Things to do · Zürich, Switzerland
Things to Do in Zürich
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- Getting there
- Zurich is served by Zurich Airport, about ten kilometres from the city centre and reachable by a thirty‑minute train ride or a quick tram/taxi hop. Most visitors arrive from European hubs such as Frankfurt, London or Milan, often connecting through Zurich. For those preferring the rails, the main station links directly to Basel, Geneva and beyond, while road travellers use the A1 motorway that skirts the lake.
- Who goes
- The city welcomes roughly two million tourists each year, drawing a mix of business travelers, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Summer months and the winter holiday season see the highest footfall, especially around the lake and the Old Town, while late autumn and early winter tend to be quieter, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Budgeting
- A careful traveler can expect to spend around CHF 80–120 per day (approximately $85–$130), whereas a comfortable stay usually runs CHF 150–250 (about $160–$270). Accommodation and dining are the biggest expense buckets. One reliable way to stretch your budget is to purchase a Zurich Transport Pass, which covers trams, buses and trains and often includes discounts on museum entry. Estimate →
Zoo Zürich
aquarium · 4.6 rating · CHF 26
A large zoo featuring diverse animal habitats including a rainforest dome and Masoala hall. Families and nature lovers visit to see wildlife across immersive enclosures.
Lindenhof
attraction · 4.7 rating
A historic hilltop square in Zürich's old town offering panoramic views over the Limmat River and rooftops. A tranquil spot marking the city's Roman and medieval origins.
Grossmünster
church · 4.5 rating
A landmark Romanesque Protestant church in Zürich with twin towers, central to the Swiss Reformation led by Zwingli. Travelers visit for its architecture, historical significance, and tower climb offering city views.
Kunsthaus Zürich
attraction · 4.7 rating · CHF 24
Zürich's largest art museum, housing a major collection spanning medieval to contemporary works, including Impressionist and modern masterpieces. A key cultural stop for art lovers.
Zürich Opera House
attraction · 4.7 rating
A grand neo-baroque opera house on the shore of Lake Zürich, home to opera, ballet, and orchestral performances. Travelers visit for world-class productions in an ornate historic venue.
FIFA Museum
attraction · 4.4 rating
An interactive museum dedicated to the history of world football and the FIFA World Cup, featuring memorabilia, trophies, and exhibits. Travelers come to explore the sport's global heritage.
Old Town
neighborhood · 4.3 rating
Also known as Altstadt, Zurich's historical center is a mix of old and new, home to iconic churches like the twin towers of Grossmunster and Fraumunster.
Lake Zurich boardwalk
attraction · 4.7 rating
A waterfront promenade along Lake Zurich ideal for strolling, with views of the water and the Alps on clear days. A relaxing outdoor space for walks and lakeside leisure.
Fraumünster Church
church · 4.5 rating · CHF 5
A historic church in Zürich renowned for its stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti. Travelers visit to admire the art and Romanesque-Gothic architecture.
Aussichtsturm Uetliberg
attraction · 4.6 rating
An observation tower atop Zürich's Uetliberg mountain offering sweeping panoramic views of the city, lake, and Alps. It is a popular destination for taking in the region's scenery.
Bahnhofstrasse
landmark · 4.7 rating
Famous pedestrian street known for world-class shopping and major banks.
Botanical Garden
attraction · 4.7 rating
The Botanical Garden of the University of Zürich features diverse plant collections and greenhouse domes showcasing global flora. Travelers visit to explore the gardens and tropical greenhouses.
St. Peter
church · 4.5 rating
A historic church in Zürich's old town, notable for having the largest church clock face in Europe. Visited for its architecture, history, and prominent landmark tower.
Museum Rietberg
museum · 4.7 rating
Switzerland's only museum for non-European art, presenting collections from Asia, Africa, and the Americas within historic villas and a modern extension in a park setting. Travelers visit for its world-class Asian and African art holdings.
UBS Polybahn
attraction · 4.6 rating
A historic funicular railway in Zürich connecting Central to the Polyterrasse near ETH. Travelers ride it for a quick, scenic climb and city views.
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