Built along the Limmat River, Zürich is the biggest city in Switzerland, even bigger than Geneva and Bern, the capital! If you are looking for the best things to do in Zurich, keep reading and I’ll tell you everything you need to know!
In this Zürich travel guide, I am going to explain all the best spots to check out inside and outside of the city! Zurich is such an amazing place where you can find great things to do and amazing places to visit such as churches, gorgeous medieval streets and the cutest cafés.
Without further ado, let’s learn about all the Zürich top attractions! And by the way, there’s a whole section dedicated to museums!
1. DISCOVER THE OLD TOWN (ALTSTADT)
Zürich Old Town (Altstadt) is located on both banks of the Limmat River and it’s what is now considered District 1. The Old Town is home to the majority of the most beautiful sights in the city such as the town hall, different universities, beautiful little alleyways and cozy restaurants and cafés!
Even though it’s quite a small area, the best way to explore it and to never miss a detail would be by booking a tour. Just like in every city that is worth traveling to, Zürich has a fair share of tours that run through its loveliest streets.
Here are my recommendations:
- There is a free 1.5-hour walking tour of the old town. It leaves every day at 11 a.m. to the greatest spots in Altstadt. You can take a free tour in English, Spanish or German, and don’t forget to leave a tip at the end if you liked the guide and the quality of the tour! I took this particular tour and, even though I would not say I learned a lot about the history of the city, I was definitely entertained by the guide who told us some stories about the lives of the locals!
- If 2 hours seem like too little time, you can opt for this 4-hour extended city tour that will even take you on an aerial cable car ride up to Felsenegg to check out the city and the Alps views.
- Alternatively, if you want a private tour, I can recommend this Zurich 101 tour – you’ll have the guide all to yourself and you’ll have the chance to ask all the questions you want!
PRICE: US $60 for an extended city tour
2. CLIMB THE TOWERS OF GROSSMÜNSTER
This Romanesque Protestant church is part of the Evangelical Reformed Church and it was built at the beginning of the 12th century.
Did you know there are lots of legends that surround this church? For instance,
One legend says that when Felix and Ragula (the two patron saints of Zürich) were beheaded here, they picked up their heads and started walking 40 steps uphill until they fell to their deaths.
They were buried in that exact spot. Some centuries later, the Roman Emperor Charlemagne’s horse fell to its knees at the same spot where they were buried and he decided to build Grossmunster there.
The twin towers are one of the most recognizable Zürich attractions and I definitely recommend going up them; you’ll get an amazing view of Zürich from up there!
FUN FACT: The towers are the reason this church is known as “Salt & Pepper”, because their shape looks like two salt and pepper shakers!
PRICE: CHF 5 to go up the towers
3. WALK ALONG BAHNHOFSTRASSE
You can’t leave Switzerland without doing some window shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most expensive streets in the world!
It’s funny how, just 150 years ago, this street used to be the city moat and now you can find most designer brand shops, watch stores and even the Swiss Banking Center there!
If you are interested in learning more about watchmaking, I recommend you check out Beyer Clock and Watch Museum (entrance is CHF 10). Right after that, you can enjoy a hot chocolate at Café Sprüngli, an iconic coffee house and confiserie in the city!
PRICE: Free
4. TRY SOME DELICIOUS CHEESE FONDUE
If you have never eaten fondue before, you NEED to try it while you’re in Zürich!
I’m somehow jealous of you because you will get to try fondue for the first time, and in the country where it was created! (though, most French people will argue with that!)
Fondue consists of a pot full of melted cheese that you can dip bread, any type of veggies and even apples into! I know how hard it is sometimes to find traditional vegetarian meals in central Europe, but this is one of them!
However fondues in Zürich are not only about the dish itself but also about the experience! You get to share it with your friends, which makes it extra romantic and fun! But remember, double dipping is not allowed! 😉
There are plenty of places in Zürich where you can try fondue for an average of CHF 30, but if you want to make the most of your experience, I recommend you book this Fondue and wine Tuk Tuk tour where you’ll get to explore the most beautiful Zürich landmarks in a tuk tuk with a stop for fondue and wine. So fun!
PRICE: US $132 (2 person minimum to book it)
5. STROLL AROUND VIADUKT
If you’d like to visit the new Zürich you have to head to West Zürich, and specifically to Viadukt. This is a hipster area of the city where you’ll find alternative designer shops and a market hall. It’s one of the favorite places among locals and tourists alike, such a unique and creative space!
Located under the old railway viaduct (hence the name), Viadukt is perfect for those looking for unique fashion pieces or even to buy groceries!
I want there by bicycle and it was a lovely 15-minute ride along the river (hint – continue reading for a lifehack on how to rent a bicycle for free in Zurich!).
PRICE: Free