Zurich, northern Switzerland · Switzerland
Switzerland's biggest city, a lake-and-river old town of church spires, guild houses, chocolate shops and swimming spots, with the Alps on the horizon.
Photo: Barbara Steinemann · CC BY-SA 4.0
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and financial centre, home to about 440,000 people, and the country's main gateway, with an airport connected to the centre by a 10-minute train. It sits at the northern end of Lake Zurich, split by the Limmat river, and its old town of cobbled lanes, guild halls and church spires is compact enough to walk in an afternoon.
The city is cleaner, greener and more relaxed than its banking reputation suggests. In summer, locals swim in the lake and float down the river, and open-air bathhouses turn into evening bars. Museums include the Kunsthaus, one of Switzerland's best art museums, the Swiss National Museum and a lively design scene in Zurich West. Bahnhofstrasse is one of the world's most expensive shopping streets.
Zurich works best as a two-day stop at the start or end of a trip. It is also a good base for day trips, since Lucerne is 45 minutes away, and Rhine Falls, Winterthur and the mountains of central Switzerland are within an hour or two.
Why visit
Zurich is an easy, polished city that mixes history, water and culture.
Medieval lanes, church towers and guild houses.
Swimming spots in summer.
The Kunsthaus and design in Zurich West.
Veal, chocolate and modern restaurants.
Trains to the whole country.
Main attractions
Most sights cluster around the Limmat and the lake.
A Romanesque church with twin towers, where the Reformation in Zurich began under Huldrych Zwingli, with a climbable tower and views over the old town.
Tip Climb the tower in the morning.
A tree-shaded square on a hill above the Limmat, on the site of a Roman fort, with a chess board and views.
Tip Good at sunset.
The lakefront promenade, boats and swimming spots, with the Alps visible on clear days.
Tip Take a lake boat.
A tree-lined shopping street from the station to the lake, with chocolate shops, watchmakers and banks.
Tip Window shopping is free.
A church with stained glass windows by Marc Chagall.
Tip Check opening hours.
One of Switzerland's leading art museums, with Impressionists and Giacometti.
Tip Allow two hours.
Things to do
Zurich rewards a slow pace and a swim.
Public bathhouses and free swimming spots.
Tip Go on hot days, from June.
Cobbled lanes and guild halls.
Tip Start at Lindenhof.
A local mountain with city views, reached by train.
Tip Go on a clear day.
Sprüngli and other makers.
Tip Try the Luxemburgerli.
History in a castle-like building.
Tip Allow two hours.
Europe's largest waterfall by volume.
Tip One hour away.
Local food
Zurich's food is Swiss classics and modern international restaurants.
Sliced veal in a creamy sauce with rösti.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants in the old town.
Delicate macaron-like sweets.
Where to try it Sprüngli on Paradeplatz.
A shared pot of melted cheese.
Where to try it Old-town taverns.
A grilled sausage, Switzerland's national sausage.
Where to try it Street stalls and parks.
Swiss cafés and bakeries.
Where to try it Cafés near the lake.
Accommodation
Stay in the old town or near the station for easy walking.
Transport
Zurich has Switzerland's largest airport.
The city is compact and has trams.
When to go
Zurich has warm summers and cold, grey winters.
Blossom and mild days.
Swimming and street festivals.
Clear days and colour.
Christmas markets, but grey and cold.
Worth planning around: Grey November and January.
Itinerary
The old town and the lake.
Churches and lanes.
Water and museums.
Travel tips
A few tips make Zurich easier and cheaper.
FAQ
Two days. A third allows a day trip.
Yes, among the most expensive cities in the world.
Yes, at public baths and free spots in summer.
About 45 minutes by train.
Yes, especially at the start or end of a trip.
Efficient, with a fast train to the centre.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Zurich, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Central Switzerland, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
A postcard old town on Lake Lucerne, with the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, Mount Pilatus, Rigi and paddle-steamer trips, ideal as a Swiss base.
Don't miss Walking across the Chapel Bridge at sunset, with the Reuss river, the water tower and the snow-dusted Pilatus behind.
Explore Destination — LucerneBern, western Switzerland, Switzerland
A relaxed capital with a UNESCO-listed old town, six kilometres of arcades, the Zytglogge clock tower, the Rosengarten viewpoint, the Bundeshaus, river swimming and Einstein's apartment.
Don't miss The old town's red roofs and the Aare's turquoise bend, seen from the Rosengarten.
Explore Destination — BernEastern Switzerland, Appenzell, Switzerland
A traditional region of gentle hills, with colourful Appenzell village, the Säntis peak, the cliffside Berggasthaus Äscher, Appenzeller cheese and folk customs, away from the crowds.
Don't miss Berggasthaus Äscher, a mountain inn built into an overhanging cliff, with a view of the valley 500 metres below.
Explore Destination — Appenzell and the SäntisRead next
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