16 Amazing Things to Do in Zurich for First-Time Visitors

Zurich is often known as Switzerland’s financial capital, but there is much more things to do in this beautiful city than banks and business districts.

Zurich may not be the first Swiss city that comes to mind when you picture a holiday in Switzerland. It does not have the dramatic mountain setting of Interlaken or the postcard beauty of Lucerne. But after visiting Zurich, I think the city deserves more credit than it gets.

When my husband and I visited Switzerland in 2022, Zurich was one of the cities on our list.

What I remember most is how easy everything felt. I did not spend half my day figuring out how to get from one attraction to another. The public transport was excellent, and the city was so walkable that we often preferred to explore on foot.

Zurich also does not feel like a city where you have to chase one big attraction after another. You can wander through the Old Town, sit beside Lake Zurich, admire the churches, stop at a café, and keep going when you feel like it.

And that is exactly what I liked about it.

That is probably why Zurich stayed with me. It felt like a city I could enjoy at my own pace.

So, if you are planning your first trip and wondering about the best things to do in Zurich, I have put together the places I think are worth adding to your list.

There are plenty of things to do in Zurich, from famous landmarks and art museums to mountain views, historic bathhouses, chocolate, and some surprisingly quirky places. You can fill your days with sightseeing, or leave plenty of room to simply enjoy the city.

In this guide, I am sharing the best things to do in Zurich for first time visitors, including the places I think are worth your time and a few experiences that are easy to overlook. I have also added practical tips on the best time to visit, how long to stay, how to get around, and a few ideas for day trips from Zurich.

Things to Do in Zurich

Zurich may look easy to explore on a map, but that is part of what makes it so enjoyable. I found that many of the places I wanted to see were close enough to combine in one walk.

I also liked that Zurich gives you different experiences without making you travel far. You can start your morning among old buildings, sit beside the lake later, and end the day with a completely different view of the city.

I have picked these 16 things to do in Zurich with first time visitors in mind. Some are famous sights, while others are places I think you should add simply because they show you a different side of the city.

1. Wander Through Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt)

If I had to choose one place to start exploring Zurich, I would begin in the Old Town. It is the kind of place where I would happily put my map away and just walk.

The narrow streets, old buildings, small shops, cafés, and little corners make wandering around part of the experience. You do not need to rush from one attraction to another here.

I also like that the Old Town puts you close to several other major sights. You can explore the streets, stop for something to eat, and continue towards the river or one of Zurich’s famous churches.

Give yourself a little time here instead of treating it as a quick stop.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and leave some room in your day for getting pleasantly lost. Zurich’s Old Town is much more enjoyable when you are not watching the clock.

2. Take in the Views from Lindenhof Hill

After wandering through the Old Town, I would make my way to Lindenhof Hill. It is a simple stop, but the view makes it worth adding to your Zurich itinerary.

From here, you can look across the old city and see the Limmat River winding through Zurich. The rooftops, historic buildings, and church towers create a lovely view that feels very different from street level.

What I like about viewpoints such as Lindenhof is that you do not need to spend hours there. You can walk up, take in the scenery, snap a few photos, and continue exploring.

I would especially add it to a walking day around the Old Town. It fits naturally into the route and gives you a chance to pause for a few minutes before heading back into the busy streets.

3. Relax Along the Shores of Lake Zurich

One of my favourite things about Zurich is that the lake does not feel separate from the city. You can be walking through busy streets one minute and standing beside the water a few minutes later.

Give yourself some unplanned time here. Walk along the promenade, sit on a bench, watch the boats, or simply enjoy the view across the water.

The area around Bürkliplatz is a great place to start. It is close to the city centre and gives you an open view of the lake. On a clear day, you may even spot the Alps in the distance.

The atmosphere changes quite a bit with the season. Summer brings people to the water for swimming, picnics, and outdoor activities. Spring has its own charm, with flowers adding colour along parts of the lakeside.

You can also take a boat ride if you want to see Zurich from a different angle. I think this is one of those experiences that works especially well when you have already spent a few hours walking around.

If you are visiting Zurich in summer, you will notice that locals really use the lake. There are public bathing areas around the shore, and swimming is a normal part of life here.

Good to know: The lakeside promenade itself is free to visit. Boat cruises and swimming facilities have their own schedules and prices, so check the current timetable if you want to plan one around your sightseeing.

4. Climb the Towers of Grossmünster Church

Recognized by its twin towers, Grossmünster is one of Zurich’s most iconic landmarks. Climb the tower for sweeping city views and learn about its important role in Swiss history.

I would not stop at taking a photo from outside. The more interesting part for me is climbing the Karlsturm, one of the church’s two towers.

There are 187 steps to reach the viewing platform. It is a proper climb, but you do not need to be especially athletic to do it. I would simply take your time and enjoy the fact that the view keeps changing as you go higher.

At the top, you get a lovely look over Zurich’s Old Town. You can see the Limmat River, the surrounding rooftops, and Lake Zurich beyond them.

The church itself is also worth a look before you leave. Inside, you will find some striking modern stained glass alongside older architectural details. The contrast is interesting because Grossmünster is deeply connected to Zurich’s history, yet parts of its interior feel surprisingly modern.

Entry to the church is free, but climbing the Karlsturm costs CHF 5 for adults. Children aged 6 to 16 and students currently pay CHF 2, while Zürich Card holders can enter the tower free. Opening hours also change with the season, so check before you go.

5. Admire the Stained Glass at Fraumünster

Fraumünster is easy to spot while walking through Zurich’s Old Town. But for me, the real reason to step inside is not the exterior. It is the stained glass.

The first thing I would look for is the set of windows created by Marc Chagall. The colours are bold and almost glow when the light comes through them. They are very different from the quiet, historic feel of the church itself.

There are five main Chagall windows in the chancel, along with a large rose window. Each one has its own colours and imagery, so I found myself looking at them individually instead of treating them as one big artwork.

There are also windows by Augusto Giacometti, another important Swiss artist. So even if you are not someone who normally visits churches on holiday, I think Fraumünster deserves a place on your list of things to do in Zurich.

The church has an interesting story too. It dates back to the ninth century and was once home to a powerful convent. That history makes the modern artwork inside even more interesting to me.

Fraumünster is also very easy to fit into a walking route. It sits in the Old Town, close to the Limmat River and other major sights. You do not need to set aside half a day for it.

Tourist admission is currently CHF 5 for adults and includes access to the crypt museum. Children up to 16 and students can enter free. The church also has an English audio and text guide through its visitor app.

6. Discover Zurich’s Public Art Installations

One thing I would tell you before exploring Zurich is to keep looking up, down, and around you. Some of the city’s interesting artwork is not behind museum doors at all.

Zurich has more than 1,300 works of art in public spaces, including sculptures, installations, murals, and even decorated fountains. You can come across them while doing something as ordinary as walking to lunch or catching a tram.

I like this kind of sightseeing because there is no entrance ticket and no fixed route. You do not have to be an art expert either. Sometimes you will love a piece, sometimes you will wonder what it means, and sometimes you might walk past without noticing it.

One example is Heureka, a mechanical sculpture by Jean Tinguely near Lake Zurich. Another is the huge Nana sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle inside Zurich Main Station. There are also murals and other contemporary works scattered around different neighbourhoods.

There is even a small open-air gallery called Tableau Zurich near Stadelhofen Station. It changes its exhibitions twice a year and is completely free to access.

This is one of the more unusual things to do in Zurich, and I think it works especially well if you enjoy discovering a city without following a strict sightseeing checklist.

Good to know: Public art installations around Zurich are generally free to see. The city also provides information about many of the works, so you can turn an ordinary walk into your own little art trail.

7. Explore the Kunsthaus Zurich

I am not the kind of person who thinks you need to love every painting in a museum to enjoy it. That is why I like the idea of visiting Kunsthaus Zurich without trying to see everything.

Kunsthaus is Zurich’s main art museum, and its collection covers a huge span of art. You can find works from the Middle Ages alongside pieces from more recent artists, including names such as Alberto Giacometti, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet.

The museum also has an important collection of Swiss art. I think that makes it more interesting for a trip to Switzerland because you are not simply looking at famous European paintings you could find in museums elsewhere.

The newer Chipperfield building is also worth seeing. Its clean, modern design feels quite different from the older parts of the museum, and the building itself has become part of Zurich’s cultural landscape.

I would not try to cover the entire museum in one visit. Pick the collections or artists that interest you and give yourself time to actually look at the works. For me, that is much more enjoyable than rushing through room after room just to say I saw it all.

The Kunsthaus is also in a convenient part of the city. You can easily combine it with a visit to the Old Town, Grossmünster, or other sights in central Zurich.

The museum has different ticket options depending on what you want to visit, and some exhibitions have separate admission. It is worth checking the current exhibition schedule before your visit, especially if there is a particular artist or collection you want to see.

8. Visit the Swiss National Museum

If you want to understand Switzerland beyond its mountains, chocolate, and beautiful trains, I would make time for the Swiss National Museum.

The museum sits right beside Zurich’s main train station, inside an impressive building that looks a little like a castle. I think its location alone makes it easy to add to a first visit because you do not have to make a special trip across the city.

Inside, the exhibitions take you through different parts of Swiss history. You can learn about everyday life, crafts, weapons, clothing, religion, and the development of Switzerland over the centuries.

What I find useful about a museum like this is the context it gives you. After spending a few days travelling around Switzerland, some of the things you have seen start to make more sense when you understand a little about the country’s past.

The building itself is worth taking a moment to appreciate too. It was designed in the late 19th century and has a very different character from the modern buildings you will see elsewhere in Zurich.

I would especially consider visiting here if the weather is not cooperating. Zurich has plenty of outdoor sights, but having an indoor option makes your itinerary much easier on a rainy day.

The Swiss National Museum is part of the National Museum Zurich group, and admission prices can vary depending on the exhibition or ticket type. Check the current ticket information before visiting.

9. Discover Zurich’s Quirky Museums

Zurich has plenty of museums that you would expect to find in a major European city. Then there are the ones that make you stop and think, “I did not know Zurich had that.”

These smaller and more unusual museums are worth knowing about if you have extra time. They can also be a good choice when you have already seen the main attractions and want to do something different.

One interesting option is the Moulagenmuseum, which houses a collection of incredibly detailed medical models. It is certainly not for everyone, but if you enjoy unusual history or medical science, it is unlike most museums you will visit on a city break.

Another is the FocusTerra museum at ETH Zurich. It focuses on Earth sciences and has exhibits about earthquakes, volcanoes, minerals, and the forces that shape our planet. I think this would be particularly fun for families or anyone who likes science.

There is also the Swiss Finance Museum, which looks at the history of Switzerland’s financial markets. That might sound rather serious at first, but it gives you a glimpse into an important part of Zurich’s identity.

I would not try to visit all of these in one day. Pick one that matches your interests and add it to your itinerary when you have a spare few hours.

For me, this is what makes searching for unusual things to do in Zurich worthwhile. You sometimes find something that was never on your original list.

Many of Zurich’s smaller museums have limited opening days or shorter hours than the city’s major museums. Always check the current schedule before making one the centre of your day’s plans.

10. Stroll Down Bahnhofstrasse

You do not have to be shopping for designer clothes to enjoy Bahnhofstrasse. I would still walk along it during a first visit to Zurich because it gives you a completely different view of the city.

The street runs from Zurich Main Station towards Lake Zurich and passes through the heart of the city. Along the way, you will find department stores, luxury brands, cafés, banks, and plenty of people going about their everyday lives.

What I enjoy about Bahnhofstrasse is the contrast. One moment you are surrounded by historic streets in the Old Town, and soon you are walking along a broad, polished avenue that feels much more modern.

Of course, this is also one of the most famous shopping streets in Switzerland. Some of the shops are far outside my idea of a casual holiday purchase, so I mostly enjoy looking at the window displays and taking in the atmosphere.

You do not need to spend hours here. I would simply include Bahnhofstrasse as part of a walk between Zurich Main Station and the lake.

The street is also beautiful around Christmas, when the decorations and lights change its atmosphere completely. At other times of year, the tree-lined sections make it a pleasant walk through central Zurich.

Worth knowing: Bahnhofstrasse is around 1.4 kilometres long, so walking the full length does not take very long. It is also largely pedestrian-friendly in sections, although trams run along parts of the street, so keep an eye on the tracks.

11. Ride Up to Uetliberg Mountain

One of the things I like about Zurich is that you do not have to travel far to get a mountain experience. Uetliberg rises just outside the city, and getting there is surprisingly easy.

The journey itself is part of the fun. You can take the train from central Zurich and reach Uetliberg in around half an hour. Once you arrive, you have several walking paths to choose from, including an easy route towards the summit.

At the top, you get a wide view over Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, the Alps can also appear in the distance. This is one of the best places to understand how close the city is to Switzerland’s natural landscape.

I would not rush back after taking a few photographs. There are walking trails around the mountain, so you can turn the visit into a longer outing if the weather is good.

There is also a lookout tower near the summit. Climbing it gives you an even higher view, although I think the scenery from the mountain itself is already worth the trip.

Uetliberg works particularly well when you have at least two days in Zurich. It gives you a break from museums, churches, and city streets without needing a full day trip.

The train to Uetliberg is included in Zurich’s public transport network, but you should check your ticket’s zones before travelling. The mountain is free to explore, while the lookout tower has its own small admission fee.

12. Swim at Zurich’s Historic Bathhouses

Swimming might not be the first thing you expect to find on a list of things to do in Zurich. But the city’s historic bathhouses are one of its more interesting traditions.

Some of these bathing spots sit directly on the River Limmat or Lake Zurich. During the warmer months, locals head to them to swim, relax, meet friends, and spend time beside the water.

One of the best known is Frauenbadi, a wooden bathing pavilion on the Limmat. It dates back to the 19th century and was originally created as a bathing place for women.

Another is Männerbadi, located further along the river. As the names suggest, these traditional bathhouses have a long history of gender-specific bathing, although some facilities now have different arrangements at certain times.

What I find most interesting is that these places are not simply tourist attractions. They are part of everyday summer life in Zurich. That makes them feel quite different from visiting a museum or photographing a famous landmark.

Some bathing areas also become social spaces in the evening, with drinks and food available during the summer season. The atmosphere can be completely different from the quiet sightseeing you experience earlier in the day.

I would save this experience for a warm day. It makes much more sense when you can actually enjoy being in and around the water rather than simply looking at the bathhouse from outside.

The bathhouses are seasonal, and their opening dates and hours vary. Some have changing facilities, lockers, and food or drinks, but the exact services differ between locations. Check the current information before heading there.

13. Enjoy the View from Polyterrasse

Some of the best views in Zurich do not require a long hike or an expensive ticket. Polyterrasse is a perfect example.

The terrace sits in front of ETH Zurich and looks out across the city. From here, you can see the rooftops of the Old Town, the Limmat River, and parts of Lake Zurich in the distance.

I like this spot because it is so easy to add to a day of sightseeing. You can reach it from the centre using the little Polybahn funicular, which climbs from Central up towards ETH Zurich.

You can also walk up if you feel like getting some exercise. But after a day of exploring on foot, I think taking the funicular is a fun experience in itself.

The view is especially nice towards the end of the day. The city starts to look different as the light changes, and the busy streets below feel surprisingly far away.

Polyterrasse is also a good reminder that you do not always need to pay for a major attraction to enjoy Zurich. Sometimes a few minutes at a viewpoint can be enough.

The terrace itself is free to visit. If you take the Polybahn, you will need a valid ticket unless your public transport pass covers the journey.

14. Explore the Trendy Zurich West District

Zurich West feels like a different city from the one you see around the Old Town. That is exactly why I think it deserves a place on this list.

The neighbourhood was once dominated by factories, railway tracks, and industrial buildings. Over time, many of those spaces found new lives as restaurants, shops, offices, galleries, and cultural venues.

One of the easiest landmarks to spot is the Prime Tower, one of Zurich’s tallest buildings. Nearby, you will find the Viadukt, where old railway arches have been turned into shops and places to eat.

I would spend a few hours simply walking around Zurich West rather than trying to follow a strict sightseeing route. The area is full of little details, from old industrial structures to colourful street art and modern architecture.

The neighbourhood also has a completely different food scene from the traditional centre. You will find cafés, international restaurants, bars, and places that stay lively later into the evening.

If you have already explored Zurich’s churches and historic streets, this is where I would go to see the city’s more modern personality.

It is also a great area to visit in the evening. The atmosphere changes as restaurants fill up and people head out after work.

Zurich West is centred around the Zürich Hardbrücke and Escher-Wyss areas, and it is well connected by tram, train, and bus. The Viadukt and nearby streets are easy to explore on foot once you arrive.

15. Experience the Lindt Home of Chocolate

I cannot talk about visiting Switzerland without mentioning chocolate. And if you are a chocolate lover, the Lindt Home of Chocolate is one place I would put high on your list.

The experience starts before you even get to the chocolate tasting. The building itself is impressive, with a huge golden chocolate fountain in the entrance that immediately tells you what you came here for.

Inside, the museum takes you through the story of chocolate. You learn where cacao comes from, how it became popular in Europe, and how chocolate is made.

But I think the best part is getting to taste it. There are tasting stations where you can sample different types of Lindt chocolate. This makes the visit much more enjoyable than simply walking around and reading information on walls.

There is also a section showing how chocolate is produced. Watching the process makes you appreciate just how much work goes into something that usually disappears from my hands in about two minutes.

The museum is in Kilchberg, just outside central Zurich. It is easy to reach by public transport, so you do not need to plan an entire day around it.

I would especially recommend it if you are travelling with children. But honestly, I think adults have just as much reason to enjoy it. Chocolate is a pretty easy sell.

Tickets are required, and it is worth booking ahead during busy periods. The experience is indoors, so it is also a useful addition to your Zurich itinerary on a rainy day.

16. Take a Scenic Day Trip from Zurich

If you have three or more days in Zurich, I would seriously consider leaving the city for a day. Switzerland makes this surprisingly easy because the train network connects Zurich with many beautiful places.

You could head towards Lucerne, where you can walk around the charming old centre, see the famous Chapel Bridge, and enjoy views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains.

Another option is Interlaken, especially if you want dramatic mountain scenery. It is further away, but the journey itself gives you some beautiful views of the Swiss countryside.

For something closer, Rapperswil makes an interesting choice. It sits on Lake Zurich and has a pretty old town, a castle, and a much slower pace than the city.

You could also visit Rhine Falls, one of Switzerland’s most impressive natural sights. The huge volume of water rushing over the rocks makes it a very different experience from anything you will see in central Zurich.

I would choose the day trip based on what you want from the rest of your Switzerland experience. If this is your only Swiss destination, I would choose somewhere that gives you mountains or a smaller historic town.

But if you are already travelling around Switzerland, you may prefer to stay in Zurich and enjoy the city properly. There is no need to collect destinations just because they are nearby.

Travel times and ticket prices vary greatly between destinations. Switzerland’s trains make independent day trips easy, but organised tours can be useful when you want several stops in one day without working out all the connections yourself.

Best Time to Visit Zurich

I think Zurich can work at almost any time of year, but the experience changes quite a bit with the seasons. Your choice really depends on what you want to do during your trip.

Spring

Spring is a lovely time for walking around Zurich. The weather starts warming up, flowers appear around the city, and outdoor sightseeing becomes much more comfortable.

I would choose April to May if you want a good balance. You can spend plenty of time outside without dealing with the hottest summer days.

Summer

Summer is the busiest season, and I can understand why. The days are long, the lake becomes a major part of city life, and you can enjoy outdoor activities well into the evening.

This is the season I would choose for swimming, boat rides, and spending time around Lake Zurich. July and August can also be more expensive, so book accommodation early if you are travelling then.

Autumn

September and October bring cooler temperatures and fewer summer crowds. I particularly like this season for city breaks because you can walk around comfortably without the intense heat.

The changing colours around Zurich also make the city’s parks and nearby hills more appealing. It is a good time for Uetliberg if you want to combine sightseeing with some fresh air.

Winter

Winter gives Zurich a completely different atmosphere. The days are shorter, but the Christmas season brings lights, markets, decorations, and a cosy feel to the city.

December is especially popular around Christmas, while January and February are generally quieter. If you do not mind cold weather, winter can be a good time to focus on museums, cafés, shopping, and the city’s indoor attractions.

My overall pick: I would choose May, September, or early October for a first visit. You can enjoy plenty of outdoor sightseeing while avoiding the peak summer period.

How Many Days Do You Need in Zurich?

I would give Zurich at least two days if this is your first visit. That gives you enough time to see the main sights without turning the trip into a race.

One day in Zurich

One day is enough for a taste of the city. I would concentrate on the Old Town, Lindenhof, Grossmünster, Fraumünster, Bahnhofstrasse, and the lake.

The good news is that many of these places are close together. You can cover quite a lot on foot and use public transport when you need it.

Two days in Zurich

Two days is my preferred option for a first visit. You can explore the historic centre on one day and give the second day to places such as Uetliberg, Zurich West, the museums, or Lake Zurich.

You also have time to slow down. That matters because Zurich is not a city I would want to experience by constantly checking the time.

Three days in Zurich

With three days, you can see the main attractions and still have time for something different. This is when I would consider adding the Lindt Home of Chocolate or taking a day trip.

You could also spend more time around the lake or explore some of Zurich’s less obvious museums and neighbourhoods.

Four days or more

If you have four or more days, Zurich works well as a base for exploring more of Switzerland. You can take day trips while keeping the same hotel and returning to the city each evening.

For a first trip focused mainly on Zurich, though, I think two to three days is the sweet spot.

How to Get Around Zurich?

Getting around Zurich was one of the things I liked most about our trip. Trams, buses, trains, and boats are all part of the network. You can get from the main train station to different parts of the city without needing a car.

For central sightseeing, though, I would walk as much as possible. Many of the best things to do in Zurich are close together, especially around the Old Town, Limmat River, Bahnhofstrasse, and the lake.

Walking

Zurich is a very walkable city. I found this especially useful because walking often meant discovering little streets and places that I would have missed from a tram.

The Old Town is particularly enjoyable on foot. Just keep comfortable shoes on because you will probably end up walking more than you planned.

Trams and buses

For places that are a little further away, trams are usually the easiest option. They are frequent and connect the central areas with many neighbourhoods.

You can also use buses when they make more sense for your route. The system is well connected, so you generally do not need to worry about finding a taxi for every short journey.

Trains

Trains are especially useful if you are travelling outside the city. Zurich Hauptbahnhof is the main transport hub, and you can catch trains from here to destinations across Switzerland.

It is also convenient if you are planning a day trip from Zurich. You can leave the city in the morning and return later without changing hotels.

Boats

Boats are another way to explore Zurich, particularly if you are spending time around Lake Zurich. Some services are mainly for sightseeing, while others are part of the local transport network.

I think a boat ride is worth considering when the weather is good because you get to enjoy the city from the water.

Do you need a car in Zurich?

For a normal city break, I would say no. A car would be more of a hassle than a help in central Zurich.

Public transport covers the city well, and walking takes care of many of the shorter journeys. If you want to explore places outside Zurich, I would usually look at the train first.

Switzerland uses a zone based public transport system in Zurich. Your ticket needs to cover the zones you travel through, so check the zones before buying a ticket. If you plan to use public transport several times in one day, compare the available day tickets and travel passes to see which option makes sense for your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Zurich

Is Zurich worth visiting?

Zurich is much more than Switzerland’s financial capital. From historic landmarks and peaceful lakeside walks to world-class museums and vibrant local neighborhoods, the city offers something for every traveler.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or using Zurich as a base to explore Switzerland, combining its famous attractions with its lesser-known districts will give you a more authentic and memorable experience.

Ready to see what makes Zurich worth more than a quick stop? Start planning your trip with these 16 things to do in Zurich, and choose a few that fit your travel style. Keep this guide handy while planning your itinerary, because some of the best parts of Zurich are the places you might otherwise walk right past.