Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland, known for its picturesque streets, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It is situated on the banks of the Limmat River and surrounded by the Alps, making it an ideal destination for both nature lovers and city dwellers! Having been to Zürich quite a few times, we have put together a guide with the best places to stay, the best restaurants, and things to do in Zürich. Whether it’s your first time in Zürich or you have been before – we’ve got you covered! Read on for everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Zürich in this complete travel guide!
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Zürich, Switzerland
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Getting to Zürich
By plane:
Zürich Airport is the largest international airport in Switzerland and is easy to reach from pretty much anywhere in the world.
By train:
The easiest way to get to Zürich City from the airport is by train. The train station at Zürich Airport is conveniently located in the airport itself, right below the ticketing center and the ride takes less than 15 minutes.
All major train connections in Switzerland are operated by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and your main destination for Zürich City will be Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Zürich HB). Zürich HB is a major hub for all connections in Switzerland and even if you don’t stay in Zürich itself you will most likely travel through this station at some point during your trip.
Getting Around Zürich
Once at Zürich HB, you will have access to streetcars (trams), buses and taxis. If you have lots of luggage and it’s your first time in Zürich, it might be easiest to grab a taxi to get to your hotel (although taxis are exponentially more expensive than the Tram system).
When you’re ready to explore the city however, trams are the way to go. You can purchase a ticket from any of the ticket vending machines located at the stops, or you can use the ZVV mobile app to buy tickets. You can also buy a Zürich Card, which includes unlimited travel on public transportation in Zürich, as well as free admission to various museums and other attractions.
Taxis and Ubers are also available in Zürich, but they’re a lot more expensive and often less efficient than the public transportation system. Also keep in mind that Zürich is not a huge city, it’s very walkable and you likely won’t need to get in a car during your stay. (Zürich is also a very safe city!)
Best Areas To Stay In Zürich
Altstadt (Old Town):
Our personal favorite. The historic center of Zürich – located on both sides of the Limmat River. We love this area because it’s centrally located, it’s close to the lake and bus stops, and it’s just super charming. Altstadt is a beautiful area with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and cafés. In our opinion, this is the best place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the city and have easy access to tons of things.
Enge:
Located just south of the city center, Enge is a peaceful and upscale residential area. It’s close to Lake Zürich and has plenty of green spaces. It’s a great place to stay for families with kids. There are also several museums and galleries in the area.
Zürich West:
This is a trendy and up-and-coming area of Zürich with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s a great budget-friendly area to stay.
Seefeld:
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Zürich, Seefeld is known for its high-end shops, restaurants, cafés, and also has plenty of parks. It does have some landmarks around it, like the Zürich Opera House, but if you are looking for a more lively area, this might not be the best spot for you as it’s a bit quieter than other areas of the city with slightly less to do.
Best Hotels In Zürich
The Dolder Grand: $$$$
If you want to splurge, this place is truly special. This iconic 5-star hotel sits atop a hill overlooking the city and offers breathtaking views.
Baur au Lac: $$$$
Fancy and very luxurious – this 5-star hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers world-class amenities.
Hotel Helmhaus: $$$
Lovely little boutique hotel (also Zürich’s smallest hotel) features 24 beautifully renovated rooms, a charming, intimate atmosphere and is located right in the center of Altstadt within a short walk from many attractions. We’ve stayed here and it was great!
Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich: $$
This centrally located 4-star hotel offers easy access to many of the city’s top attractions.
Hotel Adler Zürich: $
Clean and simple, this charming 3-star hotel is located in the historic Old Town and offers affordable prices.
Best Restaurants In Zürich
Mère Catherine:
This wonderful French bistro is tucked away in one of the many little side alleys in Zürich’s Altstadt and has a delicious selection of French and Mediterranean cuisine, a charming atmosphere and excellent service. We love this restaurant and always end up there every time we visit Zürich.
Café & Conditorei 1842:
You have to go here, even if it’s to grab a pastry or hot chocolate! It was opened in 1842 as a confectionery shop. It’s so cozy and everything is delicious.
Kronenhalle Zürich:
Established in 1924, this restaurant has won numerous awards and is one of the oldest in Zürich. The menu features classic Swiss dishes as well as international cuisine, and the decor is stunning with art pieces by famous artists adorning the walls.
Maison Manesse:
This restaurant is all about sustainability and using locally sourced ingredients. The menu is creative and changes with the seasons. The decor is modern and minimalist, but still has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, which we appreciate!
Maison Manesse:
This restaurant is all about sustainability and using locally sourced ingredients. The menu is creative and changes with the seasons. The decor is modern and minimalist, but still has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, which we appreciate!
Dante:
Cool art-deco cocktail bar, definitely worth checking out!
Hiltl:
If you are vegetarian or vegan, this place is for you! The buffet-style menu includes a wide variety of yummy dishes from around the world, and there are plenty of gluten-free and lactose-free options as well. The restaurant has a casual and lively atmosphere, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Zunfthaus zur Waag:
Located in Old Town. If you are wanting to try authentic Swiss food, this place is great!
Things To Do In Zürich
SHOPPING
Bahnhofstrasse:
One of the most famous shopping streets in the world. This is where you’ll find all of the luxury designer brands like Chanel, Prada, and Gucci.
Niederdorf:
This neighborhood in the Old Town is super cute and a great place to find unique, independent boutiques and shops. There’s everything from vintage clothing stores to artisanal cheese shops. It’s also a great area for souvenir shopping.
Sihlcity:
Located just outside the city center and has over 80 shops, including major fashion brands like H&M, Zara, and Mango. It also has a cinema, a fitness center, and several restaurants and cafés.
Flea Markets:
Two of the biggest ones are Kanzlei and Bürkliplatz which are held every Saturday.
Sihlcity:
Located just outside the city center and has over 80 shops, including major fashion brands like H&M, Zara, and Mango. It also has a cinema, a fitness center, and several restaurants and cafés.
Flea Markets:
Two of the biggest ones are Kanzlei and Bürkliplatz which are held every Saturday.
SIGHTSEEING/ACTIVITIES
Grossmünster:
This iconic church is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Zürich. It was built in the 12th century and is known for its stunning stained-glass windows and twin towers.
Old Town:
Zürich’s Old Town is a must-see. The narrow streets are filled with historic buildings, charming cafes, and boutique shops.
Lake Zürich:
You can take a boat ride on the lake or just walk along the shore and enjoy the views. We took a relaxing ferry ride and hopped off in Rapperswil (a charming little town on Lake Zürich) to walk around and then took the train back into the city.
Zürich Zoo:
The zoo is a great place to check out, especially if you’re traveling with kids. It features over 4,000 animals, including rare and exotic species like snow leopards, pandas, and tigers.
Zürich Zoo:
The zoo is a great place to check out, especially if you’re traveling with kids. It features over 4,000 animals, including rare and exotic species like snow leopards, pandas, and tigers.
CULTURE
Zürich Opera House (Opernhaus Zürich):
Definitely worth a visit. If you don’t want to see a show, you can take a guided tour! They offer a 60 minute tour that takes you through the opera house where you can see the dressmaking department, wardrobe, makeup and props, and also go onto the stage!
Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich:
A beautiful concert hall in the heart of Zürich, hosting musicians and orchestras from all over Europe. We were able to get last minute tickets to see Wiener Neujahrskonzert by the Prague Royal Philharmonic and it was a wonderful experience.
Swiss National Museum:
This museum is dedicated to Swiss history and culture, and it features exhibits that span from prehistoric times to the present day.
Kunsthaus Zürich:
This museum is one of the most important art museums in Switzerland, with a collection that spans from the Middle Ages to the modern era. It features works by famous artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso.
Lindt Museum:
Attention chocolate lovers! Learn all about the origin and making of the famous Swiss chocolate.
Hidden Gems In Zürich
Viadukt:
This is a unique shopping complex located in the Zürich West neighborhood. It’s housed in an old railway viaduct with boutiques, design stores, and food markets. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to organic produce, and the industrial setting gives the whole complex a cool, urban vibe.
Frau Gerolds Garten:
Located in the Kreis 5 neighborhood, Frau Gerolds Garten is a really cool and unique outdoor space with a bar and restaurant. It also holds design markets throughout the year that are really fun!
Kafi Dihei:
This adorable café is tucked away in a residential neighborhood and is a favorite among locals. The café serves homemade cakes, sandwiches, and coffee, and is very cozy and charming.
Kafi Dihei:
This adorable café is tucked away in a residential neighborhood and is a favorite among locals. The café serves homemade cakes, sandwiches, and coffee, and is very cozy and charming.
Moods:
This jazz club is located in a converted industrial space and features live music from both local and international artists.
Freitag Tower:
An iconic tower that is made entirely of recycled shipping containers and is home to a shop and café. The tower also offers great views of the city and is a must if you’re into sustainable design!
Uetliberg:
A mountain that is located just outside of Zürich with stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. It is about a 30 minute train ride and then there is a short, 10 minute hike up to the top where the observation tower is, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes! We did this on New Year’s Eve and watched the fireworks. It was magical!
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FAQ
How many days should you spend in Zürich?
Zürich is not a huge city, but there is definitely a lot to see and do! Personally, we suggest staying at least 3 days, so you can take advantage of all that the city has to offer!
How expensive is Zürich?
Zürich is one of the most expensive cities in the world. As with any destination it depends on your preferences, however you will likely spend more money in Zürich than any other destination.
When is the best time to visit Zürich?
It truly depends on your interests. Zürich has a lot to offer any time of the year, but keep in mind that Winters tend to be gray and wet in Switzerland’s valley regions, so we recommend visiting in the Summer.
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel - especially to Sandro's home country. We are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, so we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel - especially to Sandro's home country. We are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, so we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
