Switzerland's largest city, situated on Lake Zurich, features a medieval Old Town, world-class museums, and efficient public transport. Known for its financial sector and chocolate.
Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse
Experience Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse, lined with luxury shops, Swiss watches, and seasonal events.
Lake Zurich Cruise
A scenic Swiss spot with clear waters, mountain views, cultural events, and year-round fun activities.
Historic Grossmünster Cathedral
Zurich's Grossmünster is a historic church with twin towers offering city and Alps views, with plain decor and art.
Premier Art Museum in Zurich
Kunsthaus Zürich holds a wide array of art, with works by Munch, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Swiss artists.
Panoramic Views from Uetliberg Mountain
At 870 meters above Zurich, this mountain peak has trails for hiking and biking, a solar system-themed educational path, and a lookout tower with views of the Alps and city.
Culture and History Exhibition
Explore Swiss history from old to new in the 1898 castle-like Zurich National Museum.
Zurich Zoo and Masoala Rainforest
Zurich Zoo in Switzerland displays over 380 animal species in realistic settings, focusing on conservation and education.
Exploring Zurich's Old Town
This historic district in Zurich has cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and Roman roots. Visitors can explore museums, dine in cafes, and enjoy views from Lindenhof hill.
Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, sits along Lake Zurich with the Limmat River flowing through its center. The city combines a well-preserved medieval Old Town with modern urban amenities. You can admire the twin towers of the Grossmünster cathedral, view contemporary art at the Kunsthaus, or take a boat ride on the clear waters of the lake. Zurich's mix of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it an engaging destination for visitors.
Exploring Zurich's Old Town
Zurich's Altstadt (Old Town) consists of winding cobblestone streets and historic buildings from medieval times. As you walk through the narrow lanes, you'll discover squares, colorful facades, and hidden courtyards. The Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style Protestant church, stands out with its distinctive twin towers. You can climb 187 steps to the top of one tower for views of the city and lake. Nearby, the Fraumünster church has stained-glass windows created by Marc Chagall. Visit Lindenhof, a hilltop square with views of the Old Town and river.
Lake Zurich and River Activities
Lake Zurich forms a backdrop to the city and offers many recreational activities. In summer, people gather at the lake's shores to swim, sunbathe, and have picnics in the parks and beaches. You can take a cruise on the lake to see the surrounding Alps and villages along the shoreline. For a different view of the city, try a Limmat River cruise that passes under Zurich's historic bridges. You can also rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore the lake independently.
Museums and Galleries
Zurich has many museums and galleries to visit. The Kunsthaus Zurich contains one of Switzerland's most significant art collections, with works from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces. You'll see art by Swiss artists and international names like Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. To learn about Swiss history and culture, visit the Swiss National Museum near the main train station. The museum's exhibits cover from prehistoric times to the present day, showing Switzerland's development as a nation.
Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's main shopping street, runs for 1.4 kilometers from the main train station to Lake Zurich. This pedestrian-friendly boulevard has high-end boutiques, department stores, and Swiss watch shops. You can window shop or find more affordable brands mixed with luxury retailers. Take a break at Confiserie Sprüngli, a historic café and chocolatier known for its Luxemburgerli macarons. For a different shopping experience, go to the Zürich-West neighborhood, where former industrial buildings now contain designer boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Culinary Delights
Zurich's food scene includes traditional Swiss dishes and international cuisine. You can find fondue and raclette restaurants in the Old Town. Try Zürich Geschnetzeltes, a creamy veal dish served with rösti (crispy grated potatoes), for a local specialty. The city has many types of restaurants, from Italian trattorias to Asian fusion places. Visit the Viadukt, a series of shops and eateries in renovated railway arches, for various food stalls and restaurants. Try some Swiss chocolate while in Zurich – the Lindt Home of Chocolate museum teaches visitors about the country's chocolate-making history.
Efficient Public Transportation
You can easily get around Zurich using its comprehensive and punctual public transportation system. The city's trams, buses, and trains are clean, safe, and run on time. Buy a Zürich Card for unlimited travel on all public transport within the city and surrounding areas, plus free or discounted admission to many museums. Zurich's compact size and pedestrian-friendly layout make it good for walking. You can also rent a bicycle to cover more ground and use the city's network of bike lanes.
Day Trips from Zurich
Zurich's central location makes it a good starting point for exploring other parts of Switzerland. Take a short train ride to Lucerne, a city with preserved medieval architecture and lake views. You can visit the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, about an hour from Zurich. To see rural Swiss life, go to the Appenzell region, known for its hills, traditional customs, and cheese production. You can also plan a day trip to the Alps, with mountain destinations like Mount Titlis or Jungfraujoch accessible within a few hours by train.
