Zürich, the international banking and financial centre of Switzerland, is located at the northern end of Lake Zürich and offers numerous tourist attractions and atmospheric neighbourhoods. The most appropriate term to describe the Swiss city is'surprising', thanks mainly to its soul devoted to technological innovation, but at the same time not forgetting its older traditions.
Have we intrigued you? Let's find out together what to see in Zurich, what are the best attractions and things to do to experience this amazing destination at its best!
Looking for a hotel in Zurich? We have selected the best offers on Booking.com for you.
1 - Lake Zurich
Zürich's number one natural attraction is undoubtedly the beautiful Lake Zürich, in Swiss Zürichsee. The city lies at the northernmost part of the lake, at the point where the river Limmat flows into its waters.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, here you can spend a few hours in close contact with nature, perhaps taking part in a relaxing boat tour. The lakeside promenade, the Seepromenade, is extraordinarily beautiful. In general, the entire lake area is ideal for excursions and tours to discover historic villages, lakeside landscapes and extensive forests. Be sure to check out these great Hotel deals in Zurich at top-hotels-switzerland.com, to stay close to the stunning lake.
2 - Altstadt
Zurich's historic centre, the Altstadt, is characterised by characteristic alleys, old buildings, antique shops and colourful squares. A succession of beauties and typical districts, such as Schipfe, Zurich's oldest quarter, or Niederdorf, a veritable pedestrian precinct! Also not to be missed is Sechselautenplatz, Zurich's largest and most famous square! You'll need a comfortable and convenient place to stay while exploring, consider checking these Zurich hotels at tophotels.com.
In addition to enjoying the day's visit to Old Town, you might want to consider a home-away-from-home experience. Look into the Numa I Turi Apartments in Zurich, where you can enjoy your evening in comfort after a day of sightseeing.
And if during the day the Old Town is ideal for a pleasant and relaxing walk, at night it becomes the hub of nightlife! A true paradise for those who want to stay up late, among cocktails bars, pubs and discos, even outdoors in fine weather.
The historical centre is developed on the banks of the Lammat river and is easily accessible on foot, the best way to explore it, as many areas are entirely pedestrianised. The Central Train Station is just a 5-minute walk from the old town - get directions
Be part of the events: the Old Town is alive in every season with great events and festivities! Don't miss the Christmas markets in December, for example, while in April a large fake snowman is burnt at Sechselautenplatz to celebrate the arrival of spring.
3 - Opera House
Photo by Matthias Süßen. The Opera House, theOpernhaus Zürich, is located in the city centre. At first it was used as a music and drama theatre, then, after the construction of the Schauspielhaus, it specialised in opera, operetta and ballet. In addition to philharmonic and jazz concerts, you can also attend matinees and special shows for children.
The building housing the theatre will immediately attract your attention with its imposing and harmonious structure. It is the smallest of the international opera houses, in fact it seats 1,100 inside. Unfortunately, it cannot be visited inside, except during performances and events, but it is still worth a visit from the outside and a nice picture!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: at Sechseläutenpl. 1, in the Altstadt, on the river bank. Easy walking distance from Grossmünster (650 m, 9 min). Reference stop Opernhaus (tram lines 2 and 4, bus lines 912 and 916) - Get directions
Times: depending on events and performances, see official website
Ticket prices: depending on events and performances, see official website
4 - Kunsthaus Zürich
Photo by Roland zh. And after churches and shopping, it's time to discover some of the city's most famous museums! Starting with the Kunsthaus Zürich, the Zurich Art House, a museum of ancient, modern and contemporary art. Absolutely not to be missed if you are a lover of the genre!
The museum exhibits several significant collections of art relics, ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with a focus on Swiss art. The most significant collections at the Kunsthaus Zürich are the works of Edvard Munch and Alberto Giacometti. You can also admire works by Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Giorgio De Chirico, Paul Klee and Georges Braque.
Practical information: directions, opening times and prices
Directions: at Heimplatz 1, in the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from Grossmünster (550 m, 7 min). Kunsthaus reference bus and tram stop (tram lines 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-6pm, Wed-Thu until 7pm, Sun-Mun closed
Ticket prices: permanent collection full price CHF 16.00 (€14.80), concessions CHF 11.00 (€10.20) / Temporary and special exhibitions vary, please consult official website
5 - Grossmünster
The Grossmünster is Zurich's former cathedral, dedicated to the patron saints of the city: Felix and Regula. Built in 1100, today it is a Protestant church and the symbol of the city, as well as a place rich in history. It was here, in fact, that the Swiss-German Prostestant Reformation began in 1500.
The exterior is characterised by two tall towers, rebuilt in the 18th century after a collapse. The Karlsturm also offers a wonderful viewing terrace to admire the city. The interior is very austere and bare, but at the same time impressive! Important Romanesque sculptures and several references to the architectural school of the Lombard tradition can be found here.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: at Grossmünsterplatz in the Altstadt. Easy walking distance from Fraumünster (180 m, 2 min). Reference tram stop Helmhaus (line 1 and 15) - Get directions
Hours: March to October 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., November to February 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Limited sightseeing during celebrations and religious festivities
Ticket price: free
6 - Wasserkirche
We continue our discovery of the city's wonderful churches. Let's now talk about the Wasserkirche, located next to the Grossmünster. Wasser means water in German, and there was no more appropriate name for the church given its location: it stands on the bank of the Limmat river, right on the bank.
With its troubled history, the church changed function over the centuries: for some periods it was used as a goods store and as a library. Nowadays, it fulfils its original function, holding various religious services. Worth admiring inside are its large choir windows, also decorated by Augusto Giacometti.
Practical information: directions, opening times and prices
Directions: at Limmatquai 31, in the Altstadt, next to the Grossmünster. Easily accessible on foot from Fraumünster (180 m, 2 min). Reference tram stop Helmhaus (line 1 and 15) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 14:00-17:00, Mon closed. Limited sightseeing during celebrations and religious festivities
Ticket price: free
7 - St. Peter's Church
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most characteristic churches in the city of Zurich, just a few steps away from the Fraumünster. Its construction rests on an ancient architectural structure dating back to Roman times and is the oldest medieval structure in the city.
As soon as you see it, your eye will immediately be caught by the beautiful clock tower, its distinguishing feature. The clock has a diameter of about 8 m, making it one of the largest clock faces in Europe! Characterised by different architectural styles, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic to Baroque, the tomb of Rudolf Burn, the city's first mayor and draftsman of the Zurich Guild Constitution, is also located here.
Practical information: directions, times and prices
Directions: at St. Peterhofstatt 1, in the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from Fraumünster (250 m, 3 min). Reference tram stop Kantonalbank (lines 2, 8, 9 and 11) - Get directions
Hours: daily 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Limited sightseeing during celebrations and religious festivities
Ticket price: free
8 - Fraumünster
Situated on the opposite bank of the Grossmünster, the Kirche Fraumünster is one of the city's most important churches and owes its name to the women's convent that once stood here. Dating back to the 11th century, its beauty has led to a large number of tourist visits, thus requiring an entrance fee to control access.
This Gothic-Romanesque church is unmistakable thanks to its green-roofed bell tower, which makes it stand out in the city skyline. The interior is truly magnificent and one of the highlights are the large stained glass windows, the work of artists such as Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti.
Visit the Christmas market: during the month of December, the Münsterhof Weihnachtsmarkt takes place on the cathedral square, with handicrafts, souvenirs and local delicacies.
Practical information: directions, opening times and prices
Directions: at Münsterhof 2, in the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from Grossmünster (180 m, 2 min). Reference tram stop Kantonalbank (lines 2, 8, 9 and 11) - Get directions
Hours: daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun from 1 p.m. Limited sightseeing during celebrations and religious festivities
Ticket price: single ticket €5.00, up to 16 years free of charge
9 - Niederdorf
The Niederdorf is a very atmospheric district of the city of Zurich, characterised by medieval buildings and narrow streets populated by street artists. It lies on the eastern bank of the river Limmat, in the northern part of the old town.
Here you will find a mix of attractions, gastronomy and shopping, the ideal place to spend at least an afternoon between sightseeing and relaxing breaks at one of the many outdoor café tables. It is in fact a completely pedestrianised area, quiet and magical during the day, while at night it transforms into the centre of nightlife, with plenty of clubs.
Easily accessible on foot from every point in the old town, such as from Grossmünster (400 m, 5 min). Pedestrian zone, reference tram stops Rudolf-Brun-Brücke (line 4 and 15) and Rathaus (line 4 and 15) - Get directions
Take a coffee break at 1842 im Haus Conditorei Schober: this is one of Zurich's historic patisseries, featuring a well-kept old-style interior. We recommend sampling the strudel, which is truly delicious!
10 - Lindenhof
Let's now discover some of Zurich's most characteristic neighbourhoods, not to be missed. Let's start with Lindenhof, a wonderful hilly district that can be reached from the Altstadt with a pleasant walk. This area has an important historical value, as it is built around the remains of a Roman castle.
It is an ideal district for relaxing, where locals also come to read a good book, play chess, admire the view, spend some time with friends or family and sit under the linden trees, in German Linden (the name from which the hill is named). It is also an ideal place for children, where they can have fun on the Kinderspielplatz Switzerland playground.
It is easily reached on foot from St Peter's Church (180 m, 3 min), the ascent is easy and pleasant, feasible even for those who are untrained or travelling with small children. Reference tram stop Rathaus (line 4 and 15) - Get directions
Visit at sunset: this hill offers a wonderful view of the city, from which to take endless photos
11 - Swiss National Museum
Photo by Swissnationalmuseum. The Swiss National Museum, full name Schweizerisches Nationalmuseum, is located right next to the central station and tells the cultural history of Switzerland. The museum is housed in a building dating from 1892, which looks like an old medieval castle.
Inside, you can admire the country's richest collection, with interactive and multimedia exhibits that are also suitable for children! You can see archaeological finds from prehistoric and Roman times, medieval and modern art relics, and other objects relating to the politics and economy of the Helvetic Confederation.
Reach the Platzspitzbrunnen: behind the museum is the city park, the Platzspitz, which reaches up to the point where the Limmat River splits into two different watercourses. This point offers spectacular views and also features a wonderful fountain.
Practical information: directions, times and prices
Directions: at Museumstrasse 2, in the Altstadt, next to the Central Train Station. Easy walking distance from St. Peter's Church (950 m, 11 min). Reference stop Bahnhofquai/HB (numerous tram and bus lines) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, Mon closed
Ticket prices: full price CHF 10.00 (€9.30), concessions CHF 8.00 (€7.40)
12 - Zurich-West
Photo by Peter. Let's now move on to Zurich-West, Zurich' s modern and eclectic district! This area grew out of a former industrial zone, which has now been completely redeveloped and is home to art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, designer shops and an indoor market (every Saturday 9am-8pm)!
Among the attractions not to be missed is the Prime Tower, a 126 m high skyscraper with modern architecture, which houses offices, commercial premises and even a panoramic restaurant! It is also impossible not to take a photo in front of the Freitag Tower, a clever example of building recycling, as the tower is built from coloured containers and houses the world-famous company of the same name.
The district is located north of the city centre, close to the Zürich Hardbrücke train station (240 m, 3 min). It is served by several tram and bus stops and lines. Reference stop for Prime Tower and Freitag Tower Schiffbau (tram lines 4 and 8) - Get directions
13 - Bahnhofstrasse
For all shopaholics, the street to visit is undoubtedly the Banhofstrasse, a collection of truly fantastic 19th-century buildings, characterised by luxury shops and its famous banks. It is now a real attraction, also nicknamed the Street of Gold and Diamonds because of its characteristics!
With some of the world's most exclusive shops, haute couture boutiques and shopping malls, the best way to experience it is definitely on foot, admiring the many shop windows and taking a break in one of the many cafés along the street. The heart of Bahnhofstrasse is Paradeplatz, the square where the country's most important banks are located.
Bahnhofstrasse runs the length of Zurich's old town, from the main railway station to the lakeshore. To be explored exclusively on foot, the area is nevertheless served by several stops and tram lines - Get directions
Have breakfast at Confiserie Sprüngli: this café is one of the most famous in the city, offering great coffee and delicious pastries, from chocolate to macaroons. Expensive price, average for Swiss places, but really worth it!
14 - Pavillon Le Corbusier
Photo by Museum für Gestaltung. In a beautiful landscape setting, amidst beautiful gardens and right in front of the lake, is the Pavillon Le Corbusier, a museum designed by and dedicated to the Swiss architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known in the world as Le Corbusier.
Also known as the Le Corbusier Centre, it is the only museum designed by the architect himself, as well as being his last creation. Commissioned by Heidi Weber, this place was to be a building where art, architecture, design, furniture and landscape all came together, with the aim of creating a true all-round work of art. And indeed, in addition to the works on display inside, the building itself is a real gem, definitely worth a visit.
Visit the nearby Chinagarten Zürich: as you leave the museum, you will find them facing the lake with a spectacular view! A little corner of China and the Orient in Zurich!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: at Höschgasse 8, on the bank of the river Limmat. Easily accessible on foot from Opernhaus Zürich with a walk along the river (1.2 km, 15 min). Reference bus stop Elektrowatt (line 912 and 916) - Get directions
Opening hours: summer only, May to October. Tue-Sun 12:00-18:00, Thu until 20:00, Mon closed
Admission: full price CHF 10.00 (€9.30), concessions CHF 8.00 (€7.40)
15 - Buhrle Collection
Photo by Raimond Spekking. Located outside the old town, the world-famous Buhrle art collection, original name Stiftung Sammlung E. G. Bührle, is a collection of Impressionist and modern art, created thanks to the industrialist Emil Georg Bührle, after whom it is named.
Masterpieces of Impressionist and modern art can be admired here. The museum exhibits works by: Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, Amedeo Modigliani and many more. Ideal therefore for all art lovers.
Practical information: directions, opening times and prices
Directions: at Zollikerstrasse 172, outside the Altstadt. Easy walking distance to Botanical Garden (800 m, 10 min). Reference bus stop Altenhofstrasse (line 77). Train station Bahnhof Tiefenbrunnen 500 m away - Get directions
Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, Wed Thu and Fri until 20:00, closed Mon
Ticket price: currently under renovation, see official website
Other sights to visit
Zurich is a city full of things to do, where culture, history and nature come together, making it an ideal destination for every type of traveller. So far we have seen the must-sees, but there are other attractions that are worth a visit depending on the time available.
Let's start with the museums: the Rietberg Museum (CHF 18.00/€16.70), one of the largest art museums in Switzerland, housed in a beautiful building surrounded by gardens; the FIFA World Football Museum (CHF 24.00/€22.20), ideal for football fans, with a collection of more than 1,000 relics and exclusive objects; and the Zoologisches Museum (free), a natural history museum, also ideal for children, located inside the University of Zurich.
If you love nature, you can't miss the Botanischer Garten der Universität Zürich (free), the university's botanical garden with wonderful plants, paths and a cafeteria surrounded by greenery. Finally, we recommend climbing the Uetiliberg mountain (free of charge), from where you can admire a wonderful view of the city, the lake and all its surroundings! An ideal place for outdoors activities, such as mountain biking and hiking.
Plan your stay in Zurich: flights and hotels
Zürich is well connected to Italy both by land and by air. The city is served by Zurich-Kloten airport(compare flights). It is a destination to visit all year round: in summer for the many outdoor activities, in winter for the atmosphere of the Christmas markets and winter sports!
The best neighbourhood to stay in is the old town(compare accommodation on booking), which will also allow you to get around on foot, but also to enjoy the lively nightlife.