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

day 1
Arrival and Exploring the Historic Center
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Nature Walk and Local Art
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Limmat Riverbank

Pleasant riverside paths provide reflections, bridges, and everyday life scenes—good light at golden hour and for candid street photography.

Dorfkern (Old Village Center)

Small streets, traditional houses and local shops offer intimate architectural and street-life shots.

Converted Industrial Areas and Modern Architecture

Redeveloped factory sites and contemporary buildings near the station create contrast between old industry and modern urban design—great for industrial and architectural photography.

Nearby Uetliberg Summit

Short trip from Schlieren for panoramic vistas of Zürich, Lake Zürich and the Alps—excellent for wide landscapes and sunrise/sunset photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Schlieren

Schlieren’s food scene reflects Swiss-German traditions mixed with strong multicultural influences from Italy, the Balkans, Turkey and Portugal. You can find classic Swiss dishes alongside kebabs, pizza, Asian and Balkan specialties, and practical cafés and bakeries for everyday bites. Dining tends to be informal and family-run establishments are common; Zürich’s broader gastronomic scene is only a short train ride away. Fresh bread, cheeses, and seasonal produce from regional suppliers are staples.

Schlieren Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with Rösti

Sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, traditionally served with crispy rösti—available in Swiss-style restaurants in and around Schlieren.

Must-Try!

Fondue / Raclette

Melted cheese dishes that are classic throughout Switzerland—many local restaurants offer these especially in colder months or for groups.

Zopf and Fresh Pastries

Braided white bread (Zopf) and morning pastries from local bakeries—perfect with coffee for breakfast.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Farmers' Market (Wochenmarkt) near the Station

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.

Riverside Snack Stalls and Döner Shops

Informal street-food options and several kebab/döner shops reflect the town’s multicultural population and are reliable for quick, tasty meals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Schlieren has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. Spring and autumn are transitional with variable weather and rainfall; winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snow while summers are warm and comfortable with occasional hot spells. Overall expect four distinct seasons with moderate precipitation distributed through the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time for appointments, trains and social meetups is important—Swiss culture values punctuality.

Quiet Hours

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.

Politeness and Formality

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.

Recycling and Environmental Norms

Follow recycling rules and separate waste correctly; residents take disposal and recycling seriously and there are fines for incorrect disposal.

Safety Guide

Safety

Schlieren is generally safe with low violent crime rates; typical urban precautions apply—watch belongings in busy areas, avoid poorly lit streets at night, and be mindful of traffic when crossing roads. Switzerland’s emergency number is 144 for medical emergencies and 117 for police; keep travel insurance and copies of important documents. Be aware of bike and scooter traffic on sidewalks and use marked crossings.

Tipping in Schlieren

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Spring

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.

Summer

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.

Autumn

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.

Winter

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.

Nightlife Guide

Schlieren at Night

Schlieren’s nightlife is low-key compared with central Zürich but offers cozy bars, casual restaurants and occasional live-music or cultural events at local venues; for a more varied late-night scene you can take a short train to Zürich where clubs, late-night bars and larger concert venues are abundant.

Hiking in Schlieren

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Uetliberg (Felsenegg viewpoint)

A popular nearby summit offering panoramic views of Zürich, Lake Zürich and the Alps, with well-marked trails and good public-transport access.

Sihlwald Nature Reserve

A large protected forest area ideal for peaceful walks, wildlife spotting and shaded trails—suitable for families and nature lovers.

Greifensee Loop

A flat, scenic loop trail around Lake Greifensee offering birdwatching, lakeside views and easy cycling or walking routes.

Zürcher Oberland Trails

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.

Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich)

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.

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

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.

Geneva Airport (Genève Aéroport)

Another international hub at Switzerland’s western end—around 3+ hours by train or car; convenient if combining trips to western Switzerland.

Getting Around

Walkability

Schlieren is compact and quite walkable around the town center and riverbanks. Pavements, pedestrian zones, parks and good signage make walking pleasant; public transport connections mean you rarely need a car for local trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Commuters and Working Families

Many residents work in nearby Zürich or local industries, making Schlieren a practical home for commuters and families seeking proximity to city jobs.

Multicultural Communities

Schlieren is home to a diverse population with significant communities from other European countries and beyond, reflected in cuisine, shops and cultural life.

Students and Young Professionals

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 (Soccer)

Football is widely played and followed; local amateur clubs and youth teams are active and community-oriented.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a popular spectator sport across Switzerland and many locals follow regional clubs; indoor rinks are common in the canton.

Hiking and Cycling

Recreational hiking and cycling are extremely popular due to nearby trails, Uetliberg and lakes; many locals enjoy weekend outdoor activities.

Transportation

Traffic

Schlieren experiences typical commuter traffic peaks on roads leading to Zürich and along major arterials; public transport (S-Bahn, regional trains and buses) is frequent and reliable, often the fastest way to travel during rush hours. There are good cycling paths, but be mindful of cyclists and e-scooters in mixed-use areas. Parking can be limited near the station and in busy commercial zones.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Schlieren.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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

Gluten-free bread and pasta options are available in supermarkets and some bakeries; always inform staff in restaurants as cross-contamination can occur.

Halal / Religious Dietary Needs

Multicultural food outlets, Turkish and Middle Eastern shops typically offer halal-style options; check with vendors and larger supermarkets for certified products.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Schlieren has local general practitioners and pharmacies; for hospital-level care the major hospitals in Zürich (such as the University Hospital Zürich and other cantonal hospitals) are reachable within a short train ride. Emergency services are efficient—dial 144 for medical emergencies. European health insurance cards are helpful for EU visitors; travel insurance is recommended for non-EU travelers.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide