Zurich: what to visit? Best activities and sights to do

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Zurich: what to visit? Top 10 not to miss

1. The historic heart of Zurich

If you are coming for the first time, here is a summary of what you absolutely must see in the old town (the Altstadt). 

• The cobbled lanes of Niederdorf: charming pedestrian district with a lively atmosphere, ideal for strolling, shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.
• Grossmünster: the city's emblem with its two towers. Climb the stairs to the platform for a 360° view over the city. The interior, sober and elegant, is also worth the detour.
• Fraumünster: famous for its stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. A masterpiece not to be missed.
• St. Peter Kirche: the church with the largest clock face in Europe. To be admired from the adjoining square.
• Antiquarian bookshops and art galleries: between two lanes, push open the door of small art or rare book shops.
• The Graphic Arts Cabinet: a little-known gem in the district, for lovers of prints and illustration.
• The historic fountains: Zurich has more than 1,200 fountains, including several magnificent ones in the old town, perfect for a photo stop.
• Café terraces: settle in the shade of the colourful façades to enjoy a hot chocolate or a Swiss pastry.
• The Haus zum Rech (former town hall): beautiful Renaissance building, often overlooked by guidebooks, but very photogenic.
•  Craft stalls: handmade jewellery, design objects, local treats… perfect for bringing back an authentic souvenir.

Don't miss one of the oldest districts of Zurich: the Schipfe quarter with its small craft shops.

2. Cruise on Lake Zurich 

Lake Zurich is an essential stop for enjoying nature in the heart of the city. Much loved by locals and tourists alike, it invites relaxation with its flower-lined quays, parks and small beaches. In summer, the more adventurous can swim in it or hire a pedalo.

But the best way to discover the lake remains the cruise: several companies offer boat trips, short or long, with stunning views of the shores, the mountains and the charming villages around. From Bürkliplatz, you can board for a one-hour mini-cruise or a trip to Rapperswil, the "town of roses". A lovely way to explore Zurich differently.

3. The famous Bahnhofstrasse avenue 

Did you know it is one of the most expensive in the world? Even without shopping, it is a pleasure to walk along. You will find luxury brands, but also Swiss chocolatiers, prestigious watchmakers and pretty shop windows to admire.

4. Zurich, what to visit? Lindenhof 

The Lindenhof is an emblematic place in Zurich, perched on a hill in the centre of the city. This peaceful park, once the site of a Roman fort and then a royal palace, now offers a lovely relaxation space under the lime trees. It is the ideal place to take a break, play chess outdoors or enjoy a magnificent view over the old town, the Limmat river and the spires of the Grossmünster. Steeped in history and adored by locals, the Lindenhof charms as much with its calm as with its panorama.

5. The most beautiful museums in Zurich

The Kunsthaus Zurich 

The Zurich Museum of Fine Arts will delight art lovers. It houses an exceptional collection ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, with major works by Giacometti, Van Gogh, Chagall, Picasso and Hodler. Allow at least two hours to enjoy it fully.

The Swiss National Museum 

Housed in a neo-Gothic-style castle, it traces Swiss history through immersive exhibitions. Traditional costumes, weapons, furniture, religious objects… it is a true journey through time.

6. The Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich 

A haven of peace for plant lovers. More than 15,000 species are presented in the tropical greenhouses and outdoor gardens. Entry is free and it is an ideal place for a family walk.

👉 How to get there? Take tram no. 6 or no. 9 to the Universitätsspital stop, then walk about ten minutes. The garden is well signposted and easily accessible on foot.

7. The Uetliberg hill 

For nature and hiking lovers, the Uetliberg is a must. Accessible by train in 20 minutes from the centre, it offers well-marked trails and an exceptional panorama over Zurich and the Alps in clear weather.

👉 How to get there? Take the S10 train from the main station (Zurich HB) to the Uetliberg station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and you arrive directly at the start of the trails.

8. Spend an evening in the trendy Zürich-West district 

This regenerated industrial district is now the haunt of creatives. You will find galleries, concept stores, trendy restaurants and farmers' markets. The Prime Tower also offers a lovely view over the city.

Visit Zurich on foot

Want to leave the car in the car park? Good news, Zurich is a compact city, perfectly suited to this type of stay. 

1. Start your day with a walk through the old town (Altstadt), starting from the Niederdorfstrasse. 
2. Admire the half-timbered houses, take a break in a local café, then cross the Limmat river to reach the Grossmünster cathedral.
3. From there, continue to the Lindenhof district, a former Roman oppidum turned park overlooking the city, perfect for a calm moment with a view. 
4. Then head back down to the quays of Lake Zurich for a waterside stroll, as far as the botanical garden if the weather allows. 
5. To end the day, head to the dynamic Zürich-West district, where former factories have been turned into trendy bars, galleries and restaurants.

In one well-filled day, you will have covered the city's most emblematic places without taking a single tram!

Visit Zurich with the family: activities and practical tips

If you are going to Zurich with children, you have made the right choice! The city is clean, safe, well organised and full of activities suited to all ages. Here are a few ideas to make the most of it as a family:

Zurich Zoo

One of the most beautiful zoos in Europe, with more than 400 animal species. Don't miss the Masoala Rainforest, an immense tropical greenhouse recreating the Madagascan ecosystem, where you can observe lemurs, chameleons and tropical birds in semi-freedom.
👉 Access: Tram 6 to the Zürich Zoo stop. Allow at least half a day.

The Chocolate Museum

This modern museum lets you discover the history and making of famous Swiss chocolate through interactive experiences. An immense chocolate fountain welcomes visitors at the entrance. You taste different varieties, and children love taking part in the workshops. It is a gourmet and fun outing not to be missed.

The Wow Museum

In the heart of Zurich, this museum surprises young and old with its optical illusions and perspective games. Visitors move from room to room, exploring an astonishing and entertaining visual world. It is a perfect place to laugh, learn and take original photos. Ideal for an original and creative family outing.

Parks and playgrounds

Zurich is full of green spaces with modern playgrounds, slides, climbing nets, zip lines, and even interactive fountains to cool off in summer (notably in the Josefwiese park or the Platzspitzpark). Some parks also have free BBQ areas.

Technorama (in Winterthur)

Only 25 minutes by train from Zurich, this interactive science centre is perfect for sparking the curiosity of the youngest. Experiments, hands-on activities, physics demonstrations and workshops… a must on a rainy day.

Kid-friendly restaurants in Zurich 

Zurich offers a varied culinary scene, ranging from family-friendly restaurants to sought-after fine-dining establishments. Here are a few recommended addresses:

• Fork & Bottle: Located near Sihlcity park, this restaurant is appreciated for its relaxed atmosphere, welcoming garden and selection of craft beers. It also offers vegetarian dishes and is known for its warm welcome to families.
  
  
• Rosso Pizza: This restaurant is renowned for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, made with a light dough fermented for 72 hours. Customers praise the quality of the ingredients and the variety of flavours offered.
• Haus Hiltl: Recognised as the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world, founded in 1898, Hiltl offers a varied buffet with more than 100 dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. The establishment is also appreciated for its friendly atmosphere and its commitment to healthy eating.

Getting around Zurich easily

Zurich's public transport (trams, buses, trains) is punctual, clean and well suited to pushchairs. Children up to 6 years travel free, and family tickets are available.

What to do in Zurich for free?

Still wondering what to visit in Zurich without spending anything ? Here are a few ideas:

• Walks in the old town or along the lakeshore
• Free access to museums on certain days of the week
• Visit the botanical garden
• Hike up the Uetliberg
• Swim in the Limmat in summer
• Free walking tours organised by locals

FAQ Zurich: what to visit

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions

Is Zurich worth the detour? 

Yes! Zurich combines history, modernity, nature and culture. It is a human-sized city with an excellent quality of life.

What are the things to see in Zurich? 

The lake, the old town, the Kunsthaus, the Grossmünster cathedral, Lindenhof, the Bahnhofstrasse and the Zürich-West district are must-sees.

Is Zurich a beautiful city? 

Yes. Its cleanliness, medieval architecture, views of the Alps and green spaces make it a magnificent city.

Are 2 days enough in Zurich? 

Yes, two days are enough to explore the main sites. But if you want to visit museums or go hiking, allow a little more time.

Why is Zurich so expensive? 

The cost of living in Switzerland is high. Zurich, as a financial centre, has prices above the European average, notably for accommodation and dining.

What is the best time to go to Zurich? 

From May to September to enjoy lakeside walks, festivals and the mild climate. Winter is also interesting for the Christmas markets and mountain activities.

What documents do you need to go to Zurich? 

If you are an EU citizen, a valid identity card or passport is enough.

What are the conditions for travelling to Switzerland? 

No particular formalities for EU nationals. For other nationalities, a visa may be required.

How to pay in Zurich? 

The local currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). Bank cards are widely accepted, including on public transport.

How to park in Zurich? 

Parking in the city centre is limited and expensive. Favour park-and-ride car parks (P+R) on the outskirts and get around by tram or on foot.

That's it, our article "Zurich: what to visit" ends here. We hope all this information helps you plan your stay in Switzerland, and more precisely in the magnificent canton of Zurich. All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes 😎