Zurich Travelers Recommend

A beautiful city brimming with culture and history, located close to some of Europe’s most dramatic scenery, Zurich offers something to satisfy every kind of traveler. If you’ve got three days to visit, here’s an itinerary that shows you the city’s highlights, and also includes a day trip to the famous Swiss Alps. 

Day 1: Zurich Sightseeing

Get oriented with Zurich on an electric tuk-tuk tour, which takes you from the historical landmarks of Old Town—including Grossmunster and Fraumunster churches—to the Limmatquai waterfront in a short amount of time. Or you can enjoy a more personalized experience with a private city highlights tour, which can be customized to include the attractions that interest you most. History and culture buffs will also want to fit in a visit to the Swiss National Museum to see gothic art, photography, pottery, and other objects that detail Switzerland’s history. To see the city from above, take a half-day tour just south of the city center for a ferry ride across Lake Zurich and a ride up the Felsenegg Cable Car, where you can admire views from an elevation of 2,630 feet (800 meters).

Day 2: Natural and Culinary Highlights

Marvel at the largest waterfall in Europe on a half-day tour north of Zurich to Rhine Falls, which gives you the chance to glimpse some of the countryside scenery outside the city. Options are also available to combine Rhine Falls with a stop in Stein am Rhein, a small town known for its medieval architecture. Back in the city, indulge in Swiss chocolate on a sweets-themed walking tour, or take a city tour that includes a stop at the Lindt chocolate shop. Then experience the cheese culture of Switzerland with a culinary tour that includes a Swiss fondue dinner or a master class where you can learn how to pair cheese with wine.

Day 3: Into the Mountains

With Zurich’s proximity to the Alps, it’s a shame not to visit this alpine wonderland if you can spare the time. Mt. Titlis and Mt. Pilatus are two of the most popular day trips—Titlis is known for its rotating cable car that takes you to the summit for a panoramic view of snowy peaks, while Pilatus features a gondola, a cable car, and the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Both day trips include a stop in Lucerne. The third day-trip option is Jungfraujoch, aka the Top of Europe, where visitors ride a cogwheel railway to the highest railway station in Europe. Alternatively, skip the Swiss Alps for the chance to visit another country in one day with a tour to Liechtenstein, a tiny principality that sits between Switzerland and Austria.  

From the soaring peak of Mt. Titlis to the sweeping valleys of the Jungfrau, a world of Alpine adventure lies within easy reach of Zurich. Here are some ways—hiking, skiing, sightseeing, and more—to immerse yourself in Switzerland’s great outdoors.

Mt. Pilatus — 10 miles (16 km) from Lucerne

Dominating the skyline over Lake Lucerne, 6,982-foot (2,128-meter) Mt. Pilatus comprises a number of rugged peaks and ridges. Travelers can access the scenic peaks via the Pilatus Railway—the world’s steepest cog-wheel train—alongside a series of gondolas and aerial cableways.

Mt. Rigi — 14 miles (22 km) from Lucerne

Fondly nicknamed “Queen of the Mountains,” Mt. Rigi stands 5,899 feet (1,798 meters) above Central Switzerland and is surrounded on all sides by the waters of Lake Lucerne, Lake Lauerz, and Lake Zug. Accessed via Rigi Railways, Europe’s oldest mountain railway, Mt. Rigi offers hiking and paragliding in summer and skiing and sledding in winter.

Mt. Titlis — 25 miles (41 km) from Lucerne

A staggering 10,623 feet (3,238 meters) above sea level, the summit of Mt. Titlis is the highest peak across the Bernese Oberland and Central Switzerland. Full-day excursions from Zurich take in the traditional resort town of Engelberg and offer Alpine vistas as far as the eye can see.

Jungfrau — 52 miles (86 km) from Lucerne

At 13,641 feet (4,158 meters), the mighty Jungfrau is one of the main peaks in the Bernese Alps. But novice skiers take note: The area is home to some of the finest beginner ski terrain in the Swiss Alps. The Alpine region may be known as a winter wonderland, but come summer, travelers can explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Jungfraujoch pass by cogwheel train.

As the seasons change and summer swings around, Zurich comes into its own with a whole host of activities for locals and travelers alike. With Lake Zurich as your backdrop, here are some of the best ways to have fun in the sun in this Swiss city.

• Enjoy a revolving cable car ride to the summit of Mt. Titlis for spectacular Alpine views.

• Cruise across tranquil Lake Zurich on a sightseeing boat tour.

• Stroll through the Old Town and discover top attractions such as Bahnhofstrasse, the Limmat River, and Lindenhof.

• Savor the taste of Switzerland at the Lindt Chocolate Factory outlet

• Take the scenic Dolderbahn (cogwheel railway) up to the beautiful Zurichberg district.

• Embark on a day trip to an exciting Alpine destination such as Jungfraujoch or the Bernese Oberland.

Wintertime in Zurich means cold temperatures, of course, but also fewer visitors and the magical ambiance that comes with snow, sharp air, and cozy fondue restaurants. Here are some of our favorite ways to experience winter in Zurich and the Swiss countryside.

• Get oriented in Zurich and take in the city’s landmarks while staying warm on a city tour by coach.
• Duck out of the cold and into luxury shopping on world-famous Bahnhofstrasse.
• Make a day trip to the Jungfrau region to ski the Swiss Alps.
• Let the winter weather be your excuse and tuck into cheese fondue, the Swiss national dish.
• Learn how to make Swiss pastries at a dessert-focused cooking class.
• Discover the winter wonderland of the Swiss Alps on a day trip to Mt. Titlis or Mt. Rigi.
• Get out of the cold and immerse yourself in some culture at the Swiss National Museum or Kunsthaus art museum.

Switzerland’s largest city is known for its picturesque lakeside setting, luxury shopping boutiques, and lively nightlife, all of which are within minutes of the Swiss Alps. Whether visiting on a city break or stopping in  Zurich en route to other Swiss cities, there are some sights that just can’t be missed.

Enjoy a walking tour of the atmospheric Old Town, ride the Felsenegg Cable Car, and cruise around Lake Zurich, and then tuck into Swiss specialties such as fondue, sample Zurich’s famous chocolates, and browse the shops along Bahnhofstrasse. Just outside of the city, a visit to the Rhine Falls—Europe’s largest waterfall—is another must, while other unmissable day trips include the train ride to the Top of Europe at Jungfraujoch and a ride on the revolving cable car at Mt. Titlis.

Booking tours and tickets in advance is essential—to help you choose, here’s our pick of the must-do activities in Zurich.

Springtime in Zurich can still be chilly, but it also means blooming flowers and a cheerful, postwinter atmosphere for strolling the cobbled streets and riverfront walkways. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy spring in Switzerland’s largest city.

• Get oriented in Zurich on a city tour of gardens and popular neighborhoods.
• See historical sights and the city’s best shopping district on a walking tour of the Old Town.
• Take a cruise on Lake Zurich while a boat captain shows you the best views of the lakeshore.
• Visit the nearby town of Lucerne to admire its flower-covered Chapel Bridge.
• Indulge your sweet tooth on a chocolate tour.
• Learn about Swiss traditions on a culinary adventure with fondue.
• Discover the natural beauty of the snow-covered Swiss Alps on a day trip.
• See Europe’s biggest waterfall at full volume after winter rains on a tour to Rhine Falls.

Home to snow-smothered peaks, glacial valleys, and a number of lakes, the Bernese Oberland region is postcard Switzerland at its most enchanting. From the Jungfrau peak to the Grindelwald slopes, here’s how to best see the Bernese Oberland on a trip from Zurich.

Highlights

• Spin through the scenic Bernese Oberland and visit the resort town of Interlaken.

• Take the cogwheel train from Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch, one of the highest summits in the Swiss Alps.

• You don’t have to reach the official top of Europe to enjoy the highland scenery—a day trip to Kleine Scheidegg and Jungraujoch offers spectacular views of the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch mountain peaks.

• Soak up the charming atmosphere in the historic streets of Grindelwald.

Things to Know

• Interlaken lies 73 miles (118 kilometers) southwest of Zurich, about a two-hour drive.

• Grindelwald is located 84 miles (136 kilometers) southwest of Zurich, a journey of a little over two hours by road.

• Day tours into the Bernese Oberland from Zurich typically last 12 hours and include round-trip bus transportation.

• Alpine weather can be unpredictable, especially at high altitudes, so bring warm and waterproof layers even in summer.

With two days in Zurich, you can discover the historical and cultural attractions of Switzerland’s biggest city and still have time left to experience the natural highlights of the area. Here’s an itinerary that covers all the bases. 

Day 1: Explore the City

Morning

Get oriented with Zurich on an electric tuk-tuk tour, which covers major landmarks like the Grossmunster and Fraumunster in a short amount of time. Or see the sights that most interest you by booking a private tour, which can be customized to your preferences.

Afternoon

Indulge in Swiss chocolate on a sweets-themed walking tour, or combine top attractions with a cruise on Lake Zurich and a visit to the Lindt chocolate shop. For a culture fix, check out the Swiss National Museum to see gothic art, photography, pottery, and other artifacts that detail Switzerland’s history.

Night

Experience the art of cheese with a culinary tour that includes a fondue dinner. For a more hands-on activity, take a master class to learn how to pair cheese with wine.

Day 2: Enjoy surrounding experiences

Morning

Visit the largest waterfall in Europe on a half-day tour north of Zurich to Rhine Falls. This excursion also provides the chance to glimpse some of the countryside scenery outside the city. Options are also available to combine a trip to Rhine Falls with a stop in Stein am Rhein, a small town known for its medieval architecture.

Afternoon

Head south of the city center for a ferry ride across Lake Zurich and a ride up the Felsenegg Cable Car on a half-day tour that also includes a look at city highlights. From the cable car, at an elevation of 2,630 feet (800 meters), you can enjoy views of Lake Zurich, the city, and surrounding mountains.

Night

Enjoy a barbecue dinner with wine while cruising through the city on an electric tuk-tuk. You’ll explore neighborhoods such as the Niederdorf district of Old Town, the posh Bahnhofstrasse shopping area, and the Limmatquai, which runs along the Limmat River.

With a walkable center and efficient public transportation, Zurich is easy to see in just one day. From the historical architecture of Old Town (Altstadt) to the waterfront to sweet treats, here are our top ways to take advantage of your limited time in Switzerland’s largest city.

Morning: Get Cultured

Start your day with a visit to the Swiss National Museum to see gothic art, photography, pottery, and other objects that detail Switzerland’s cultural history, and then get an overview of the city on a tour by electric tuk-tuk, which provides a look at major landmarks like the Grossmunster in a short amount of time. You can also make the most of your stay by booking a private tour of city highlights, which can be customized to suit your interests.

Afternoon: Swiss Delights

Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Swiss chocolate and other treats with a sweets-themed walking tour, or combine top attractions with a cruise on Lake Zurich and a visit to the Lindt chocolate shop. If sweets aren’t your thing, you can get acquainted with Fraumunster, Bahnhofstrasse, and the Lake Zurich waterfront on a 2-hour walking tour.

Night: Cheese Factor

There are a few options for experiencing the art of cheese in Zurich. An afternoon and evening culinary tour includes a fondue dinner, or opt for a tuk-tuk and fondue tour if you prefer something quicker. For a more immersive experience, take a master class to learn how to pair cheese and wine.

Beyond its big cities, Switzerland remains a country of stunning mountain scenery and historic culinary traditions. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a day, here are a few ways to enjoy rural Switzerland from Zurich.

Outdoor Adventures

With the mountains and lakes of the Swiss Alps lying within easy reach of Zurich, opportunities for outdoor adventure in the open countryside are abundant. Travel through the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Jungfrau region and discover snowy mountains, Alpine lakes, rolling meadows, waterfalls, gorges, and caves. Explore the historic streets of Grindelwald and Interlaken, summit surrounding peaks like Mt. Rigi via cogwheel train, or take to the water with a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne.

Cheese and Chocolate Tours

Food is a big part of Swiss culture and tradition, so it’s no surprise that cheese and chocolate tours are so high on visitors’ checklists. Leaving Zurich behind, explore picturesque countryside towns such as Appenzell and Stein, travel by aerial cable car over the Swiss Alps, and taste some of the local produce and confections for which Switzerland is famous.

Things to Know

• Appenzell is located 59 miles (96 kilometers) east of Zurich, a drive of about 1.5 hours.

• Day tours from Zurich into the countryside usually last between six and 12 hours, depending on the destinations.

• Some tours include entrance fees or cogwheel train tickets where necessary, plus roundtrip bus transportation from Zurich.

• The weather in the Swiss Alps can change very quickly, even in summer, so packing warm, waterproof layers is recommended.

Nestled on the banks of Lake Lucerne and encircled by Alpine peaks, Lucerne is an ideal day trip from Zurich. From relaxing cruises to exciting cable-car rides, here are a few ways to make the most of your excursion into the Swiss Alps foothills.

Lucerne Sightseeing Tours

Whether you choose to take to the waters of Lake Lucerne on a sightseeing cruise or take a ride on a Mt. Rigi cable car, there are a number of ways to take in the scenery surrounding Lucerne. Travel through the Swiss countryside by cogwheel railway to the lakeside village of Vitznau, or discover baroque architecture in the historic town of Engelberg.

Combo Tours

Combination tours from Zurich allow travelers to see the city and also head out into its surrounding landscapes with ease. Ascend to the summit of Mt. Stanserhorn via open-air gondola, ride a traditional funicular railway car in Stans, and explore Lucerne’s historic Old Town, home to top attractions such as the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument.

Things to Know

• Lucerne lies 32 miles (53 kilometers) south of Zurich, about 50 minutes away by road.

• Lucerne’s weather can be unpredictable, so don’t forget to bring warm and weatherproof layers.

• Tours from Zurich to Lucerne typically last nine to 10 hours.

• Many Lucerne day tours from Zurich include roundtrip transportation, plus tickets to sightseeing cruises or cable-car rides where applicable.

As one of the most expensive cities in the world, sightseeing in Zurich can be tricky when you’re on a budget—but not impossible. From hidden freebies to multiattraction passes, here are our top tips for saving on sightseeing in Switzerland’s largest city.

Book a Travel Pass

Packages such as the Swiss Travel Pass provide not only discounted access to mountain excursions and entry to numerous museums, but also unlimited use of buses, boats, and trains over a time period of your choice, making them a great money-saving option. Zurich attractions covered by the Swiss Pass include the National Museum Zurich (Landesmuseum Zürich), FIFA World Football Museum, and Lake Zurich boat trips.

Opt for a Combo Deal

Combo packages typically include a city tour along with one or two additional experiences, such as museum entry or a Lake Zurich cruise, usually at a discount. Time is money, and these tours help you capitalize on both with an inclusive, preplanned itinerary. Some options also include 24-hour access to the city’s buses and trams, helping you save on a full day’s transport costs.

Choose a Super Saver

Super Saver tours let you check off two best-selling experiences at a discounted price. In Zurich, these typically include both a city tour and trip to a natural landmark such as the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, allowing you to broaden your perspective of Switzerland’s urban and rural landscapes without breaking the bank.

Book a Tour That Includes Dinner or Samples

The cost of dining in Zurich can put a big dent in your budget. To save money on meals, combine city sightseeing with sampling Swiss specialities such as cheese or chocolate on a food-focused tour, or opt for a package that includes a full sit-down meal.

Find Free Experiences

From climbing historic Lindenhof hill to finding James Joyce’s grave in Fluntern Cemetery or borrowing a free bicycle from Züri rollt on Europaplatz, there are several ways to sightsee in this expensive city without spending a penny. The university’s Archaeological Collection, the Zurich Football Club Museum, and the National Museum’s Simply Zurich exhibition are always free to enter, while the Kunsthaus and Migros Museum offer free entry on specific days of the week.

With the end of the summer vacation season, fall brings cooler temperatures—and fewer visitors—to Zurich, creating an ideal atmosphere to wander along the Limmat River, explore the Old Town, dine out at local restaurants, and take day trips without the peak crowds. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the autumn.

• Learn about the history and culture of Switzerland at the Swiss National Museum.
• Admire art from around the world at Museum Rietberg in the lakeside suburb of Enge.
• Get cozy on a tuk-tuk tour through town that includes wine and fondue.
• Eat your way through the Old Town on a chocolate and sweets walking tour.
• Head into the countryside to visit a cheese factory and admire the fall colors.
• Visit the Alpine towns of *Interlaken and Grindelwald to discover enchanting mountain scenery as the leaves turn.
• Journey into the Black Forest of Germany and learn about cuckoo clocks.
• Ride the cable car up to Felsenegg for views of the city and lake.

With waterfront walking opportunities, the historical ambience of the Old Town, and sensual food, Zurich has a lot to offer couples looking for a little romance during their Swiss vacation. Here are a few ways to get in the romantic spirit.

Sunset Boat Ride on Lake Zurich

Take an evening cruise across the waters of Lake Zurich on a private boat for just the two of you. As you sip wine (often included, or you may be able to bring your own), enjoy views of the city while the boat captain points out lakeshore highlights.

Dip into Fondue

There are plenty of restaurants in Zurich’s Old Town where you can sit down to fondue—an irresistible combination of warm, melted cheese and bread. For a fun spin, however, opt for a private fondue and wine tour by tuk-tuk, which allows you to dine while taking in Zurich’s landmarks.

Chocolate Tasting

Tap in to the sensual qualities of confection on a chocolate-tasting walking tour that introduces you to an array of delights that will keep you and your love in a happy, romantic mood. Alternatively, take a chocolate class with your partner to learn how to make confections yourself.

Private Sightseeing

Skip the group tours for a private excursion that you and your lover can customize to your interests. Explore the city with your own private driver—who can recommend the most romantic corners and vistas—for a more intimate experience of Zurich than you would have with a group.

Nighttime Walk

Stroll along the Limmat after dark, taking in the lights of the city’s historical attractions and bridges as they reflect on the river.

Shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse and navigating the cobblestones of the Old Town works up quite an appetite, and Zurich has the goods to satisfy your cravings. Exploring this walkable city on foot gives you the calorie space to indulge in the region’s favorite items. Here are a few ways to get to know local culinary traditions.

Must-Try Dishes

Cheese and chocolate make up the majority of goodies that visitors can’t to try when they arrive in Zurich, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Fondue is at the top of the list—one of Switzerland’s best-known dishes, the combo of warm, melted cheese and bread is hard to resist. Just make sure you don’t drop your bread into the pot, or tradition says you have to buy the next bottle of white wine, which typically accompanies fondue. To start the day, treat yourself to a hot chocolate, and make time to visit the elegant Confiserie Sprüngli on Bahnhofstrasse to try its array of pastries and sandwiches, most famously the Luxemburgerli minimacarons.

Must-Do Experiences

• Head into the mountains on a day trip that introduces you to cheese- and chocolate-making in the Swiss countryside.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth on a dessert-themed walking tour.
• Visit the Lindt chocolate factory or the outlet shop to experience a piece of the Swiss chocolate industry.
• Take a cooking class to learn how to make chocolate, pastries, or cheese.
• Work on your dipping skills during a fondue lunch or dinner.

With its picturesque lake, charming Old Town, and elevated surroundings, getting around Zurich doesn’t just mean traveling from A to B—it can be an experience in itself. From efficient public transit to scenic aerial journeys, here’s how to make your way in Switzerland’s biggest city.

Public Transport

Made up of buses, trams, and trains, Zurich’s public transport network is simple yet efficient. Singles and day tickets can be purchased from any stop or station, or you can book a Swiss Travel Pass or Zurich Card to gain access to public transportation in addition to top sights and attractions.

Tuk-Tuk or Bus Tour

Though by no means native to this land, the electric tuk-tuk is an increasingly popular option for time-limited or eco-conscious visitors to Zurich. The lightweight vehicle allows you to zip between top attractions with ease, though more-traditional bus tours also operate, allowing stress-free access to the city’s steep surrounds.

On Foot

Zurich’s compact center can be easily explored on foot, making walking tours a great way to gain intimate insight into the city’s cultural heritage. Stroll between Old Town sights, or select a specialized itinerary—whether you have a hankering for Swiss specialties or an interest in the region’s ancient history, you have options.

Cable Car or Ferry Ride

No trip to Zurich is complete without a glimpse of Switzerland’s natural landscape. Take Zurich’s only cable car up to Felsenegg Lookout for sweeping views of the montane region, or book a Lake Zurich boat trip to admire striking scenery from the water. You can purchase tickets for each journey separately, or take advantage of tours that combine the experiences with city sightseeing for a hassle-free overview of Zurich’s best bits.