Zurich Travel Guide
Zurich, at the extreme north of the lake of the same name, is Switzerland’s largest urban centre. The city has been a major financial capital since its stock exchange was founded in 1877 but, despite its economic importance, the atmosphere of this town remains warm and human – earning it the nickname, the ‘Big Small Town’.
This travel guide will give you all the information you need. From what to see and do to where to eat, where to stay, plus a lot of practical travel tips.
Population: 435,000 (2021)
Recommend stay: 1-2 days
Brief Overview
Whilst Zürich is almost too small to be considered a city by any other country’s standards, don’t be fooled – there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. In fact, this is the case for most Swiss cities and in many ways adds to their charm.
This travel guide to Zürich will take you from one end of the city to the other, highlighting some of the most popular spots and also a few of our own personal favourites.
The first piece of advice we could give anyone going to Zürich is simple: don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path!
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Zurich is between June and August, when average temperatures, which hover in the low 70s (20 degrees C), make swimming in the lake possible. However, summer’s hospitable climate also makes it the most expensive season to visit.
Getting around Zurich
The best way to get around Zurich’s neighbourhoods is on foot or by bike. If you get fatigued, you can take the city’s efficient tram system.
From Zurich Airport (ZRH), you can also take a cost-efficient Swiss Federal Railways train the 6 miles into Zurich.
Though expensive, traveling by taxi to the city centre from the airport is a viable option, as is Uber.
Driving is not recommended due to Zurich’s constant traffic and limited amount of parking.
Walk! Grab a map or use Google maps, and off you go! The city is walkable!
Things to see and do
Grossmünster
On the other side of the river, facing the Fraumünster, stands the cathedral, Grossmünster, built between 1100 and 1250 on the site of a 9th-century church. The Grossmünster is the uncontested ‘mother church’ of the Reformation in German-speaking Switzerland; Zwingli preached here from 1519 until his death in 1531. The stained-glass windows, designed by Augusto Giacometti, are a 20th-century addition. The twin towers, built in the 15th century and topped with domes from the 18th, are the city’s most distinctive landmark.
Entry is FREE , but to climb the tower there is a fee of 5 CHF / £4 / $5.50 (Well worth it for the view from the top)
Fraumünster
The venerable Fraumünster dominates the west bank of the Limmat and overlooks the Münsterhof. There has been a church on this spot since a convent was founded here in 853. The current edifice dates from the 13th century and has a Romanesque choir with stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. The church has a rich history and an ancient crypt museum.
Entry is FREE
Lake Zurich
Zürich wouldn’t be a Swiss city without a lake.
And with boat trips, a Chinese garden and plenty of cafés to choose from, Lake Zürich has a lot to offer at any time of year.
Along the lakefront, the Zürichhorn park has two wonderful attractions. The Heidi Weber house, Le Corbusier’s last work, is a refined mix of forms and colours. A little further, you’ll find Heureka – a fantasmagoric extraterrestrial bird, created by sculptor Jean Tinguely. More recent developments include the shopping and leisure centre, Sihlcity, in an old paper factory; the opening of Schiffbau (shipyard) a collection of galleries and restaurants, and to the north of the centre in Viaduct is a 500-metre-long urban meeting place with independent shops and cafés under 36 arches.
Niederdorf
Cross over the Limmat River on your way down from Lindenhof and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the old town – Niederdorf.
Lined with eateries, bars and shops, Niederdorf is a lovely place to wander through and take in the atmosphere.
Tip: some eateries and bars open on Sundays but not all. Check them on Google maps for opening hours.
Bellevue / Zürich Opera House
Once you reach the end of Niederdorf, you’ll be met with a sea of people and traffic.
Bellevueplatz is home to many businesses, cafés, and the best part: the Opera House.
If the magnificent façade of the Opera House sparks your interest, you can book a behind-the-scenes tour to see where the magic happens.
For more information and to book tickets, click here
Üetliberg and Panoramic Views
For an amazing panoramic view of Zurich, its lake and the Alps, take the train up to Uetliberg (871m/2,860ft) from the central train station or the Selnau station. The trip takes 20 minutes, and there is a train every half-hour.
To explore Zurich by the Limmat river, take one of the glass-topped boats that depart from the Landesmuseum every half-hour (from April to October) for a 50-minute tour. Cruises are also available to the Zürichsee (several options are available from Burkliplatz pier, ranging from 1.5 to 7 hours; lunch is provided on some trips) during which you can admire the lakeside villages surrounded by orchards, vineyards and appealing inns. The villages, especially those on the right bank (nicknamed the ‘Gold Coast’), make up Zurich’s wealthier suburbs.
Swiss National Museum
The Schweizerisches Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum), located in a curious Victorian-style edifice beside the Hauptbahnhof, celebrates the culture, art and history of Switzerland. Its halls are bursting with medieval sculpture and painting, and many rooms feature windows and frescoes that have been removed from ancient churches and houses and re-installed here. Upstairs, a huge room displays weapons, armour, uniforms and other military memorabilia. The museum also has reconstructed rooms from Swiss homes of several centuries ago.
For more information and to book tickets, click here
Other notable museums
FIFA museum
One for the football fans – includes a detailed history of football as well as classic memorabilia. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Kunsthaus Zürich
This art museum plays host to one of the most important art collections in Zürich. With a little bit of everything, it’s sure to please every art enthusiast. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Book Tours and Purchase Tickets
Where to stay
If you are only traveling to Zürich for a few days we would recommend staying in the centre.
Two popular hotels in the centre of Zürich are citizenM and Hotel Schweizerhof. Both are good 4-star hotels that you can easily reach from the train station.
But, for a small city, Zürich has a good selection of hotels, plus a few guesthouses and hostels.
We would recommend using Booking.com to find a place to stay in Zürich.
Where to Eat
Zeughauskeller
Formally a storage place for weapons – legend has it the crossbow of national hero William Tell was once stored here -, Zeughauskeller is a must-visit for any tourist visiting Zürich (and for many locals).
The restaurant offers traditional Swiss food and dining here is more of an experience than just a meal out!
Hiltl
A bit of a claim to fame for the city, Hiltl is credited as the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.
Service is a ‘help yourself’ affair and you can enjoy rooftop views from the Dachterrasse branch!
Saigon
If you fancy something a bit more exotic than traditional Swiss delicacies, Saigon is the place to be.
The restaurant itself is small and minimalist and the selection of Vietnamese food on offer is delicious –it does fill up quickly so time your visit!
Tips
1. Travel passes
The Zuri Pass gives you free travel on buses and trams in central Zürich.
For those of you who fancy exploring the rest of Switzerland, pick up a “>Swiss Pass (available for various lengths of time) and enjoy unlimited travel around the country. The only thing you may have to add is a supplement for cable cars to explore the mountaintops.
2. Money money money
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world.
Don’t come here expecting a cheap city break to Zurich – that’s not what this part of the world is about. It’s all about the experience.
3. Sundays in Zurich
Like in a lot of European countries, Sunday is a family day in Switzerland.
In Zürich (and in most other cities/towns in Switzerland) almost everything is closed on Sunday.
4. Swiss German
Brushing up the German you learned in school/uni will only get you so far in Switzerland. The famous Schwiizerdütsch (Swiss German) is far from easy to learn or understand and also varies between Cantons.
Luckily, most locals also speak High German and English, so there shouldn’t be too much pointing!
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Other Switzerland Related Guides
Be sure to check out our other exciting guides related to Switzerland:
We loved Zurich! Make sure it’s on your list.
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