While the Swiss countryside is a major draw, you haven’t seen Switzerland until you’ve seen the country’s largest city. These are the best things to do in Zürich.
Think of Switzerland and, very likely, your mind conjures up hyper-saturated images of snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, lush meadows and idly grazing cows dotting a landscape ripe for alpine adventure. Switzerland’s natural beauty is undeniable, but its urban charms are equally alluring. Embodying this dual appeal is Zürich, a city that seamlessly blends metropolitan sophistication with the great outdoors. Zürich is more than an efficient jumping-off point for Switzerland’s epic landscapes – it’s a destination in its own right.
Strolling through the Altstadt of Zürich, cobblestone streets lead through a time capsule of centuries-old buildings and leafy squares, with wrought iron signs swinging above chic boutiques and vibrant cafés. Zürich may be Switzerland’s largest city, yet its heart is walkable and charming, with the Limmat River gurgling through it on its path from Lake Zürich to the Aare River. From the river, it’s a short walk to Lindenhof, the oldest green space in the city and home of a Roman settlement. The views over the river and lake from this pretty park are spectacular, and locals play chess under the linden trees. In autumn, they are a beautiful shade of gold, while in spring, their flowers have a divine fragrance.
Meet Switzerland’s largest city
Zürich has an abundance of museums and cultural sights – many of which are included on the Zürich Card (which also includes free public transport). Grossmünster is a former monastery and was a key site for the Swiss Reformation. Legend says it was founded by Charlemagne. Across the river, the Fraumünster is also significant, with glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti. Art lovers will want to visit the Kunsthaus, Switzerland’s largest art museum, with works from the 13th century to today. It has the largest Edvard Munch collection outside of Norway. On the shores of the lake, the striking Pavillon Le Corbusier is the last work by legendary Swiss-French modernist architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, known as Le Corbusier, and the only one made entirely of glass and steel. Zürich is not all about art. It is also home to the FIFA Museum, which has over 1000 items of memorabilia and apparel over three floors. The museum looks at the world of football (soccer), from World Cup and FIFA history to interactive experiences including a giant pinball machine where you can test your skills. The sweetest experience of all is an interactive chocolate tour at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, which has the world’s biggest chocolate shop.
This is your guide to the best things to do in Zürich.
Switzerland’s hub of connectivity
Zürich’s connectivity is a major draw, with excellent transport links making it an ideal hub for exploring the rest of Switzerland. From Zürich, it’s a short journey to destinations like Lucerne, the Rhine Falls, or the numerous renowned ski resorts of the Swiss Alps. Metropolitan transport is excellent, too. The Zürich Card offers visitors free or discounted access to public transport, museums and attractions – the perfect companion for exploring a city where history meets innovation and where nature, culture and good taste harmonise beautifully.
Join Limmat River Cruises to take in the sights of Zürich Old Town and Lake Zürich from the water. You can also take a two-hour boat cruise or take the train to Rapperswil, which is a stunning town known for its castle, deer park and rose gardens. For elevated views, venture out to Uetliberg, ‘Zürich’s mountain’. It is loved by locals for its hiking and biking trails in the warmer months and for its toboggan runs in winter. It offers incredible vistas over the lake, city and the Alps.
Things to do in Zürich
Visit a museum or gallery
Art lovers will be spoiled for choice with more than 50 museums and 100 galleries across the city. One of the best things to do in Zürich is to visit the Kunsthaus Zürich, housing an exceptional collection spanning medieval times to the present day. Highlights include masterpieces by Swiss artists like Alberto Giacometti and Ferdinand Hodler, as well as works by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Cy Twombly. The museum is also home to the biggest assembly of Edvard Munch’s paintings outside of Norway. The Swiss National Museum showcases a comprehensive display of Swiss history; Museum Rietberg is dedicated to non-European art and presents works from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania; Museum für Gestaltung Zürich (Museum of Design) exhibits posters, graphics, applied art and design objects.
Meet Zürich West
A vibrant, up-and-coming district known for its trendy atmosphere, unique mix of industrial architecture and thriving food scene, Zürich West is a hangout for those in the know. Make a beeline for the Viadukt, an arched rail bridge-turned-shopping arcade that houses boutique shops, cafes and artisan markets.
Savour gourmet dining
Zürich’s culinary landscape is as diverse and enticing as its arts scene. The city houses some of the country’s most celebrated restaurants, where chefs blend traditional Swiss flavours with modern flair. The legendary Dolder Grand Hotel’s two-Michelin-starred The Restaurant offers gourmet delights with stunning views of the city, Lake Zürich, and the distant Alps. The magnificently luxe Widder Hotel’s Widder Restaurant offers an immersive dining experience at its chef’s table, while The Counter boasts a prime city-centre location and shines with two Michelin stars. For more casual options, Rosi’s neo-Bavarian fare has been hailed as a ‘Discovery’ by World’s 50 Best and noted as one to watch by Michelin’s judges. Also recommended by locals are the Italian-inspired Restaurant Marguita and the Swiss-contemporary Igniv. Zürich’s rooftop restaurants, like La Muna, Rooftop Bar 1838 and Roof Garden, offer perfect vantage points to enjoy a crisp glass of Räuschling (the signature local wine) while taking in the city skyline and distant peaks.
Explore the churches
One may be forgiven for thinking churches are something of a humdrum sightseeing activity, but Zürich’s houses of worship boast incredible views and beautiful architecture. Grossmünster, Fraumünster, St. Peter’s Church and Predigerkirche are the four most famous spires in Zürich. Grossmünster’s iconic towers jut into the Old Town skyline and visitors are allowed to climb the precarious narrow staircase to the top for panoramic views over the city. The oldest part of this Romanesque-style Protestant church is the crypt that dates back to the 11th century. Make time to visit the Twelve Messengers Chapel for its beautiful frescoes. Fraumünster is another of Old Town’s must-see sights, its aqua spire easily identifiable among the many brown-tiled towers. Visit for the Marc Chagall-designed stained glass windows, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Augusto Giacometti frescoes and Fraumünster’s more than 1000 years of history. Another one of the best things to do in Zürich is to visit St. Peter’s Church (St. Peterskirche), which has the largest clock face in Europe, medieval frescoes and is the city’s oldest parish, while Predigerkirche dates back to the 13th century and has the tallest church tower in Zürich.
Hit the spa
For relaxation, Zürich’s Hürlimannbad & Spa offers a unique experience set in a former brewery, combining Roman-Irish traditions with Zürich’s natural thermal waters. Alternatively, the sauna boat on Lake Zürich provides spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains.
A night at the opera
Offering world-class opera, ballet and musical performances, the Zürich Opera House is a must-visit destination for those who appreciate the performing arts. Opened in the early 19th century, it is known as one of the leading opera houses in Europe, with breathtaking interiors and gilded ceiling frescoes.
Roam Old Town (Altstadt)
Some of the best things to do in Zürich are found in the Old Town (Aldstadt) district. Augustinergasse is a narrow and preserved historic street with picturesque bay windows and facades in a variety of colours. Home to boutiques, cafes and restaurants, this street joins directly to the shopping high street of Bahnhofstrasse. Spend some time shopping and dining in Niederdorf, or see a spectacular sunset from the pedestrian-only Limmatquai walkway. Münsterhof is a particularly pretty part of Old Town. You’ll also find Niederdorf-Brücke here. Stop for a coffee at Storchen, a hotel on the riverfront with a terrace that has fantastic views of Grossmünster and the Limmat’s resident swans.
Lindt Home of Chocolate
Those travelling with little tykes or sweet tooths should schedule a stop at Lindt Home of Chocolate, the confectioner’s factory. Join a tour and discover the origins of Switzerland’s svelte cocoa sweets, sample an abundance of chocolate and learn about the brand’s innovations. Refuel at the on-site cafe.
Shop ‘til you drop on Bahnhofstrasse
A modern high street stretching from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to Lake Zürich, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with labels such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Rolex and more. This lovely boulevard is filled with restaurants, clubs, cafes and department stores, and when Christmas rolls around, an adorable festive tram runs up and down the rails and fairy lights are hung overhead.
Seek out nature
Though Zürich is a vibrant metropolis, nature is never far away. Nestled between Lake Zürich and the Uetliberg mountain, the city offers myriad opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best alfresco things to do in Zürich include swimming, boating or picnicking at Lake Zürich. Green spaces such as Rieterpark provide tranquil escapes, while those keen to live as the locals do can join the bathers at Flussbad Oberer Letten, a popular open-air swimming spot along the Limmat River in Zürich, where visitors can swim, relax by the water and enjoy views of the city and surrounding nature. The Uetliberg is a haven for hikers and bikers, with panoramic views of the city and the Alps. Take a scenic train ride to the summit, check out the observation tower or snack on Swiss cuisine at one of the restaurants. During the festive season, a small chalet village pops up on the summit with fire pots, food stalls and mulled wine.
Take in the view from Lindenhof
You’ll find the best views of the city at Lindenhof, a historic square in Old Town that was once a Roman fort.
Ride the polybähnli
A nostalgic little carriage in a striking hue of red, Zürich’s polybähnli funicular ferries locals from Central up to the Polyterasse and back. Connecting Limmatquai to Zürich University and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, few visitors are aware that the hilltop square boasts panoramic views over the skyline, Old Town and Lake Zürich.
Get sporty at the FIFA Museum
Football fans should visit the FIFA Museum in Zürich to explore the history of the sport through interactive exhibits, memorabilia and the iconic FIFA World Cup trophies. One of the best things to do in Zürich, the museum offers an immersive experience with multimedia displays and fun activities, making it a must-see for anyone passionate about the game.
Where to stay in Zürich
Switzerland’s biggest city is awash with luxury hotels and hot addresses. Some of the most notable include:
FAQ
Is Zürich worth visiting?
Colourful buildings, romantic cobblestone streets, grand architecture, a picturesque riverside position and thriving drinking, dining and cultural scenes make Zürich well worth a stop on your tour of Switzerland. The shopping is abundant, the restaurants are world-class, and the city is resplendent come Christmas time. With fairy lights strung across the streets, Santa’s tram, an illumination festival and several seasonal markets, including Europe’s largest indoor Christmas market – the Christkindlimarkt, Zürich is a delightful winter destination and well-connected to the rest of the country.
Are two days enough for Zürich?
While two days may be sufficient to see Zürich’s most popular tourist attractions and dine at a restaurant or two, it isn’t enough time to delve into the culture or arts scene or discover the city’s hidden gems. Allow three to four days for a full immersion into this enjoyable urban destination.
What is the number one thing to see in Zürich?
While some may suggest exploring Zürich’s Altstadt district to lay eyes upon Grossmünster, Fraumünster, St. Peter’s Church and Predigerkirche – among other sights – locals know the best spot in the city is Lake Zürich. With views of the Alps, boat cruises, swimming and a promenade to stroll, this easily-accessible hotspot is the perfect way to spend a peaceful day in Zürich.
Read more:
- Best things to do in Zurich
- Best things to do in Zermatt
- Hiking in Lucerne
- Best waterfalls in Switzerland
- Experience the Swiss Alps in Grindelwald
This article was produced with content supplied by Switzerland Tourism and originally appeared in volume 38 of Signature Luxury Travel & Style magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue today.
