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Zurich Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Zurich is the most bustling city in Switzerland. Located in north-central Switzerland on the banks of Lake Zurich, the city is so close to the Alps that it is also known as “Portal to the Alps”.
The city has a population of 415,215 and is Switzerland’s largest and wealthiest metropolis. It is also regularly recognized as one of the world’s most livable cities as well as the wealthiest city in Europe in terms of GDP per capita. The city is the banking and financial hub of Switzerland and was founded in 15 BC by the Romans.
The city emerged in the 21st century as one of Central Europe’s most fashionable destinations. Famous for its post-industrial, artsy edge Zurich is home to some of the world’s most beautiful museums, art galleries, exuberant summer Street Parade, and world-famous Swiss Chocolates.
Zurich Weather
Zurich Switzerland experiences a temperate climate and has all four seasons. In winter, temperatures occasionally drop below zero, while hot summer days can record temperatures of over 30° C (86° F). Thus, the best time for Zurich travel is between June and August, when average temperatures are nice and warm (around 20 ° C) and make swimming in the lake possible.
However, the welcoming weather also means more tourists making it the most expensive season to visit. But even in December, January and February (the winter offseason), hotel rates remain quite high due to its proximity to the famous Swiss Alps' ski slopes. Shoulder seasons, from March to May or between September and November, are relatively cheaper times to visit when you can also avail some discount offers. Weather is not very pleasant but not as cold as winter so if you are up for a little cold this is the time for you.
Best Time to Visit
Shoulder seasons, i.e. spring and autumn are the most suitable time to visit Zurich Switzerland as they are free of the huge tourist crowds and have relatively better weather than the winters. You can avail most of the summer activities during this time except for swimming in the lake. Summer is the most suitable weather but it also attracts numerous tourists from around the world, making it a jam-packed time, and also an expensive one.
Top Attractions in Zurich
The heart of Switzerland has a lot to offer for everybody. From the art museums to resplendent churches and vibrant nightlife, your Zurich travel has everything you can imagine.
1. Lake Zurich
The best way to explore the lake Zurich is to cruise around it. The lake along with its surrounding countryside is stunningly beautiful, and you get to enjoy some breathtaking panoramic views. The whole experience is more delightful on a sunny day. You can also go for paddle steamers.
The boat usually stops at several docks, so you can take the opportunity to explore around. You can also see many locals swimming in the clean and clear lake water. Make sure you go all the way to Rapperswil, a pretty little village with an old church and castle and a huge dam.
2. Zurich Zoo
This century-old Zoo is located by the lower reaches of the town and houses 4000 animals from almost 340 species like apes, lemurs, penguins, birds, feline cats, aquatic life amongst others. However, a penguin parade is a primary attraction of this place and is an adorable event to watch out for.
Both tourists and locals look forward to this event, taking place every day, provided the temperature is appropriate for penguins. The habitats are designed very carefully designing the whole ecosystem comfortable enough to provide animals with as much space to roam as possible. In short, if you’re the kind of person who demands animal attractions should be ethical, Zurich Zoo is a must-visit for you.
3. Museum of Art
Located Near the Schauspielhaus on Heimplatz is Zürichs phenomenal Museum of Art which houses the largest art collection in Switzerland and all of Europe. There are pieces from the 1200s to the 2000s in the collection by great Swiss artists and from all around the world.
Some of the significant pieces include assorted works by van Gogh, Monet, Marc Chagall, Picasso and Max Beckmann, Rembrandt and Domenichino. However, it stands out for housing the largest single cache of works by the 20th-century Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti in the world.
4. Grossmünster
Grossmünster was originally used to be a monastic church and is undoubtedly one of the most prominent landmarks in Zurich. The construction of this Romanesque church started in the early 12th century and was finished just over a century later.
The two lofty towers represent the art and architecture from medieval times. In the 16th century, Grossmünster was ground zero for the Reformation in Switzerland, when the church broke from the papacy in 1523. There is a museum inside the church, covering all these historical events.
5. Rietberg Museum
Housed among a group of lavish villas and a modern extension of the Rieterpark, the Rietberg Museum exhibits art and archaeology from all around the world. The archives are huge, and there’s lots of material for temporary shows on specific areas of the world or themes. There is also a nice café in the museum to enjoy your break after a thorough museum tour. This museum café gives out picnic baskets in summer so that you can take your lunch in the beautiful Rieterpark.
6. St. Peter
Like the other churches in Zurich, St Peter is extremely old, dating back to the 8th century. A lot of what visible now is from between the 12th and 18th centuries, but parts of the 9th-century foundations have been made visible under the chancel. In old times the tower of the church was used as a watch post to spot fires early. Near or far away you won’t help but notice the size of the tower’s clock, which with a diameter of 86.64 meters is the largest in Europe.
7. Fraumünster
Fraumunster church was founded by Charlemagne’s grandson Louis the German in the 9th century, although most of the architecture is from between the 12th and 15th centuries. The 800s original crypt was sealed off for more than a century however since 2016, the authorities have allowed the viewing of the original stonework.
8. Beyer Clock and Watch Museum
Owned by Beyer jeweler and watch shop on Bahnhofstrasse, this small place is an engrossing museum housing the history of timekeeping and the art of watch-making. Although it doesn’t look much from the outside but once inside you will find out that it houses several masterclass timepieces, navigation instruments, pendulum clocks, intricate automata from the 16th and 17th centuries, the oldest going back 3,400 years
9. Uetliberg
Just a 25-minute train journey from the center of the city to the southwest lies the mountain Uetilberg. From the station on Uetliberg, you’ll just have to take a brief walk to the peak, where the scenery is out of this world, giving you a perfect Zurich view with the rivers, the lake and the snow-capped Alps in the background.
There’s also a restaurant and hotel at the crest if you want to stay the night. At the start of the winter, the peak offers an otherworldly scene as it towers above the layer of fog that cloaks the entire Zurich city. You can either go hiking your way back or take a cable car between Felsenegg and Adliswil.
10. Niederdorf
Under the towers of the Grossmünster lies the vibrant and exciting Niederdorf neighborhood. Famous for its cobblestone alleys and car-free roads Niederdorf is located on the right bank of the river Limmat.
During the day it’s perfect for a stroll and looks around the numerous design shops and trendy boutiques, and at night you can enjoy its vibrant night-life. Also, if you want to sample some food in the neighborhood then zürcher geschnetzeltes, which is veal in a wine and cream sauce is a must-have for you.
Other places worth visiting in the neighborhood are the Conditorei Péclard, a traditional cafe with century-old decor, and Cabaret Voltaire, one of the birthplaces of the Dada movement.
Things to Do in Zurich
There are various activities to do in the beautiful city. Plan your trip as per your interests. Following is a list of activities that you can avail of during your Zurich travel.
1. Hiking
With Zurichberg to the east and Uetilberg to the west, Zurich has plenty to offer for hiking enthusiasts. These mountains offer stunning views along the way and a breathtaking view of the city from the top. Zurichberg is closer to the town but Uetilberg offers more natural ambiance with its hiking and mountain-biking trails.
Many Switzerland tours are designed around hiking, an extremly popular activity throughout the country.
See Switzerland hiking trips »
2. Visiting Museums
Zurich Switzerland is famous for its museums and art houses. In particular, the National Museum of Switzerland is a must-visit for any history buff. It not only offers a detailed look into the history of the country but also hosts numerous historical artifacts and arts and crafts from around the world.
3. Walk Around the Old Town
Take a walk around the town to view its rich architecture and culture and stop to eat at one of the many restaurants. You can find food and cuisine from every nook and corner of the earth here.
4. Taste Swiss Chocolate
Everyone in the world has tasted the famous Swiss chocolates one way or the other. So, naturally, when you are in the heart of Switzerland, you can't afford to miss out on chocolate tasting. There are several chocolate shops throughout the city where you can enjoy the real taste of swiss chocolate and maybe buy some as gifts for your friends and family back home.
5. Visit City Gardens of Stadt Gaertnerei
This beautiful botanical garden is home to 250,000 plants that are used in public flower beds around Zurich Switzerland. It also hosts 17 different tropical bird species.
6. Outdoor Swimming
The city’s rivers and Lake Zürich are famous for their impeccable water quality, and there’s a catalog of places to take a dip in the open air. Some places are reserved just for females, most are mixed-sex and some are good for families with little kids.
7. Shopping
Zürich’s prime shopping street Bahnhofstrasse is one of the priciest in the world per square meter. Most of the sleek shop-fronts bear the logos of international luxury brands like Prada, Chanel, Burberry, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
8. Enjoy Opera
The Zurich Opera House is one of the world's most renowned opera houses and must-visit for everyone visiting Zurich. The opera house offers German-speaking tours of the interior and its majestic Rococo Revival hall. But the only way to taste its magic is at one of the 250 performances each year, by international opera stars and conductors.
9. Catch the Street Parade
The biggest techno rave in Europe, it happens on the second Saturday of August during which trucks carrying sound systems start driving along the lakeside A major attraction during August this street parade attracts nearly a million visitors who dance in the streets to music that can be heard from anywhere in the city.
Is Zurich Expensive?
Switzerland is known to be one of the most expensive countries in the world and that’s true for Zurich too. The prices are significantly higher than in the neighboring European countries-especially the cost of transportation and accommodation. Now, if money is not an issue for you then you don’t have much to worry about.
However, if you are traveling on a budget there are plenty of options and ways to save money during Zurich travel. For example, use websites like Booking.com or Airbnb to book your accommodation, usually, a room for two in a budget hotel starts around 90 CHF, a bed in a 6-bed dorm costs 50 CHF and renting an entire house about 50 CHF per night.
If you want to cook your meals the average cost of food is around 130 CHF per week. Bars and cafes are fairly cheap and cost about 9-15 CHF for a lunch special.
Although transportation is expensive Zurich Switzerland, you can save money by buying a pass which offers you excellent value for money on if you plan to a lot of sight-seeing and also free admission to forty Zurich museums. Also, you can ride city bikes, e-bikes, and children’s bikes for free with a valid ID and a deposit of 20 CHF.
How far is Zurich from Paris?
Zurich Switzerland is situated at some 654 km from Paris. You can cover the distance in around 4 hours and 20 minutes by traveling by air through a non-stop flight. If you travel through TGV fast train then it will take about 4 hours, 8 hours by bus and 6 hours if you drive your car.
Zurich Reviews & Ratings
Switzerland and Germany Tour
Great areas, hotels and transportation.
V
Vicki Bennett
Nov 2022
Written on
Oberammergau and Oktoberfest Bavarian Celebration
Great showing highlights of each country & city.
L
Laura Kee
Oct 2022
Written on
Oberammergau and Oktoberfest Bavarian Celebration
Amazing experience, well communicated and organized, hotel was close and dinner was great at the hotel in between the 2 acts. Brianna explained how it worked and mad...
D
Denise Hartnett
Oct 2022
Written on
Oberammergau and Oktoberfest Bavarian Celebration
It was a bucket list to visit Oberammergau for the Passion Play and all the other designations were icing on the cake. I had wanted to visit Switzerland for sometime...
J
Joy Findlay
Oct 2022
Written on
Oberammergau and Oktoberfest Bavarian Celebration
From Joy- while I enjoyed the itinerary, I felt it was a little tired. Admittedly I have travelled to Europe before and did a Trafalgar tour of highlights of Europe ...
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