Short answer
The best things to do in Zurich are walking the old town on both sides of the Limmat (Grossmünster, Fraumünster's Chagall windows, Lindenhof), a boat on Lake Zurich, swimming in the river baths in summer, the Swiss National Museum, the Uetliberg viewpoint 20 minutes by train, and a soak in the rooftop thermal pool of the Hürlimannbad. Two days is enough for the city, plus easy day trips to the Rhine Falls and Lucerne.
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Zurich has a reputation as a banker's city, and the first impression from the station can confirm it: trams, glass and very well-dressed commuters. Walk five minutes, though, and you're in a medieval old town on a green river, with church spires, guild houses and a lake that locals swim in at lunchtime.
Most trips to Switzerland start or end here, so it's worth giving Zurich a day or two. Here's what to do.
Zurich at a glance
| What | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Old town walk (both banks) | 2–3 hours | Free |
| Lake Zurich boat | 1.5 hours (short round trip) | $ |
| River swimming (summer) | 2 hours | Free–$ |
| Swiss National Museum | 2 hours | $ |
| Uetliberg | Half day | $ |
| Hürlimannbad thermal baths | 2–3 hours | $$ |
| Rhine Falls day trip | Half day | $ |
The old town
1. Grossmünster
The twin towers are Zurich's symbol. Inside, it's Protestant and austere (this was the base of Zwingli's Reformation), but you can climb one of the towers for the best view over the roofs, the river and, on clear days, the Alps.
2. Fraumünster and its Chagall windows
Across the river, the Fraumünster has five stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall in the choir, glowing blue, green and red. Small entry fee, absolutely worth it.
3. St. Peter and Lindenhof
St. Peter's church tower has the largest church clock face in Europe. Just behind it, the Lindenhof is a quiet terrace of linden trees on the site of a Roman fort, with a postcard view of the Niederdorf across the Limmat. Bring a coffee.
4. The Niederdorf
The right-bank old town: pedestrian lanes, bars, bookshops and restaurants. Come back here for dinner. Swiss Chuchi at the Hotel Adler is a classic for cheese fondue.
5. Bahnhofstrasse
One of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, running from the station to the lake. Window-shop, then stop at Confiserie Sprüngli on Paradeplatz for Luxemburgerli, its small macarons.
On the water
6. Take a boat on Lake Zurich
Lake boats leave from Bürkliplatz at the bottom of Bahnhofstrasse. The short round trip takes about 1.5 hours; a longer cruise goes to Rapperswil, the "town of roses". Most are covered by a Swiss Travel Pass.
7. Swim in the river and lake baths (summer)
Zurich's "Badis" are a summer institution: historic wooden bathhouses on the Limmat and the lake, plus the Oberer Letten, where locals float down the river and climb out at the ladders. By day, the Frauenbad is women-only; on summer evenings it turns into a bar.
8. Walk the lakeside promenade
From Bürkliplatz, walk along the Utoquai to the Zürichhorn park and the Chinese Garden. On a clear day, the snowy Glarus Alps line the far end of the lake.
Museums
9. Swiss National Museum
Right next to the main station, in a castle-like building: Swiss history from prehistoric times to today, with good English panels. Ideal for a rainy day or your first jet-lagged afternoon.
10. Kunsthaus Zürich
One of the best art museums in Switzerland, with a major collection from Monet and Munch to Giacometti, in an old building and a newer extension.
11. Lindt Home of Chocolate
In Kilchberg, a short train ride south along the lake: a chocolate museum with a giant chocolate fountain, tastings and a big shop. Book ahead in high season.
12. FIFA Museum
In Enge, near the lake: football history, interactive games and the World Cup trophy display. Fun with kids.
Views and green escapes
13. Uetliberg
Zurich's local mountain: 20 minutes by S-Bahn from the main station, then a short walk to the top tower for a view over the city, the lake and the whole Alpine chain. Walk the Planet Trail along the ridge to Felsenegg and take the cable car down. More ideas in our hikes near Zurich.
14. Polybahn to the ETH terrace
A tiny red funicular from Central climbs in two minutes to the terrace of the ETH university, with a free view over the old town. Sunset is the time.
Soak and stay up late
15. Hürlimannbad thermal baths
The best way to fight jet lag: thermal water in the vaulted cellars of a former brewery, and a rooftop pool overlooking the city. Book ahead on weekends. Check prices and hours in our thermal baths table.
Thermalbad & Spa Zürich
Zurich · Zurich
Why go: Thermal baths in a former brewery, with a rooftop pool overlooking the city.
B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa
Zurich · Zurich
Why we picked it: Hotel inside the old Hürlimann brewery, connected to the thermal baths.
Check rates & availability →16. Zürich West
The former industrial district: bars and shops in the railway arches of Im Viadukt, the Frau Gerolds Garten summer beer garden, and the Freitag tower built from shipping containers.
Day trips
17. The Rhine Falls (and Lucerne)
Europe's most powerful waterfall is under an hour away by train via Schaffhausen. Take a boat to the rock in the middle of the falls. Lucerne is even closer, at about 45 minutes: see the Chapel Bridge and come back for dinner. In December, add the Zurich Christmas markets.
Zurich in 2 days
- Day 1: Old town figure eight, lunch in the Niederdorf, the National Museum, sunset from the ETH terrace, fondue for dinner.
- Day 2: Uetliberg in the morning, a lake boat in the afternoon, and an evening soak at the Hürlimannbad.
Where to stay
Stay in the old town or near the main station so you can walk everywhere. Our area-by-area guide to where to stay in Zurich compares the neighborhoods, and these are our favorite hotels in the center:
Hotel Adler Zürich
Zurich
Why we picked it: In the Niederdorf old town, home of the Swiss Chuchi restaurant, known for its cheese fondue and rösti.
Check rates & availability →Hotel Felix
Zurich
Why we picked it: Small hotel in the Niederdorf quarter, about 425 m from the main station and steps from the old-town lanes.
Check rates & availability →Motel One Zürich
Zurich
Why we picked it: Design-budget hotel in the center, walking distance to the Bahnhofstrasse, the lake and the Hürlimannbad thermal baths.
Check rates & availability →Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Zurich?
Two days covers the old town, the lake, a museum and Uetliberg. Add a third for a day trip to the Rhine Falls or Lucerne.
Is Zurich worth visiting?
Yes, especially for your first or last night. The old town is compact and beautiful, the lake and river are clean enough to swim in, and the airport is just 10 minutes away by train.
What is the Zurich Card?
A 24- or 72-hour card covering public transport in the city zone (including the airport train and Uetliberg) plus free or discounted entry to many museums. It pays off if you use transport and visit two museums.
What can you do in Zurich in winter?
The Christmas markets (late November to December 24), museums, the Hürlimannbad thermal baths, fondue in the Niederdorf, and sledding or snow walks on the Uetliberg after snowfall.
