Zurich is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. If you only have one afternoon to explore, start with Grossmünster, an iconic cathedral with two Romanesque towers, standing on the site of three ancient tombs. A stroll through the historic Niederdorf district will take you to narrow cobblestone streets full of charming nooks and interesting shops. In this guide I will share with you Zurich, Switzerland: 29 Best Things to Do and See.
Art lovers should not miss the Rietberg Museum, which offers collections focused on non-European cultures, including exhibits from Africa, Arabia, China, and Tibet. For those who enjoy views, there’s the Felsenegg cable car ride, offering incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps.
Let’s take a look at what to see and do in Zurich.
Zurich Weather: when to Visit Zurich
It’s simple: Anytime. Zurich is great all year round.
Spring (March – May): Spring is one of our favorite months because there aren’t as many tourists and everything is blooming.
Summer (June – August): Warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities, swimming, picnics, and cultural events. You can attend popular summer festivals like Zürich Festspiel.
Autumn (September – November): Autumn here is also beautiful; the colorful leaves add a romantic touch to almost every place.
Winter (December – February): The city transforms into a winter wonderland. I’ve only experienced Zurich in winter once, but it’s truly magical: Christmas markets, festive lights, and ski resorts are just a short distance away, so you can combine it with a skiing trip.
Where to Strategically Stay in Zurich: Best Hotels
Zurich is quite expensive; Switzerland in general is more expensive by our standards, so you have to expect prices to be higher than in the Czech Republic, and even Austria and Germany.
Lukáš and I like staying at Motel One Zürich because it’s one of the more affordable hotels; the rooms are smaller, but the breakfasts are usually excellent.
29 Best Things to Do and See
Zurich offers many significant sights and attractions worth visiting. From historic churches and art-filled museums to natural beauty and modern architecture, everyone will find something they love in the city.
Grossmünster
Grossmünster, an imposing Romanesque church, is one of Zurich’s most famous symbols. The legendary Carolingian bishop Felix and Regula, twins and martyrs, are buried right here.
We recommend climbing the tower to enjoy a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings. The church’s history dates back to the 12th century, and its interior is full of artistic treasures, including modern stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti.
Fraumünster
Fraumünster is another significant church, known for its magnificent stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti.
The church was founded in 853 and originally served as a convent for noblewomen. The stained-glass windows in the choir depict biblical stories and are true artistic masterpieces. A visit to Fraumünster offers both a spiritual and aesthetic experience.
St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church is the oldest parish church in Zurich , whose origins date back to the 9th century. The church is known for its enormous clock tower, which has the largest clock face in Switzerland.
Inside, you’ll find magnificent Baroque interiors and Romanesque elements.
Landesmuseum Zurich (Swiss National Museum)
The Swiss National Museum, Landesmuseum Zurich, is housed in an impressive building with towers and a courtyard. Exhibits include artifacts from prehistory to the present day, including medieval artworks and modern design.
Lindt Chocolate Museum
Who wouldn’t know and love the famous Swiss Lindt chocolate? If there’s one chocolate we have at home quite often, it’s Lindt, which is why this modern museum, designed by renowned architects Christ & Gantenbein, must not be missed on our list.
Right at the entrance, you’ll be greeted by an impressive chocolate fountain, which is over nine meters high. This is followed by an interactive exhibition that guides you through the history and process of chocolate production, from cocoa bean cultivation to tasting delicious Swiss chocolate.
Tip: It’s better to buy tickets in advance via GetYourGuide (you can cancel them anytime if your plans change).
Kunsthaus Zurich
Kunsthaus Zurich is one of the most important art museums in Switzerland. Its collections include masterpieces from the Middle Ages to modern art, including works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Chagall.
Rietberg Museum
Rietberg Museum specializes in non-European cultures and contains collections from Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania. You can see Chinese ceramics, Tibetan bronzes, and medieval Islamic art there. Additionally, the museum is located in a beautiful park.
Tram-Museum Zurich
Since I’ve met a few big tram enthusiasts, I’ll mention this museum too. 😁 Tram-Museum Zurich is a museum dedicated to the history of tram transport in Zurich.
In the museum, you’ll find a collection of historic trams, uniforms, and other artifacts related to public transport.
Zoological Museum
If you like anthropology or have a little dinosaur fan at home, then definitely head to this museum. You’ll see dinosaur skeletons, taxidermied animals, and various natural history exhibits here. The museum is an ideal place for families with children and offers interactive exhibitions that bring the world of animals and their ecology closer.
Lake Zurich
Since Zurich is located by the lake, you definitely won’t miss it. Go for a walk there, or if you want a more romantic experience, you can book a cruise via GetYourGuide. I recommend GetYourGuide, because you can cancel the cruise for free anytime if the weather or your plans change.
Uetliberg
Head to the “peak of Zurich”, Uetliberg mountain is 870 meters high and offers panoramic views of Zurich and the surrounding landscape. You’ll also find a restaurant at the top.
Chinese Garden in Zurich
The Chinese Garden in Zurich is a gift from its partner city Kunming and represents an oasis of calm in the bustling city. The garden is designed in a traditional Chinese style with ponds, pagodas, and stone bridges.
Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich
In the botanical garden, you’ll find over 15,000 different plant species from all over the world. There are greenhouses and outdoor gardens where you can find exotic plants, medicinal herbs, and rare species.
Arboretum
For nature and botany lovers, there’s also the Arboretum, which is a botanical garden, public park, and arboretum, part of the so-called Quaianlagen, a series of lakeside promenades in Zurich.
Polyterrasse
Where to go for a viewpoint in Zurich? Head to the viewing platform, Polyterrasse of the ETH Zurich Institute of Technology, which offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Zurich.
Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s main shopping street, known for its luxury stores, boutiques, and jewelers. The street leads from the main train station to Lake Zurich and is an ideal place for shopping and strolling.
Zurich West
Zurich West is a modern district known for its vibrant gastronomy, art galleries, and nightlife. The former industrial area has transformed in recent years into a dynamic zone with loft apartments, modern architecture, and cultural events. Here you’ll experience the true modern face of Zurich.
Frau Gerolds Garten
Frau Gerolds Garten is a community garden and outdoor bar with an urban atmosphere. It is located in the Zurich West area and offers a variety of events, from markets to concerts.
WOW Museum
Where to go with kids? How about the WOW Museum? An interactive museum of illusions that adults and children alike will enjoy.
Thermal Baths in Zurich
Thermal Baths and SPA offer relaxation in the historic premises of a former brewery. You can enjoy thermal baths, saunas, and wellness treatments here. The main attraction is the rooftop pool with magnificent views of the city and the Alps.
Urania Observatory
Urania Observatory is a public observatory in the center of Zurich, where you can explore the night sky and learn more about the universe. It’s an ideal place for space and astronomy lovers of all ages.
Niederdorf
Niederdorf is a historic district full of narrow streets, ancient houses, and picturesque squares. It’s ideal for an evening stroll; you’ll find plenty of traditional pubs and interesting boutiques here.
Jules Verne Panorama Bar
Jules Verne Panorama Bar offers a magnificent view of Zurich from above. It is located in a former observatory and is a popular spot for a cocktail. So if you’re looking for a bit of romance, you know where to go.
Limmat River Cruise
If you enjoy scenic cruises, you can embark on one here in Zurich too. As I’ve mentioned several times, we prefer to use the GetYourGuide portal for bookings because you can cancel anytime, which sometimes comes in handy.
Uetliberg
Who wouldn’t want to experience a magnificent view of Zurich and the Alps? For all nature and hiking enthusiasts, Uetliberg, Zurich’s local mountain, is the perfect place. This 869-meter-high peak offers panoramic views of the city, Lake Zurich, and, in good weather, even the distant Alps.
You can comfortably reach the summit of Uetliberg by S10 train from Zurich’s main station, which takes about 20 minutes.
In winter, the trails here transform into toboggan runs, so fun is guaranteed all year round. At the summit, there is also the Uto Kulm hotel and restaurant, where you can enjoy local Swiss specialties and the view from the observation tower.
Zurich Zoo
Zurich Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world, known for creating the most natural environment possible for animals and providing excellent care. Here, just like in Prague, you can see various animal species from all over the world, including rare and endangered ones.
Polybahn
Polybahn is a historic funicular railway that connects central Zurich with the university campus on the Garden Terrace. It’s a short but very pleasant ride that offers a magnificent view of the city. Polybahn is popular not only among tourists but also among local students.
Lindenhof
Lindenhof is a historic part of Zurich, from where you have an absolutely magical view of the old town and the Limmat River. We even stopped here during our road trip to Spain.
Opernhaus Zurich
Zurich Opera is a significant cultural institution that hosts world-class operas, ballets, and concerts. The building itself is an architectural gem, and its interior is absolutely divine.
FAQ
What to do in Zurich when it rains?
If it rains in Zurich, head to the thermal baths or the WOW Museum.
What to do with kids in Zurich?
Zurich has one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe; you definitely shouldn’t miss it.
What to see and do in Zurich?
In Zurich, visit the iconic Grossmünster Cathedral, stroll through the historic Niederdorf district, see art at the Rietberg Museum, and enjoy the views from the Felsenegg cable car.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
