Zurich : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

Find more destinations for

a city trip

a solo travel

a family vacation

a romantic getaway

a cheap holiday

an adventure

a long weekend

a nature escape

a cultural immersion

Things to do at Zurich

Zurich offers a perfect balance between culture, nature, and art of living. Here are the must-visit places during your stay:

The Old Town (Altstadt): cobbled streets, medieval houses, and an authentic atmosphere
Bahnhofstrasse: one of the most elegant shopping avenues in Europe
Grossmünster: iconic Protestant church overlooking the city
Fraumünster: famous for its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall
Lake Zurich: ideal for a stroll, a boat cruise, or a picnic by the water
Lindenhof: peaceful hill offering a beautiful view of the old town
Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum): to delve into the country's cultural history
Kunsthaus Zurich: a must-visit art museum, blending classics and contemporary works
Zürich-West District: former industrial area turned into a hub of creativity and gastronomy

Uetliberg: mountain overlooking Zurich, perfect for hiking with panoramic views of the Alps.

Grossmünster in Zurich

Fraumünster in Zurich

Zurich Lake

Activities

In Zurich whether that be for a relaxing boat cruise on the lake, an tour with a guide through the old town, or an incredible food experience, you will be provided with enough fun activities and excursions that will let you experience the city in a different way.

When to go to Zurich

The best time to visit Zurich is from May to September, when the city awakens under mild, sunny weather perfect for strolling along the lake, discovering the old town or enjoying the bustle of the terraces. In summer, pleasant temperatures hover around 25°C, perfect for being outdoors, but again this is the most touristic and expensive time to visit. If you want to visit Zurich the cheaper and less crowded way, I would recommend late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October): you'll encounter fewer crowds, cheaper price levels (to some extent) and as always, great views whether it's flowers in bloom or golden foliage. Even in winter, when it is colder, many winter sports enthusiasts are attracted to Winter Zurich thanks to easy access to the Alps. In the end, Zurich is a visit at any season of the year, but spring and early fall have a pleasant climate, warmer vibe and a much more manageable price level.

What's the temperature like?

How many hours of sunshine?

Global budget

Experiencing Zurich in person is remarkable, but it comes with a premium that matches its status. The Swiss city known for its high quality of life has some variety in pricing, but you won't find a cheap option here. There are a few different hotel prices for a one night's stay for two People, they're: 117-1390 depending on the required comfort level. Eating out at a budget restaurant dishes fall in the range of 18 to 43 (while dinner for 2 at a classic restaurant will be 96 to 213). For your drinks, a 33 cl beer is 6.4 to 9.6, while a single bottle of water will set you back 3.2 to 5.9. Public transport is nice and reliable, costing 3.2 to 6 for a single ticket. Taxis charge approximately 3.4 per kilometer. Your entertainment, ie. sightseeing, outlays, will for 11 all the way to 430. On average you may budget daily expenditures of 102 to 137

One night in a hotel for 2 people

117€1000€

Meal in a cheap restaurant

18€50€

Local beer (33cl)

6.4€10€

Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

96€200€

Bottle of water

3.2€5€

Public transport single ticket

3.2€5€

Taxi ride (per km)

3.4€

Visits and activities

11€500€

Average overall budget for one person per day: from 102.00€ to 1378.00€

Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

Start your day in Zurich in a traditional café where breakfast is done in the Niederdorf, in the heart of Old Town. Then walk the cobbled streets as you pass historic buildings, small boutiques and art galleries. No trip to Zurich would be complete without experiencing the Grossmünster. The church is Zurich’s icon with its two towers that you can climb for an amazing view of the city from the top.

After your visit, walk along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Europe, on your way to Lake Zurich. Take time to relax on the quay and enjoy a mini-cruise on the lake’s clear waters.

At noon, sample some Swiss cuisine in a typical restaurant. A fondue, rösti or Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal with cream sauce) would be exquisite. The afternoon could be spent at the Kunsthaus seeing a fine collection of modern art or any creative enthusiasts could visit the Design Museum.

To finish the day, climb to the Uetliberg to catch a stunning sunset with views of Zurich and the Alps directly beyond the city, all accessible by train. End the day by experiencing a nightcap in a cozy bar or lively brasserie in the Langstrasse district area. A day well spent and unforgettable!

Practical information about Zurich

Before you visit Zurich, it can be helpful to learn some practical information. For example, Zurich has an amazing transport network that consists of streetcars, buses, trains and boats. A Zurich Card is valid for 24 hours or 72 hours and gives unlimited access to public transport and discounts at many other attractions. The city-center is only a short walking distance from each other, especially near the Old Town, around the lake and Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich is a clean, organized and safe city. The main language is German (swiss-german) but english is commonly used. The currency, of course, is Swiss francs (CHF) and most places take credit cards. The climate is temperate, mild summers and cold winters - so remember to bring seasonal clothing. Most shops are generally open Monday-Saturday from 9am-6 or 7pm. Everything is mostly closed on Sundays except for train stations. Zurich has a wide variety of food options from fine-dining restaurants to street food. Lastly, tap water is drinkable everywhere, including the public fountains so when taking a walk keep your water bottle full!