10 Best Places to Visit in Zurich, Switzerland
The historic old town, renowned museums, upscale designer boutiques and trendy West End nightlife. There really is no shortage of options for what to do in Zurich.
In addition, there are the mountain peaks and the huge lake of Zurich, which is the great attraction all year round. So, in today’s article we have prepared some tips and 10 attractions of what to do in Zurich for your next trip to Switzerland. Check out!
Table of Contents
Where is Zurich?
Zurich is Switzerland’s economic center with its many banks. It is the largest city in the country, located in the center of Europe. Almost 400,000 people live there and, contrary to what many people think, it is not the country’s capital.
Switzerland does not officially have capital, but in practice Bern receives this role. The Limmat River flows through Zurich and city life takes place on the shores of Lake Zurich.
How to get around Zurich
Public transport in Zurich is well organized. You choose from trains, s-bahnen, trams and buses. If you are there for a day, buy a 24-hour ticket to the Zurich city area, so you can use all types of public transport.
If you’re going for more days, see if a Zurich CARD for 24 or 72 hours is something for you. This costs 24 CHF (€22) or 48 CHF (€44) for adults, it seems very expensive, but the card applies to all types of public transport, unlimited, also for the train from the airport to the center.
Zurich weather and climate
Zurich is located in a mountain valley around Lake Zurich. Mountains often cause unstable weather and temperature differences can be large.
If the temperature in the winter months is around zero, in the summer it can heat up to around 30 degrees C. On average, temperatures from May to September are the most pleasant.
Flights to Zurich
With Swiss European Airlines and KLM you fly directly to Zurich in approximately 1 hour by flight from the main European capitals.
10 Must See Attractions in Zurich
1. Zurich Lakes,
There are two islands on Lake Zurich. The island of Ufenau is inhabited and the island of Lützelau has been declared a nature reserve.
The many villages and towns on this lake can be visited by ferry services. With these ferry services, you can easily visit the Alpamare water park in Pfäffikon or the Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory in Kilchberg.
2. Fraumunster church zurich
This former monastery church is located in the heart of Zurich on the Bahnhofstrasse. The church was founded in 853 by King Louis. The beautiful stained glass windows immediately attract attention. There are drawings by Marc Chagall that were placed there in 1970.
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3. Botanical garden in Zurich
Zurich has two botanical gardens. The first is the garden that was founded in 1977 by the city’s University, the Botanischer Garten. The second is an old botanical garden with an old greenhouse in the Zurich Ethnology Museum. It lies between the old city walls, near the mouth of the river and offers you a magnificent collection of exotic plants and cactuses. This is certainly a great choice for things to do in Zurich.
4. Augustinergasse Zurich
The most beautiful and oldest part of the city can be found in Augustinergasse. The place has colorful facades and bay windows, from which you could see who was standing in front of the door. The street is located in the old town, close to the famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street and the beautiful St. Peterhofstatt.
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5. Swiss National Museum
Switzerland’s history is presented here in a few words. Even the design of the houses is discussed. A great option for those looking for things to do in Zurich. In this way, you can see changes in housing desires over the centuries. The Battle of Murten is depicted in miniature and various art objects can be admired.
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6. Bahnhofstrasse
On the most famous street in the city, you will find the most exclusive shops. Big names like Chanel, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dior are present here. The most expensive real estate location can be found on Paradeplatz. Many banks have an office here. For many, the Bahnhofstrasse is the most beautiful shopping street in Europe.
7. Grossmünster Cathedral
You should simply visit the Grossmünster Cathedral when in Zurich. This 12th century Protestant church was once a monastery.
Also take a look at the original statue of Charlemagne in the crypt, as well as the monastery and garden. The cathedral is in the heart of the city, if you climb the towers on a clear day, you’ll have a fabulous view as a reward.
8. Design Museum
Different themes come together in this museum. The art is taken to a higher level here. All kinds of developments are done here through visual communication, media, photography, environment, art and architecture.
The University of Art collaboration is certainly bearing fruit. The collections are divided into four categories: design, graphic, art and poster collections. Great cultural option for things to do in Zurich.
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9. Explore modern and industrial Zurich-West
The Altstadt is the industrial district of Zurich-West, with its large Turbinenplatz, it is the younger sister with a raw character.
Once ships were built here and there were factories everywhere, now it’s all about art, design, food and shopping. Industrial buildings have been transformed into beautiful restaurants, galleries and vintage shops.
10. Schauspielhaus Pfauen
This great city theater is located on Pfauen square. The building was erected on this site in 1892 and served as a folk theater. At that time there was a Bavarian brewery and a bowling alley. In 1926 it was renovated to be left soon after to a company that was supposed to save the theater. Since then, the theater has enjoyed great prestige.
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