Grossmünster: View of the landmark of the city of Zurich by the beautiful water and event venue for relaxation.

202 Things to Do in Zurich 2025

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7 Highlights in Zurich

  • Zurich's Old Town is known for its medieval alleys and great shopping and dining options.
  • The Niederdorf, the car-free promenade of the old town, is called "Dörfli" by the locals and offers a very special charm.
  • The fantastically beautiful Lake Zurich is the heart of Zurich. Here, locals and visitors meet for cycling, eating ice cream, walking and much more
  • The imposing looking Grossmünster is a well-known landmark of Zurich and also very worth seeing inside.
  • The Uetliberg is a particularly popular place to see a beautiful sunset over the city. The city's 870 m high local mountain attracts athletes, families, visitors, walkers and bon vivants every day.
  • Zurich is surrounded by many charming towns located a short distance away. Rapperswil and Zug are particularly worthwhile.
  • The Streetfood Festival Zürich takes place every year in autumn and offers a gigantic variety of delicacies. Visitors are taken around the world in a culinary way for around 3 weeks.
Zurich city view at night with illuminated buildingsView of the city of Zurich (Photo: Zurich Tourism)
Niederdorf in Zurich features historic buildings and people in the street.Niederdorf (Photo: Zürich Tourism)

The Zürich Card for 24 or 72 hours saves you money and time. You can use it for free travel on trams, buses, trains, boats, and cable cars in and around Zürich. Plus, there are discounts for leisure activities.

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland with over 400,000 inhabitants. Located in the northern part of the country, Zurich lies on the northern tip of Lake Zurich. The lake creates a very special charm of the city and offers countless opportunities for great leisure activities. The picturesque old town immerses visitors in a medieval ambience and tempts with great cafes, restaurants and boutiques. The two rivers Sihl and Limmat flow through the city. Thus, many cozy riverside promenades can be found along the old town.

Zurich is considered a global center for banking and finance. The city includes many cultural features such as the Opera House, the Grossmünster, the Fraumünster, the City Hall and the Church of St. Peter. In addition, there are a large number of impressive museums such as the Kunsthaus, the Landesmuseum, the Museum für Gestaltung, the FIFA Museum and the Wow Museum. Also worth visiting are the Lindt Home of Chocolate and the Zurich Zoo

Sights in Zurich

Zurich is a cultural highlight of Switzerland. Visitors have an immense selection of cultural treasures. The city alone offers 55 museums, impressive art and exciting history. Art is also a common sight in Zurich's public spaces.

Museums Zurich

Museum lovers are in exactly the right place in Zürich. The city is home to 55 museums on a wide variety of topics. Listed below are 15 of probably the most popular museums

  • Wow Museum: The Wow Museum captivates visitors with many sensory illusions and various illusions, perfect for any age group.
  • FIFA Museum: The FIFA Museum immerses visitors in the history of the World Football Association and tells how soccer became a number one sport
  • Landesmuseum: At the Landesmuseum, visitors will find the largest collection of Swiss cultural history, and learn everything from the country's beginnings to today.
  • Museum of Design: With over 500,000 objects such as design and graphic collections, the Museum of Design is a Swiss highlight for design and visual communication.
  • Museum Rietberg: The Museum Rietberg is located in two villas and immerses visitors in non-European cultures
  • Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst: This is where people get hands-on; the Migros Museum offers a wide variety of workshops and great abstract and modern art
  • Pavillon Le Corbusier: The last work of the architect Corbusier is an unmissable colorful pavilion and contains a great exhibition of the architect.
  • Tram Museum Zurich: In the Zurich Tram Museum, visitors can marvel at original vehicles from 1897 to 1960, as well as many other highlights related to streetcars.
  • Watch Museum Beyer: The Watch Museum Beyer, a world-leading museum for the art of watchmaking, lets visitors go on a special journey through time.
  • Zoological Museum: The Zoological Museum offers a gigantic insight into the world of animals with a great permanent exhibition and a wide variety of special exhibitions and offers
  • Zurich Toy Museum: The Zurich Toy Museum, tucked away in one of the oldest corners of the old town, shows visitors a fascinating exhibition of toys from the 18th to the mid-20th century
  • Swiss Finance Museum: The Swiss Finance Museum is the first of its kind in Switzerland and explains the origins of the economic system to visitors in an interactive exhibition.
  • FocusTerra: The FocusTerra immerses visitors in the complex workings of and on the planet
  • Museum Haus Konstruktiv: The Museum Haus Konstruktiv offers exciting collections and exhibitions of constructive, concrete and conceptual art in an unusual setting, a former electric power plant.
  • North America Native Museum: At the North America Native Museum, also called NONAM, visitors will find a great collection on the art and culture of North American Indian peoples and Eskimos.
Museum Rietberg in Zurich with a glass extension and historic building.Museum Rietberg (Photo: Zürich Tourism)
Zurich Watch Museum with exhibits such as historical watchesWatch Museum (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

Kunsthaus Zurich

The Kunsthaus Zürich is the largest art museum in Switzerland and not only an absolute must-visit for art lovers. The museum offers a fascinating permanent collection as well as impressive temporary exhibitions. Visitors will find a gigantic collection of significant artworks by renowned artists. For example, it houses the largest Munch collection to be found outside of Norway. Works by Alberto Giacometti, Monet, Picasso and Chagall, among others, can be seen, as well as contemporary Swiss artists.

In addition to guided tours, workshops are also held regularly at the Kunsthaus.

**Tip: Every Wednesday the museum is free to visit for all visitors

Kunsthaus Zürich with its characteristic facade and surroundings in 2023.Kunsthaus (Photo: Zürich Tourism)
Kunsthaus Zürich with sculptures and paintings in the interior.Kunsthaus (Photo: Zürich Tourism)

Other places of interest

Zurich offers a large number of great and varied sights. Your visit to the city can therefore in no way be boring

  • Botanical Garden Zurich: The Botanical Garden offers a gigantic insight into the world of plants and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the flora and fauna of various regions of the world
  • Schauspielhaus Zurich: The Schauspielhaus is the largest and most impressive theater in Zurich
  • Viadukt Zurich: The market hall in the Viadukt stretches over 500 meters and is probably the most exciting shopping street in Zurich with lots of shopping, enjoyment and design.
  • Langstrasse: On Langstrasse, visitors to the city can look forward to an exciting and fun nightlife
  • Paradeplatz: Paradeplatz is the centerpiece on Bahnhofstrasse. It is considered synonymous with banks and Swiss prosperity.
  • Niederdorf: The Niederdorf is also called "Dörfli" among the locals. It is a very special and with medieval alleys and squares equipped part of the old town of Zurich
  • Grossmünster: The Grossmünster is a Romanesque church in the middle of the old town and is considered the landmark of Zurich.
  • Fraumünster: The Fraumünster as a former monastery. It stands in the middle of the old town and carries with it an exciting history
  • Lindenhof: The Lindenhof is a cozy neighborhood of the city and offers beautiful views of the city and the Limmat River. It provides a very special backdrop for many historical events.
Botanical Garden Zurich with greenhouses and pond in the foreground.Botanical Garden (Photo: Zurich Tourism)
Grossmünster in Zurich, historical architecture, blue skyGrossmünster (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

Places to Visit in and around Zurich

Zurich has a wide variety of destinations to explore, both in the city and nearby. Visitors can look forward to relaxing, sporting, and exciting activities. There’s truly something for everyone!

Zurich Zoo

The Zurich Zoo is located on the Zurichberg and is easily accessible from the city. It offers natural habitats for over 350 animal species, where around 4,000 animals feel at home. A special highlight is the Masoala Rainforest, where visitors can admire animals in their natural environment. Additionally, the zoo is well-known for its conservation center and its newly opened elephant park. The conservation center is actively involved in reintroduction projects and international breeding programs.

The design of the zoo is a standout feature for every visitor. Plus, various guided tours, interesting courses, and exciting experiences are offered by knowledgeable staff. Here, visitors can, among other things, take a night walk, attend a photography course, or take advantage of holiday programs for kids.

Zurich Zoo elephants in the open area under trees.Zoo (Photo: Zurich Tourism)
Child feeds camel with carrot at Zurich Zoo.Zoo (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

Thermal Spa Zürich

Visitors to Zurich can look forward to a truly special thermal spa experience. The Hürlimannbad & Spa draws inspiration from ancient Roman bathing culture and offers pure relaxation. Here, health and well-being come together, creating a unique atmosphere. Guests can bathe amidst century-old stone vaults in a former brewery, enjoy a panoramic view, and are directly above the source of the Zurich thermal springs.

In addition to an amazing water and sauna world, visitors can also enjoy a wide selection of massages and treatments. Among others, there’s a peeling massage, a soap foam massage, the Hürlimann Vital Massage, and a Winter Dream Massage. A special highlight of the thermal spa is the Roman-Irish Spa Ritual.

More Excursions in Zurich

Zurich offers a wide range of excursion destinations. You're sure to find interesting spots just for you.

  • Uetliberg: The mountain is right at Zurich's doorstep, offering a spectacular view over the city, Lake Zurich, and the Alps.
  • Lindt Home of Chocolate: The Lindt Home of Chocolate is a dream experience for chocolate lovers. Here, you can enjoy interactive courses, a large chocolate fountain, and an exciting exhibition about chocolate production.
  • The Circle Zürich: The Circle is located at Zurich Airport. It offers a fantastic experience on 180,000 m2 with shopping options, restaurants, and much more.
  • Letten: Letten is an area in the heart of Zurich and, with its river bath, is an ideal excursion spot, especially on hot summer days.
  • Rapperswil: Rapperswil, known for its idyllic rose gardens, is a picturesque little town on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich.
  • Zug: Zug is a charming city famous for having some of the tastiest cherries in Switzerland.

Zurich Excursions for Day Trips

The city in the eastern Swiss lowlands is a perfect starting point for day trips to neighboring regions and the Swiss Alps. You can take these trips by your own car or by public transport. Day trips starting from Zurich are particularly convenient.

Jungfraujoch

A day trip from Zurich to Jungfraujoch/tagestour-Jungfraujoch-bus-zahnradbahn-zuerich/) means reaching the "Top of Europe". This famous UNESCO World Natural Heritage site is located at over 3,500 m above sea level. In a comfortable coach, you’ll travel to Grindelwald, where a spectacular ride on the cogwheel train takes you to Europe’s highest train station. Besides an indescribable view of the three-thousand-meter peaks, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, you'll also see the longest glacier in Europe. Here, you can find additional attractions like the underground ice palace.

Titlis

Equally unforgettable is a day trip from Zurich to Titlis-zuerich/) into the eternal ice. In winter, make sure to bring your winter sports gear or rent it on-site. The unique high-altitude glacier world at the Engelberg-Titlis ski area offers several kilometers of groomed slopes, snowy snowshoe trails, cross-country skiing tracks, and winter hiking paths. On the way, you’ll also discover the charming town of Lucerne, which, with its vibrant history, serves as the cultural hub of Central Switzerland.

Rigi

One of the most popular excursion mountains in Switzerland is the Rigi massif. The name of this mountain range is derived from the Latin "Regina montium", meaning "Queen of the Mountains". With a day trip from Zurich to Rigi and Lucerne, you’ll get to know the diverse mountain world, which offers hikes of all difficulty levels and elevations. To top it off, you can take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne and enjoy a city tour of Lucerne.

Rheinfall

A special natural spectacle is the destination of the day trip from Zurich to the Rheinfall near Schaffhausen, the largest waterfall in Europe. Even the journey there is special, passing through picturesque wine-growing regions, quaint farming villages, and medieval towns like Laufen and Stein. You can combine a visit to the Rhine Falls with a stop at the medieval Laufen Castle.

Interlaken and Grindelwald

A day trip from Zurich to Interlaken and Grindelwald is also an ideal outing for active vacationers. This region is considered one of the best outdoor adventure areas in Europe. From canyoning to river rafting to mountain biking, everything is possible to satisfy your outdoor adventure cravings.

Lindt Home of Chocolate with chocolate fountains and visitors.Lindt Home of Chocolate (Photo: Zurich Tourism)
Uetliberg view over Zurich, colorful autumn landscape with lake and mountains.Uetliberg View (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

Swiss Activities Tips for Zurich

Tip 1: Rhine Falls Day Trip From Zurich you can make a day trip to Europe's largest waterfall. The Rhine Falls has a height of about 23 meters and a width of 150 meters. A gigantic natural spectacle that you should not miss

Tip 2: Bruno Weber Park in Dietikon Not far from Zurich there is the Bruno Weber Park. The fabulous fairytale world on 15'000 m2 with special sculptures and artworks really amazes every visitor.

Tip 3: Viewpoints Around Zurich there are many lesser known viewpoints where you can get a great view of the city and its surroundings. The Waid is located 4 km northwest of Zurich and has a particularly photogenic view. It stretches from Zurich across Lake Zurich to the Glarus Alps. The restaurant "Die Waid" is only 100 m away from the viewpoint. Monte Diggelmann is located about 2.5 km north of Zurich and is probably even less known. Here you can look forward to a beautiful view and a cozy park.

Tip 4: Flying umbrellas and Frau Gerold's garden In the viaduct you will find a small alley with numerous, seemingly flying umbrellas. This sight is not only worthwhile for Instagram enthusiasts. A few meters further, you'll end up in Frau Gerold's garden. This is the hipster district of Zurich with many bars, great art projects and many surprises.

Tip 5: Dörflifäscht Every year in August, the cozy Niederdorf neighborhood turns into a joyful party mile. A festival with many stages on which live music rages, over 50 market stalls and many other fun offers.

Tip 6: Europe's largest clock face The tower clock of St. Peter's Church in Zurich's old town has the largest clock face in Europe with a diameter of 8.5 meters.

Bruno Weber Park with artistic sculptures and visitorsBruno Weber Park (Photo: Zurich Tourism)
Rheinfall with thundering waterfalls and people on the observation platform.Rheinfall (Photo: MySwitzerland)

Activities and Experiences in Zurich

The wide range of activities and experiences available in Zurich reflects the city's unique diversity. Visitors can look forward to active hikes, fantastic guided city tours, as well as wellness and culinary highlights.

Some of the most popular activities in and around Zurich include:

  • City tours
  • Culinary experiences
  • Hiking
  • Bicycle and E-Bike tours
  • Museum visits
  • Wine hikes
  • Wellness and fitness
  • Golf
  • Paragliding
  • Boat trips on Lake Zurich and the Limmat
  • Stand-up paddleboarding or wakeboarding on Lake Zurich
  • skiing and snowboarding
  • Winter hiking and snowshoeing
  • Sledding
  • Cross-country skiing
Zürich Landesmuseum showcases historic architecture with towers and a garden.Landesmuseum (Photo: Best of Switzerland Tours)
Niederdorf Zurich, pedestrian zone with cafés and peopleNiederdorf (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

City Tours in Zurich

Zurich offers a wide range of different city tours. Of course, it’s also easy to explore the city on your own. However, a city tour provides a unique insight into the city. In Zurich, there are various city tours that focus on completely different themes. Besides the more general city tours that explain the key attractions, there are also tours where visitors can get a rather unusual perspective of the city. Whether it’s a witch walk, a night tour, a food tour, or an E-bike ride, there’s an exciting tour for everyone here.

City Circle Tour in Zurich

Zurich has exciting city circle tours. Whether by bus, in an E-Tuk Tuk, on a Segway, or on a scooter, there are many ways to explore Zurich. Visitors have the freedom to choose whether the tour should be relaxed or more active. Sometimes it’s combined with a visit to chocolatiers or enjoying a cheese fondue at sunset.

Zurich city tour with eTukTuk at the water cross, historic buildings in the background.City tour (Photo: eTukTuk Switzerland GmbH)
Zurich city tour with fondue delight, participants enjoy the mealCity tour (Photo: eTukTuk Switzerland GmbH)

Escape Rooms Zürich

Solving a tricky puzzle and tackling complicated tasks is a lot of fun and brings a certain level of adrenaline. Zürich offers a wide range of creatively designed escape rooms, where you can look forward to many exciting puzzles. A trip to an escape room is especially great when it rains or if you're in the mood for an indoor experience on a chilly day. Escape Games will guide you and your team through the city of Zürich during the game.

  • Live Escape Game: Here you can expect several challenging missions ranging from difficulty levels of 6/10 to 10/10. Number of games: 5

  • The Escape Zürich: Board a pirate ship or step into a watchmaker's workshop in this escape room located right next to Zürich's main train station. Number of games: 3

  • Adventure Room Zürich: Tackle medium to hard puzzles with your group at three different locations in Zürich. Number of games: 5

  • Room Escape Room: These challenging games are suitable for families with puzzle-loving kids aged 8 and up. Number of games: 6

  • Mission Escape: In this game, you have a clear objective, as the name suggests: Escape! Three online games are also offered. Number of games: 1

  • Operation Weihnachten: An exciting outdoor experience is provided by the Outdoor Adventure Room Zürich at the Christmas market.

Zürich Escape Games: Group enjoying playingEscape Games (Photo: Liberari GmbH)
Christmas market in Rapperswil with festively decorated stalls and lights.Christmas market (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

Lake Zürich Navigation

You can enjoy a Lake Zürich Navigation as a scenic round trip, allowing you to discover Zürich and its surroundings from a whole new perspective. There are various tour options available. You can choose from round trips lasting between 1.5 and 4 hours, or cross the lake with Limmat boats, steamers, or motor vessels to take in the scenery. A special highlight is the trip on the so-called Dream Ships, where the cruise is combined with another experience. There’s a fondue boat, a steamer dinner, a party boat, or a breakfast boat, among others.

Paragliding in Zürich

Switzerland is a popular destination for paragliders, thanks to its numerous mountain peaks. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, everyone can enjoy a flight here. There are plenty of options for beginners to try a tandem flight. Zürich and its surroundings are considered an ideal spot for paragliding. The Uetliberg, with a start point at 870 m above sea level, is particularly suitable for flying in Zürich. During your flight, you can take in a breathtaking view of Zürich, Lake Zürich, and the Glarus Alps.

Paragliding over Zurich Uetliberg with a view of the AlpsParagliding Uetliberg (Photo: Mountain O´Clock)
Cruise on Lake Zürich with a historic steamship.Zürich Lake Cruise (Photo: Best of Switzerland Tours AG)

Hiking around Zurich

In Zürich, visitors enjoy the luxury of a very varied stay. In addition to countless activities in the city, there is a beautiful surrounding area that should be hiked by every outdoor enthusiast. South of Lake Zurich begin the foothills of the Alps, which create fantastic hiking conditions. Here, sports enthusiasts, bon vivants and families will find what they are looking for. Below are listed several tours that cover different levels of difficulty and demands.

  • Planetary path Uetliberg to Felsenegg (2 hours, 6 km, 220 meters altitude difference, easy)
  • Pfannenstiel trail - Forch to Meilen (3 hours, 12 km, 150 vertical meters, easy)
  • Lägern ridge walk between Baden and Dielsdorf (3:30 hours, 11 km, 596 vertical meters, medium)
  • Flumserberg 7 summits & 14 lake view tour (7 hours, 14 km, 600 vertical meters, difficult)
  • Hoch-Ybrig: Druesberg - Forstberg - Sternen (5:30 hours, 7.8 km, 1470 vertical meters, difficult)
  • Erlenbacher Tobel - trail from Erlenbach to Küsnacht (2:30 hours,10 km, 400 vertical meters, medium condition)
  • Mülitobel - Sihl - trail from Lake Zurich, between Richterswil and Schönenberg (3:30 hours., 14 km, 600 m altitude difference, medium condition)
  • Loorenkopf - trail from Zurich Fällanden to Adlisberg and Rigiblick in Zurich (3 hrs., 9 km, 250 m altitude difference, easy hike with little physical condition)
  • Sihlwald wilderness trail from Hausen am Albis (12 km, easy hike)
  • Industrial trail in the Zurich Oberland from Bauma (18 km, easy hike)
  • Hüttchopf trail over the ridge of the Josenberg, with an overview of the Töss area and the mountains of the Zurich Oberland (12 km, easy hike)
  • Ridge hike with view of Lake Zurich from Samstagern south of Lake Zurich (4:30 hours, 15 km, 800 vertical meters up and 600 vertical meters down)
  • Zürcher-Oberland-Höhenweg with 4 stages between Winterthur and Rapperswil
Zurich Industrial Trail with hiking path, shore, trees, and greeneryHiking Industrial Trail (Photo: Zurich Tourism)
Oberland High Trail with trees and path, ZurichOberland High Trail (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

Stages of the Zürcher Oberland High Trail between Winterthur and Rapperswil (Hiking Path No. 69)

Stage from - to Distance (km) Time (hrs) Ascent (hm) Descent (hm) Difficulty Condition
1 Winterthur - Girenbad 19 5:15 680 400 easy medium
2 Girenbad - Hulftegg 21 6:10 900 700 easy hard
3 Hulftegg - Chrüzegg 11 4:00 760 440 easy medium
4 Chrüzegg - Rapperswil 25 6:50 520 1400 easy hard

Cycling and E-Bike Tours Around Zurich

The scenery around Zurich is perfect not just for hiking, but also for cycling enthusiasts who can look forward to fantastic tours in the area. You'll pass through fertile vineyards, dense forests, or wide fields with breathtaking views. You can also ride your bike to small towns nearby, where you can enjoy cozy old town vibes and relax with some food and drink. Whether you're riding hard on a mountain bike or taking it easy on an E-Bike, the following tours are simply stunning:

  • Glatt Route (64 km, easy)
  • Rapperswil to Baden (61 km, easy to medium)
  • Rhine from Hirzel to Linth (97 km, medium)
  • Töss to Jona (73 km, medium)
  • Rhine Falls via Winterthur to Zürcher Oberland (97 km, medium)
  • Ibergeregg via Sattelegg to Linth (60 km, medium to hard)
Hoch Ybrig, bikers in nature, gentle hills, hiking trailHoch Ybrig (Photo: Zürich Tourism)
Uetliberg Trails with mountain bikers in the forestUetliberg Trails (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

Skiing around Zurich

Switzerland is arguably the paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Many areas in the country offer the ultimate conditions for successful downhill skiing. If you want to take in a day of skiing from Zurich, you'll have to travel a little further than you would in other regions of Switzerland. Within a maximum radius of 1:30 hours, you can find great areas where beginners, advanced skiers or pros can get their money's worth. So, because of the proximity, visitors to the city, in good weather conditions, can also make a great day trip to a nearby ski resort. The following resorts are among the most popular around Zurich.

Ski resorts near Zurich:

  • Flumserberg (65 kilometers of slopes, beginner to pro, families) - 96 km away
  • Sattel - Hochstuckli (14 km of slopes, families) - 47 km away
  • Hoch-Ybrig (50 km of slopes, families, snowboarders) - 55 km away
  • Amden (20 km of slopes, beginners, families) - 66 km away
  • Mythenregion (50 km of slopes, freestylers, beginners to advanced, families) - 64 km away
  • Engelberg-Titlis (82 km of slopes, beginners to professionals, freeriders, families) - 86 km away
  • Morschach-Stoos (35 km of slopes, families, advanced to professional, freeriders) - 67 km away
  • Braunwald (32 km of slopes, beginners to professionals, families, snowboard) - 85 km away
View of the Eiger and surroundings with snow-covered mountains and cloudsExcursion view of the Eiger (Photo: Best of Switzerland Tours AG)
Skiing in Zurich with friends on a snow-covered mountainSki Pass (Zurich Tourism)

Events in Zürich

Although Zürich presents itself as an open-minded and modern metropolis, the residents still cherish their traditions, as evidenced by the many folk festivals and traditional events.

Every spring, the spring festival in Zürich features the fire custom of Sechseläuten, which begins with the dramatic march of the 25 Zürich guilds and ends with the burning of the Böögg, a straw-filled puppet, followed by a meal with the lengthy debates of the guild members.

The annual highlights in Zürich's event calendar also include:

  • the Knabenschiessen in September
  • the carnival parades in February
  • the New Year's Eve run
  • the Zürifäscht, one of the largest Swiss folk festivals, which attracts millions of visitors to Lake Zürich (held every three years on the first weekend of July, next date 2026)

Regularly, open-air festivals are organized at the squares, streets, and parks, especially in summer, while in winter, the Christmas markets in Zürich transform the city into a sea of lights. Almost every weekend, concerts featuring local and internationally renowned musicians are held in bars and nightclubs.

World-renowned are the Street Parade, a vibrant techno and house festival, the Zürich Film Festival, the Zürich Theater Spectacle, and the Zürich Festival. The flourishing alternative culture scene also has a firm place in Zürich. A dedicated art space guide leads you to art offspaces and self-organized art spaces.

Theater spectacle Zurich showcases the diversity of performances at night with festive lighting and an audience.Theater spectacle (Photo: Zurich Tourism)
Sechseläuten with riders in front of the burning Böögg in Zurich. Festive atmosphere and crowds are visible.Sechseläuten (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

Getting to Zurich

Zurich is located in the northern part of the country and is easy and uncomplicated to reach by all means of transport, from bicycle to plane. Only 10 km outside the city is the largest airport in Switzerland. In addition, Zurich has the largest railroad station in the country, from which there are good connections to all corners of the country.

Zurich Airport

Zurich has the largest airport in Switzerland, which is located only about 10 km outside the city. The airport can be approached directly from many metropolises of the world. Thanks to its own train station, visitors can reach the city center in 10 minutes. From here there are also many direct train connections to other cities or areas of Switzerland

by car

By car, Zurich is very easy to reach from many directions, thanks to a very well-developed road network. It is important to note that there is a toll on the Swiss highways and the vignette of CHF 40 is obligatory. You can easily buy this at gas stations, post offices or stores of the TCS.

The A1 connects Zurich with Geneva and St. Gallen. The A3 leads to Basel and Chur from Zurich.

by public transport

Zurich's main train station is the largest train station in Switzerland. It is considered an important hub for both domestic trains and trains from neighboring countries. The station is served, among others, by the Cisalpino, the ICEs of the Deutsche Bahn, the TGV, the EuroCity and many other trains. In total, there are 26 gates at the station

From here, visitors can board directly the city's suburban trains and streetcars. There are a total of 13 streetcar lines operated by VBZ (Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich). You can buy your ticket at a ticket machine at the stop or at the station, but not in the streetcar. Depending on the reason and duration of your stay, you can choose between special 24 or 72 hour tickets

Zurich city bus driving through the downtown at night.City Bus (Photo: Zurich Tourism)
Quaibrücke Zurich with car traffic, adjacent water and treesQuaibrücke car traffic (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

Hotels in Zurich

A great stay in a city includes the perfect accommodation. In Zurich, there's something for every budget. From modern and classic hotels to luxurious five-star resorts, you'll find it all.

Dolder Zurich

The Dolder is among the top luxury hotels in Zurich. It resembles a palace that overlooks the city. From here, you can enjoy a magical view of the city, Lake Zurich, and the surrounding mountains. The hotel features 176 rooms and suites, a luxurious wellness and spa area, as well as two restaurants, one of which boasts 2 Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points.

Suitable for: Travelers with a higher budget who have a particular fondness for luxurious hotels

B2 Boutique Hotel and Spa

The B2 Boutique Hotel and Spa is located in the former Hürlimann Brewery. This lifestyle hotel surprises with its unique urban design and offers a special ambiance. It features 60 rooms and suites, each uniquely designed in the style of the hotel. There's a fantastic wine library and bar with dishes from the Zurich region and beyond. Additionally, guests have free access to the thermal bath.

Suitable for: City travelers with a higher budget

Design Hotel Plattenhof

The Design Hotel Plattenhof is situated in the university district, not far from Zurichberg. Its short distance to the train station and the old town makes it ideal for city and business travelers. The hotel includes 37 rooms, a restaurant with an adjacent garden terrace, a bar, and a lounge.

Suitable for: City travelers with a medium budget

Oldtown Hostel Otter

The Oldtown Hostel Otter is located in the heart of Zurich's old town, making it perfect for anyone who feels at home in the hustle and bustle of the city. The hostel offers trendy private rooms as well as modern 4- and 6-bed dorms. On the ground floor, there's a cozy café and bar called Wüste, where hostel guests and locals meet.

Suitable for: Easy-going city travelers on a lower budget

Hotel Dolder with restaurant and terrace, evening atmosphere by the poolHotel Dolder (Photo: Zurich Tourism)
B2 Boutique Hotel Zurich with a tall library, neat shelves, and stylish lights.B2 Boutique Hotel (Photo: Zürich Tourism)

Restaurants in Zurich

Culinary highlights can be found at every corner in Zurich. Whether you're looking for regional specialties or international cuisine, and ranging from budget-friendly to high-end options, there's something for everyone.

Hiltl Zurich

The Hiltl in Zurich is a must-visit for vegetarians. According to the Guinness World Records, it is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. Founded in 1898, it is now run by the fourth generation of the Hiltl family. Visitors can enjoy the famous vegetarian and vegan buffet as well as delicious à la carte dishes. The menu includes Indian, Swiss, European, Mediterranean, and Thai specialties.

Suitable for: Vegetarians and vegans, gluten-free, mid-range prices

Bindella Zurich

Bindella tempts visitors with its traditional Venetian cuisine. The delicacies are complemented by exquisite wines from various wine regions in Italy and an authentic Italian atmosphere. Dining here feels like a mini trip from Zurich to Venice.

Suitable for: upscale prices, vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free

Gelateria di Berna Zurich

A trip to Zurich wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some delicious Italian ice cream. Gelateria di Berna is located at Brupbacherplatz in the Wiedikon district of Zurich and offers heavenly ice cream flavors. With a cozy atmosphere, warm service, and selected organic products, the ice cream becomes even more delightful. Visitors can look forward to a great variety of flavors and experience a bit of Italy right in Zurich.

Suitable for: budget-friendly

Zurich has an incredible offering for every taste throughout the year. A little tip: Don't hesitate too long and best to plan your favorite activities in the city ahead of time.

Gelateria di Berni in Zürich with a diverse ice cream selectionGelateria di Berni (Photo: Zürich Tourism)
Hiltl Zurich, bar area with counter and buffetHiltl (Photo: Zurich Tourism)

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