Your complete guide to exploring Zurich, from the historic Old Town and world-class museums to scenic lake cruises and Alpine day trips. Covers landmarks, cultural spots, neighborhoods, and practical tips for making the most of Switzerland's largest city.
Start at Lindenhof hill for a panoramic view of the Limmat river and rooftops. The narrow streets below are filled with boutiques, cafes, and medieval guild houses. Early morning visits are quietest.
Climb Lindenhof hill for city views
Explore the Augustinergasse painted houses
Visit Grossmunster church
This twin-towered Romanesque church dates back to 1100 and played a key role in the Swiss Reformation. Climb the Karlsturm tower (CHF 5) for one of the best views in the city. The crypt contains a large statue of Charlemagne.
Climb the Karlsturm tower
See the Giacometti stained glass windows
Explore Fraumunster church
Famous for its five stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, installed in 1970. Entry costs CHF 5. The church sits right on the Limmat and is just a short walk from Grossmunster across the Munsterbrucke bridge.
Visit St. Peter's Church
Home to the largest clock face in Europe at 8.7 meters in diameter. The church itself dates from the 9th century, though the current tower is from 1534. Free entry and usually much quieter than the other two main churches.
See the Swiss National Museum
Located in a castle-like building next to the main train station. Covers Swiss history from prehistory to the present across permanent and rotating exhibitions. Allow 2-3 hours for a full visit. Free entry on the first Saturday of each month.
Lake Zurich and Waterfront
Take a boat cruise on Lake Zurich
ZSG operates regular cruises ranging from 90-minute roundtrips to full-day excursions. The short cruise costs around CHF 9 and covers the city section of the lake. Boats run year-round but more frequently from April to October.
Book a short 90-minute lake cruise
Try the sunset cruise in summer months
Relax at Zurich's lake swimming areas (Badis)
Zurichhorn, Mythenquai, and the Seebad Enge are popular public bathing spots along the lake. Most are free or cost a few francs. The water is clean enough to swim in from June through September, with temperatures reaching 22-24°C in peak summer.
Stroll along the Limmatquai promenade
This waterfront walkway runs along the east bank of the Limmat river through the heart of the city. Guild houses, outdoor cafes, and views of the Old Town line the route. Saturday morning brings a popular flea market near Burkliplatz.
Visit the Chinese Garden at Zurichhorn
A gift from Zurich's sister city Kunming, this garden features traditional Chinese pavilions, a small pond, and carefully arranged plants. Free entry. Located in the Zurichhorn park along the eastern lakeshore, about a 20-minute walk from Bellevue.
Museums and Culture
Explore the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum
One of the most important art museums in Switzerland, with works ranging from medieval to contemporary. The 2021 extension by David Chipperfield nearly doubled the exhibition space. Admission is CHF 23, free on Wednesdays.
See the Giacometti collection
Visit the new Chipperfield extension wing
Visit the FIFA World Football Museum
Three floors of interactive exhibits covering the history of football worldwide. Includes the original FIFA World Cup trophy and a rooftop pitch. Admission is CHF 24. Located in the Enge district, about 10 minutes from the city center by tram.
See the Museum of Design (Museum fur Gestaltung)
Switzerland's leading design museum covers graphic design, industrial design, and architecture. Located near the main station in a striking 1930s building. Exhibitions rotate frequently, so check the current program before visiting.
Explore the Cabaret Voltaire
The birthplace of the Dada art movement, founded here in 1916. Now a combination of bar, performance space, and shop. Free to enter the ground floor. Located at Spiegelgasse 1, right in the heart of the Old Town.
Neighborhoods and Local Life
Explore Zurich West (Kreis 5)
This former industrial district is now Zurich's trendiest area, filled with restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops. The Im Viadukt shopping arcade under old railway arches is a highlight. The Freitag Tower, made from stacked shipping containers, offers free rooftop views.
Shop at Im Viadukt under the railway arches
Climb the Freitag Tower for views
Visit Niederdorf district
The car-free heart of the Old Town, packed with restaurants, bars, and small shops. Particularly lively on weekend evenings. The Sprungli chocolate shop on Paradeplatz is a must-stop for Swiss confections and the famous Luxemburgerli macarons.
Walk Bahnhofstrasse for shopping
One of the world's most expensive shopping streets, running 1.4 km from the main station to the lake. Even if high-end shops are not your thing, the street is pedestrian-friendly and well-maintained. The Paradeplatz square at its center is the financial heart of Switzerland.
Try a traditional Swiss fondue
Le Dezaley and Swiss Chuchi at Hotel Adler are popular spots for cheese fondue in the Old Town. Expect to pay CHF 25-35 per person. Fondue is traditionally a winter dish but most restaurants serve it year-round for tourists.
Day Trips and Nature
Take the cogwheel train up Uetliberg
Zurich's local mountain is reachable by S-Bahn in just 20 minutes from the main station. The summit at 871 meters offers panoramic views of the city, lake, and Alps on clear days. Free with a ZVV day pass. The Planetenweg trail from Uetliberg to Felsenegg is a scenic 2-hour walk.
Ride the S10 to Uetliberg summit
Walk the Planetenweg trail to Felsenegg
Day trip to Lucerne
Just 45 minutes by direct train from Zurich. The Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and lakefront promenade can be covered in half a day. Consider combining with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne or a ride up Mount Pilatus for truly spectacular views.
Visit the Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen
Europe's largest waterfall by volume is about an hour north of Zurich by train. A boat ride to the rock in the middle of the falls costs CHF 7. Most impressive in late spring when snowmelt swells the river. The viewing platforms are free.
Day trip to Rapperswil (the town of roses)
A 40-minute train ride along the lake brings you to this medieval town with a hilltop castle, rose gardens, and a wooden boardwalk across the lake. The castle is free to visit and the views from its walls are outstanding. Perfect for a relaxed half-day excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Zurich?
June through September offers warm weather (20-25°C), outdoor swimming in the lake, and long daylight hours. December brings charming Christmas markets. Spring and fall are quieter with mild temperatures, making them ideal for museum visits and day trips without crowds.
How expensive is Zurich for tourists?
Zurich is one of the priciest cities in Europe. Budget CHF 30-50 for a restaurant meal, CHF 4.40 for a single tram ticket, and CHF 150-250 for a mid-range hotel. Save money with the Zurich Card (CHF 27 for 24 hours), which includes free public transport and museum discounts.
Is it easy to get around Zurich without a car?
Zurich has excellent public transport including trams, buses, and S-Bahn trains, all managed by ZVV. The city center is compact and walkable. A day pass (CHF 8.80 for zones 110) covers unlimited rides. Many visitors never need anything beyond walking and trams.
Do I need to speak German in Zurich?
While Swiss German is the local language, English is widely spoken throughout Zurich, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Menus and transport information are often available in English. Learning a few basic German phrases is appreciated but not necessary.