Visiting Zurich: what are the best things to do and see in this vibrant city, Switzerland’s economic capital?
Let’s head for Switzerland, a land of wealth and diversity, whose cultural heritage has nothing to envy its European neighbors. We’re taking you to Zurich, the country’s economic capital! As an events metropolis on the waterfront, with the snow-capped Alps as a backdrop, Zurich offers a unique combination: over 50 museums, a lively nightlife, public baths on the lake and river in the heart of the city… Nothing is missing.
We highly recommend discovering the vibrant heart of this city, nestled at the foot of the Alpine mountains, which is renowned for its dynamism and incredible cultural imprint. Wondering what to do in Zurich? Here’s the answer:
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1. The churches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko
The city’s churches are an integral part of its historic landscape. If you’re a fan of Romanesque architecture, the famous Grossmunster church is sure to delight you! Considered one of the main sites of the Protestant Reformation, it’s packed with historical anecdotes, many of which have a French connection!
Did you know that it was under Charlemagne’s orders that the first part of the building was constructed?
And don’t miss the Fraumünster convent with its impressive stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall, and St. Peter’s church with its clock, the largest in Europe. You can’t visit Zurich without seeing its fabulous churches.
They are also part of the Zurich City Tour, a guided tour of the city’s must-see attractions.
2. Museums
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Igor Dymov
Wondering what to do in Zurich? When it comes to culture, the city has plenty to offer. Art lovers, nature enthusiasts and history buffs are in for a treat! The Swiss National Museum, for its part, houses the Swiss nation’s largest collection of historical objects. Built in 1898 by Swiss architect Gustave Gull, it is inspired by the style of French Renaissance châteaux.
It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily lives of the different generations that have shaped the country’s history. The Museum of Fine Arts boasts one of the most important art collections in Switzerland. In autumn 2021, it will open its new building, making it the largest museum in Switzerland. The Museum für Gestaltung, meanwhile, will delight fans of design and architecture.
Another cultural visit to be enjoyed by young and old alike is the WOW Museum in Zurich. Here, twelve rooms of illusions allow everyone to be amazed, to play with shapes and sizes, and to modify all usual perceptions. A source of amusement that promises to set you apart!
3. Uetliberg summit
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Denis Linine
The highest point in the city, the Uetliberg peak rises to 871 m above sea level. You can reach the summit by train from Zurich’s main station, as car access is prohibited. It’s a 10-minute walk from there.
If you’d like to take a short hike from the Uetliberg, the « Path of the Planets » takes you up to Felsenegg, one of Zurich’s most beautiful vantage points. The path materializes the distances in the solar system, and each step you take corresponds to a million kilometers. This two-hour walk links the sun to the dwarf planet Pluto, via the eight other planets.
Finally, in summer, take one of the many signposted paths to the summit, from where you can admire a magnificent panoramic view of Zurich’s skyline, its lake and the Alps! You can also enjoy a sublime sunset, in front of which it’s even possible to dine. In winter, these paths become… a toboggan run!
4. Shopping in the city streets
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From the finest chocolate boutiques, through trendy and traditional stores in the Old Town, to local and urban labels in Zurich-West: in Zurich, every neighborhood is a shopping experience in itself.
But there’s one street that really catches your eye: Bahnhofstrasse! It could be compared to the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, so many luxury stores follow one another. Reputed to be one of the most expensive streets in Europe, it stretches over 1.4 km and is packed with the most luxurious boutiques.
And if you choose to visit Zurich in winter, you’re sure to fall under the spell of the Christmas markets!
5. Swiss gastronomy
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A visit to Zurich is also an opportunity to discover the finesse of Swiss cheese and chocolate. Indeed, Switzerland is world-renowned for the unrivalled quality of its chocolates, a reputation that owes much to Zürich’s Sprüngli confectionery. Even today, Sprüngli’s world-famous specialities, such as Luxemburgerlis, pralines and truffles, as well as many other popular sweets, are still made according to traditional recipes. Would you like to go behind the scenes of another big name in the industry? Direction Lindt Home of Chocolate welcomes you: here, over 500 m2 promise an experience as gourmand as it is enriching.
Switzerland also has a strong, ancestral cheese-making tradition. Today, Switzerland’s cheese dairies and alpine pastures produce some 800 varieties of cheese, not counting fresh cheeses. Let yourself be tempted by a tasting of Swiss Gruyère, Appenzell or Stadtkäserei from Zürich.
If you’re a fan of vegetarian cuisine, Zurich is home to the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant: Le Hiltl. Created in 1898, this family-run restaurant has remained simple and true to its values, and the managers will be delighted to tell you the story of the 5 generations who have run the restaurant.
For those with a sweet tooth, opt for a Gustative Tour with fondue – your taste buds may never recover!
6. Swimming at Oberer Letten
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Yago Veith
If you set foot in Zurich during the summer season, here’s THE must-see spot you won’t want to miss! Situated along the Limmat River that runs through the city, and just a stone’s throw from Zurich’s main railway station, this bathing area is a great way to stop time!
Here, swimming lanes and diving boards await you, amidst the hustle and bustle of free entry. If you prefer peace and quiet, you can borrow a book from one of the Bühl Foundation’s lockers and sunbathe on one of the terraces/restaurants.
7. Lake Zurich
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Denis Linine
If you’re wondering what to do in Zurich, take a look at its magnificent crescent-shaped lake, 42km long. Its shores are particularly popular with locals and visitors alike. Bordered by parks and gardens, the lake is very pleasant in summer, for a picnic, a swim, a jog or simply a breath of fresh air.
A 3 km walk begins at Bellevue and ends at Tiefenbrunnen. Boat cruises on the lake are also available, including special gourmet cruises with the ZSG (Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft), ideal for discovering the city in a different way.
8. The Schipfe district
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Denis Linine
Here’s an absolutely perfect place for an afternoon stroll in Zurich. The Schipfe district, formerly a shipbuilding area on the left bank of the Limmat, has become so peaceful that you’ll never feel the hustle and bustle of Zurich again.
As you stroll through the colorful cobbled streets, you’ll appreciate the intergenerational atmosphere of this historic district. Children, young lovers and elderly couples liven up the place with their sweetness. A real little corner of paradise.
9. The Swiss Alps
Photo credit: Shutterstock – R.Thommen Photography
The Alps are to Zurich what nature is to Switzerland: indispensable to your stay! Take a day trip to the mountains as part of your trip. From the Brünig Pass to the Bernese Oberland, discover the heart of the Alps in its simplest form: off the beaten track, authentic and natural.
Take advantage of this special day in a majestic setting to try your hand at a variety of activities, whatever the season! In summer, the slopes can be explored on mountain bikes or observed from the clouds by paraglider. In winter, skiing and dog sledding are just around the corner.
10. Urban surf
Photo credit: Facebook – Urbansurf Zürich
Get ready, slide fans! For this latest must-see, Hawaii invites itself to the heart of Zurich! Thanks to a unique facility in the heart of Zurich West, you can now surf without leaving the city.
Just a stone’s throw from the Frau Gerolds Garten urban garden, the Urban Surf Platform is open to beginners and professionals alike! On the menu: a chill & relaxed atmosphere with live music and free admission for all those who want to enjoy the spectacle offered by the surfers.
An unusual outing, but increasingly popular with locals and tourists alike! To your boards!
How to get to Zurich
Photo credit: Pierre Julien
For obvious ecological reasons, we can only recommend that you travel to Switzerland by train. However, it’s also possible to travel by road and air.
By train
The train is the best way to get to Zurich: just settle into your seat and you’ll arrive in the city center without changing trains. There’s free WiFi on board, so you can plan your trip or watch your favorite TV series. And what’s more, the train is an environmentally-friendly alternative to flying!
From Paris, the TGV Lyria offers 6 daily round trips to Zurich in 4h04. The fare is €49 one way in STANDARD Class. Departures are from Paris Gare de Lyon and the TGV passes through Dijon. In view of the Covid crisis, 4 to 5 daily round trips are being maintained. On board the trains, sanitary measures have been put in place to ensure passenger safety: compulsory masks, more thorough cleaning of contact areas, high-performance ventilation system…
With a limited budget, the bus is also an economical alternative.
By plane
You might think that air travel is always faster. But if you look at the journey time from door to door, it’s not the same story at all! From Paris, for example, the plane takes 4 to 5 hours: 1 hour to get to the airport + 1 hour waiting time + 1.5 hours flight time + 30 minutes to get to Zurich city center, which is roughly equivalent to the train journey time, which has the advantage of leaving from and arriving in the city center.
However, flying can be a much better option if you’re departing from another city. You can find out the price of a ticket by using a flight comparator such as Skyscanner.
Located 10 km from the city center, Zurich airport has excellent transport links: train, streetcar, shuttle bus, cab… All you have to do is make your choice!
By road
If you’d prefer to make the journey by car, so that you can take your time contemplating the Alpine mountains, there are several routes available to you. Whether via the A5, A6 or N4 and A3, you’ll cross the Franco-Swiss border just outside Mulhouse. On average, your journey will take between 06h30 and 07h30, for a distance of around 600 km.
Finally, if you’re on a budget, consider taking the bus: it’s a great way to get to Zurich more cheaply.
Where to stay in Zurich?
The city offers visitors a wide range of luxury, charming and unusual accommodation in and around the city. We strongly advise you to book as early as possible to avoid the best accommodations being fully booked. There’s something to suit every budget, from youth hostels to 5-star luxury hotels!
If you’re a fan of lively, friendly neighborhoods, the Niederdorf district in the Old Town is the ideal choice. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for peace and quiet during your stay in Zurich, we recommend the Lindenhof district. Also located in the Old Town, it boasts sublime views of the city’s historic jewels.
From luxury hotel rooms to small, charming accommodations, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for by taking a look at a hotel comparator, or by hunting for an unusual pied-à-terre on Airbnb.
With its rich historical and cultural past, its splendid monuments, its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, its tasty and varied cuisine and the legendary hospitality of its people, Switzerland is sure to win you over.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Zurich,ch