Zurich

The hub of Switzerland split by the Limmat River.

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.

4.2
out of 5
Photo of Bahnhofstrasse in Switzerland

Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse

This shopping street in central Zurich runs from the main train station to Lake Zurich, with luxury boutiques, Swiss banks, and Europe's largest church clock face.

Photo of Altstadt in Switzerland

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 GrossmĂĽnster 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 GrossmĂĽnster, 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 FraumĂĽnster 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 ZĂĽrich 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.

Average temperatures during the day in Zurich.
July
22°
Aug
21°
Sep
18°
Oct
12°
Nov
7°
Dec
3°
Jan
2°
Feb
3°
Mar
8°
Apr
12°
May
16°
Jun
20°

What people say about Zurich

4.2
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
3
Safety
5

What to do in Zurich

The 20 happiest cities in the world

Article from November 2024 with 21 places

Why are people happy in Zurich?

People in Zurich are happier than people in most other countries for a variety of reasons. First, Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and serves as its economic and cultural hub making it one of the most affluent cities in the world, so the citizens have access to the highest quality of life. This includes a strong economy and high wages, excellent quality of life, and high levels of safety and security. Additionally, Zurich is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, which contributes to its sense of wellbeing. Finally, the people of Zurich are highly educated and have access to a wide range of cultural activities.

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You can reach Zurich from Munich within a 4-hour train ride.

The city of banks and beautiful landscapes

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and a global center for banking and finance. It is an extremely beautiful and lively city on Lake Zurich's shore and surrounded by the snow-capped Alps.

Being one of the happiest cities in the world, Zurich is famous for its quality of life, with plenty of parks and green spaces, and efficient public transport system. It is a clean, safe, and friendly city and an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. We highly recommend anyone to visit Zurich even though it is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

What to do in Zurich, Switzerland

  • Swiss National Museum: Located in central Zurich, the Swiss National Museum traces the history of the country from its prehistory to the present day. The museum features a range of activities, including interactive displays, multimedia exhibits, and guided tours.

  • Old Town: Old Town (Altstadt) is the heart of Zurich, with its cobblestone streets lined with shops, restaurants, and historical sites. Explore the narrow alleys, admire the architecture, and enjoy the views of Lake Zurich.

  • Uetliberg Mountain: Uetliberg is the highest peak in the Zurich region and offers stunning views of the city and the Alps. The easiest way to reach the summit is by taking the Uetliberg Railway from Zurich Central Station.

  • Lake Cruise: Take a lake cruise on Lake Zurich and admire the city's skyline, the nearby mountain peaks, and the quaint villages along the lake's shores.

  • GrossmĂĽnster: The GrossmĂĽnster is one of Zurich's most iconic churches, located on the banks of the Limmat River. Climb the church's tower for panoramic views of the city and the lake.

  • Chinese Garden: The Chinese Garden is an oasis in the heart of the city, with winding paths, bridges, and ponds filled with koi carp. It's a tranquil spot for a stroll or a picnic.

  • Relax in a Park: Take a break and relax in one of Zurich's many parks, including the Belvoirpark, the Zurichhorn, and the Mythenquai.

Great places near Zurich

These are recommended places to visit when you are in Zurich within a 5-hour train ride.

  • Lucerne, 1 hour by train
  • Basel, 1 hour 10 minutes by train
  • The Bernina Express: It is a scenic train journey that travels from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy, through the Swiss Alps. The journey takes passengers through a variety of stunning mountain landscapes, over the Bernina Pass, and past glaciers, lakes and waterfalls. Along the way, the train stops at several stations, allowing passengers to disembark and explore the local area. The Bernina Express is one of the most famous and popular railway routes in Europe and has been featured in several Hollywood films. It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel by train from Zurich to Chur.
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The best places for women to travel alone

Article from October 2024 with 16 places

Swiss perfection by the lake

Zurich makes it to the top places for female travelers and it is easy to understand why. It is considered to be a very safe and welcoming city. The city has a low crime rate, and many people speak English, making it easier for travelers who do not speak German to get around and communicate with locals. Additionally, Zurich is known for its public transportation system, which is efficient and reliable, making it easy for travelers to get around the city.

Zurich is also a city that values gender equality, and there are many resources and organizations in the city that support and empower women. For example, there are numerous coworking spaces and networks specifically designed for female entrepreneurs and professionals, and organizations that focus on promoting gender equality in the workplace. Overall, Zurich is a city known for its high quality of life, which extends to its treatment of women. Female travelers can expect to feel safe and supported while exploring all this city offers. Whatever you do, do not forget to try the Swiss chocolate!

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Places nearby Zurich

Best places to visit in🇨🇭Switzerland

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Articles about Switzerland

Image of The best places for women to travel alone
Image of The best places for women to travel alone

The best places for women to travel alone

October 2024,
There are many places around the world that are great for female travelers! When choosing a destination to visit alone, women tend to look for places that are safe, easy to get around on foot or by pu
Image of The 20 happiest cities in the world
Image of The 20 happiest cities in the world

The 20 happiest cities in the world

November 2024,
This is a list of the top 20 happiest cities in the world according the World Happiness Report which is based on data from 160+ countries. The Nordics and Oceania are heavily over-represented, but the
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