Things To Do
in Zürich
Zurich sits at the northern end of Lake Zurich, blending gleaming financial streets with a lake-and-hill landscape. The city is renowned for its high quality of life, clean streets, and efficient public transport. Its Altstadt weaves medieval lanes with modern galleries, cafés, and boutiques.
Surrounded by the Alps and lush hills, Zurich offers a gateway to both urban culture and outdoor escapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day wandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Altstadt, Zürich’s historic old town. Visit the iconic Grossmünster church and admire its Romanesque architecture and stunning stained glass windows. Pause at a local café to savor a rich Swiss coffee and freshly baked pastry while soaking in the medieval ambiance.
Spend the afternoon at the Kunsthaus Zürich, exploring its impressive collection of Swiss and international art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. Afterward, stroll along the Limmat river and stop by quaint shops and galleries that showcase local craftsmanship. Enjoy a light lunch at a bistro overlooking the water, sampling traditional Swiss specialties like rösti or Zürcher Geschnetzeltes.
As dusk falls, take a scenic walk along the lake promenade to witness the sun setting over Lake Zürich and the distant Alps. Dine at a cozy restaurant in the Niederdorf district, renowned for its lively atmosphere and authentic Swiss cuisine. End the evening with a leisurely drink at a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city skyline twinkling under the night sky.
Start your morning with a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Zürich, admiring the crystal-clear waters and picturesque shoreline dotted with charming villages. Disembark at the lakeside town of Rapperswil and explore its rose gardens, medieval castle, and quaint streets. Enjoy a lakeside picnic featuring fresh local cheese, bread, and seasonal fruits amid tranquil surroundings.
Return to Zürich and rent a bike to cycle along the well-maintained lakeside paths, passing lush parks and inviting beaches. Stop for an afternoon swim or simply relax on the grassy banks while watching sailboats drift by. Visit the Zürichhorn park area, where you can explore the Chinese Garden and enjoy a refreshing gelato from a nearby vendor.
Head to the Seefeld district for dinner, a vibrant neighborhood known for its diverse dining options and trendy cafés. Savor fresh fish dishes sourced directly from the lake while dining al fresco by the waterfront. Afterward, catch a live music performance at one of the local jazz clubs or theaters, immersing yourself in Zürich’s lively cultural scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $20-30 |
| ☕Coffee | $4-6 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $22-40 |
| 🍷Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $70-140 |
| 🛏️1 night in a mid-range hotel | $150-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High quality of life and spotless cleanliness
- Excellent public transport and safety
- Beautiful lake and mountain access within reach
- Strong café and restaurant scene
- High prices and cost of living
- Winter gloom can feel long for some
- Difficult to know local dialects; English widely understood but some locals prefer German
- "Grüezi" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please/You're welcome
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Zürich
Visit one of these nice places.
A quiet hilltop with views over the Limmat and Altstadt, ideal for cityscape shots at sunrise or sunset.
Iconic church towers offering skyline perspectives from the river and across the city.
Expansive lakefront with boats and mountains beyond; ideal for wide-angle lake photos.
Panoramic vantage point over the city and the Alps; stunning during sunset.
Colorful medieval lanes and lively storefronts perfect for street photography.
Food in Zürich
Zürich Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy Swiss hash browns, often served as a breakfast side or with toppings such as eggs or fromage.
Must-Try!
Thinly sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, traditionally served with Rösti.
Oats soaked with milk or yogurt, fruit, and nuts; a classic Swiss breakfast.
Delicate macarons from Sprüngli, a beloved Zurich confection.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Stalls under the Viaduct arches offering prepared foods, fresh produce, and artisanal treats.
Lakefront market with seasonal produce, cheeses, and pastries, especially lively on market days.
A neighborhood market with regional produce and quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Punctuality is valued in both business and social settings; being on time is considered respectful.
A firm handshake is common; greet with 'Grüezi' in German-speaking areas.
Respect quiet hours in residential areas, particularly late in the evening and on Sundays.
Safety
Tipping in Zürich
Ensure a smooth experience
In Switzerland, service charges are often included; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common but not mandatory.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; cash in CHF is always useful, especially at markets and smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures (roughly 10–15°C); blossoms in parks; outdoor terraces reopen; expect occasional showers.
Warm days (20–26°C); lake swimming, boat trips, and outdoor festivals; showers possible in the afternoon.
Crisp air (10–18°C); golden light, harvest markets, fewer crowds, and pleasant urban strolls.
Cold, often snowy in the outskirts and mountains; Christmas markets and indoor museums are popular.
Zürich at Night
Hiking in Zürich
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular 1–2 hour hike from the city to a panoramic Alpine lookout reachable by train.
Forest and meadow trails just outside the city, suitable for easy to moderate hikes.
Gentle circular trail around a lake with birdlife and lakeside scenery.
Airports
How to reach Zürich by plane.
The main international gateway located in Kloten, about 10–15 minutes by train from the city center.
Shared international airport near Basel; reachable by rail for connections to Zurich in about 1.5–2 hours.
Smaller regional airport serving eastern Switzerland; accessible by rail or bus.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Historically the backbone of the city with a strong service and finance sector presence.
A large international community drawn to finance, technology, and research.
Universities and colleges contribute to a youthful and educated population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular pastime with local clubs and matches commonly watched in bars and stadiums.
Strong interest in ice hockey with games in indoor arenas and national leagues.
Winter trips to nearby Alpine resorts are common for day trips and weekend getaways.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zürich.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Zurich has abundant vegetarian options; try Haus Hiltl's buffet or Rösti-based dishes with vegetables. When dining out, look for marked vegetarian options or ask for 'vegetarisch'.