Zurich travel guide: sights, food and transport

Plan a Zurich break around old-town streets, the lakeside and museums, comparing sights, food ideas and public transport information.

Seasons are distinct; check temperature, rain and wind before travelling and pack in layers.

• Group major sights by neighbourhood to reduce unnecessary travel.
• Check timed tickets in advance for busy museums and landmarks.
• Combine walking with public transport in the centre.

• Historic centre: First visits and walking.
• Main-station area: Transport and day trips.
• Creative districts: Cafés and nightlife.
• Outer neighbourhoods: Quieter, roomier options.

• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
• Rösti
• Fondue
• Bircher muesli
• Swiss chocolate

• Sechseläuten — April
• Zürich Pride — June
• Street Parade — August
• Zürich Film Festival — September/October
• Christmas Markets — December

Zurich Old Town

Explore historic lanes and small squares on both sides of the Limmat.

Lake Zurich

Walk the lakeshore or plan a boat trip from your chosen pier.

Bahnhofstrasse

See façades and arcades along the shopping street linking the main station and lake.

Grossmünster

Add the twin-towered church to a river walk and check tower access separately.

Fraumünster

Check visitor conditions to see the church’s Chagall stained glass.

Lindenhof

Look over the Limmat from the tree-lined hilltop square.

Kunsthaus Zurich

Choose between art collections and temporary exhibitions according to your interests.

Swiss National Museum

Explore Swiss culture and history in the museum near the main station.

Uetliberg

Plan a hill walk for city and lake views according to the weather.

Rhine Falls

Allow time outside Zurich for the waterfall near Schaffhausen.

Zurich West

Explore cultural spaces and restaurant streets in the former industrial district.

Im Viadukt

Browse shops and the market hall beneath the railway arches.

Old Botanical Garden

Take a quiet break among trees in the central garden.

Chinese Garden Zurich

Visit lakeside pavilions and ponds according to the garden’s seasonal calendar.

FIFA Museum

Allow time for exhibitions exploring international football history.

Zurich Opera House

See the building on Sechseläutenplatz and check tours or performance dates.

Polybahn

Pair the short funicular ride with a walk around the university terrace.

Bürkliplatz

Use the square between lake and city as a starting point for a waterfront walk.

Museum Rietberg

Explore art from cultures beyond Europe in a parkland museum setting.

Lindt Home of Chocolate

Plan transport to Kilchberg and a timed visit to the chocolate experience.

Trams, buses, S-Bahn, trains and boats share the zonal ZVV ticket system.