This Zurich travel guide covers Switzerland’s largest city: clean, compact and beautifully set on a lake with Alpine views. Two days covers the old town, the lakefront and a museum or two, and the excellent Swiss rail network makes day trips to Lucerne, the Rhine Falls and the mountains easy.
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Getting around Zurich
Trains from Zurich Airport reach Zurich HB (the main station) in about 10–15 minutes. Trams, buses, trains and lake boats run on one integrated ticket system (ZVV). The ZürichCARD bundles unlimited local transport with museum discounts, and the city center is easy to explore on foot.
Zurich travel guide: top things to do
Altstadt (Old Town)
The old town spans both banks of the Limmat river. Wander the lanes of Niederdorf, climb up to Lindenhof for a view over the rooftops, and visit the twin-towered Grossmünster.
Fraumünster
This church is famous for its stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall.
Bahnhofstrasse
One of the world’s best-known shopping streets, running from the main station toward the lake.
Lake Zurich
Walk the lakeside promenade, take a lake boat cruise, or swim at one of the summer bathing spots (Badi).
Museums
The Kunsthaus is one of Switzerland’s leading art museums, and the Swiss National Museum, right next to the main station, covers the country’s history.
Uetliberg
Zurich’s local mountain is a short train ride from the main station, with views of the city, the lake and the Alps on a clear day.
A 2-day itinerary from our Zurich travel guide
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old Town, Lindenhof, Grossmünster | Fraumünster, Bahnhofstrasse, Swiss National Museum | Dinner in Niederdorf |
| 2 | Uetliberg views | Lake promenade and boat cruise, Kunsthaus | Drinks in Zurich West |
Day trips from Zurich
- Lucerne: the Chapel Bridge and lake, under an hour by train.
- Rhine Falls: Europe’s most powerful waterfall by volume, near Schaffhausen.
- Mount Rigi or Mount Pilatus: mountain excursions from Lucerne.
Saving money in Zurich
- Tap water from city fountains is drinkable, so carry a bottle.
- Supermarkets like Coop and Migros have good ready-made meals.
- Look for lunch menus (Mittagsmenü), which are cheaper than dinner.
- Consider a Swiss travel pass if you plan several train trips.
Coffee in Zurich
Swiss cafés often serve Kaffee Crème, a longer coffee similar to an Americano, and Switzerland is a big market for fully automatic bean-to-cup machines. Zurich also has a growing specialty coffee scene. Curious about espresso machines at home? Read our guide for beginners.
Traveling on through Europe? Our list of the best apps for traveling in Europe helps with trains and data. For more background, see the Zurich article on Wikipedia; this Zurich travel guide focuses on what matters for a short first visit.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Zurich?
Two days covers the city. Add a day or two for trips to Lucerne or the mountains.
Is Zurich expensive?
Yes, it is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Supermarket meals and lunch menus help keep costs down.
Can you drink tap water in Zurich?
Yes. Tap water and most public fountains are safe to drink.
Is the ZürichCARD worth it?
It can be if you’ll use public transport often and visit several museums.
