Things To Do
in Schlieren
Schlieren is a compact, industrious town just west of the city of Zürich, blending converted industrial sites with residential neighborhoods and green riverbanks. It has a multicultural population, a practical town center clustered around the railway station, and growing cultural and business hubs. Visitors appreciate its proximity to Zürich while enjoying quieter streets, riverside walks along the Limmat, and accessible public transport.
Schlieren is practical as a base for exploring the Limmat Valley and nearby hiking areas while offering authentic everyday Swiss life outside the main tourist routes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Schlieren and settle into your accommodation. Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming historic center, admiring the traditional Swiss architecture and quaint streets. Visit local cafes to enjoy a fresh Swiss breakfast and coffee while soaking in the town’s peaceful atmosphere.
Spend your afternoon at the Stadtgarten Schlieren, a beautiful park perfect for relaxation and a picnic. Visit the Schlieren Museum to learn about the town's rich history and industrial past. Explore local shops and art galleries to discover unique handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Dine at one of Schlieren's cozy restaurants offering traditional Swiss cuisine. Enjoy a gentle evening walk along the Limmat River, where the sunset creates a serene ambiance. End your night relaxing at a local bar or your hotel, preparing for the days ahead.
Begin with a refreshing morning hike to the nearby hills surrounding Schlieren, offering panoramic views of the Swiss countryside. Take your time to capture photos and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Stop by a local bakery on your way back for pastries and coffee.
Visit the Fabrikhalle Schlieren, a cultural venue hosting contemporary art exhibitions and performances. Immerse yourself in the local art scene and attend a workshop if available. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café specializing in seasonal Swiss dishes.
Partake in a tasting session at a local wine bar, sampling Swiss wines and regional delicacies. Wander through the illuminated streets of Schlieren for a peaceful nighttime experience. Consider catching a live music performance if scheduled.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚇Single public transport ticket (local) | $3-5 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Very close to Zürich with excellent public transport connections
- Multicultural food scene and practical local amenities
- Quieter, more everyday Swiss experience with riverside walks and green spaces
- Good base for hikes (Uetliberg) and exploring the Limmat Valley
- Fewer classic tourist attractions compared with central Zürich
- Some areas still feel industrial rather than picturesque
- Limited high-end nightlife and boutique shopping within town itself
- Accommodation options can be less tourist-focused
- "Grüezi" - Hello (Swiss German, formal)
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You’re welcome
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Schlieren
Visit one of these nice places.
Pleasant riverside paths provide reflections, bridges, and everyday life scenes—good light at golden hour and for candid street photography.
Small streets, traditional houses and local shops offer intimate architectural and street-life shots.
Redeveloped factory sites and contemporary buildings near the station create contrast between old industry and modern urban design—great for industrial and architectural photography.
Short trip from Schlieren for panoramic vistas of Zürich, Lake Zürich and the Alps—excellent for wide landscapes and sunrise/sunset photos.
Food in Schlieren
Schlieren Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, traditionally served with crispy rösti—available in Swiss-style restaurants in and around Schlieren.
Must-Try!
Melted cheese dishes that are classic throughout Switzerland—many local restaurants offer these especially in colder months or for groups.
Braided white bread (Zopf) and morning pastries from local bakeries—perfect with coffee for breakfast.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can find regional fruits, vegetables, cheeses and baked goods on select market days—check local listings for exact days and times.
Informal street-food options and several kebab/döner shops reflect the town’s multicultural population and are reliable for quick, tasty meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time for appointments, trains and social meetups is important—Swiss culture values punctuality.
Respect quiet hours in residential buildings (usually evenings and nighttime, and Sunday) and avoid loud noise; many apartment buildings enforce recycling and trash schedules strictly.
Use polite greetings (Grüezi in Swiss German or Guten Tag) and simple formalities when meeting people for the first time; a handshake is an appropriate greeting in formal situations.
Follow recycling rules and separate waste correctly; residents take disposal and recycling seriously and there are fines for incorrect disposal.
Safety
Tipping in Schlieren
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; service charges are usually included. Many locals round up the bill or leave a small tip of 5–10% for good service in restaurants and taxis.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and contactless payments are widely accepted; Swiss Francs (CHF) cash is common for small purchases. Mobile payments like TWINT are popular locally and ATMs are readily available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees along the Limmat make spring ideal for walks and cycling; occasional rain showers are possible. Markets reopen with fresh regional produce and outdoor cafés begin to fill up.
Warm, pleasant weather with long daylight hours—perfect for hiking, lake trips and outdoor dining. Expect local festivals and more people using riverside paths and parks.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage on nearby trails; it’s a great season for photography and quieter walks. Rain increases later in the season so waterproof gear is useful.
Cold spells and occasional snow; town is quieter and cozy indoor activities like fondue and museums are popular. Nearby mountains may have winter sports, but lower-elevation trails can be icy—dress warmly and wear good footwear.
Schlieren at Night
Hiking in Schlieren
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular nearby summit offering panoramic views of Zürich, Lake Zürich and the Alps, with well-marked trails and good public-transport access.
A large protected forest area ideal for peaceful walks, wildlife spotting and shaded trails—suitable for families and nature lovers.
A flat, scenic loop trail around Lake Greifensee offering birdwatching, lakeside views and easy cycling or walking routes.
A network of rolling-hill hikes east of Zürich with varied difficulty levels, charming villages and panoramic countryside views—great for day trips.
Airports
How to reach Schlieren by plane.
Primary international airport serving Zürich—about 20–35 minutes by public transport to Schlieren depending on connections; frequent trains and regional services link the airport to central Zürich and nearby towns.
Larger alternative airport for the region—approximately 2 to 3 hours by car or train, useful for some international connections but farther away than Zurich Airport.
Another international hub at Switzerland’s western end—around 3+ hours by train or car; convenient if combining trips to western Switzerland.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents work in nearby Zürich or local industries, making Schlieren a practical home for commuters and families seeking proximity to city jobs.
Schlieren is home to a diverse population with significant communities from other European countries and beyond, reflected in cuisine, shops and cultural life.
Its good transport links to Zürich attract young professionals and students who prefer more affordable or quieter living near the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely played and followed; local amateur clubs and youth teams are active and community-oriented.
Ice hockey is a popular spectator sport across Switzerland and many locals follow regional clubs; indoor rinks are common in the canton.
Recreational hiking and cycling are extremely popular due to nearby trails, Uetliberg and lakes; many locals enjoy weekend outdoor activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Schlieren.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés, many restaurants and international eateries—ask for rösti with vegetable toppings, salads and cheese-based dishes. Supermarkets and health-food stores sell plant-based alternatives.
Vegan choices are increasing but may be limited in smaller traditional restaurants—look for international spots, specialty cafés, or head into nearby Zürich for a larger selection.
Gluten-free bread and pasta options are available in supermarkets and some bakeries; always inform staff in restaurants as cross-contamination can occur.
Multicultural food outlets, Turkish and Middle Eastern shops typically offer halal-style options; check with vendors and larger supermarkets for certified products.