Zurich City Guide: 12 things to do in Switzerland's largest city
Please note: All information below is up to date as of May 2023
Work has kept me on the move for the better part of the past four years, bouncing between towns and villages around the world every few days. My restless feet have never been known to balk at the chance to explore a new place, so I’ve grown accustomed to taking myself on whirlwind tours of wherever I might find myself.
Zurich is a place I’ve been to on a few different occasions, each lasting less than 24 hours. It’s a city full of history, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine, so it’s easy to find something for everyone.
Here are the 12 top things to do when visiting Switzerland’s largest city. Spoiler alert: bring your appetite.
1. LINDENHOF PARK
Located within Zurich’s Altstadt (old town), Lindenhof Park offers panoramic views over the River Limmat and sits on top of the city’s remaining Roman medieval wall. The square also happens to be the site of the Roman and Carolingian era kaiserpfalz, the emperor’s castle, in which the city was built around.
Grab a beer and a pretzel, take a seat on the wall, and enjoy the views in the evening glow. It’s a popular thing to do in Zurich for both locals and tourists alike!
Lindenhof Park - Zurich, Switzerland
2. FIFA WORLD CUP MUSEUM
What better place to learn about Europe’s most popular sport than where the headquarters of the Federation Internationale de Football Association, otherwise known as FIFA, is located?
Opened in 2016, the FIFA World Football Museum takes visitors on a journey through the sport’s history with over 1,000 exhibits, photographs, and texts. It certainly doesn’t hurt that entry is free when you use your Zurich Museum Card.
If you don’t have one, it’s no problem! A ticket will cost you CHF 24 (just over $24) and can be purchased online by clicking here. It makes for a great rainy-day activity!
Address: Seestrasse 27, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland
Hours: 10am-6pm. Closed on Mondays, so plan ahead!
Website: www.fifamuseum.com
3. RESTAURANT LE DEZALEY
Add a hearty portion of Emmenthaler cheese to a moderately aged Gruyère, melt it down, put together a plate of charcuterie, and what do you get? One heck of a meal!
Tucked away in Zurich’s old town, Le Dezaley has been serving up some of the best Swiss dishes in all of the city since opening its doors in 1903, but there’s one main reason to visit: the fondue.
Despite feeling as though you’ve uncovered a hidden gem, the consensus is that the chefs at Le Dezaley do fondue better than anyone else around, so your safest bet to ensure access is to reserve a table ahead of time which, conveniently enough, can be done online by clicking here.
Wherever you choose to go, devouring cheese fondue is a must-do during your time in Zurich! Bonus points if you can say “Swiss dish” ten times fast.
Address: Romergasse 7-9, 8001 Zurich
Hours: 11:30am - 2:00pm & 6:00pm - 12:00am, closed on Sundays
Website: www.le-dezaley.ch
4. OLD TOWN
Also known as Altstadt, this quaint and car-free part of Zurich is where history began for Switzerland’s largest city. It’s here where you’ll find some of the most important landmarks, such as the Fraumunster Church which was built in 853 by the German King Louis for his daughter, Hildegard.
The church is now home to a set of five stained glass windows from world-renowned artist Marc Chagall and serves as a popular destination for tourists.
If shopping is more your thing, make your way over to the Niederdorf District and browse the selection of eclectic boutiques.
Wandering isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok. Luckily there are free tours of the city that lead visitors around to all of the major cultural spots and are available in multiple languages. Visit Free Walk Zurich’s website for more information.
5. RIVER LIMMAT CRUISE
All you need is an hour to spare to discover Zurich from the water.
Embarking from the National Museum, the River Limmat Cruise offers a cheap way to float past famous landmarks around the city, such as the Grossmunster Church and Town Hall, as you make your way to Lake Zurich. The glass-roofed boats guarantee an incredible view regardless of your seat.
Be sure to check dates and timetables in advance as tours are only offered between April and October. The best part? prices start at CHF 6.80 (USD 7.50)!
Address: Zurich Landesmuseum Schiffsteg, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Timetables: Click here.
Special Note: The company’s website specifically mentions that boats are not suitable for wheelchairs.
Zurich, Switzerland as seen from the River Limmat
6. LINDT CHOCOLATE FACTORY
This is your chance to live like Willy Wonka.
The Lindt factory offers a glimpse into how different chocolates are made as well as a variety of classes so that you can learn to make your delectable dessert under the tutelage of a master chocolatier.
A new 20,000 square meter facility, The Lindt Chocolate World, will open in 2020 and serve as the chocolate lover’s version of Disney Land, containing the world’s largest Lindt store and chocolate fountain in addition to interactive exhibits and a research facility amongst other things.
Surely this will quickly rise to the top of things to do in Zurich once it opens. I’m drooling already!
Address: Seestrasse 204 , 8802 Kilchberg
Website: www.lindt.ch/en/
7. UNIVERSITY OF ZURICH BOTANICAL GARDENS
Travel around the globe without ever stepping foot outside of Zurich!
From alpine flowers to Mediterranean plants, there’s plenty to see, smell, and explore at the University of Zurich’s Botanical Gardens.
In total, the facility houses 9,000 plant species as well as 3 tropical domes. Entry is free and the greenhouses make for a great way to get your nature fix during a cloudy day! Visit during spring for the best viewing.
Address: Zolilkerstrasse 107, 8008 Zurich
Hours: 7am - 7pm during the week in the summer (8am-6pm on weekends), hours may vary during the off-season
** Tropical greenhouses are open from 9:30am - 5:00pm during summer months, hours may vary during the off-season
Website: Zurich Botanical Gardens
8. KARLSTURM TOWER
For sweeping views across the rooftops of Zurich, head over to the Karlsturm Tower and pay CHF 5 (or free for Zurich Card holders) to climb the 187 stairs to the top.
Part of the Grossmunster Church, this famous landmark is a former monastery that was built on top of the graves of the city’s patron saints, Felix and Regula.
With its rich history and panoramic views, this is a must-do activity in Zurich!
Address: Grossmunster, Grossmunster Platz, 8001 Zurich
Hours: Opens 10am, Monday-Saturday and 12:30pm on Sundays
Website: www.grossmuenster.ch
Zurich from above
9. LAKE ZURICH
The most expansive scenery around Lake Zurich can be found at the Burkliterasse, located at the end of the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.
On a clear day, you’ll be able to see as far as the Swiss Alps!
Itching to get out on the water? This is where the Lake Zurich Navigation Company offers daily cruises that range from 1.5-4 hours in length. Spice things up and book a trip aboard the cheese fondue boat or break out the spandex and hop on the 80s party cruise!
Address: Burkliplatz, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Cruise Cost: Varies based on chosen package
Website: Lake Zurich Navigation Company
10. STERNEN GRILL BRATS
Locals and foreigners agree: Sternen Grill is home to Zurich’s best sausage.
Some say it’s the soft bread roll that puts it over the top while others are infatuated with the delicious spicy mustard. Either way, it’s worth the visit.
Seating is available, but my recommendation is to grab a takeaway, cross the street to the Sechselautenplatz and savor your brat while sitting lakeside beneath the shadows of the Opernhaus Zurich.
Roasted chicken is also available for purchase, so don’t worry if brats aren’t your thing.
Address: Theaterstrasse 22, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Hours: 10:30am - 11:45pm, daily
11. SWISS NATIONAL MUSEUM
Located along the River Limmat and mere minutes from the train station, this museum is the most frequently visited in all of Switzerland.
Exhibitions usher visitors chronologically through ancient times, Middle Ages, and into the 20th century. Entry is free with the Zurich Museum Card or CHF 10 without it.
This is also where the River Limmat cruise boats depart, so not only is it a great way to learn about Switzerland’s history but then you can get out and explore it!
Address: Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm, closed on Mondays
Website: www.landesmuseum.ch/en
12. CHINAGARTEN
An underrated yet great thing to visit in Zurich is the city’s Chinese Gardens, especially if you’re in search of peace and tranquility.
The garden was a gift from Zurich’s sister city, Kunming, as a way to express gratitude for the Swiss’ efforts in providing technical and scientific support towards the expansion of drinking water supplies and urban drainage.
Certainly a beautiful place with a meaningful story behind it.
Address: Bellerivestrasse 138, 8008 Zurich
Entry Fee: CHF 4
Hours: 11:00am - 7:00pm
** The garden is closed in winter months
Website: Zurich Chinagarten
Whether you have 2 hours or 2 days to wander the city, it’s worth getting out and about to experience the Swiss culture.
Snack on a pretzel, sample some chocolate, and learn about the history as you go!
Have any other recommendations for Zurich that I might have missed? Feel free to leave a comment below. I enjoy hearing from you all!
Thanks for following along with Toone’s Travels! As always, stay safe & happy travels.