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.
