You can combine Zurich's historic centre with museums, lakefront areas, viewpoints and local food. These activities cover different aspects of the city without repeating the same type of attraction.
1. Explore Zurich's Old Town
Walk through the Old Town, or Altstadt, to see historic buildings, churches, guild houses, narrow lanes and squares. The area includes landmarks such as Grossmünster and Fraumünster and the Niederdorf quarter.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Historic streets, churches, guild houses and squares |
| Location | Central Zurich |
| Suitable travel period | Throughout the year |
| Entry | Walking through the Old Town is generally free |
| Things to do | Walk, photograph architecture, visit churches and explore cafés |
| Tip | Wear comfortable footwear for walking on older streets |
2. Visit Grossmünster
Visit Grossmünster, one of Zurich's recognised landmarks, and climb the Karlsturm if you want a city view. The tower has 187 steps to the viewing platform.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Romanesque architecture, stained glass and city views |
| Location | Zwingliplatz, Old Town |
| Suitable travel period | Throughout the year |
| Entry | Karlsturm admission is currently CHF 5 for adults |
| Things to do | Explore the church and climb the tower |
| Tip | Check current opening hours before visiting |
3. Walk around Lake Zurich
Spend time along Lake Zurich for a slower part of your itinerary. You can walk along the promenade, sit by the water or choose a boat activity. The lake also supports swimming, sailing and other water-based activities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Lake views, promenade and boat activities |
| Location | Central Zurich waterfront |
| Suitable travel period | Spring to early autumn for outdoor activities |
| Entry | Walking areas are generally free; activities may cost extra |
| Things to do | Walk, picnic, swim or take a boat ride |
| Tip | Check weather and boat schedules before planning a cruise |
4. Visit Kunsthaus Zürich
Include Kunsthaus Zürich if you want to explore Swiss and international art. The museum presents works from different periods, including historical and contemporary collections.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Swiss and international art |
| Location | Heimplatz |
| Suitable travel period | Throughout the year |
| Entry | Ticket charges vary by exhibition |
| Things to do | Explore permanent collections and temporary exhibitions |
| Tip | Check the exhibition schedule before your visit |
5. Explore the Swiss National Museum
Visit the Swiss National Museum to explore Switzerland's cultural history. Its castle-like building and modern extension house collections covering different periods of Swiss history.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Cultural history, historical objects and exhibitions |
| Location | Near Zurich Main Station |
| Suitable travel period | Throughout the year |
| Entry | Paid admission may apply |
| Things to do | Explore historical collections and exhibitions |
| Tip | Check current opening hours and ticket information |
6. Walk along Bahnhofstrasse
Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, which runs through central Zurich from the main station towards the lake. The street has shops, department stores, cafés and jewellery outlets.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Shopping, architecture and city views |
| Location | Zurich city centre |
| Suitable travel period | Throughout the year |
| Entry | No entry fee |
| Things to do | Shop, window-shop and explore nearby streets |
| Tip | Set a shopping budget before visiting |
7. Visit Lindenhof
Stop at Lindenhof for a view over the Old Town and Limmat River. The historic hilltop area was once the site of a Roman fort and remains a public green space in central Zurich.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | City views and historic surroundings |
| Location | Old Town |
| Suitable travel period | Throughout the year |
| Entry | Free |
| Things to do | Walk, relax and photograph the city |
| Tip | Visit around sunset for changing light conditions |
8. Explore the Old Botanical Garden
Visit the Old Botanical Garden if you want a quieter outdoor stop in central Zurich. The garden dates back to 1837 and includes mature trees, a medicinal herb garden and a historic palm house.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Green spaces, herb garden and palm house |
| Location | Pelikanstrasse |
| Suitable travel period | Spring to early autumn |
| Entry | Check current access information |
| Things to do | Walk, relax and explore the garden |
| Tip | Check seasonal opening hours |
9. Take a Limmat River cruise
Take a boat ride along the Limmat to view Zurich's Old Town from the water. The route passes historic buildings, Lindenhof and Grossmünster before reaching Lake Zurich.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Old Town views and waterfront landmarks |
| Location | Limmat River |
| Suitable travel period | Check seasonal operating schedule |
| Entry | Paid ticket |
| Things to do | Take a city river cruise and photograph landmarks |
| Tip | Check the day's departure times before travelling |
10. Take a day trip from Zurich
Use Zurich as a base for a day trip if you have more than two or three days. Options include Uetliberg, Rhine Falls, Lucerne and other destinations within Switzerland. Visit Zurich also identifies Uetliberg as a nearby viewpoint accessible by a short train journey and walk.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Mountains, waterfalls, lakes and nearby cities |
| Location | Around Zurich |
| Suitable travel period | Depends on the destination |
| Entry | Transport and attraction charges vary |
| Things to do | Choose a destination and plan a return journey |
| Tip | Check train schedules and weather before leaving Zurich |
