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Zurich, Switzerland

Destination Guide

Zurich

Switzerland

Best things to do in Zurich

38 curated attractions in Zurich, Switzerland. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

10°C/50°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland's financial powerhouse, yet it balances this with lakeside views and a rich cultural scene. The city's development is defined by its location at the mouth of the Limmat River, which flows out of Lake Zurich. This proximity to water has shaped not only the landscape but also the leisure activities of its residents. Zurich's Old Town showcases medieval architecture, with landmarks like Grossmünster Church and the streets leading to Bahnhofstrasse, the city's famous shopping street. The Swiss National Museum provides insights into the country’s history, while the Rietberg Museum focuses on non-European art. Visitors are drawn to its efficient public transport and the chance to explore both nature and culture within a compact area, making it easy to see why many fuse business with pleasure here.

Who it's for

A good match for those who appreciate a blend of urban life and nature, and who want easy access to museums and parks. Not ideal for anyone seeking a nightlife or extensive historical ruins, as Zurich's charm lies in a more restrained, clean environment. If you're after the mountains, you'll have to travel for the real deal.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • Most attractions are within a 20-minute walk in the city center
  • The tram and bus network is reliable, running frequently throughout the day
  • Zurich Hauptbahnhof is the main train station, connecting to most Swiss cities in under two hours
  • Uetliberg Mountain offers a quick train ride for a panoramic view of the city and lake
Zurich University Botanical Garden

Zurich University Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
Hürlimannbad & Spa

Hürlimannbad & Spa

Relaxation
Bürkliplatz

Bürkliplatz

Squares & plazas
Niederdorf

Niederdorf

Old towns & historic quarters
Swiss Casinos Zurich

Swiss Casinos Zurich

Casinos
Schifffahrt

Schifffahrt

Lakes
FIFA World Football Museum

FIFA World Football Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Lindt Home of Chocolate

Lindt Home of Chocolate

Specialty & quirky museums
Uetliberg Tower

Uetliberg Tower

Urban Attractions
Polybahn Funicular

Polybahn Funicular

Observation decks & city views
Rietberg Museum

Rietberg Museum

Art museums & galleries
Seebad Enge

Seebad Enge

Beaches
Sechseläutenplatz

Sechseläutenplatz

Squares & plazas
Zurich Film Festival

Zurich Film Festival

Festivals & celebrations
Uetliberg Mountain

Uetliberg Mountain

Mountains & volcanoes
Johann Jacobs Museum

Johann Jacobs Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Zurich Zoo

Zurich Zoo

Zoos
Paradeplatz

Paradeplatz

Squares & plazas
Zurich City Hall

Zurich City Hall

Historic houses & mansions
Zurich Toy Museum

Zurich Toy Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich

Lakes
Museum of Design Zurich

Museum of Design Zurich

Specialty & quirky museums
Lindenhof Hill

Lindenhof Hill

City parks
Polybahn

Polybahn

Urban Attractions
Prime Tower

Prime Tower

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Rechberggarten

Rechberggarten

Natural Wonders
Zurichhorn

Zurichhorn

Natural Wonders
Kunsthaus Zurich

Kunsthaus Zurich

Art museums & galleries
Zurich Botanical Garden

Zurich Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
Zurich Opera House

Zurich Opera House

Theatres & opera houses
Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse

Shopping streets & districts
Swiss National Museum

Swiss National Museum

History museums
Markthalle Viaduct

Markthalle Viaduct

Food
Fraumünster Church

Fraumünster Church

Churches & cathedrals
Grossmünster Church

Grossmünster Church

Churches & cathedrals
Zurich West District

Zurich West District

Streets & neighbourhoods
Chinese Garden

Chinese Garden

Formal & Japanese gardens
Zurich HB

Zurich HB

Urban Attractions

Where to eat in Zurich

The places worth planning a meal around.

Rathaus Bridge

Rathaus Bridge

Global

★ 4.4 · 1,817 reviews

Oepfelchammer

Oepfelchammer

Swiss

★ 4.6 · 707 reviews

Travel Tools

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