Things to Do in Zurich: Top Attractions and Area Guide

Quick answer

Zurich is best explored by combining the medieval Altstadt (Old Town) with the industrial-chic Zurich West district. Target the Chagall windows at Fraumünster (CHF 5), the lakeside promenade at Enge, and the Lindt Home of Chocolate (CHF 15) for a balanced three-day itinerary. Use the 24-hour Zurich Card for unlimited Zone 110 transport and free entry to most major museums.

Top attractions by district

Altstadt (Old Town)

Fraumünster Church The five stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall and the large rose window in the south transept make this 13th-century abbey a primary site. Entry is approximately CHF 5 (~$5.75) and includes an audioguide. Allow 45 minutes. Best visited at mid-morning for the light through the glass. Skippable if time is short.

Grossmünster This Romanesque-style Protestant church is recognizable by its twin towers. Climbing the Karlsturm tower (approximately CHF 5) requires 187 steps but provides views of the city and Alps. Allow 60 minutes. Open 10:00 to 18:00 (summer) or 17:00 (winter). Check the official site for service times when climbing is restricted.

Lindenhof This elevated park sits on the site of a former Roman fort. It is free to enter and provides the standard panoramic view over the Limmat River and the Niederdorf district. Allow 20 minutes. Visit at sunset for photography.

Bahnhofstrasse Walking the 1.4-kilometre stretch from the Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) to Bürkliplatz takes 20 minutes without stops. This is one of the world's most expensive shopping streets. The Sprüngli chocolate shop at Paradeplatz is the specific location for 'Luxemburgerli' macarons.

Zürich West

Viadukt & Frau Gerolds Garten The 1894 railway viaduct arches have been converted into shops, restaurants, and a market hall. Walking from the Hardbrücke station through the Viadukt takes about 30 minutes. Frau Gerolds Garten next door is a modular urban garden and terrace made of shipping containers. Best visited in the evening for dinner.

Freitag Tower Located at Geroldstrasse 17, this 26-metre tower is constructed from 19 rusted shipping containers. It serves as the flagship store for recycled bags. Climbing to the top viewing platform is free. Allow 30 minutes.

Lakeside and South Zurich

Lake Zurich Boat Tour Short round trips (Mini Lake Cruise) depart from Bürkliplatz every 30-60 minutes and take approximately 1.5 hours. They are included in the Zurich Card or cost roughly CHF 9 (~$10.50) with a standard Zone 110-121 ticket. Best in the early afternoon.

Lindt Home of Chocolate Located in Kilchberg, a 15-minute bus ride (Line 165) or boat ride from the city centre. It features a 9-metre chocolate fountain and an interactive museum. Tickets are approximately CHF 15 (~$17.50). Booking 2-3 weeks in advance is essential as it sells out daily. Allow 2 hours.

Uetliberg Mountain Take the S10 train from Zurich HB to Uetliberg station (20-minute journey). From the station, it is a 10-minute walk to the summit at 871 metres above sea level. Return train tickets are approximately CHF 17.60 (~$20.50) unless you have a Zurich Card. Allow 2.5 hours.

Cultural Institutions

Kunsthaus Zürich The largest art museum in Switzerland, housing works from Munch, Picasso, and Monet. The Chipperfield extension is a notable architectural site. Entry is approximately CHF 26 (~$30). Closed on Mondays. Allow 3 hours. Skippable if you are not an art enthusiast.

Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) Located right next to the Main Station in a building resembling a fairytale castle. It covers Swiss cultural history from prehistoric times to the present. Entry is approximately CHF 10 (~$11.50). Allow 2 hours.

Common mistakes

• Buying individual tram tickets: A 24-hour Zurich Card often costs less than three single journeys and includes museum entries. Single short-haul tickets only last 30 minutes.
• Visiting museums on Mondays: Most major institutions, including the Kunsthaus and the National Museum, are closed on Mondays.
• Paying for water: Zurich has over 1,200 drinking fountains. The water is high-quality tap water and free; do not buy bottled water at kiosks for CHF 4.
• Ignoring the 'Valid From' time: Swiss rail and transit tickets are timed. If you buy a 24-hour pass, ensure you check if it is pre-validated or needs a stamp at the orange machines.
• Expecting shops to be open Sunday: Almost all shops on Bahnhofstrasse and in neighbourhoods are closed on Sundays. The only exception is the shopping mall inside the Hauptbahnhof and the airport.

Plan your trip

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How to get from Zurich airport to city centre?

Take the S-Bahn lines S2, S16, or S24 from the airport station (Zürich Flughafen) to Zurich HB. The journey takes 10-12 minutes. Tickets cost approximately CHF 7 for a single Zone 1-2 journey.

Is the Zurich Card worth it?

If you plan to visit two museums and take three tram rides in 24 hours, the card pays for itself. The 24-hour card is roughly CHF 29 and the 72-hour card is CHF 56.

Can you swim in Lake Zurich?

Yes, during summer months (June-August), public 'Badis' (swimming baths) like Frauenbadi or Seebad Enge are open. Entry is usually CHF 8. The water temperature averages 20-24°C.