What are the best things to do in Zürich?
Explore local landmarks, neighbourhoods and day trips around Zürich, Switzerland. This guide covers attractions, food and where to stay.
Why visit Zürich
Travel guide for Zürich, Switzerland — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Zürich is a stop in Switzerland, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. Mid-range ground costs are about 180–350 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Budget
Zürich trip cost
Budget
USD 80–135
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 180–350
per person / day
Luxury
USD 400–665+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Zürich, Switzerland. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Zürich
Estimated total (USD)
$3,965
≈ $1,983 per person · $566 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $265/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Zürich mid-range ground costs (budget 80–135 · mid 180–350 · luxury 400–665+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Rheinfelder Bierhalle
In this huge and boisterous restaurant you get good value food and rich portions (only try the Jumbo Jumbo Cordon-Bleu when really hungry).
Pizzeria Molino
Pizzas and pastas in a relaxed setting. Check website for more locations.
Zurich Fried Chicken
Baba's take-away (Restaurant Pumpstation)
Part of the Restaurant Pumpstation is located direct at the lake promenade (south of Banhof Stadelhofen). From April–October, serves fresh g
1001
A nice Turkish place with remarkably good kebab, friendly service, and possibility to seat conveniently inside.
Sternen Grill
Zurich's most famous sausage stand near Bellevue tram stop. Red or white sausages for around Fr. 6 (Aug 2015), a piece of bread and (hot!) m
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Marta
A "clean and friendly" place which doubles as a hostel and a one-star hotel. They also have weekly and monthly rates for rooms, and a couple
Hotel Splendid
This hotel is relatively cheap. The rooms are clean but spare. Private showers and bathrooms are not available, you share with your floor. W
- $
Etap Hotel
This hotel is in a great place if you want to party, next to some great bars and restaurants. The rooms are clean and comfortable. It's also
Hotel Schäfli
The location is the draw in this somewhat run-down hotel. Situated in the old town near the station and by the charming Niederdorfstrasse, w
Hotel Neufeld
The comfortable, modern 3-star owner-run hotel is located just a few minutes away from the city centre. All 40 new renovated rooms are comfo
Shopping
- Bahnhofstrasse
- Niederdorf
- Löwenstrasse
- Teuscher
- St. Jakobs Confiserie
- Schweizer Heimatwerk
Nightlife
- Bar & Lounge 42
- Bierhalle Wolf
- Edi's Weinstube
- Federal
- Nachtflug
- James Joyce bar
In pictures
Zürich gallery
Good to know
Zürich travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Zürich?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Zürich?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Zürich, depending on how many day trips you want in Switzerland.
Where should I stay in Zürich?
Popular stays in Zürich include Hotel Marta, Hotel Splendid, Etap Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Zürich cost?
On the ground in Zürich (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 80–135 per person per day, mid-range about 180–350, and luxury about 400–665+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Zürich, Switzerland. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
