Your guide to Zurich
Zurich highlights
Raclette
A sociable way of dining, traditional Swiss raclette involves heating cheese over the fire (or a special machine on the table these days) and serving it with side dishes. You’ll find it in restaurants across the city during your stay in Zurich. The Raclette Factory is a popular spot, or head into the hills above Zurich to the quaint restaurant Chasalp.
City views
Seeing the city from up high is a must during a short break to Zurich. Prime Tower is Zurich’s tallest building, and Clouds restaurant on the 35th floor is a great spot for dinner and views. For an alternative look at Zurich, head up Uetliberg Mountain. Hike to the top from the city centre in under two hours to be rewarded with incredible views of Zurich and beyond.
Art everywhere
Zurich’s fun side is visible in its unusual modern art installations. It’s also home to the Kunsthaus, the largest art museum in Switzerland, as well as enough specialty museums and galleries to satisfy every taste. For an art-themed trip to Zurich, visit during the free Zurich Art Weekend in June every year, and go on a guided art tour of the city.
Zurich: Know before you go
| Language | German |
|---|---|
| Currency | Swiss franc (CHF) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | November - January |
Find the best time to go to Zurich
Weather in Zurich
March – May: Spring is beautiful in Zurich. Flowers bud, and the streets come alive with foot traffic. You’ll likely catch some rain, so pack a waterproof layer.
June – August: Summer means daily trips to the ‘badi’ (outdoor swimming pool) and as much time spent outdoors as possible.
September – November: With the change in leaves comes a change in the weather. Don’t be surprised if you experience rain, fog, sunshine and chilly winds — all on the same day!
December – February: Winter is wet and dark, but the weather can feel cosy against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Luckily, the Swiss keep the indoors extra toasty.
Events in Zurich
Sechseläuten (April): Don’t miss this centuries-old spring festival where locals cheer on the burning of the Böögg — a giant snowman made of straw and firecrackers. A quick explosion is believed to bring a great summer.
Zurich Openair (August): Music festivals take over the city in the warmer months, and Zurich Openair is one of the biggest. Split over two weekends, the festival features some of the biggest names in pop, rock and EDM.
Weltklasse Zurich (August or September): For one day, the world’s best track-and-field athletes descend on Zurich to compete at the Diamond League event. Witness world records and plenty of fanfare.
The best neighbourhoods in Zurich
Altstadt
A neighbourhood enveloped by centuries of history, Altstadt has wonderfully preserved buildings and narrow, winding lanes. This is the heart of the city and it’s one of the best areas to stay in Zurich. As well as the iconic Grossmunster church, there are quaint boutiques and cafes lining Niederdorfstrasse. Taste Swiss delicacies in the traditional restaurants that dot the area.
Good for: History, sightseeing, central location, restaurants
Aussersihl
To the west of the city centre, Aussersihl is the best neighbourhood to stay in Zurich for a taste of local multicultural life. Find eclectic boutiques, thrift shops, international food markets and nightlife here. Visit the bustling Helvetiaplatz Market on Tuesdays and Fridays for fresh produce. Try a Swiss sausage from a food stand while you’re there – it’s a local speciality.
Good for: Shopping, restaurants, nightlife
Riesbach
The best neighbourhood to stay in Zurich if you want a blend of nature and city life, Riesbach is right on the bank of Lake Zurich. The impressive waterside promenade and lively shops and restaurants along Seefeldstrasse are must-visits here. The botanical garden and China Garden are tranquil spots to spend time, and Zurich’s opera house is on the edge of the neighbourhood too.
Good for: Nature, shopping, restaurants, lake
Things to do in Zurich
Family friendly things to do
Add Zurich Zoo to your wish list of things to do with family in Zurich, as well as the Swiss Science Center Technorama, where the kids can interact with science hands-on. A bus tour is a fun family activity too. Or catch the number 6 tram to see popular landmarks, then take little football fans to the FIFA Museum.
Shopping
As a city that is both compact and classy, Zurich is a shopper's paradise. For luxury shopping in Zurich, head to Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world. Housed in railway arches, Viadukt offers an array of vintage, designer and artisanal products. The Freitag Tower is an eco-friendly bag store made entirely out of recycled shipping containers.
Take in the culture
Zurich is home to several world-class museums, including Switzerland’s National Museum, Landemuseum Zurich, which houses a vast collection of artefacts representing the cultural history of Switzerland. Other museums in Zurich include the Swiss National Museum and Museum Haus Konstruktiv, a modern art museum inside a former power station.
Nightlife
Zurich is known for its diversity of nightlife venues, including intimate jazz bars and high-energy nightclubs. For the best bars in Zurich, the Langstrasse neighbourhood is a must-visit – head to Bar 63 for its legendary punch. The Old Town has some great live music venues, while Moods is a favourite haunt for jazz, blues and funk.
Places to eat
Zurich is an interesting blend of Swiss heritage and colourful internationalism – an impression that comes to life in its food. One of the best restaurants in Zurich is Kronenhalle, where the walls are adorned with artworks by the likes of Chagall and Miro. Lesser-known dining gems include Restaurant Barengasse, for Argentinian and modern Swiss dishes, and Blindekuh, where you’ll dine in the dark.
Free things to do
Start at the Limmat River for free things to do in Zurich. Wander alongside it to see changing vistas of the city. Stop by Fraumunster church for stained-glass windows by Chagall. More art awaits at Zurich Police Station. Yes, really! The entrance hall is decorated with murals by Augusto Giacometti, and they’re free to visit. You’ll just need to show some ID to enter.
Get ready for Zurich
Budget
If you’re banking on a budget trip to Zurich, look to travel in the months of February or October. A meal out at an inexpensive restaurant will cost about 25 Swiss francs (CHF), while a local beer is roughly CHF8. The city has incredible public transport. But if you need a taxi, a quick trip is around CHF19.
Day trips from Zurich
Straight out of a spy movie, the Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe, surrounded by glaciers and snow. The 3.5-hour train journey from Zurich is worth it for the views alone. To ski or hike the Swiss Alps, you can reach Flumserberg and Amden in about an hour via public transport. Or take a leisurely cruise on Lake Zurich.
Getting around Zurich
You’ll be able to get to most places in this small city by tram or bus. Buy a Zurich Card (physical card or app) for 24 or 72 hours. This gives you unlimited travel across all public transport during your visit to Zurich. And it even includes your train from the airport and a tour on the lake.
