Zurich, the international banking and financial center of Switzerland, is located at the far north of Lake Zurich and offers numerous tourist attractions and charming neighborhoods , able to satisfy the needs of all tourists. The most suitable term to describe the Swiss city is “surprising”, thanks above all to its soul devoted to technological innovation, but which at the same time does not forget in the least its most ancient traditions.
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Let’s find out together what to see in Zurich , what are the best attractions and things to do to better enjoy this amazing destination!
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1 – Lake Zurich Zurich
‘s number one natural attraction is certainly the wonderful Lake Zurich, in the Swiss Zurichsee. The city develops in the northernmost part of the lake, at the point where the Limmat river flows into its waters.
Far from the chaos of the city, here you can spend a few hours in close contact with nature , perhaps taking part in a relaxing boat ride. Of extraordinary beauty, however, the promenade along the lake, the Seepromenade. In general, the entire territory of the lake is ideal for excursions and tours to discover historic villages , coastal landscapes and large woods.
Zurich develops on the northern shore of the lake, easily reachable on foot from any point in the historic center. You can visit the lake on foot, by boat or by bike. The various villages are connected by the railway line – Get directions
Relax on the beach : if you travel during the summer, visit one of the many seaside resorts along the lake! There are in fact numerous areas used for solarium and swimming pools, where you can swim or sunbathe
2 – Altstadt
The historic center of Zurich, the Altstadt, is characterized by characteristic alleys, ancient buildings, antique shops and colorful squares. A succession of beauties and typical neighborhoods, such as Schipfe, the oldest district of Zurich, or Niederdorf, a real pedestrian area! Also not to be missed is Sechselautenplatz, the largest and most famous square in Zurich ! For a first approach to the city, we recommend that you take part in a walking tour of the historic center, where a guide will take you to discover its secrets!
And if during the day the historic center is ideal for a pleasant and relaxing walk, in the evening it becomes the hub of the nightlife ! ! A real paradise for those who want to stay up late, including cocktail bars, pubs and discos, even outdoors in the summer.
The historic center develops on the banks of the Lammat river and is easily accessible on foot, the best way to explore it, as many areas are entirely pedestrianized. The Central Train Station is located just 5 minutes walk from the historic center – Get directions
Take part in events : the historic center is alive in every season, with great events and anniversaries! For example, do not miss the Christmas markets in December, while in April in Sechselautenplatz a large fake snowman is burned, to celebrate the arrival of spring.
3 – Grossmunster
The Grossmunster and the old cathedral of Zurich, dedicated to the patron saints of the city: Felix and Regula. Built in 1100, today it is a Protestant church and is the symbol of the city, as well as a place full of history. It is precisely here, in fact, that in 1500 the German-Swiss Prostestant Reform came to life and began.
The exterior is characterized by the presence of two high towers, rebuilt in the 1700s due to a collapse. The Karlsturm also offers a wonderful panoramic terrace to admire the city. The interior is very austere and bare, but at the same time impressive ! Here we find important Romanesque sculptures and several references to the Lombard architectural school.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Grossmunsterplatz, in the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from Fraumunster (180 m, 2 min). Helmhaus Reference Tram Stop (Lines 1 & 15) – Get directions
- Hours: from March to October 10: 00-18: 00, from November to February 10: 00-17: 00. Limited tourist visits during celebrations and religious occasions
- Ticket cost: free
4 – Fraumunster
Located on the opposite bank from the Grossmunster, the Kirche Fraumunster is one of the most important churches in the city and owes its name to the convent that once stood here. Dating back to the 11th century, its beauty has led to a large number of tourist visits, thus requiring paid entry to control access.
This church, in Gothic-Romanesque style, is unmistakable thanks to its bell tower with a green roof , which makes it stand out in the city skyline. The interiors are truly magnificent and one of the highlights are certainly the large windows , the work of artists such as Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti.
Visit the Christmas market: during the month of December, the Weihnachtsmarkt Munsterhof is held in the Cathedral square, with handicrafts, souvenirs and typical local delicacies
Practical info: directions, times and prices
- How to get there: in Munsterhof 2, in the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from Grossmunster (180 m, 2 min). Reference Kantonalbank Tram Stop (Lines 2, 8, 9 & 11) – Get Directions
- Hours: every day 10: 00-17: 00, Sun from 13:00. Limited tourist visits during celebrations and religious occasions
- Ticket price: one-time € 5.00, up to 16 years free
5 – Wasserkirche
Photo of Roland zh. Continue the discovery of the wonderful churches of the city. Let’s now talk about the Wasserkirche, located next to the Grossmunster. Wasser in German means water, and there was no more suitable name for the church given its location: it is located on the bank of the Limmat river , right on the bank.
With a troubled history, the church changed its function over the centuries : for some periods it was used as a warehouse and as a library. Nowadays it covers its original function, with the celebration of various religious functions. To admire inside its large windows of the choir , also decorated by Augusto Giacometti.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Limmatquai 31, in the Altstadt, next to the Grossmunster. Easily accessible on foot from Fraumunster (180 m, 2 min). Helmhaus Reference Tram Stop (Lines 1 & 15) – Get directions
- Hours: Tue-Sun 14: 00-17: 00, closed Mon. Limited tourist visits during celebrations and religious occasions
- Ticket cost: free
6 – Church of San Pietro
The Basilicia of San Pietro, is one of the most characteristic churches in the city of Zurich , a few steps from the Fraumunster. Its construction rests on an ancient architectural structure dating back to Roman times and represents the oldest medieval structure in the city .
As soon as you see it, your eye will be immediately captured by the marvelous clock tower, its distinctive feature. The clock has a diameter of approximately 8m, making it one of the largest dials in Europe! Characterized by different architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, up to the Baroque, here is also the tomb of Rudolf Burn, first mayor of the city and editor of the Constitution of the Zurich Guild
Practical information: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in St. Peterhofstatt 1, in the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from Fraumunster (250 m, 3 min). Reference Kantonalbank Tram Stop (Lines 2, 8, 9 & 11) – Get Directions
- Hours: every day 8: 00-18: 00. Limited tourist visits during celebrations and religious occasions
- Ticket cost: free
7 – Bahnhofstrasse
Photo of Roland zh. For all shopping lovers , the street to visit is undoubtedly the Banhofstrasse, a collection of truly fantastic nineteenth-century buildings, characterized by luxury shops and its famous banks. It is now a real attraction , due to its characteristics also nicknamed the way of gold and diamonds!
With some of the most exclusive shops in the world , high fashion boutiques and shopping centers, the best way to experience it is certainly on foot, admiring the many shop windows and taking a break in one of the many bars along the street. The heart of Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz, the square where there are the headquarters of the most important banks in the country .
Bahnhofstrasse runs through the entire historic center of Zurich, from the main railway station to the lakeside. To be explored exclusively on foot, the area is still served by several tram stops and lines – Get directions
Have breakfast at Confiserie Sprungli : this place is one of the most famous in the city, offering excellent coffee and delicious desserts, from chocolate to Macaron. Price expensive, in the average of the Swiss clubs, but it’s really worth it!
8 – Kunsthaus Zurich
Photo of Roland zh. And after the churches and shopping, it’s time to discover some of the most famous museums in the city! Starting with the Kunsthaus Zurich, or the Zurich House of Art, a museum of ancient, modern and contemporary art. Absolutely not to be missed if you are a lover of the genre!
The museum displays several significant collections of artistic relics , ranging from the Middle Ages up to the twentieth century, with a particular focus on Swiss art . The most significant collections of the Kunsthaus Zurich are the works of Edvard Munch and Alberto Giacometti. You can also admire works by Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Giorgio De Chirico, Paul Klee and Georges Braque.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Heimplatz 1, in the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from Grossmunster (550 m, 7 min). Kunsthaus reference bus and tram stop (tram lines 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11) – Get directions
- Hours: Tue-Sat 10 am-6pm, Wed-Thu until 7pm, Sun-Mon closed
- Ticket price: full permanent collection 16.00 CHF (€ 14.80), reduced 11.00 CHF (€ 10.20) / Temporary exhibitions and special exhibitions variable cost, consult the official website
9 – Swiss National Museum
Photo by Roland zh. The Swiss National Museum, full name Schweizerisches Nationalmuseum, is located right next to the central station and tells the cultural history of Switzerland . The museum is housed in a building dating back to 1892, which looks like an old medieval castle.
Inside you can admire the richest collection in the country , with interactive and multimedia exhibitions, therefore also suitable for children! You will see archaeological finds from prehistoric times and the Roman age, medieval and modern art relics, and other objects relating to the politics and economics of the Helvetic Confederation.
Reach the Platzspitzbrunnen: behind the museum develops the city park, the Platzspitz, which reaches the point where the Limmat river divides into two different watercourses. This point offers spectacular views and also has a wonderful fountain
. Practical information: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Museumstrasse 2, in the Altstadt, next to the Central Train Station. Easily reachable on foot from the Church of San Pietro (950 m, 11 min). Reference stop Bahnhofquai / HB (numerous tram and bus lines) – Get directions
- Hours: Tue-Sun 10 am-5pm, closed Mon
- Ticket price: full 10.00 CHF (€ 9.30), reduced 8.00 CHF (€ 7.40)
10 – Opera House
The Opera House, the Opernhaus Zurich, is located in the city center. At first it was used as a musical and dramatic theater, then, after the construction of the Schauspielhaus, it specialized in opera, operetta and ballet . In addition to philharmonic concerts and jazz concerts, you can also attend matinees and special shows for children.
The building that houses the theater will immediately attract your attention for its imposing and harmonious structure. It is the smallest of the international opera houses , in fact it has 1,100 seats inside. Unfortunately it cannot be visited inside, except for shows and events, but it is still worth a visit from the outside and a nice photo!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Sechselautenpl. 1, in the Altstadt, on the river bank. Easily accessible on foot from Grossmunster (650 m, 9 min). Reference stop Opernhaus (tram lines 2 and 4, bus lines 912 and 916) – Get directions
- Hours: based on events and shows, consult the official website
- Ticket cost: based on events and shows, consult the official website
11 – Pavillon Le Corbusier
Photo of Museum fur Gestaltung. In a wonderful landscape setting, among splendid gardens and right in front of the lake, is the Pavillon Le Corbusier, a museum designed and dedicated to the Swiss architect Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, better known in the world as Le Corbusier.
Also known as Centro Le Corbusier, it is the only museum designed by the architect himself , as well as being his latest creation. Commissioned by Heidi Weber, this place was to be a building where art, architecture, design, furniture and landscape came together, with the aim of creating a true 360 ​​° work of art.. And in fact, in addition to the works exhibited inside, the building is also a real jewel, which is definitely worth a visit.
Visit the nearby Chinagarten Zurich : upon exiting the museum, you will find them facing the lake with a spectacular view! A little corner of China and the East in Zurich!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Hoschgasse 8, on the bank of the Limmat river. Easily reached on foot from Opernhaus Zurich via a riverside walk (1.2 km, 15 min). Reference bus stop Elektrowatt (lines 912 and 916) – Get directions
- Hours: only in summer, from May to October. Tue-Sun 12: 00-18: 00, Thu until 20:00, closed Mon
- Ticket price: full 10.00 CHF (€ 9.30), reduced 8.00 CHF (€ 7.40)
12 – Buhrle Collection
Photo by Raimond Spekking. Located outside the historic center, the very famous Buhrle art collection, original name Stiftung Sammlung EG Buhrle, is a collection of impressionist and modern art , born thanks to the industrialist Emil Georg Buhrle, from whom it takes its name.
Here you can admire masterpieces of impressionist and modern art . The museum exhibits works by: Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, Amedeo Modigliani and many others. Therefore ideal for all art lovers.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: at Zollikerstrasse 172, outside the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from the Botanical Garden (800 m, 10 min). Reference bus stop Altenhofstrasse (line 77). Bahnhof Tiefenbrunnen train station 500m – Get directions
- Hours: Tue-Sun 10 am-6pm, Wed Thu and Fri until 8pm, closed Mon
- Ticket cost: currently under renovation, consult the official website
13 – Lindenhof
Photo of Roland zh. Let’s now discover some of the most characteristic districts of Zurich , not to be missed. We start from the Lindenhof, a wonderful hilly neighborhood that can be reached from the Altstadt with a pleasant walk. This area has an important historical value, as it rises around the remains of a Roman castle.
It is an ideal neighborhood to relax , where the locals also come to read a good book, play chess, admire the view, spend some time with friends or family and sit under the lime trees, in German Linden (name from which takes the hill). An ideal place for children as well, where they can have fun in the Kinderspielplatz Switzerland playground.
It can be easily reached on foot from the Church of San Pietro (180 m, 3 min), the climb is simple and pleasant, also feasible for those who are not well trained or move with small children. Reference tram stop Rathaus (lines 4 and 15) – Get directions
Visit it at sunset : this hill offers a wonderful panorama over the city, from which you can take endless photos
14 – Niederdorf
The Niederdorf is a very suggestive district of the city of Zurich , characterized by buildings medieval streets and streets populated by street artists. It develops on the eastern bank of the Limmat River, in the northern part of the historic center.
Here you will find a mix of attractions, gastronomy and shopping, the ideal place to spend at least an afternoon between visits and relaxing breaks in one of the many outdoor tables of the premises. It is in fact a completely pedestrian area , during the day quiet and magical, while in the evening it becomes the center of the nightlife, with local tanssimi.
Easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the historic center, such as from Grossmunster (400 m, 5 min). Pedestrian area, reference tram stops Rudolf-Brun-Brucke (lines 4 and 15) and Rathaus (lines 4 and 15) – Get directions
Take a coffee break from 1842 im Haus Conditorei Schober : and among the historic pastry shops of Zurich, characterized by interiors in very well kept antique style. We recommend that you try the strudel, really delicious!
15 – Zurich-West
Let’s move now to Zurich-West, the modern and eclectic district of Zurich ! This area was born from a former industrial area, now completely redeveloped and which houses art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, design shops and an indoor market (every Saturday 9: 00-20: 00)!
Among the attractions not to be missed is the Prime Tower, a 126 m high skyscraper, with modern architecture, which houses offices, commercial premises and even a panoramic restaurant! It is then impossible not to take a photo in front of the Freitag Tower, an intelligent example of building recycling, as the tower is built with colorful containers and houses the company of the same name, very well known worldwide.
The district is located north of the historic center, near the Zurich Hardbrucke train station (240 m, 3 min). It is served by several stops and tram and bus lines. Reference stop for Prime Tower and Freitag Tower Schiffbau (tram lines 4 and 8) – Get directions
Other attractions to visit
Zurich is a city full of things to do, where culture, history and nature blend together , making it an ideal destination for every type of traveler. So far we have seen the must sees, but there are other attractions that are worth a visit based on the time available.
Let’s start with the museums: the Rietberg Museum (18.00 CHF / € 16.70), one of the largest art museums in Switzerland, housed in a wonderful building surrounded by gardens; the FIFA World Football Museum (24.00 CHF / € 22.20), ideal for football lovers, with a collection of over 1,000 memorabilia and exclusive items; and the Zoologisches Museum (free), a natural history museum, also ideal for children, located inside the University of Zurich.
If you love nature, you can’t miss the Botanischer Garten der Universitat Zurich (free), the university’s botanical garden, with wonderful plants, paths and a café surrounded by greenery. Finally, we recommend that you climb the Uetiliberg mountain (for free), from which you can admire a wonderful view of the city, the lake and all the surroundings! Ideal place for outdoor activities, such as mountain biking and hiking.
11 things to do in Zurich
Visit to the Chocolate factory
Photo at the Mnsterbrcke bridge Walk
along Augustinergasse
Jules Verne Panoramabar Zurich
Sphinx Observatory at the Jungfraujoch
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- River Cruise : Take a river cruise to see the city from another perspective. Info and costs here
- Visit to the Chocolate Factory : Lindt & Sprungli is one of the most famous chocolate factories in the world! Info and costs here
- Take the cable car : Enjoy a ferry ride first and then take the cable car to admire the beautiful Zurich from above, a postcard landscape! Info and costs here
- Taste Swiss Fondue and Wine : Impossible to visit Switzerland without tasting the famous Swiss cheese fondue, perhaps accompanied by an excellent glass of wine! Some food tours available
- Take a picture on the Munsterbrucke : one of the most beautiful and famous bridges in Zurich, and also one of the most photographed! Unmissable at sunset, when the city lights start to turn on
- Walk along Augustinergasse : one of the most famous streets in Zurich, with colorful houses and various Swiss flags on the facades, as well as cute places with outdoor tables for a coffee break
- Aperitif at sunset at Jules Verne Panoramabar Zurich : one of the places with the most beautiful view in Zurich, ideal for an aperitif while watching the sunset over the city
- Participate in the Street Parade : one of the most anticipated events in Zurich, a techno event held at the end of August, when for two days the city becomes the stage for numerous DJ sets with international artists of house and techno music
- Tuk tuk ride : why not admire the city in a different and more fun way.
Enjoy a nice tuk tuk ride to discover the main attractions of Zurich. Info and costs here - Discover the surroundings by bike : Zurich is a very green city, attentive to the environment and which loves nature. So mingle with the locals, explore the lake by bike and enjoy a ride in the beautiful surroundings. Info and costs here
- Climb to the roof of Europe : about 130 km from Zurich is the Jungfraujoch, a pass located between the Monch and Jungfrau mountains in the Bernese Alps, called the roof of Europe. An incredible experience and view, not to be missed. Info and excursion costs here
Plan your stay in Zurich: flights and hotels
Zurich is well connected to Italy both by land and by air. The city is served by the Zurich-Kloten airport (compare flights). It is a destination to visit all year round : in summer for the many outdoor activities, in winter for the atmosphere of the Christmas markets and winter sports!
The best neighborhood to stay is the historic center (compare the accommodations on booking), this will also allow you to move easily on foot , but also to enjoy the lively nightlife .
If you are traveling with children, you definitely can’t miss a tour around the lake, a walk in the botanical gardens and half a day at the zoo. If you are traveling low cost, Zurich is an expensive destination , like all of Switzerland. Neighborhoods, squares and some attractions are still free, but to save even more we recommend purchasing the Zurich Card, with discounts for visits, transport and restaurants!