There’s more to Zürich than just banks. Despite its relatively compact size—around half the size of Washington D.C.—the ancient Swiss city is home to over 50 museums and 100 art galleries, alongside an abundance of historical sites, international restaurants and glitzy designer shops.
Whether you want to explore the medieval Old Town, soak in a rooftop thermal pool, or party in one of Zürich’s hottest nightclubs, there’s something for every traveler here.
Below, we’ve put together a rundown of the best places to visit in Zürich, as well as a few important travel tips.
Image Credit: Getty Images, pawel.gaul. Image Location: Zurich, Switzerland.
What are the best things to do in Zürich?
Start in Zürich’s Old Town, which is packed with colorful old houses, cobbled streets, and ornate lanterns. Get lost wandering through the network of lanes, flanked by boutiques and coffee shops, before venturing onto Bahnhofstrasse, famously one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world.
Art fans should stop by the Fraumünster church and marvel at its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti. Across the Limmat River, Cabaret Voltaire is well worth a visit; it’s where the anti-establishment Dada art movement was founded in 1916. Finish with a visit to the Kunsthaus, home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso and Warhol.
If you’re looking for some rest and relaxation, head over to the Thermalbad & Spa Zürich. This former brewery was transformed into a public bathhouse with tranquil pools, steam rooms and saunas, housed within the centuries-old vaults. Make sure you visit the rooftop pool, which boasts incredible views over the city’s rooftops.
Come nightfall, Zürich really comes to life. Head to Langstrasse for bass-thumping clubs and dimly lit cocktail bars. Alternatively, Zürich West is known as the city’s hipster neighborhood—ideal if you’re looking for a gritty live-music scene.
Where should I eat in Zürich?
Long gone are the days when cuisine in Zürich revolved around potatoes and cheese. From elegant sushi bars to hip Middle Eastern restaurants, there’s a plethora of cuisines to be found here.
Take Le Cèdre, for example. This lively Lebanese restaurant is the place to go for a mezze feast. Think whole roasted artichokes drizzled with lemon and flatbreads filled with juicy lamb koftas.
That said, if you’d like to sample traditional Swiss fare, book a table at Zum Kropf. Order the Zürich Geschnetzeltes, a classic local dish of thinly sliced veal with a creamy white wine sauce accompanied by rösti (pan-fried potato hash).
Vegetarians should make a beeline for family-run Haus Hiltl, the oldest meat-free restaurant in the world. Over 100 dishes are on offer at their popular buffet, ranging from pistachio ravioli to crispy mushroom wings.
Image Credit: Getty Images, sborisov. Image Location: Zurich, Switzerland.
When is the best time to visit Zürich?
As with many cities, Zürich is a year-round destination. Spring sees the blossom trees come into bloom and boat tours restart on Lake Zürich.
Summers are deliciously warm with temperatures reaching an average of 77°F. You’ll find local residents cooling off in one of the many badis (swimming areas) around the center—from the Limmat river to Lake Zürich.
Come fall, the city’s trees begin to turn saffron yellow. It’s a great time to head off for a hike around Uetliberg mountain or sample seasonal mushrooms harvested from local woodlands.
Winter is cold—around 39°F—but it isn’t as snowy in Zürich as you might think. For that quintessential Swiss winter experience, head to the ski resort of Andermatt, just two hours from Zürich by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Didier Marti. Image Location: Zurich, Switzerland.
How many days should I spend in Zürich?
Two to three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Zürich. There’s a well-balanced mix of museums, art galleries, gourmet restaurants and natural beauty to enjoy.
How should I travel around Zürich?
Zürich has a famously efficient transport system. Trams and buses are the easiest way to get around the city center. Buy a Zürich Card city pass and you’ll get access to both modes of transport, as well as trains, boats and cableways in Zürich and the surrounding area.
However, if you want to travel further afield—on a day trip to Lucerne, for example—then it’s best to take a train. Check out the Trainline app for the best deals on train tickets, as well as live service updates. Also, see our articles on the best train rides in Switzerland and the best way to get from Zürich to Zermatt.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Didier Marti. Image Location: Zurich, Switzerland.