Its small population may suggest otherwise, but Zurich is a world-class city that stands at the forefront of Swiss culture, cuisine, and nightlife. The happening, walkable city quickly immerses you in the action, in part, thanks to silky smooth public transport.
With the help of Züri, you can dance between Zurich’s collection of world-class galleries and museums, explore the sightly waterfront or open up that wallet and get shopping along Bahnhofstrasse.
It’s not just about the renowned institutions, chocolates, or boutiques either. Nestled on the shores of Lake Zurich, the city offers grand open green spaces that are easy to find. The same can be said of the river swimming pools, which become their own version of cold-water therapy in the winter.
When you aren’t swimming with the locals, you can admire the surrounding Alps as much as Zurich’s Renaissance and medieval architecture. All these things to do in Zurich lead to a hefty appetite, one you’ll enjoy squishing in this gastronomic paradise.
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16. Chinese Garden
Presented as an expression of appreciation for the technical and scientific aid provided to Kunming, Zurich’s sister city, the Chinese Garden offers a tranquil retreat. One that transports visitors beyond the Swiss borders, evoking a sense of stepping into another world.
Get lost among pathways that meander through bamboo groves, flowering plants, and ornamental trees. Visitors may pause to admire the elegant bridges that span ponds teeming with koi fish, and appreciate the carefully curated architecture, featuring pavilions, pagodas, and other traditional Chinese structures.
Situated close to the shores of Lake Zurich, it is perfect for those seeking a peaceful stroll, cultural immersion, or a quiet retreat from the bustling city.
15. FIFA Museum
Attention, football enthusiasts and sports lovers alike! The FIFA Museum offers an exhilarating and educational journey, diving into the enthralling history, and cultural impact of the world’s most celebrated sport.
The FIFA Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of football, with interactive exhibits highlighting the champions, classic matches, and major milestones that have shaped the sport. Visitors can take a trip down memory lane, watching videos of legendary goals and momentous victories while exploring how football tactics have evolved over time.
For a truly memorable sight, don’t miss “The Rainbow,” a remarkable 35-meter display featuring national team shirts arranged to create a vibrant rainbow of colors. This showcase represents all 211 member associations of FIFA.
14. Confiserie Sprungli at Paradeplatz
Since opening in 1836, Confiserie Sprungli has remained one of Switzerland’s oldest and most renowned chocolatiers. This flagship store offers a haven for the sweetest of sweet tooths.
Found on the iconic Bahnhofstrasse, Sprugli’s inviting storefront is decorated with a stunning selection of delicately crafted sweets, presented in elegant showcases. As you enter, you will be surrounded by the delightful scent of freshly made chocolates and pastries, captivating your senses from the start.
The culinary artistry at Confiserie Sprüngli is showcased with their signature treats. Their Luxemburgerli, macaroons with a mouth-watering texture, and decadent truffles are all crafted with the highest quality ingredients and traditional recipes that have been passed down over the years.
13. Botanical Garden
A serene sanctuary tucked within the vibrant cityscape, Zurich’s Botanical Garden offers visitors a delightful retreat into the world of biodiversity and natural beauty.
Botanical Garden visitors have the opportunity to explore diverse botanical realms, such as the Alpine Garden, harboring more than 2,000 indigenous plant species from the Alps. The Mediterranean Garden hosts 1,200 varieties from the Mediterranean region, while the Tropical Greenhouse showcases an impressive array of tropical flora.
The garden also has a large number of educational programs providing valuable insights into plant biology, conservation efforts, and the importance of preserving our natural environment.
12. Museum Rietberg
Coveted by art enthusiasts, the Museum Rietberg unveils a world-spanning collection of captivating artworks.
The renowned Museum Rietberg houses a vast collection of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts from around the world. As you explore its galleries, you will gain insight into the cultural nuances, traditions, and beliefs of different continents and eras. From Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, each exhibit unveils a unique story, allowing you to immerse yourself in a journey through time and regions.
The museum is situated in the lovely park of Zurich, which makes a great spot for a stroll or rest after a long day of exploring the galleries. Visitors can also take advantage of the outdoor area with benches and shady trees for a relaxing cup of tea or picnic.
11. Zoo Zurich
An exciting and educational experience, Zoo Zurich offers a fascinating glance into the world of wildlife conservation and biodiversity.
Zoo Zurich hosts a diverse array of over 300 animal species, from gorillas and elephants to fierce tigers. Beyond the animals, the surroundings are equally breathtaking, decked with lush greenery and a vibrant assortment of plants.
Upon arrival, the warm and welcoming staff greets you and guides you through the zoo. Whether opting for a self-guided adventure or joining a knowledgeable tour, there are many opportunities to get lost in the animals’ worlds and their natural habitats. Additionally, the zoo offers interactive attractions like an observation deck for elephants and an enclosure providing a closer look at the stealthy tigers.
10. Opernhaus Zürich
This pillared neoclassical building may not be the most architecturally iconic building in Zurich, but it holds an incredibly important place in the history of opera. The original theater that was built here was the main location for Richard Wagner’s works during his exile from Germany.
It was also home to the world premiere of Chekov’s opera. Though it has gone through many architectural versions, today’s opera house pays homage to composers like Weber, Wagner and Mozart, as well as writers like Schiller, Shakespeare and Goethe with prominent busts. The opera house continues to be a world-class venue for Opera, and seats twelve hundred.
9. Swiss National Museum
The Swiss National Museum houses extensive collections that touch upon every aspect of culture and the art of living in Switzerland, from the Stone Age to the present day. The Landesmuseum building was built in 1898 by Gustav Gull in the form of a French chateau. It contains a number of unique pieces like an armory tower and a large collection of religious wooden liturgy carvings, panel paintings, and altars.
A historical collection of Swiss coins dating back from the middle ages, and a wonderful chivalry display and gothic art collection round out this uniquely excellent museum. After a day of browsing, the lakeside of the museum is also a stop for one of the tour boats on Lake Zurich.
8. Kunsthaus Zurich
The Kunsthaus Zürich houses one of the most important art collections in Switzerland assembled over the years by the local art association. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, with an emphasis on Swiss art.
Major works by artists such as Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso and the Swiss Alberto Giacometti can all be seen here. The museum was designed by architects Karl Moser and Robert Curjel, and opened in 1910.
Particularly notable are the several preserved Moser interiors in the original section of the museum, decorated in masterful Neo-Grec style.
7. Zurich Altstadt
Akin to stepping into a time capsule, Zurich Altstadt is where history, culture, and charm converge to create an unforgettable experience.
Located in the heart of the city, it is the oldest part of Zurich, with a history that dates back to the Roman Empire. The Altstadt, or old town, is filled with winding cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and historic buildings that have been preserved for centuries.
The centerpiece of the Altstadt is the Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style church built in the 12th century. Inside, visitors can marvel at the intricate stained-glass windows and impressive frescoes. Adjacent to the church is the Fraumünster, a beautiful Gothic-style abbey. This abbey features a unique organ, as well as impressive sculptures and paintings.
6. Lindenhof Hill
Offering sweeping views of the Limmat River, the charming, red-tiled rooftops of the Old Town, and the distant peaks of the Swiss Alps, Lindenhof Hill provides a breathtaking vantage point that captures the essence of Zurich’s beauty.
Ascending to this park area involves a somewhat steep climb, yet the sweeping vistas make the effort truly rewarding. Abundant with excellent photo opportunities, you’ll gaze across to the Grossmünster and other notable landmarks.
Lindenhof Hill holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. It’s a beloved gathering place, where people come to socialize, play chess on the oversized boards provided, or simply sit back with a coffee and enjoy the view.
5. Bahnhofstrasse
This Zurich’s street of high-end couture shops is the best-known shopping area in all of Zurich, as well as the most expensive real estate in all of Europe. Many of the world’s best known designers have stores here, along with the world headquarters of Credit Suisse. There are also the delicious chocolate shops and cafes of Paradeplatz square, on Lake Zurich, at the end of the street.
This high-end street came from humble beginnings, however. It was created out of the exterior moat when the city’s walls were pulled down, and was once called Fröschengraben, or the ditch of frogs.
4. Fraumunster
Known as the women’s church, this church is considered one of Zurich’s four main churches. Fraumunster was originally built in 853 by Louis the German for his daughter, Hildegarde, to have a place to worship. It was a convent for seven hundred years, and at one point the abbess was called to be ruler of the city.
Today, the church is open for services and tours. Of special interest are the stained glass windows, some as tall as 9 meters (30 feet) high, as well as frescoes by the artist Paul Bodmer and the church clock tower.
3. Uetliberg
It may lie in the shadows of the iconic Swiss Alps, but Zurich’s own Uetliburg is one worth climbing. At over 850-meters tall, the “mountain” towers over the old rooftops of Zurich.
In the summer, you’ll see the early birds getting the worm as their footsteps hit the paths towards the summit. You too can join them on this roughly 90-minute journey that features 426 meters of elevation gain.
But if you’re not up for that adventure, trade the hiking boots for public transport and quickly find yourself a short stroll from the summit. At the peak of Uetliburg, you’ll be afforded the best views of Zurich and even the Alps.
Come wintertime, an unrelenting fog often descends upon the city. You can pierce this veil with a trip up Uetliburg to feel as if you’re standing above the clouds.
2. Lake Zurich & Lake Promenade
This large, glaciated lake was formed by glaciers in the Alps and stretches from Zurich to many other smaller towns, including Thalwil and Kusnacht. The lake is very clean, and is home to many different beaches and swimming areas. Starting from the Bellevue area, a boardwalk goes for about 3 kilometers along the lake towards Tiefenbrunnen.
About halfway from Bellevue there is a meadow where it is great to relax on a sunny day. Boat lovers will find a large number of companies offering passenger ships, which can give tours of the lake or take a ferry to some of the other towns on the lake. Travelers here can find large manors, and beautiful islands to explore.
1. Grossmünster
This “Great Minister” church is one of Zurich’s four main churches and believed to have been founded by Charlemagne. The legend states he commissioned a church on the site where his horse fell to its knees by the tombs of Zurich’s patron saints.
The twin towers of this church are often considered the most recognizable landmark in all of Zurich. The church has had many different upgrades to its original twelfth century version.
Modern additions to the church include stained glass by celebrated artist Augusto Giacommetti, and Bronze sculpted doors by Otto Munch. The church continues to be home to the crypts of Felix and Regula, the patron saints of Zurich, and an honorary statue of Charlemagne as well.
Where to Stay in Zurich
Located on the stunning shores of Lake Zurich, the old town offers a unique combination of old-world charm and modern flair. From its illustrious past to its cosmopolitan present, Zurich’s city center is alive with energy and culture, making it a must-see destination for any traveler.
For a boutique retreat in the heart of the city, book a stay at Hotel Seidenhof. Standing a mere 50 meters away from the renowned Bahnhofstrasse, surrounded by a plethora of shops and museums, you’ll find yourself at the epicenter of activity and attractions. To complement your stay, Hotel Seidenhof also offers free bikes services, breakfast, and they provide yoga mats in the room.
With origins dating back to the 16th century, Hotel Adler stands as a delightful establishment sitting in the heart of Zurich’s vibrant “Niederdorf” district — a charming corner of the Old Town. The hotel offers an atmosphere of sophistication and refinement, from the luxurious bathrooms to the beautiful wall decorations of various city scenes. Guests are provided with complimentary refreshments in the room’s minibar, as well as free Wi-Fi in all rooms, providing a convenient and connected experience.
How to get There
This vibrant metropolis is accessible through various convenient means of transportation. For those arriving from afar, air travel serves as the fastest route. Zurich Airport, Switzerland’s largest international airport, welcomes flights from major cities worldwide, ensuring seamless connections for global visitors.
The city also flaunts an efficient and extensive train network, with Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB) serving as a hub for both domestic and international services. High-speed trains link Zurich with neighboring European capitals like Berlin, Milan, and Vienna, offering travelers a scenic and comfortable journey through idyllic countrysides.
Road trippers seeking an adventure on wheels can explore Switzerland’s well-maintained roadways. Several bus companies, including FlixBus and PostBus, operate regular services connecting Zurich to nearby cities, allowing travelers to enjoy a leisurely yet remarkable trip to Switzerland’s largest city.
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