Zurich has a reputation as a city of banks and watches, but spend a few days here and you will find something much more relaxed: a beautiful lake you can swim in, a car-free medieval old town, world-class museums and a lively food and nightlife scene. Switzerland’s largest city is also clean, safe and incredibly easy to get around. Here are the best things to do in Zurich, where to stay and where to shop.
Top things to do in Zurich
Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)
Zurich’s old town straddles both banks of the River Limmat. Wander its narrow lanes and squares, visit the twin-towered Grossmünster and the Fraumünster with its stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, and climb up to the Lindenhof, a leafy hilltop park with one of the best views over the city.
Lake Zurich
The lake is the city’s playground. Take a boat trip, stroll along the promenade or, in summer, join the locals for a swim at one of the historic lake baths. The views of the Alps on a clear day are breathtaking.
Kunsthaus Zurich
One of Switzerland’s most important art museums, with a superb collection ranging from medieval works to Monet, Munch, Chagall and Giacometti.
The Town Hall and the Limmat riverside
The Baroque Rathaus stands on the river itself, and the riverside promenades are lovely for an evening walk.
Uetliberg
Zurich’s local mountain is just a short train ride from the main station. At the top, an observation tower offers panoramic views over the city, the lake and the Alps.
Swiss chocolate
No visit is complete without chocolate. The Lindt Home of Chocolate, just outside the city on the lakeshore, is an interactive museum with a famous chocolate fountain and tastings.
Recommended hotels in Zurich
- Baur au Lac: a legendary luxury hotel in its own park on the shore of Lake Zurich, with elegant rooms and impeccable service.
- The Dolder Grand: a fairytale palace hotel on the hillside above the city, with a magnificent spa and fine dining.
- Park Hyatt Zurich: a modern luxury hotel in the centre, close to the main sights and shopping streets.
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich: a historic hotel opposite the main station – perfect if you plan day trips by train.
- Widder Hotel: a distinctive boutique hotel in the Old Town, spread across several historic houses with striking modern design.
Shopping in Zurich
- Bahnhofstrasse: one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world, with luxury watchmakers, jewellers, department stores and Swiss chocolatiers.
- Im Viadukt: a creative shopping area in the arches of a railway viaduct, with independent shops, design studios and a food market.
- Niederdorf: the Old Town’s pedestrian quarter, with small boutiques, cafés and bars.
Tips for visiting Zurich
- Buy a transport pass: trams, buses, trains and even lake boats are covered by the same ticket. The Zürich Card adds free or discounted entry to many museums.
- Drink from the fountains: Zurich has over a thousand public fountains with clean drinking water – bring a bottle.
- Budget carefully: Zurich is expensive. Supermarket picnics by the lake are a great way to save.
- Remember the currency: Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, not the euro.
- Make time for culture: do not miss the city’s museums and galleries.
Zurich is also a natural starting point for seeing more of the country. Our Switzerland travel guide covers routes and trains, our Geneva travel guide covers the French-speaking west, and trains vs flights in Europe may help with onward travel.
