Zurich, Switzerland: travel guide
Lakeside old town, art and Bahnhofstrasse where the Limmat leaves the lake
Switzerland's largest city, where the Limmat leaves the lake — banks and boutiques along Bahnhofstrasse, the twin towers of the Grossmünster over the water, and Chagall's choir windows in the Fraumünster.
About Zurich
Zurich sits at the northern tip of its lake, where the Limmat river flows out through the middle of the city. The old town is compact and lovely, and the waterfront invites swimming, strolling and sitting out.
Walk Bahnhofstrasse, climb the twin towers of the Grossmünster and see Chagall's windows in the Fraumünster. The Rietberg Museum holds non-European art, Cabaret Voltaire marks the birthplace of Dada, and the lakeside town of Rapperswil, known for its roses, is an easy excursion. Mountains are within a short train ride.
Zurich suits culture lovers and city-and-lake breaks. Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit Zurich, with the lake at its best.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA.
- Country
- Switzerland
- Currency
- CHF
- Time zone
- Europe/Zurich
- Nearest airport
- ZRH
Last updated
Top places to visit in Zurich
Zürich Old Town (Niederdorf)
Old Town Quarter · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Zurich's medieval heart on both banks of the Limmat — a labyrinth of cobbled lanes, guild houses, artisan shops, and street cafés. Niederdorf on the right bank buzzes from dawn to midnight.
Lake Zürich (Zürichsee)
Lake · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A 40 km lake stretching southeast from the city, with scenic promenades, public lakeside swimming pools (Badis) open June–September, paddle boats, and Alpine views on clear days.
Grossmünster Cathedral
Cathedral · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · entry CHF 5 (≈ ₹570)
Zurich's iconic twin-towered Romanesque cathedral (1100–1220) where Zwingli launched the Swiss Reformation in 1519. Climb the Karlsturm tower for a sweeping 360° view over the old town and lake.
Uetliberg Mountain Viewpoint
Mountain Viewpoint · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Zurich's own mountain at 871m, 25 minutes by S-Bahn from the city centre, offering a 360° panorama over Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the Swiss Alps. The Planet Trail ridge walk to Felsenegg is one of Switzerland's best easy hikes.
Kunsthaus Zürich
Art Museum · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · entry CHF 36 (≈ ₹4,120)
Switzerland's largest art museum holding masterworks by Monet, Picasso, and Giacometti, spanning the historic 1910 building and the 2021 Chipperfield extension.
Zürich Bahnhofstrasse Luxury
luxury-shopping · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Bahnhofstrasse — the world's most expensive shopping street, with the spectacular Swiss luxury watch and jewellery boutiques (Bucherer, Rolex, Patek Philippe), the historic department stores, and the elegant streetscape.
Zürich Chocolate Lindt Tour
chocolate-museum · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · entry CHF 17 (≈ ₹1,950)
The Lindt Home of Chocolate — the spectacular Lindt chocolate museum and factory tour in Kilchberg, with the world's largest chocolate fountain (9m tall), the chocolate tasting, and the production tour.
Zürich Schaffhausen Rheinfall
waterfall · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · entry CHF 5 (≈ ₹570)
A day trip to the Rheinfall — Europe's largest plain waterfall (150m wide, 23m high), with the spectacular boat trips to the Rheinfall rock in the centre, and the historic Schloss Laufen castle.
Zürich Christmas Wienachtsdorf
christmas-market · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Zürich Christmas Markets — the famous Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz, the Christkindlimarkt at Hauptbahnhof (Switzerland's biggest indoor Christmas market), and the Niederdorf Christmas village.
Zurich Lucerne Day Trip
lake-city · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Zurich to Lucerne — the spectacular medieval city on Lake Lucerne with the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, the Mt Pilatus, and the most picturesque Swiss city.
Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum)
History Museum · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · entry CHF 10 (≈ ₹1,140)
Switzerland's largest cultural-history museum in a striking neo-Gothic castle adjacent to Zurich Hauptbahnhof, covering 3,000 years of Swiss history with a modern 2021 extension.
Zürich Lindenhof Hill
hilltop-park · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The Lindenhof — Zürich's historic central hill where the Roman fort once stood, with the spectacular linden-shaded park, the giant chess board, and panoramic views over the old town and the lake.
Things to do
- Lake Zürich Boat Cruise (ZSG) Boat · 1.5 h · from CHF 15 per person
- Zurich Old Town Walking Tour Walking Tour · 2 h
Day trips and tours
- Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe Full Day from Zurich 11 h · from CHF 240
- Mount Rigi & Lake Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich 9 h · from CHF 110
Where to stay in Zurich
- Altstadt (Old Town) about CHF 420 per night
The historic heart of Zurich — best for first-time visitors wanting walkable access to Grossmünster, Kunsthaus, Lake Zurich, and the top restaurants of Niederdorf. Zurich's most atmospheric neighbourhood. Premium…
- Zürich West (Kreis 5) about CHF 220 per night
Zurich's hip creative district — former industrial area transformed into galleries, design studios, rooftop bars, and the best nightlife in Switzerland. More affordable than the old town. 15-min tram from Hauptbahnhof.
- Seefeld & Riesbach about CHF 380 per night
Zurich's elegant lakeside residential quarter — quieter, safer, and more residential than the old town, with the finest lakeside promenade hotels and the Zürichhorn park. Best for couples and families who want the lake…
Hotels
- The Dolder Grand 5-star · CHF 800 to CHF 2,500 per night
- Park Hyatt Zurich 5-star · CHF 600 to CHF 1,800 per night
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich 5-star · CHF 550 to CHF 1,400 per night
- 25hours Hotel Zurich West 4-star · CHF 200 to CHF 450 per night
- ibis Zürich City 3-star · CHF 110 to CHF 200 per night
Where to eat
- Hiltl Vegetarian, Indian, Mediterranean · about CHF 45 per person
- Kronenhalle Swiss, French, European · about CHF 130 per person
- Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten Swiss, European · about CHF 75 per person
Getting to Zurich
Airport: Zurich (ZRH)
Getting around
- Tram
- Transit Pass
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Fake Ticket Inspector Scam
Trams and S-Bahn, Zurich
Fraudsters posing as ZVV ticket inspectors approach tourists and claim their ticket is invalid, demanding an on-the-spot cash fine. Genuine ZVV inspectors NEVER accept cash.
How to avoid it: Real ZVV inspectors carry official ID and issue formal fines only — they never accept cash. Ask to see ID. Report any cash demands to the actual ZVV.
Overpriced Street Art Sellers
Bahnhofstrasse and Old Town, Zurich
Sellers approach tourists near the Grossmünster or Bahnhofstrasse claiming their art is from local artists and pressuring purchases. Items are usually mass-produced imports sold at high markups.
How to avoid it: Swiss gallery art is purchased in licensed galleries with a receipt. Politely decline street art sellers and walk away.
More in Switzerland
Frequently asked questions about Zurich
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Zurich?
- The highest-rated places in our Zurich guide are Lake Zürich (Zürichsee), Uetliberg Mountain Viewpoint, Zürich Chocolate Lindt Tour, Zürich Schaffhausen Rheinfall, Zurich Lucerne Day Trip.
- Where should I stay in Zurich?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Zurich: Altstadt (Old Town), Zürich West (Kreis 5), Seefeld & Riesbach.
- How do I get around Zurich?
- Ways to get around Zurich covered in our guide: Tram, Transit pass, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Zurich?
- Scams reported to us for Zurich include Fake Ticket Inspector Scam; Overpriced Street Art Sellers. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Zurich?
- The nearest airport to Zurich has the code ZRH.