About Zurich
Zurich combines a walkable Altstadt, Lake Zurich promenades and easy trains into the Alps — polished, efficient and ideal as a Swiss hub.
Best time
May–September for lake weather; December for Christmas markets
Weather
Temperate — warm summers, cold winters with possible snow
Airport
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Getting around
Swiss Travel Pass or local day tickets; trains to Lucerne and the Alps
Experiences
Things to do in Zurich
1
Lake Zurich promenade
2
Old Town (Altstadt) and Lindenhof
3
Bahnhofstrasse
4
Grossmunster
5
Kunsthaus Zurich
6
Uetliberg viewpoint
7
Fraumunster Chagall windows
8
Day trip to Rhine Falls or Lucerne
Budget travel
Free things to do in Zurich
Lake Zurich promenade
Old Town (Altstadt) and Lindenhof
Uetliberg viewpoint
Uetliberg ridge walk
Bathing huts on the lake
Lindenhof at sunset
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Lake Zurich promenade
- Visit Old Town (Altstadt) and Lindenhof
- Visit Bahnhofstrasse
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Grossmunster
- Visit Kunsthaus Zurich
- Visit Uetliberg viewpoint
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Fraumunster Chagall windows
- Visit Day trip to Rhine Falls or Lucerne
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Sternen Grill
Sausage · The Cervelat and bratwurst Zürich queues for
- $$
Café Schober
Café / pastry · Historic sweet-shop café
- $$$
Kronenhalle
Swiss / French · Art-filled institution since 1924
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Baur au Lac
Lake Zürich · Lakeside grande dame since 1844
- $$$$
Widder Hotel
Old Town · Design hotel of historic townhouses
- $$
25hours Hotel Zürich Langstrasse
Langstrasse · Playful design hotel
Shopping
- Bahnhofstrasse
- Niederdorf
- Freitag Flagship Store
Nightlife
- Langstrasse
- Niederdorf
- Zürich West
Museums & culture
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Swiss National Museum
- FIFA Museum
Local foods to try
- Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
- Raclette
- Chocolate
- Rivella
Hidden gems
- Uetliberg ridge walk
- Bathing huts on the lake
- Lindenhof at sunset
Travel tips
- Tap-to-pay works on most transit — validate before boarding
- Sunday retail hours are limited outside stations and tourist streets
- Day-trip early to Lucerne or Jungfrau region in peak summer
In pictures
Zurich gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Keep exploring
