Welcome to Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland! Whether you are planning a short break, have moved recently or are a seasoned resident of the Swiss metropolis, here are some great things you can do in the city.
Though Switzerland as a whole is better known for its nature than its cities, Zurich still has a lot of great places to visit. Here are 14 must-do activities:
If you ask locals what the best thing to do in Zurich is during the summer, most would say swimming. The city is blessed with Lake Zurich and the River Limmat and Sihl, all of which are clean enough to swim in.
Various swimming pools are available, but it’s just as easy to take a dip for free! The most tranquil places to swim are on the lake, with Zürichhorn and Rentenwiese being some of the best places to cool off.
Thrill-seekers and strong swimmers can try their hand at swimming in the Limmat. At Oberer Letten, you can dive into the water and drift gracefully down the stream without paying a franc. For a more intense experience, try Unterer Letten on the other side of the hydroelectric plant - the current is super strong!
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Every new resident and visitor to the Swiss metropolis has to explore the many major churches found in the heart of the city. The most prominent are the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and St. Peter’s Church.
Arguably Zurich’s most iconic historical site, the Grossmünster has towered over the old town since its completion in around 1220. The Romanesque structure is free to explore, though those who want the best view of the whole city can pay to access the top of one of its 62-metre-high towers.
Visitors to the Fraumünster can enjoy the stunning 19th-century frescos in the cloister of what was a convent before its dissolution in the 1500s. These are supplemented by five large stained glass windows, designed by famed artist Marc Chagall. St. Peter’s church should be visited for one reason in particular: it sports the largest clock face in Europe.
Continuing the artistic theme, the Kunsthaus in Zurich boasts 11.500 square metres of exhibition space dedicated to showcasing art from around the world. The highlights include pieces by Monet, Picasso, Munch and many more!
If you want to see the finest art Zurich has to offer without having to pay, be sure to visit on Wednesdays, when admission is free of charge.
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Sporting 2.200 animals across 300 different species, a visit to Zoo Zurich is a perfect day out for families and individuals alike. The collection includes many of the most impressive Swiss species, as well as those from abroad.
From the giants of the animal kingdom to the smallest frogs and insects, Zoo Zurich has it all. The most popular areas of the zoo have to be the Asian elephant and lion exhibits, and the tropical Masoala Hall, a lush greenhouse designed to mimic the climate of Madagascar.
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If you want a perfect introduction to museums in Switzerland, the Landesmuseum should be your first port of call. Open since 1898, the Swiss National Museum documents the history of the alpine nation, from prehistory to the present day.
Through its exhibits, the museum explores everything from cultural history and archaeology to politics. It also hosts a wealth of temporary exhibitions and events which are well worth a look.
You don’t have to venture deep into the Swiss Alps to get a fix of great hiking, thanks to the two “mountains” that surround Zurich. The more famous of the two is the Uetliberg, which can be visited easily thanks to direct trains from the main station. The Uto Kulm observation point offers one of the greatest views of the city and surrounding countryside.
A great way to make your visit into a grand day out is to either hike to or from the top of Uetliberg or walk along the spine of the hill to Felsenegg, where a cable car can take you back to civilisation and the train at Adliswil.
Another great option is to take to Zurich’s wooded hill opposite Uetliberg. Hiking trails crisscross the Zürichberg, providing a myriad of options for relaxed hikes.
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Zurich’s historic centre is also well worth exploring. The old town itself is split by the Limmat, with the main old city on the western side of the river, and the so-called Niederdorf on the east side.
To the west, within the boundaries of the lake, the river, Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich HB and Hirschengraben, you can explore the beautiful cobblestone streets and charming restaurants and boutiques hosted in buildings that date as far back as the 13th century.
When you reach the river, you can explore the headquarters of the old city council at the Rathaus. From there, riverside boulevards take you past the ornate buildings owned by the various guilds or Zunfts that used to control the city’s affairs and use the river to send their goods throughout Europe.
Finally, if you are in need of some refreshment, the winding streets and old buildings of the Niederdorf on the east side are full to the brim with fine restaurants and captivating bars. The most famous bar is the Cabaret Voltaire, the birthplace of the Dada art movement.
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Did you know that Zurich was originally called Turicum? This ancient history lives on through the name of the city’s local brand of gin, and the various Roman sites dotted around the old town.
Starting at the Lindenhof - the site of the original Roman fort and settlement - you can see the remains of the old walls and fortifications which lined the hill. You can also venture down and see the remains of the old Roman bathhouses on Thermengasse.
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Want to bring out your inner Messi? Then a visit to the FIFA Museum opposite Zurich Enge station is a must! FIFA, the international body governing the beautiful game, has had its headquarters in Zurich since 1932.
Visitors to the museum can see memorabilia, kits and other artefacts from every FIFA World Cup and Women’s World Cup. Other highlights of the collection include the original World Cup Trophy and the largest pinball machine ever made.
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Another fun and affordable way to spend a day in Zurich is to visit the botanical gardens. Run by the local university, the site features 7.000 different types of flora from across the world in its three large greenhouses.
Outside, a rock garden showcases some delightful local and European plant species, and the rolling hills around the site make it a great place for a picnic.
When the water is a bit too chilly, a lovely way to pass the time is to walk around Lake Zurich. Between Tiefenbrunnen and Wollishofen, walkers can stroll right by the water, shooting the breeze and bathing in the sun.
In the spring and summer, the banks of the lake also make for a great place for a meal or drinks with friends.
On a list of the best things to do in Zurich, we would be remiss if we did not mention the many different boating options on Lake Zurich. The largest boats are the ZSG ships which run between the various towns on the lake.
For a two-hour journey of stunning views, be sure to take the trip from Zurich to Rapperswil, but shorter excursions such as the "Kleine Seerundfahrt" (short lake tour) from Zurich to Thalwil and back are also well recommended. There is also a riverboat service, which runs from the lake to the Landesmuseum and back during the summer.
As well as the public transport services, during the summer you can rent pedalos, stand-up paddleboards and other watercraft from the outdoor swimming pools on the lake, or at dedicated boat hire points.
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A quick, fun activity to tick off your bucket list is to take the Polybahn from Central to ETH Zurich. The funicular railway was launched in 1889 and whisks people from near Zurich HB to the city’s university district.
After the 100-second journey up the hill, be sure to take in the views of the city at ETH Zurich’s Polyterasse.
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Want to test your skills of deduction in a fun and attractive adventure around Zurich? Then a Foxtrail is for you! The various different paths available are full to the brim with engaging puzzles, riddles and challenges, perfect for a day of exploring! What's more, most of the routes are available in English!
If you've already completed the trails in Zurich, don't worry. Foxtrail has over 60 different trails all across the country for families and friends to enjoy.
Though these may be some of the best places to see and things to do in Zurich, this is just a taste of what's on offer in the Swiss metropolis, so pack a day bag, get your shoes on and explore!
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