What to do in Zürich

Activities, attractions and tours

A river with a boat, surrounded by historic buildings and a prominent church spire.
A city street with tram tracks, a church spire, and buildings with flags.
A museum interior with a central sculpture, framed paintings on the walls, and a marble floor.
A modern building with illuminated windows and a large billboard.
A riverside walkway with swans, people sitting on steps, and a historic building in the background.

Zürich Attractions

The largest city in Switzerland and a hub for transport, finance, culture and learning, Zurich is a dynamic and vibrant destination. Sandwiched between the Swiss Alps and Lake Zurich, the city is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer, visitors can have a go at a variety of watersports, while the nearby countryside boasts an extensive network of walking and hiking routes. In the winter months, visitors can have a go at a number of winter sports in the local area, while the city itself offers lively nightlife, great museums and fantastic shopping throughout the year.

Areas & Neighbourhoods in Zurich

Old Town – The historic centre of Zurich remains the most characterful and atmospheric part of the city. Home to lots of historic structures, as well as several university buildings and the city’s town hall, visitors can spend hours exploring the pretty streets, boutiques and traditional restaurants that dot the area.

Züri-West – Once a gritty and industrial part of Zurich, Züri-West, also known as District 5, has undergone a transformation in recent years and is now one of the city’s creative hotspots. A great variety of markets, boutiques, bars and restaurants make the area an excellent destination for an alternative day out.

City – The area west of Bahnhofstrasse, in the centre of Zurich, is known as the City. Home to Zurich’s main train station as well as a number of historic buildings and squares, the area has plenty to explore during an afternoon of sightseeing.

Lake Zurich – A trip to Lake Zurich is a must for anyone visiting the city in the summer months. Energetic visitors can have a go at one of the many watersports on offer, while others can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the lake’s shore or cool off with a dip at one of the many swimming spots.

Things to See in Zurich

Many of Zurich’s most famous sights can be found in the old town, close to the lake and riverfront. The Romanesque Grossmünster and the Gothic Fraumünster are two of the best known churches in Zurich, and the old town is also home to the Landesmuseum, the Kunsthaus, the Lindenhof and the Niederhof. For great views of Zurich, stroll along the lakeside promenade or head up to the top of the Grossmünster and enjoy panoramic vistas.

Things to Do in Zurich

Thanks to its vibrant cultural scene and varied landscape, Zurich offers a fantastic variety of things to do. The city’s museums, galleries, churches and shops will take days to explore, while Zurich’s lively nightlife will keep holidaymakers busy into the wee hours. Visitors who want to explore the local landscape can hike up to the top of nearby Üetliberg, from where they can enjoy 360˚ views of the city, take the train to nearby ski resorts in the winter months or make the most of the summer by getting out onto the lake and having a go at water skiing, kayaking, windsurfing or wakeboarding.

You can also book top Zurich hotels and great Zurich package deals right here on Expedia.co.uk.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. Bahnhofstrasse

Designer clothes, jewelry, watches, perfume and shoes: Shopaholics will be in their element on Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich’s major thoroughfare runs 1,530 yards (1.4 kilometers) through the center of the city. The stretch from Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the main train terminal to the north, down to Lake Zurich is pedestrianized, except for trams. Allow yourself two or three hours to walk the length of Bahnhofstrasse.
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A city street at dusk with illuminated buildings, a tram, and a clear sky.

2. Swiss National Museum

See a slice of Switzerland’s age-old history at the Swiss National Museum (Landsmuseum Zürich). Learn about prehistoric lifestyles, national arts and crafts, present-day history and up-to-date social issues. The Swiss National Museum has a collection of more than 840,000 original artifacts as well as interactive and audiovisual displays. The exhibits are spread throughout the halls of a fairy-tale chateau built in 1898 by the revered architect Gustav Gull.
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A museum interior with a wooden floor, large circular art installations, and a display of historical artifacts.

3. Lindenhof

The Lindenhof quarter is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in Zürich. Walk up Lindenhof Hill with a picnic, relax under a tree, admire the sweeping views of the city and enjoy the rich history the area has to offer.
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A riverside cityscape with historic buildings, a prominent church, and a bridge.

4. Zoo Zurich

Zoo Zurich is a superbly maintained wildlife attraction with areas that mimic several of the world’s landscapes and ecosystems. This zoological park shelters over 360 animal species, some native and others endangered. At Zoo Zurich spot bears, butterflies, elephants, giant tortoises, lions and pandas. Discover a cloud forest, desert, prairie and tropical rainforest, among other habitats.
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An elephant in a naturalistic enclosure with trees and rocks.

5. Zurich Town Hall

The Renaissance-style building of Zurich Town Hall looks solid enough to withstand the fate of its earlier incarnations. The structure has been standing quite securely since its incarnation in the late 17th century. The earlier two buildings, one a courthouse from the 13th century, were made of wood, which probably explains their demise.
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A riverside promenade with historic buildings, a bridge, and a restaurant named "Haus zum Rüden."

What to do in Zürich


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Where to stay in Zürich

Find the best Zürich areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Zürich
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Old Town Zürich

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Bahnhofstrasse to Zurich Toy Museum – discover Old Town Zürich, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Seefeld

Known for its abundant dining options and lake views, there's plenty to explore in Seefeld. Top attractions like Chinese Garden and Zurichhorn Park are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Hoschgasse Tram Stop or Frohlichstrasse Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Aussersihl

Noted for its cafes and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Aussersihl. Top attractions like Helvetia Square and Letzigrund Stadium are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Guterbahnhof Tram Stop or Backeranlage Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Enge

Travellers choose Enge for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Enge-Bederstrasse Station or Zurich Enge S-Bahn and check out top sights like FIFA World Football Museum.

Oerlikon

Noted for its live music and theatres, there's plenty to explore in Oerlikon. Top attractions like Halle 622 and Hallenstadion are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Sternen Oerlikon Tram Stop or Oerlikon Station Tram Stop to see more of the city.


 

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Day trip destinations from Zürich

Frequently asked questions

Is Zürich worth visiting?
Zürich has a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or traditional food, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Zürich?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Uetliberg Lookout Tower and Felsenegg Lookout, spend some time discovering the retail and food options in Zürich.
What is the top tourist attraction in Zürich?
The top tourist attraction in Zürich is Uetliberg Lookout Tower, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Zürich?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city sights, like Uetliberg Lookout Tower, Museum Rietberg and Felsenegg Lookout. The average stay in Zürich is three days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Lucerne isn't far away.
Is Zürich a walkable city?
Some top sights in Zürich, such as Uetliberg Lookout Tower and Museum Rietberg, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.48 kms (0.30 miles) from central Zürich is Zürich Centre and Zürich District is 2 kms (1 mile) away.
What are some activities to do in Zürich with kids?
Deciding what to do in Zürich with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're holidaying with toddlers or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in Zürich for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Zürich, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Zunfthaus Zur Meisen or Helsinki Club.
Are there free things to do in Zürich?
In Zürich, focusTerra is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Zürich.

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