One of the most liveable cities in the entire world, Zurich provides both locals and tourists with a long list of unforgettable experiences. Visitors can choose from 50+ museums and galleries, explore the globally-renowned Bahnhofstrasse for its designer brands, and go sightseeing in the gorgeous Altstadt district. During your visit, check out the city’s food and nightlife scenes as you explore Zurich’s acclaimed restaurants, lively bars, and trendy clubs. Get more ideas on things to do in Zurich by checking out our curated list below!
Known as Zurich’s most famous landmark, the Grossmünster is a beautiful Romanesque-style Protestant church located in the heart of the city, right along the Limmat river. In front of the church, marvel at the church’s bell tower and its Gothic columns, carved with intricate grotesques at the top. Once you’re inside, check out the modern stained glass windows designed in 2009 by Sigmar Polke. You can also climb up the spiral stairs after paying a fee, which will reward you with excellent views of the city.
With its signature green steeple and signature stained glass windows, it’s no surprise that Fraumünster Church is one of the most popular tourist spots in Zurich. Built in the 9th century, the Fraumünster is a Protestant church that attracts visitors with its six beautiful stained glass windows, five of them designed by Marc Chagall and the sixth one, entitled "The Heavenly Paradise", by Augusto Giacometti. An audio guide, available in multiple languages, is already included in the church’s entrance fee.
Get your fill of shopping at Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s most famous shopping street. Here you’ll find a long street lined with shops and stores, including luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and several high-end stores selling watches and jewelry. You’ll also find mid-range shops here, like Zara, Skechers, and Globus Department Store, as well as cafes, specialty food stores, and chocolatiers. Once you’re done shopping, you can explore Old Town and Lake Zurich, both nearby destinations.
Enjoy time away from the crowded streets with a trip to Uetliberg, a mountain located just outside of Zurich that’s renowned for its panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Located only a 30-minute train ride away from Zurich, you can either walk or take a bike up the mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular sight of the city and Lake Zurich. There is also a lookout tower at the top, accessible after paying a CHF5 fee, and a hotel that offers delicious food and relaxing stays.
If you’ve got an extra day during your trip and you’re not sure what to do in Zurich, then we recommend taking a day trip to Lake Zurich! With its crystal clear waters and the nearby mountains in the background, it’s got the makings of a perfectly relaxing day. You can either spend a whole day at the shore by walking around and going fishing, swim in the lake, or take a scenic boat ride. Lake Zurich is busiest in the summer when the weather is at its clearest.
Learn more about Zurich’s rich history and culture at the Swiss National Museum! With its vast collection, including sections for arts and crafts, fashion, furniture, weaponry, it’s a must-visit for anyone in Zurich. It also features some temporary exhibits and uses modern technology like augmented reality for a more immersive experience. The museum occasionally hosts seasonal events as well, such as light shows and a Christmas market that serves gluhwein during the winter months.
With its diverse assortment of animals, Zoo Zürich has been one of the city’s top attractions since it opened in 1929. Here you’ll see more than 370 species, including tigers, koalas, chameleons, and more, all of which are well-cared for and placed in their natural habitat. During your visit, you can also check out the adorable penguin parade, watch the elephants play around in their elephant house, and even explore a jungle in Madagascar as you walk through the Masoala Hall!
Showcasing more than 4,000 paintings and sculptures & 95,000+ prints, Kunsthaus Zürich houses one of Switzerland’s most important collections. This art museum is home to pieces all the way from the 13th century, including impressionist pieces from Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent Van Gogh, as well as some pop art by Andy Warhol and Georg Baselitz. It also features works from Alberto Giacometti, Marc Chagall, and even Edvard Munch, which is the largest collection of his pieces outside of Norway.
Located on top of a hill in Zurich overlooking the Limmat River and the rest of the town, including the university area, Lindenhof is the perfect place to visit for those wanting to spend a lazy day outside. At the park, you’ll get to witness a panoramic view of Zurich and its surrounding areas, appreciate nature as you observe the trees, and maybe even enjoy a picnic or a chess game. After the sunsets, you’ll be treated to a terrific vantage point for watching Zurich’s famous nightscape.
See traditional and contemporary art from Asia, Africa, and Oceania with a visit to Zurich’s Museum Rietberg! This museum is composed of three nineteenth-century villas filled with exhibitions that showcase non-European art, a coach house, and a basement section with a glass pavilion named the Emerald. There is also a park and a cafe that serves delicious food and beverages outside the museum, including cakes and hot drinks that are perfect for the cooler months.
Zurich is known for its art and history, shopping, and good views. You can visit its many museums like the Swiss National Museum and Museum Rietberg, go shopping at Bahnhofstrasse, or sightsee at Uetliberg or Lindenhof. Other activities include taking a ferry across Lake Zurich or visiting heritage sites like the Grossmünster.
Visit Zurich from May-November for clearer weather and to enjoy events like the Street Parade in August, the Weltklasse Zürich, and the Zürich Festival, a summer festival held every three years. If you visit during the winter months, you’ll get to partake in the city’s lively Christmas markets and maybe even try some gluhwein.
Stay at District 1, Altstadt, or Werd if you’d like to be near the city’s museums, shops, and restaurants. For nightlife, try Aussersihl, Escher Wyss, or Gewerbeschule. Visitors who would like to experience Zurich’s waterscapes can choose between Seefeld and Enge.