Things To Do
in Kloten
Kloten is a compact Swiss town best known for hosting Zurich Airport, just outside the city center. It offers easy connections to Zurich and the surrounding countryside while maintaining a calm, village-like atmosphere. The area blends efficient public transport with convenient access to lakes, hills, and urban culture.
Visitors can enjoy Swiss hospitality, clean streets, and plenty of opportunities for day trips into the wider Zurich region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh Swiss pastries and coffee. Afterwards, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Kloten, admiring the charming architecture and vibrant flowers lining the sidewalks. Visit the local markets to indulge in some fresh produce and artisanal goods.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Zurich Airport for an interesting tour that gives insight into Switzerland's aviation industry. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the scenic park at Kloten, taking in the views of the surrounding hills. Spend some time at the local playgrounds or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere.
As the sun sets, dine at a traditional Swiss restaurant where you can savor fondue or rösti, accompanied by regional wines. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through Kloten’s neighborhoods, experiencing the calm of the evening streets. End your day at a cozy bar for a nightcap or a dessert café for a sweet treat.
Begin your morning by visiting the Kloten Museum, where you can explore the rich local history and cultural artifacts. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at a nearby bakery known for its delicious croissants and artisan bread. Spend some time interacting with locals to learn more about Kloten's heritage.
In the afternoon, take a short train ride to Zurich and immerse yourself in its renowned art scene by visiting the Kunsthaus Zurich. After exploring the galleries, treat yourself to lunch in the vibrant Old Town, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic district. Explore the nearby boutiques and shops for unique souvenirs and Swiss goods.
Return to Kloten for dinner at a cozy trattoria that features both local and Italian cuisine. Stroll through the town center, where you can enjoy the lively ambiance of the evening with street music and open-air dining. Conclude your day by attending a local concert or theater performance, immersing yourself in the Swiss arts.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🥪Lunch for one | $15-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-180 |
| 🚆Monthly public transport pass | $70-110 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Efficient and reliable public transport
- Close proximity to Zurich and alpine day trips
- Higher cost of living compared to some regions
- Limited nightlife within Kloten itself
- "Grüezi" - Hello (formal)
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You’re welcome
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Kloten
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow medieval streets, gabled houses, and picturesque squares ideal for atmospheric street photography.
Waterfront views with boats, promenades, and mountain silhouettes on clear days.
Panoramic overlook over Zurich, the lake, and the Alps on a clear day.
Plane-spotting vantage point with dynamic runways and aircraft activity.
Food in Kloten
Kloten Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A pot of melted cheese served with bread and vegetables; best enjoyed in Swiss restaurants around Zurich.
Must-Try!
Melted cheese scraped over potatoes, pickles, and onions for a cozy, shareable meal.
Sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, typically served with Rösti.
Crispy fried grated potatoes; versatile as a side or main with toppings.
Delicate macarons from Sprüngli; perfect for a light, iconic Swiss dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A popular weekly market with fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and ready-to-eat bites; best on Saturdays.
Vibrant weekend market in Zurich West offering local produce and street bites.
Another Zurich market with seasonal produce and prepared foods; check the weekend schedule.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is highly valued; plan ahead for trains and meetings.
Use 'Grüezi' (formal) or 'Hoi' (informal) when meeting someone; a handshake is common in first encounters.
Maintain quiet, respectful behavior in public spaces and public transport; avoid loud conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Kloten
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common in restaurants.
Cash and cards (Visa, Mastercard, PostFinance) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets like TWINT are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days, long daylight hours, and plenty of outdoor festivals. Expect occasional showers; perfect for lake and outdoor activities.
Mild days with colorful foliage; markets and harvest events begin. Chance of rain; layer for variability.
Cold temperatures with possible snow; shorter daylight hours. Great for winter markets and cozy cafés, with day trips to the Alps possible.
Milder temperatures and blooming parks and gardens; rain is common but days can be sunny and fresh.
Kloten at Night
Hiking in Kloten
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular skyline hike with panoramic views of Zurich and Lake Zurich.
Ridge walk with forest paths and lake viewpoints just outside the city.
Gentle to moderate hikes in the Albis region near Zurich.
Airports
How to reach Kloten by plane.
Located in Kloten; the main international gateway to Switzerland; direct rail links to Zurich city center.
Near Basel; about 150–180 km from Kloten; accessible by train and road.
Major international airport near Geneva; longer rail/road connections from Kloten for longer trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents in Kloten and the surrounding Zurich area.
Significant communities from Italy, Portugal, Turkey, the Balkans, and other regions.
Many residents work in Zurich or at Zurich Airport, contributing to a dynamic, diverse population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed with local clubs in the Zurich area and multiple leagues.
Popular winter sport; local teams and hockey venues in the region.
Significant alpine activity within easy reach for weekend trips from Zurich.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kloten.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; look for cheese and vegetable dishes, and ask for no meat or bacon. In German, you can say 'Ohne Speck, bitte' (without bacon) and 'Vegetarisch, bitte' (vegetarian, please).