Zurich
Old Town: Grossmünster, Fraumünster & Lindenhof★★★
The Old Town of Zurich stretches along both sides of the Limmat and is compact enough to explore on foot in half a day — yet rich enough to fill an entire day.
★★★ Grossmünster
The twin towers of the Grossmünster have dominated Zurich's skyline since the 12th century. In 1519, Huldrych Zwingli began the Reformation in Switzerland here — an event that fundamentally changed the country. Climbing the Karlsturm (187 steps) rewards you with the best panoramic view over the Old Town, the lake, and on clear days, the Alps. Inside, the modern windows by Augusto Giacometti (1933) and the Romanesque crypt are impressive.
Grossmünsterplatz. Church free, tower 5 CHF. Daily 10–18 (winter until 17). Tower: March–Oct 10–17.
★★★ Fraumünster
On the other side of the Limmat stands the church that made Zurich world-famous — thanks to the Chagall windows (1970). The five vividly colored glass windows in the choir are among the most significant church windows of the 20th century. Additionally, Alberto Giacometti (not to be confused with his cousin Augusto) designed a window in the transept. The Gothic cloister with frescoes from the 13th century is a quiet retreat in the middle of the city.
Münsterhof 2. 5 CHF. Daily 10–18 (Nov–March until 17). Photography allowed (no flash).
★★ Lindenhof
The most beautiful viewpoint in the Old Town: On the hill of the former Roman fort (Turicum) sits a small park with lime trees and chessboards. From here, you look over the Limmat at the Grossmünster, the university, and the town hall. In the evenings, locals gather here to play boules. The place where Zurich was founded — Romans, Alemanni, and medieval citizens once stood here.
Lindenhof. Open access, around the clock. Best at sunset.
★★ St. Peter's Church
The oldest parish church in Zurich (9th century) has the largest church clock face in Europe: 8.7 meters in diameter. Inside, a simple Reformation church, outside a cozy cemetery in the shade of old trees — an oasis of tranquility that most tourists overlook.
Tipp
Start your Zurich day at the Lindenhof — in the morning the square is almost empty and the light on the Grossmünster is perfect for photos. Then head down to the Limmat, over the Münster Bridge to the Grossmünster, climb the tower, and back across the water to the Fraumünster. Two hours, three highlights.
Bahnhofstrasse & Paradeplatz★★
The Bahnhofstrasse is considered one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world — 1.4 kilometers from the main station to Bürkliplatz by the lake. Here, luxury boutiques (Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton) line up next to Swiss traditional houses like Grieder, Jelmoli (oldest department store in Switzerland, since 1833), and watch-jewelers showcasing Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega in shimmering showcases.
★★ Paradeplatz
The heart of the Swiss financial world: Here stand the headquarters of UBS and Credit Suisse (now also UBS). The square itself is unremarkable, but its symbolic power is immense — billions are decided here. On the edge: the Café Sprüngli, a Zurich institution since 1836. The Luxemburgerli (delicate macarons) are the perfect souvenir — a box from 15 CHF.
Confiserie Sprüngli, Paradeplatz. Mon–Fri 7–18:30, Sat 8–18. Luxemburgerli: 2.80 CHF/piece.
★ Main Station
Not just a transport hub, but also an architectural highlight: The historic station hall (1871) with the Escher statue in front and the underground ShopVille passage are worth seeing. During Advent, the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe takes place here — with a giant Swarovski Christmas tree.
Lake Zurich & Bathing Culture★★
The Lake Zurich is the heart of leisure culture: 40 km long, up to 136 m deep, and up to 24 °C warm in summer. The people of Zurich have a unique bathing culture — public bathing facilities (Badis) are social meeting points where you can spend the whole day.
★★★ Lake Promenade & Bürkliplatz
From Bürkliplatz at the end of Bahnhofstrasse, the lake promenade stretches southwards — a festival of strolling and sunbathing in good weather. Boat rental (pedal boats, SUP, rowing boats from 20 CHF/hour), ice cream vendors, and the view of the snow-covered Alps on the horizon. A popular flea market takes place here on Saturdays.
★★ Seebad Utoquai (Men's Bath) & Frauenbad Stadthausquai
Zurich's legendary gender-separated bathing facilities from the 19th century — historic wooden decks directly into the Limmat or by the lake. During the day a bathing facility (entry 8 CHF), in the evening the women's bath transforms into the Barfussbar — one of Zurich's most romantic bars with candles, cocktails, and lake views. Only in summer.
★★ Strandbad Mythenquai
The largest lakeside bath in Zurich: 400 meters of beach, diving tower, sunbathing lawn, restaurant. A folk festival on weekends — the people of Zurich come with picnics, grills, and good spirits. Entry 8 CHF, children 4 CHF. May–September.
★ Boat Trip on Lake Zurich
The ZSG ships regularly operate on the lake — from the short round trip (1.5 hours, 9 CHF) to the grand tour to Rapperswil (2 hours, 27 CHF). Included in the Swiss Travel Pass! The evening cruise with the fondue ship is an experience (from 85 CHF).
Tipp
The Barfussbar in the former women's bath (Stadthausquai 12) is Zurich's most romantic summer evening spot: cocktails on floating wooden decks by candlelight. No entry fee, only drinks. June–September, from 6 PM. Come at sunset!
Kunsthaus & Museums★★★
Zurich has a surprisingly rich museum landscape — from world-class art museums to quirky niche museums.
★★★ Kunsthaus Zurich
One of the most important art museums in Europe, doubled in 2021 by the spectacular Chipperfield extension. The collection includes the world's largest Alberto Giacometti collection, outstanding works by Monet, Munch, Picasso, Chagall, and one of the best collections of Swiss art (Hodler, Segantini, Vallotton). The temporary exhibitions are regularly blockbuster-level.
Heimplatz 1. 23 CHF (special exhibitions 26 CHF). Tue/Fri–Sun 10–18, Wed/Thu 10–20. Closed Monday. Reduced Wednesday evening. Included in the Swiss Travel Pass!
★★ Swiss National Museum Zurich
Right next to the main train station, in the fairytale castle building (1898): The history of Switzerland from the Stone Age to the present. Particularly noteworthy: the medieval weapon collection, the Reformation department, and the interactive exhibition on direct democracy. The extension (2016) is architecturally award-winning.
Museumstrasse 2. 10 CHF (permanent exhibition free!). Tue–Sun 10–17, Thu until 19. Included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
★★ FIFA World Football Museum
A must for football fans: Three floors dedicated to the history of world football, with all World Cup trophies, historic jerseys, and interactive stations. The museum is professionally done and surprisingly entertaining — even for non-hardcore fans.
Seestrasse 27. 24 CHF. Tue–Sun 10–18.
★ Museum Rietberg
Zurich's museum for non-European art in a villa in Rieterpark. Asian, African, and Oceanic art of world-class. The park with a view of the lake is worth the visit alone — one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
Gablerstrasse 15. 14 CHF (special exhibitions 18 CHF). Tue–Sun 10–17, Wed until 20. Included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
Tipp
Wednesday evening is museum night at the Kunsthaus — reduced admission and open until 8 PM. Much quieter than on weekends. With the Swiss Travel Pass, Kunsthaus, National Museum, and Rietberg are free anyway!
Niederdorf & Nightlife★★
The Niederdorf (affectionately called "Dörfli" by the locals) is Zurich's nightlife district in the right-bank Old Town — a labyrinth of narrow alleys with restaurants, bars, bookstores, and small theaters.
★★ Niederdorf Alleys
The Niederdorfstrasse and Münstergasse are the heart of the district: Here, Italian trattorias line up next to Swiss taverns, craft beer bars next to traditional inns. Stroll during the day, stop in the evening. The Spiegelgasse 14 was the birthplace of Dadaism in 1917 — at Cabaret Voltaire, Hugo Ball and Tristan Tzara founded an art movement that changed the world. Today, it is a bar with regular cultural events.
★★ Langstrasse — The Other Zurich
Zurich's most multicultural street in Districts 4 and 5 — once notorious, now the trendiest area in the city. Turkish snack bars next to hipster cocktail bars, second-hand shops next to club entrances. The Geroldstrasse (District 5, next to the Viaduct) is the center of the creative scene: container shops, restaurants, and the legendary Frau Gerolds Garten — an urban garden economy with street food, wine, and art.
Going Out in Zurich
Hive Club · Geroldstrasse 5
Zurich's most famous techno club in a former industrial building. International DJs, good sound system. Entry 20–35 CHF.
Fri–Sat from 23:00.
Café Odeon · Limmatquai 2
Legendary Art Nouveau café frequented by Lenin, Einstein, and Thomas Mann. Today a lively bar with a long counter and Zurich's oldest neon sign. Cocktails from 16 CHF.
Daily 7–2.
Bauschänzli · Stadthausquai
Beer garden on a Limmat island — Zurich's most rustic summer tip. Bratwurst, beer, and lake view. May–September.
From 11:00, kitchen until 22:00.
Tipp
Frau Gerolds Garten (Geroldstrasse 23) is Zurich's best summer evening meeting point: Urban gardening, food stands, natural wine, DJs — all under the open sky. No entry fee. April–October, Tue–Sat from 11 AM. Reservation not possible, just go.
Day Trip: Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen★★★
Just 50 minutes by train from Zurich lies the largest waterfall in Europe: The Rhine Falls at Neuhausen am Rheinfall/Schaffhausen is 150 meters wide, 23 meters high, and plunges with up to 600,000 liters per second. The roar is deafening, and the spray reaches the viewing platforms.
★★★ The Rhine Falls
From the north side (Schloss Laufen), a panoramic path with several viewing platforms leads directly to the waterfall — the lowest platform "Känzeli" practically hovers over the spray. A boat trip takes you to the central rock in the middle of the waterfall — a staircase leads to the top, where you stand surrounded by masses of water. Unforgettable!
Entrance north side (Schloss Laufen): 5 CHF. Boat trip to the rock: 20 CHF (return). Round trip: 7 CHF. Open daily, May–Sept 8–19, winter 9–17.
★★ Schloss Laufen
The medieval castle above the Rhine Falls houses a small museum on the history of the waterfall and a restaurant with a terrace and view of the natural spectacle. From here, the best overall view.
★ Schaffhausen Old Town
The nearby Old Town of Schaffhausen surprises with over 170 bay windows and magnificently painted facades. The fortress Munot (16th century) towers over the city — the climb is worth it for the view over the Rhine. Combine Rhine Falls and Schaffhausen for a perfect day trip.
Arrival from Zurich
Train: Zurich HB → Neuhausen Rheinfall in 50 minutes (direct S-Bahn connection). 11.20 CHF one way, included in the Swiss Travel Pass. Alternatively: Zurich → Schaffhausen (38 min., hourly), then 10 min. bus to the Rhine Falls.
Tipp
Come early in the morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon — the tour buses arrive at noon. The boat trip to the middle rock is the absolute highlight, but not for those afraid of heights: The stairs on the rock are steep and wet. Pack a rain jacket — the spray gets you wet!
Food & Restaurants€€
Zurich is the culinary capital of Switzerland — from the traditional Beiz (tavern) to the star restaurant, from street food on Langstrasse to fondue in the historic vault.
Zurich Classics
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes — The city's national dish: Veal strips braised in cream sauce with Rösti. The original is prepared with kidneys and mushrooms — most restaurants now offer it without kidneys. Best at Kronenhalle (Rämistrasse 4, 49 CHF) or Zeughauskeller (Bahnhofstrasse 28a, 38 CHF).
Kronenhalle · Rämistrasse 4 · €€€
Zurich's most legendary restaurant — since 1924 a meeting place for artists, bankers, and diplomats. Original paintings by Picasso, Chagall, and Miró on the walls (no joke!). The Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with Rösti is flawless. Main courses 40–65 CHF. Reservation essential.
Mon–Sat 12–24, Sun 12–23.
Zeughauskeller · Bahnhofstrasse 28a · €€
Huge beer hall in the historic armory (1487): long wooden tables, rustic atmosphere, traditional Swiss cuisine. Bratwurst with Rösti (26 CHF), fondue (32 CHF/person). Good, honest, and affordable — by Zurich standards.
Daily 11:30–23.
Sternen Grill · Theaterstrasse 22 · €
Zurich's most famous bratwurst stand — right at Bellevue. The bratwurst in Bürli (roll) with mustard is a cult snack: 9.50 CHF. The line is long, but it's worth it. An institution for over 50 years.
Mon–Sat 11:30–23, Sun 11:30–22.
Hiltl · Sihlstrasse 28 · €€
The oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world (since 1898, Guinness record!). The buffet is legendary — over 100 dishes, you pay by weight (4.80 CHF/100g). Even non-vegetarians are thrilled. It can get crowded at lunchtime.
Daily 7–23.
Budget Tips
- Migros-Restaurant: The restaurants in the Migros branches offer solid meals from 10–15 CHF — Zurich's best budget food.
- Tibits: Vegetarian buffet by weight (like Hiltl, but cheaper). Several locations.
- Coop-Restaurant: Similar to Migros, also inexpensive and found everywhere.
Tipp
For an authentic Zurich experience off the tourist path: At the Restaurant Volkshaus (Stauffacherquai 60) you can enjoy excellent Swiss cuisine in an Art Deco hall — Zürcher Geschnetzeltes 38 CHF, reservation recommended. Or: Simply sit by the Limmat, grab bread and cheese from Migros, and have a picnic — costs 8 CHF and is priceless.
Practical Tips
Arrival
Zurich is the transport hub of Switzerland. Zurich Airport (ZRH): 10 min. by train to the main station (6.80 CHF). From Germany by train: Munich 3:30h, Frankfurt 3:55h, Stuttgart 2:45h — all in comfortable ICE/EC.
Public Transport
The ZVV network (Zürcher Verkehrsverbund) includes trams, buses, S-Bahn, and boats. 15 tram lines perfectly connect the city.
- Single ride Zone 110: 4.40 CHF (valid for 1 hour)
- Day pass Zone 110: 8.80 CHF
- ZürichCARD (24h): 27 CHF — public transport + free entry to 40+ museums + boat trip + cable car
- ZürichCARD (72h): 53 CHF
All public transport in Zurich is included in the Swiss Travel Pass!
Accommodation
€ Budget: Zurich Youth Hostel (Mutschellenstrasse 114, bed from 40 CHF) — right by the lake, great location! PlacidHostel (Friedaustrasse 56, from 45 CHF).
€€ Mid-range: Hotel Marktgasse (double room from 220 CHF) — boutique hotel in the Old Town. CitizenM Zurich (double room from 160 CHF) — modern, central.
€€€ Luxury: Baur au Lac (from 700 CHF) — Zurich's grand hotel by the lake. The Dolder Grand (from 600 CHF) — legendary.
Best Time to Visit
June–September: Ideal. Bathing culture by the lake, street festivals, open-air cinemas. July: Street Parade (one of the largest techno parades in the world, 1 million visitors).
December: Christmas markets (main station, Sechseläutenplatz, Niederdorf). Atmospheric, but cold.
April: Sechseläuten — Zurich's traditional festival with the burning of the Böögg (snowman). The faster the head explodes, the better the summer will be.
Stadtrundgang
Durch die Zürcher Altstadt
From the main station through both sides of the old town to the lake — past the most important churches, through winding alleys, and over the Limmat. A walk through 2,000 years of Zurich's history.
Main Station & National Museum
Start at the imposing main station (1871) with the Alfred Escher statue. View of the National Museum next door — the fairytale castle building is worth seeing from the outside alone.
10 Min.Lindenhof
Over Bahnhofstrasse and through the alleys up to Lindenhof — Zurich's oldest settlement point. The view over the Limmat to the Grossmünster and the university is the most beautiful in the city.
15 Min.St. Peter's Church
A few steps downhill: St. Peter's Church with the largest church clock face in Europe (8.7 meters). Inside, reformed simple elegance.
10 Min.Fraumünster
Over Münsterhof to Fraumünster: The Chagall windows are a must. Admire the oldest frescoes in the city in the cloister.
20 Min.Münster Bridge & Grossmünster
Over the Münster Bridge (best photo spot for both minsters!) to the Grossmünster. 187 steps up the Karlsturm for the 360° panorama.
25 Min.Niederdorf
Stroll through Niederdorfstrasse — Zurich's most charming alley with cafés, bookstores, and small boutiques. Stop by Cabaret Voltaire (Spiegelgasse 1): Birthplace of Dadaism.
20 Min.Bellevue & Lake
Arriving at Bellevueplatz, the view opens up to Lake Zurich. Finish with a bratwurst at Sternen Grill or a coffee by the lakeside.
15 Min.War dieses Kapitel hilfreich?
