All citiesZurich Things to do and walking itinerary
Switzerland Zurich travel guide
31 things to do in Zurich, where to stay, airport transfers, 4 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Zurich
- Bahnhofstrasse — The famous lime-shaded avenue from the station to the lake, with trams, watchmakers and grand façades. (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Grossmünster — church buildings in the city of Zurich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Zürich Opera House — opera house (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Kunsthaus Zürich — art museum in Zürich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Museum Zurich — museum in Switzerland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Fraumünster — church buildings in the city of Zurich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Museum Rietberg — museum in Zurich (Switzerland) (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection — art collection in Zurich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- St. Peter — church in the old town of Zurich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Zürich Zoo — zoo in Zurich (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Museum of Design — museum collection in the city of Zurich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Mahmood Mosque — mosque (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Zentralbibliothek Zürich — Zürich Central Library (visit ≈ 120 min)
- FIFA Museum — sports museum in Zürich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Wasserkirche — church (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Pavillon Le Corbusier — museum in Zurich (Switzerland) (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Paradeplatz — public square in the city of Zürich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Old Botanical Garden, Zurich — botanical garden in Switzerland (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Lindenhof — public square in the city of Zürich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Bellevue — public square in the city of Zürich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich — botanical garden (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Haus Konstruktiv — art museum in the city of Zurich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Kunsthalle Zürich — Swiss art space (visit ≈ 120 min)
- MFO-Park — park in the city of Zürich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Chinese Garden — Park in Switzerland (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Zürich James Joyce Foundation — organization promoting the memory of Joyce’s stay in Zürich (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Weinplatz — public square in the city of Zürich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Platzspitz park — Park in Zürich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Bürkliplatz — public square in the city of Zürich, Switzerland (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich — garden in Zurich (Switzerland) (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Manegg Castle (visit ≈ 75 min)
2-day Zurich walking itinerary
Starting point: Old Town / Niederdorf. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 6.7 km · 9,020 steps · 1 h 30 min on the way): National Museum Zurich → Bahnhofstrasse → Fraumünster → Museum Rietberg
- Day 2 (≈ 7.3 km · 9,860 steps · 1 h 37 min on the way): Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection → Zürich Opera House → Kunsthaus Zürich → Grossmünster
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Zurich
- Zurich Tram Museum — Historic trams in an old depot, with heritage rides on some days. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Irchelpark — Wide park around a university campus with ponds and meadows, where locals picnic. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Rhine Falls — Europe's most powerful plain waterfall; viewing platforms and boats to the central rock make a half-day trip. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Lindt Home of Chocolate — Interactive chocolate museum by the lake in Kilchberg, greeted by a towering chocolate fountain. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Villa Patumbah — Eclectic Seefeld villa built by a merchant back from Sumatra, with a garden and a heritage exhibition. (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Fluntern Cemetery — Quiet hillside cemetery near the zoo, where James Joyce lies beneath a seated statue. (visit ≈ 30 min)
Where to stay in Zurich
- Old Town / Niederdorf: Narrow lanes, churches and a short walk to the lake; the liveliest historic area.
- Main Station / Kreis 1: Right by the airport train and Bahnhofstrasse.
- Seefeld: A calm, upscale area close to the lakeshore.
- Zürich West: A former industrial area with modern hotels, bars and shops under the viaduct.
- Enge: A quiet area on the west side of the lake with good train links.
Getting from the airport to Zurich
- Zürich Airport (ZRH): Direct train ≈ 10 min
Getting around
Trams are frequent and punctual; the centre is also walkable. Lake boats are covered by public transport tickets.
Classic places to eat
- Zeughauskeller: Sausages and Swiss dishes in a former armoury.
- Kronenhalle: Open since 1924, with works by famous artists on the walls.
- Confiserie Sprüngli: Historic confectioner on Paradeplatz, famous for Luxemburgerli macarons.
- Café Odeon: A classic café with a 1911 Art Nouveau interior.
- Hiltl: Open since 1898, said to be the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world.
- Rheinfelder Bierhalle: A plain beer hall known for its huge cordon bleu.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- The Restaurant — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- Pavillon — 2 MICHELIN stars, French
- IGNIV Zürich — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative, sharing
- Kle — 1 MICHELIN star, Vegan, creative
Romantic views
- Lindenhof (Sunset): A linden-shaded hill above the Limmat and the old town.
- ETH Polyterrasse (Sunset): Rooftops and mountains from the university terrace.
- Zürichhorn (Evening): A lakeside park with lawns and a pier.
- Uetliberg (Sunset): The city's home mountain; on clear days you can see the Alps.
- Chinese Garden (Afternoon): A Chinese garden with a pond and pavilions by the lake.
Football stadiums in Zurich
- Letzigrund: Home of FC Zürich, Grasshopper Club Zürich
Good to know before visiting Zurich
- Fine: Buy tickets before boarding; they aren't sold on trains and fare dodgers are fined.
- Fine: A motorway vignette is mandatory.
- Fine: Speeding fines are very high and can be income-based for serious cases.
- Fine: Since 2025 face coverings are banned in public places.
- Warning: Mountain weather changes fast and rescue is costly; check your insurance.
- Quiet is expected on Sundays and at night; recycling rules are strict.
- Emergency: 112 (police 117, ambulance 144, fire 118)
- Plugs: C/J, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water and most street fountains are drinkable.
- Tipping: Service is included; rounding up is enough.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Switzerland, Wikivoyage — Switzerland, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Zurich travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Zurich?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 5 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Zurich?
- Highlights: Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, Zürich Opera House, Kunsthaus Zürich and National Museum Zurich. The map has 31 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Zurich?
- Old Town / Niederdorf: Narrow lanes, churches and a short walk to the lake; the liveliest historic area. Other options: Main Station / Kreis 1, Seefeld, Zürich West and Enge.
- How do you get from the airport to Zurich city centre?
- Zürich Airport (ZRH): Direct train ≈ 10 min
- How do you get around Zurich?
- Trams are frequent and punctual; the centre is also walkable. Lake boats are covered by public transport tickets.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Zurich?
- According to the last known data there are 4 starred restaurants: The Restaurant (2 stars), Pavillon (2 stars), IGNIV Zürich (1 star), Kle (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Zurich?
- Emergency: 112 (police 117, ambulance 144, fire 118).
- Do you tip in Zurich?
- Service is included; rounding up is enough.
Nearby cities
Lucerne · Vaduz · Bern · Strasbourg · Innsbruck · Milan · Geneva · Munich
Switzerland travel guide: all cities · All cities