Things to see and do in Zurich
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What should you do in Zurich?
With its pristine alpine lake, winding medieval alleyways, and a sophisticated cultural scene that brings the banks of the Limmat River to life, Zurich never stops enchanting you. Break up your explorations with a delicate, cream-filled Luxemburgerli macaron and a hot coffee, or a hearty plate of creamy Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and a glass of crisp Swiss wine. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt to admire the striking stained-glass windows of the Fraumünster, cross the bustling Münsterbrücke, then head up to the shaded hilltop of the Lindenhof for sweeping views over the historic rooftops and the sparkling water below.
Lake Zurich
A pristine alpine lake perfect for scenic boat cruises
Grossmünster
A Romanesque landmark with iconic twin towers
Fraumünster
Church famed for its Chagall stained-glass windows
What are the must-see sights in Zurich?
Lake Zurich
A pristine alpine lake stretching south from the city, Lake Zurich is the sparkling blue heart of the region. Take a leisurely boat cruise to admire the snow-capped Alps in the distance, or join the locals strolling along the lively waterfront promenades. In the summer, its clear waters invite you for a refreshing swim at one of the many charming Badis (open-air baths) dotted along the shore.
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Grossmünster
With its iconic, imposing twin towers, this Romanesque church is the most recognizable landmark in Zurich's skyline. According to local legend, it was founded by Charlemagne himself. Step inside to admire the striking modern stained-glass windows by Sigmar Polke, then challenge yourself to climb the Karlsturm tower for a breathtaking, panoramic view over the historic rooftops and the Limmat River.
Fraumünster
Founded in the 9th century by an aristocratic abbey of women, this elegant church is instantly recognizable by its slender, green-topped spire. However, its true treasures lie inside. The spectacular, vividly colored stained-glass windows created by modern master Marc Chagall bathe the choir in a magical, colorful light that you simply have to see in person to believe.
Lindenhof
A shaded, tree-lined oasis elevated above the Altstadt, this historic public square was once the site of a Roman castle. Today, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets below. Grab a seat on a stone wall, watch locals play giant games of chess, and take in one of the most classic, picturesque views of the Grossmünster and the winding river.
Bahnhofstrasse
One of the world’s most exclusive and expensive shopping avenues, the Bahnhofstrasse stretches gracefully from the main train station all the way down to Lake Zurich. Lined with luxury boutiques, historic banks, and high-end watchmakers, it is a brilliant display of Swiss elegance. Even if you're just window shopping, strolling down this vibrant, tree-canopied boulevard is a quintessential Zurich experience.
Kunsthaus Zürich
As Switzerland's premier art museum, the Kunsthaus houses an incredible, world-class collection spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary installations. Wander through its beautifully designed galleries to marvel at the largest Edvard Munch collection outside of Norway, alongside striking works by Picasso, Monet, and Alberto Giacometti. It is an absolute must-visit for any art lover.
Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum)
Housed in a magnificent, fairy-tale neo-Gothic castle right next to the main station, this museum is the ultimate deep-dive into Switzerland’s rich cultural history. Explore fascinating exhibits featuring ancient artifacts, medieval chivalry, and the evolution of Swiss watchmaking. The striking modern extension perfectly bridges the country’s proud heritage with its forward-thinking design.
Uetliberg
Towering above the city, Zurich's very own "house mountain" offers the ultimate alpine escape without ever leaving the metropolitan area. A short, scenic train ride takes you near the summit, where hiking trails and a soaring observation tower await. The sweeping, panoramic views over the entire city, the lake, and the majestic, snow-capped Alps in the distance are simply unforgettable.
Lindt Home of Chocolate
Located just a short boat or train ride away in Kilchberg, this modern, interactive museum is a chocolate lover's absolute dream. Marvel at the spectacular, 30-foot-tall free-flowing chocolate fountain in the grand lobby before embarking on a delicious journey through the history of Swiss chocolate-making. Yes, the unlimited tasting rooms at the end are just as amazing as they sound!
Niederdorf (Dörfli)
The incredibly charming, pedestrian-only heart of Zurich's Old Town, Niederdorf is a maze of narrow cobblestone alleys and medieval facades. By day, it’s a shopper’s paradise filled with quirky artisan boutiques and cozy cafés. By night, it transforms into a lively, vibrant district packed with traditional fondue restaurants, bustling bars, and local street musicians.
Zurich Opera House (Opernhaus Zürich)
An exquisite neo-Baroque jewel sitting right on the edge of Lake Zurich, this world-renowned venue is one of the best opera houses in Europe. Despite its relatively intimate size, it attracts the biggest names in classical music and ballet. Admire the busts of famous composers adorning its elegant facade, or treat yourself to a mesmerizing evening performance in its plush, velvet-lined auditorium.
Cabaret Voltaire
Tucked away in the winding streets of the Altstadt, this unassuming, historic tavern is the actual birthplace of the revolutionary Dada art movement in 1916. Today, it remains a vibrant, eccentric cultural center with a quirky café, art exhibitions, and a wonderfully rebellious spirit. It’s a fascinating, offbeat stop for anyone interested in modern art and avant-garde history.
Practical information for your trip
Navigating Switzerland's public transport network—deciding between a Swiss Travel Pass or point-to-point tickets, and booking mandatory panoramic train reservations—can be complex. Tourlane handles these logistics for you. We secure priority access to popular spots like the Lindt Home of Chocolate and reserve your scenic alpine train seats, uploading your complete, ready-to-use itinerary directly into our offline app.
The Altstadt (Old Town) places you on historic cobblestone streets near landmarks like the Grossmünster, ideal for first-time visitors. Seefeld provides a relaxed lakeside atmosphere along Lake Zurich, while Zurich West is the city's trendy, industrial-chic center. We match your preferences with a vetted boutique hotel situated near the most convenient tram lines and ferry docks.
Yes, Zurich's excellent rail infrastructure makes it an ideal starting point for excursions to the Rhine Falls, Mount Titlis, or Lucerne. Instead of you aligning local SBB train timetables with cable car operating hours, Tourlane builds these day trips directly into your itinerary. We organize the necessary transfers and local guides so you can travel seamlessly from your hotel to an alpine summit.
Absolutely. Zurich’s Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) is a major hub, offering high-speed connections to Paris, Milan, Munich, and Vienna. Tourlane specializes in multi-country itineraries. We coordinate the cross-border train schedules, manage your hotel transfers, and handle the logistical details so you can move smoothly between countries without the stress of planning.
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