What are the Best Things to Do in Zurich?
We’ve been living in Zurich for a few years now, and after exploring almost every corner of the city, we still think Zurich is worth visiting, especially if you enjoy lakes, culture, food, and easy day trips.
What we love most is how much this city has to offer in one place. You’ll find charming streets and cozy cafés, modern spots serving traditional Swiss food and shops, and nature all around you.
Even though Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, it feels relaxed and easy to get around.
It’s very safe for visitors, clean, and the trams take you everywhere. And if it rains (yes, it does rain here!), there are still plenty of fun things to do indoors.
Since we’ve had time to really get to know the city, we’ve put together a list of our favorite things to do in Zurich. These are the places we always recommend when friends and family come to visit.
We have grouped the activities so that you can view many of them in quick succession.
We even added a bad weather section, because whenever friends visited, Zurich sometimes surprised us with rain, and we always needed a few good indoor options ready. The bad weather section starts from activity 25.
Along the way, we also share practical tips that make your trip easier, from using public transport in Switzerland and buying tickets to local advice for every season.
Enough talk, let’s get started.
Our Top Hotel Picks in Zurich
- Best Area for First-Time Visitors: Altstadt (Old Town)
- Top Pick: Storchen Zurich – historic luxury right on the river
- Best for Luxury Travelers: Enge & near Lake Zurich
- Top Pick: Baur au Lac – Zurich’s iconic 5-star with lake views
- Best for Nightlife & Cool Vibes: Zurich West
- Top Pick: 25hours Hotel Zurich West – appealing design with modern rooms
- Best for Budget Travelers: Oerlikon
- Top Pick: Hotel Sternen Oerlikon – affordable, comfortable, well-connected
- Best for Business Travelers / Short Stays: Near Zurich Airport
- Top Pick: Radisson Blu Zurich Airport – unbeatable convenience inside the terminal
1. Shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse
The Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s most famous shopping street and one of the most luxurious in the world.
It stretches from the main train station all the way down to Lake Zurich, lined with designer boutiques, jewelers, and luxury brands.
Even if you’re not here to shop, it’s a beautiful street for a walk and some good window shopping.
What we like best is that despite the ostentatious shops, the atmosphere of the street still doesn’t feel artificial.
Oh, and by the way: train stations in Switzerland (including Zurich’s) are more than just transportation hubs. They usually have grocery stores and shops open on Sundays, when most other places are closed. Super handy if you need to pick up snacks or small essentials.
Tip: Enjoy the view from one of the rooftop bars, such as Modissa Rooftop Bar, which is located directly on the Bahnhofstrasse.
2. Visit the Fraumünster
The Fraumünster is one of those places in Zurich that really leaves an impression, especially if you love art and culture.
The church is most famous for its stained glass windows, designed by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti.
If you like churches and colorful windows, this is the place for you. Otherwise, the building is impressive enough from the outside.
Since it’s right in the Old Town, it’s easy to add to your walk. There’s a small entrance fee (CHF 5 / $ 5.70), but it’s worth every penny for the chance to see the windows up close.
If you want more info about opening hours, tickets, or guided tours, the official website has everything you need.
3. Stroll through the Old Town of Zurich
Zurich’s old town is one of those places we never get tired of seeing. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets, historic sites, and small squares that seem to have come straight out of the past.
At the same time, there are also trendy shops and boutiques that give the area a lively and fresh atmosphere.
We still take pictures of Augustinergasse whenever we pass by. The colorful bay windows and small alleys look like something out of a fairy tale book.
What also makes the old town interesting are all the cute little restaurants.
4. Enjoy the view from Lindenhof Hill
The Lindenhof Hill is one of our favorite spots to take a break in Zurich and is definitely a must-visit attraction.
It’s a small, green hill right in the middle of the city, and from up there you get some of the best views over the Old Town, the Limmat River, and even the University of Zurich.
The place has a lot of history; it was once a Roman fort and later a medieval castle, but today it’s all about the peaceful vibe.
With its shady lime trees and quiet corners, it’s the perfect spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy.
We often come here just to enjoy the view. It’s not crowded, but you’ll rarely be alone there.
5. Discover the heart of the Old Town – Niederdörfli
Niederdorf – or Niederdörfli, as locals call it – is one of the liveliest parts of Zurich’s Old Town.
We love strolling through here, especially on a sunny day when the cafés spill out onto the squares.
It’s a great spot to sit down, sip a coffee, and just watch the world go by.
At night, Niederdorf shows a completely different side. The streets fill with people heading to bars and restaurants, and the whole area feels like one big open-air party, especially in summer.
It’s one of the best places if you want to see Zurich’s fun side after dark.
Foodies will be happy here, too. You’ll find everything from traditional Swiss cuisine to trendy spots with international flavors.
The restaurants on this side of the Old Town are generally a little cheaper. For more realistic ways to save on food, accommodation, and transport, see our guide to visiting Zurich on a budget.
And if shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse was beyond your budget, you might find what you’re looking for here. The area is full of small boutiques with fashion, jewelry, antiques, and quirky finds.
6. Take a ride on the Polybahn
The Polybahn is a little red funicular that has been running since 1889, and it is still one of the cutest ways to get from Niederdorf up to the university district.
It takes you from Niederdörfli up to the ETH University in just a couple of minutes. The ride is short but fun, and it’s an easy experience to add to your day.
The train is included in the regular tram network. If you don’t have a ticket, you can buy one directly there, and the train runs every few minutes.
At the top, you’ll arrive at the Polyterrasse, which is one of the best viewpoints in Zurich.
From here, you can see the city rooftops, Lake Zurich, and on clear days, even the Alps.
We love coming up here. It’s free and open all year round.
7. Follow in the footsteps of Albert Einstein (ETH & University of Zurich)
ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich are two of the city’s most important places for science and education. Both sit on the Hochschulquartier hill.
One of ETH’s most famous students was Albert Einstein. He studied here in the late 1800s and started the work that would later change the world.
He went on to earn his PhD at the University of Zurich, and you can actually see his original certificate on display at the university. (If you’re curious about where he lived, you’d have to take a trip to Bern.)
What’s nice is that these universities aren’t just for students. They regularly host public lectures and cultural events, many of them free, so you can easily get a taste of the academic life in Zurich while learning something new.
8. Visit the Kunsthaus Zurich
The Kunsthaus Zurich is one of Switzerland’s most important art galleries, and it’s a must if you enjoy art in any form. The collection is huge, from the Middle Ages right up to today, with big names like Alberto Giacometti, Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet on display.
Even though we are not great art lovers, we really like the mix of contemporary and modern art, which often changes thanks to temporary exhibitions.
After exploring the galleries, you can take a break in the cozy café or browse the museum shop for a unique souvenir.
Admission is CHF 24 ($ 27) for adults, and in our opinion, it’s well worth it for the experience.
9. Admire Zurich’s most iconic landmark – Grossmünster
The Grossmünster is one of Zurich’s most famous landmarks, and you’ll spot its twin towers from all over the city.
We always find ourselves looking up at them when we walk through the Old Town. They really are part of Zurich’s skyline.
The church dates back to the 12th century and has played a big role in the city’s fascinating history. According to legend, it was built on the graves of Zurich’s patron saints, Felix and Regula.
Inside, you can see beautiful details and stained glass, and if you’re up for it, climbing the tower gives you a great view over the city.
It’s one of those places that connects Zurich’s past with its present, and it’s definitely worth a stop.
The Grossmünster is usually open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. But the exact opening times can vary depending on the time of year and special events.
The Karlsturm has separate opening hours. The opening hours can be checked on the official website.
Admission to the church is free, but there is an extra cost to climb the Karlsturm tower, approximately 5 CHF ($ 5.70).
10. Boat tour on the Limmat
Taking a boat ride on the Limmat is something we really recommend. The boat glides right under the bridges, and sometimes it feels like you could almost touch them.
Once, we even had our trip canceled because the water level was too high for the boat to pass. So it’s always a bit of an adventure.
In summer, the Limmat is also perfect for a swim. The historic bathhouses, like the Frauenbad at Stadthausquai, are popular with locals and a great way to cool off on a hot day.
Tip: It is best to board at Zurich Bellevue (Lake) station and travel to Zurich Landesmuseum (Lake).
11. Explore Switzerland’s history at the National Museum
The Zurich National Museum is one of the best places to learn about Swiss culture and history. The building itself looks like part of Hogwarts, and inside you’ll find collections covering everything.
Since it’s located right next to the main train station, it’s super easy to add to your itinerary, even if you only have a few hours.
After exploring, you can relax in the museum café or browse the shop for a special souvenir.
Admission is 13 CHF (14 USD) for adults, and for the latest info on opening hours and day passes, it’s best to check the official website.
Even if you don’t want to visit the museum, the building and the courtyard are something you shouldn’t miss.
12. Relaxing in Platzspitz
Directly behind the Swiss National Museum is Platzspitz, a historic park that feels like a green oasis in the middle of the city.
It has had a somewhat turbulent past. In the 1980s, it was unfortunately known for its drug scene, but today it is a peaceful and well-maintained park where people can relax.
The park is located between the Limmat and Sihl rivers, making it a beautiful place where we often take a break.
13. Unwind in the Botanical Garden
The University of Zurich Botanical Garden is like a small oasis of calm in the middle of the city. Covering an area of 53,000 square meters, it is home to more than 15,000 plant species from all over the world.
We love strolling through the paths on Sundays. The three large greenhouses are home to many plants that you don’t normally see in Zurich.
It’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk, and there are plenty of benches and shady spots if you want to sit down for a picnic or just relax with a book.
14. Sunbathing at Zürichhorn
The Zürichhorn is a beautiful peninsula at the eastern end of Lake Zurich.
It’s one of our favorite places to spend summer days. There’s plenty of green space, shady trees, and long paths right along the water, perfect for a picnic or just hanging out.
When the weather is good, the park is full of life with people having barbecues, playing frisbee, or volleyball.
We also like to come here in the evening, especially for picnics.
In summer, the Allianz Cinema outdoor cinema is also held here for a month. A huge screen is set up on Lake Zurich, and you have a unique cinema experience – with a view of the lake and the Alps.
The program is announced shortly before each event, and tickets sell out quickly. So it pays to be quick!
If you prefer a proper bathing area, the Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen is right there. It has a sandy beach, clear water, and all the basics like changing rooms, showers, and a café. It’s really affordable, too.
15. Explore the Chinagarten
The Chinagarten Zurich is a small but charming spot located near Zürichhorn. It’s a traditional Chinese garden, and stepping inside feels calm and quiet, almost like a little escape from the city.
It was a gift from Kunming, Zurich’s partner city in China, and it’s full of details like pavilions, water features, and sculptures. We went in once and thought it was pretty cool. Not a huge place, but definitely worth a short visit if you’re in the area.
The garden is free to enter and open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, making it easy to visit while spending time by the lake.
If you’re looking for more ways to explore the city without spending money, we’ve collected our favorite free viewpoints, parks, walks, museums, and local spots in our guide to the best free things to do in Zurich.
16. Take a stroll at Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich really is the heart of the city, and we’ve been there more times than we can count. For picnics, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a drink at sunset. It’s one of those places that never gets old.
The lake stretches about 40 km, and there’s so much you can do: swimming, sailing, stand-up paddling, or hopping on a boat trip.
On hot days, we love public bathing spots such as the aforementioned Zürichhorn, where you can cool off against the backdrop of the mountains. In addition to the Zürichhorn, there are green areas all along the lake where you can sunbathe and relax.
The promenades along the lake are also perfect if you just want to walk, jog, or relax by the water.
If you’re up for a little adventure, you can take a boat ride out to Rapperswil.
For us, Lake Zurich is the one place in the city that always feels like a mini holiday.
17. Visit the Zurich Opera House
The Zurich Opera House is one of the city’s most beautiful spots and a big part of local culture. The building itself, with its neo-baroque design, is already worth seeing, and inside you’ll find a full program of opera, ballet, and concerts.
We once went there during an open-door event and got to watch a rehearsal. It was such a fun experience and more relaxed than a full performance, but still really impressive.
In front of the opera house is Opernplatz. It is a pleasant meeting place where a wide variety of people gather when there is no event taking place.
18. Hike or Train to Uetliberg
The Uetliberg mountain is what locals call Zurich’s “mountain,” and it’s one of our favorite spots to escape the city for a few hours.
At about 870 meters, the views from the top are amazing. You can see all of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and even the Alps on a clear day.
You can hike up if you’re in the mood for some exercise, but the Uetlibergbahn train makes it super easy to reach the top from the central station without hiking.
On top, there is a viewing tower for an even better view. However, we don’t think you need to go up there, as the view from the mountain is already fantastic.
There is also a restaurant on the mountain if you want to eat something.
If you don’t want to hike up, or that’s not enough for you, many cycling and hiking trails start at the top.
19. Relax in the Rieterpark & visit the Museum Rietberg
If you don’t want to go quite so high up, you can go to Rieterpark. It’s one of those “hidden gems” where you can really switch off and relax.
The park is big, green, and quiet, with wide paths and old trees that make it perfect for a little walk.
The Museum Rietberg is right in the middle of the park, and even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth wandering past the villas and modern buildings.
We usually walk around here, find a bench, and enjoy the quiet.
20. Have a drink at Frau Gerolds Garten
Frau Gerolds Garten is one of those places we keep coming back to. We’ve already spent many nights here.
Often when friends are visiting or when we’re heading to a concert nearby, this is our go-to spot for drinks and delicious food beforehand.
During the Soccer World Cup, it’s also one of the best places in Zurich to watch the games.
The garden has a super relaxed, urban vibe, with raised beds, colorful art, and plenty of cozy seating.
In winter, the garden turns into a Christmas market, which we’ve visited many times. It’s small but really charming, with stalls for food, drinks, and handmade gifts. The perfect place to warm up with a mulled wine.
On top of that, you’ll also find pop-up stores to browse and regular events like concerts, flea markets, and workshops. It’s always lively, and it’s one of our favorite places to hang out in Zurich.
21. Sustainable shopping at Freitag Tower
The Freitag Tower is a fun stop, especially if you’re into shopping and design. The store itself is built out of old shipping containers, which already makes it stand out. Inside, you’ll find the famous Freitag bags, which are all made from recycled truck tarpaulins.
Each bag is unique, and we like how they mix sustainability with style. Even if you’re not planning to buy one, it’s worth popping in just to see the tower and check out the creative designs.
If you go to the top of the containers, you will come to a small viewing platform. The view is not outstanding, but still worthwhile.
22. Explore the Viadukt
The Viaduct is another cool place to check out. It’s set under the arches of an old railway bridge, which already gives it a special vibe.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of small shops, delis, and cafés, all with a bit of a trendy touch.
We love strolling through the market hall there and discovering regional products, international delicacies, and handmade treats.
The whole place has this lively, urban feel that makes it perfect for a relaxed stroll, grabbing a coffee, or just sitting down to do a bit of people-watching.
23. Views of Hardbrücke & Prime Tower
Right next to the Hardbrücke stands the Prime Tower, Zurich’s tallest building. At the top, there’s Clouds, a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a drink or dinner with a breathtaking view over the city and even the Alps on a clear day.
It’s the kind of place we like to take friends when they visit for a little “wow” moment above the rooftops of Zurich.
24. Day Trip to the Wildlife at Zurich Zoo
The Zurich Zoo is one of the best in Europe and is always worth a visit if you’re in the city. It’s up on the Zürichberg and home to more than 360 animal species, all kept in spacious, natural-style enclosures that make it feel less like a typical zoo.
What we really like is that it’s not just about looking at animals. The zoo does a lot for conservation and education, with tours, feeding times, and special programs that give you a closer look behind the scenes.
You can even join a night visit when the animals are being fed. Seeing the zoo come alive after dark is a completely different experience.
25. Try Swiss Chocolate at Lindt-Museum (Lindt Home of Chocolate)
If the weather isn’t playing along, that doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing.
This is what you’ve been waiting for… chocolate heaven! The Lindt Home of Chocolate is hands down one of our favorite spots in Zurich.
And yes, we’ve been there more than once. Every time we go, we’re surprised at how cheap the entry is, especially since we always end up eating way more in pralines than the ticket is worth.
Inside, the interactive museum takes you through the history of chocolate, from the Maya and Aztecs all the way to modern-day chocolate production.
But the best part, of course, is the tasting stations. You can try different kinds of chocolate, and if you want to get hands-on, there are even workshops where you can make your own creations.
There’s also a café (hot chocolate lovers, this one’s for you!) and a huge Lindt shop where it’s impossible to leave empty-handed.
Tip: It’s best to reserve your tickets online in advance, as the Lindt Home of Chocolate is really popular and often sells out.
26. Visit the FIFA Museum
The FIFA Museum is a must if you’re even a little into football. It’s super interactive and really celebrates the history and culture of the game. The museum is spread over three floors in the Enge district and has more than 1,000 exhibits.
One of the coolest parts is the Hall of Fame, where you can walk through the history of football decade by decade. There are even the original World Cup trophies.
What makes the museum fun is how interactive it is: there are multimedia stations, a virtual penalty shootout, and plenty of things that make it enjoyable for both kids and adults.
27. Visit the WOW Museum
The WOW Museum – Room for Illusions is a playful spot in Zurich that’s especially great if you’re visiting with kids (though adults will have fun too).
The whole place is about optical illusions and sensory tricks that make you look twice and question what you’re seeing.
The colorful illusion rooms are perfect for children to explore. One of the absolute highlights is the Infinity Room, where lights and mirrors create a space that feels endless. Kids usually love it, and honestly, we did too.
It’s lighthearted, interactive, and a nice break from the more traditional museums. Definitely one to keep in mind if you’re traveling as a family.
28. Hürlimann Bad & Spa
The Hürlimann Bad & Spa is one of our go-to places when we want to switch off and relax. It’s set inside an old brewery, which gives it a unique atmosphere, and every visit feels like a little break from city life. We try to go there once in a while, just to recharge.
Inside, you’ll find thermal pools at different temperatures, bubble loungers, massage jets, plus a whole spa area with saunas and steam baths.
It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a whole afternoon doing nothing but relaxing.
The highlight is definitely the rooftop pool. Floating in the warm water while looking out over Zurich and even the mountains in the distance.
Try to visit on a weekday if you can. On weekends, it gets packed because the locals love it just as much as visitors.
29. Shopping (Sihlcity / Glattzentrum)
When it comes to shopping in Zurich, we usually skip the high-fashion boutiques in the Old Town because they’re just not our style (or budget). Instead, we head to places like Glattzentrum or Sihlcity.
Glattzentrum is one of the biggest malls around Zurich, with over 100 stores covering everything from international brands to local shops.
It’s easy to reach by public transport, and there are plenty of restaurants if you need a break in between.
Sihlcity is another favorite. It’s a modern shopping and leisure center built in a former industrial space, which gives it a cool vibe.
Besides shopping, you’ll also find cinemas, restaurants, and cultural events, so it’s more of a place to hang out than just a mall.
For us locals, these are the spots we go to when we actually want to shop. Practical, relaxed, and way more our thing.
30. Dance the night away – Zurich’s Nightlife
We’re not really the party-all-night type, but if we do go out in Zurich, we always have fun. The city’s nightlife is super diverse.
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into cocktails, Swiss wine, or live music.
The bar scene is especially fun. Around the Viadukt and in the Old Town, you’ll find plenty of cozy spots to grab a drink.
And if you’re looking for something a bit wilder, Langstrasse is the place to be. It’s a colorful mix of old-school pubs, trendy clubs, and everything in between.
Planning Your Trip
We’ve had plenty of visitors show up unprepared and end up stressed, so here are our tips to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Before You Visit Zurich
Before coming to Zurich, it helps to plan a little. The city is popular with visitors, so flights and hotels can get pricey or even sell out in the warmer months if you wait too long.
If you’re still unsure how much time to set aside for Zurich, you’ll find the answer in our post on how many days to spend in Zurich.
For the nicest weather, we’d suggest spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October). Those seasons are perfect for walking around and enjoying the city.
You can find a detailed overview with information on the weather, upcoming events, and which month you should definitely avoid visiting in our guide to the best time to visit Zurich.
One thing we always recommend to friends: think about a Zurich Card.
You can hop on trams, buses, and even boats without worrying about tickets, plus it includes free entry to many museums and discounts at attractions.
Read also: Is the Zurich Card Worth It? We Did the Math
If you’re thinking about seeing more of Switzerland, then the Swiss Travel Pass is amazing. This allows you to enjoy unlimited travel throughout the country by train, bus, and boat.
Packing right makes your trip to Zurich so much easier because the weather can surprise you. A reusable water bottle is always handy to stay refreshed while exploring. You can refill it at the city’s water fountains.
Don’t forget a waterproof jacket or umbrella, since rain showers can show up quickly. If you’re coming in winter, make sure to bring warm clothes like a hat, gloves, and a scarf; you’ll need them.
If Zurich is only one stop on your trip, our 7-, 10-, and 14-day Switzerland itinerary will help you connect the city with the Alps, lakes, and other destinations.
Where to Stay in Zurich
Where you stay can really shape your trip, so we have put together a complete guide to where to stay in Zurich, including the best neighborhoods and hotels for different budgets. But here’s the short version if you just want the basics.
For the easiest and most comfortable stay, we’d suggest booking a hotel in the city center. You’ll be close to the Old Town, Lake Zurich, and the main train station, all within walking distance.
It makes exploring Zurich so much easier.
Here are some popular city center hotels to consider:
- Storchen Zurich (Luxury) – Timeless 5-star hotel right on the Limmat River, with incredible views and impeccable service. Good breakfast buffet with a great atmosphere. The rooftop bar “The Nest” ensures an exclusive stay.
- Hotel Rössli (Mid-Range) – Charming boutique option with local flair in central Zurich.
- Oldtown Hostel Otter (Budget) – Affordable stay that puts you in the middle of the action.
If shopping is your thing, staying close to the Bahnhofstrasse is a lot of fun. It’s one of the world’s most famous shopping streets, full of luxury brands and fancy window displays.
For advice on how many days to spend in the city, when to visit, and how to organize your stay, see our complete Zurich travel guide.
