zurich without a car?
Definitely! Zurich has excellent public transport, including trams, buses, and trains. Most attractions in the city centre are also within walking distance, so there's really no need to rent a car.
What is the best month to visit Zurich?
June to September is ideal for warm weather and outdoor activities, while December is particularly lovely for Christmas markets and festive decorations. Spring and autumn are also good options if you prefer fewer tourists.
