Things to do in Zurich (2025): Top nearby activities,popular attractions,itinerary planning,weather,accommodation,food,transportation,and more - all you need to know (updated August, 2025) | Trip.com
About Zurich
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Zurich Local Travel Guide 2025
Zurich Brief Guide
Zurich is world-famous as a city of global finance. Because of the many verdant trees on the banks of Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, it is also known as the "Garden City". Even though Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, it still exudes a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Grossmünster, the Fraumünster church, the Swiss National Museum, and the fine arts museum, the Kunsthaus Zürich speak to this city's enchanting humanistic culture. Bahnhofstrasse is the city’s main downtown shopping street and represents avant-garde fashion, with many shopping centers and high-end boutiques lined up on either side of the street. Heading south along Bahnhofstrasse, you will come to the wide Lake Zurich. During daylight hours, white swans and ducks can be seen floating on the lake. Wild and free, it is a harmonious scene to behold.
Zurich Must-try local experiences
1. Explore the Old Town Wander through Zurich's Old Town to admire medieval architecture, visit iconic churches like Grossmünster and Fraumunster Church, and enjoy charming cobblestone streets and vibrant cafes. 2. Stroll Along Lake Zurich Take a leisurely walk along Lake Zurich's shores for stunning views of the water and Alps, visit beautiful parks, or take a boat cruise. 3. Visit the Swiss National Museum and Kunsthaus Zurich Discover Switzerland's rich history and culture at the Swiss National Museum with its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Explore Kunsthaus Zurich, a major art museum with an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. 4. Ascend Uetliberg Hike or take a train to Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of Zurich, the lake, and the Alps, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. 5. Explore Bahnhofstrasse Walk along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets, featuring luxury boutiques, high-end stores, and charming cafes. 6. Experience Swiss Chocolate Making Join a chocolate-making workshop to learn about Swiss chocolate and create your treats, immersing yourself in Swiss culture. 7. Sample Swiss Cuisine Indulge in Swiss culinary delights like Cheese Fondue, Cheese Gratin, and Veal Zurich, and don't forget to sample local specialties such as Lindt chocolates as well as wines and other delicacies. 8. Take a Day Trip to Rhine Falls Embark on a day trip to Rhine Falls, one of Europe's largest waterfalls, for breathtaking views, boat rides, and nearby castles.
Zurich Must-see Attractions
Zurich is a Swiss city rich in cultural and historical landmarks, featuring the Romanesque Grossmünster church, the luxurious Bahnhofstrasse shopping boulevard, the picturesque Old Town with its cozy cafés and historic sites, the extensive art collection at Kunsthaus Zurich, and the serene Lindenhof park with panoramic views and deep historical roots.
Zurich Food Guide
Zurich's food scene is celebrated for its exquisite Swiss wines, characterized by local varietals from vineyards around Lake Zurich, and its rich confectionery history, epitomized by world-renowned Swiss chocolate, which owes its smooth quality to local innovations like the conching process.
Zurich Transportation
Zurich's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with Zurich Airport and the main train station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof, being the primary gateways for intercity and international travel. Zurich Airport (ZRH), also known as Kloten Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Switzerland, It serves as a hub for Swiss International Air Lines and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. To reach the city from Zurich Airport, passengers can take a train operated by Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) from Zürich Flughafen to Zürich HB. Trams and buses also provide connections to the city and surrounding areas. Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB), situated in the heart of the city, is one of the busiest railway stations in Europe and serves as a major railway hub. It connects various cities and countries. The station is a cultural landmark and includes a shopping mall called ShopVille. To reach Zurich HB from Zurich Airport, travelers can take a direct SBB train.
Zurich Where to Stay
Zurich is a city that offers a diverse range of accommodation options, with each district providing its own unique charm and characteristics. The city's well-connected public transportation system ensures that no matter where you choose to stay, the rich cultural and historical offerings of Zurich are easily accessible.
Zurich Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Zurich is during the summer months of June to August, when the city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor activities. This period is ideal for experiencing Zurich's lively cultural scene, including the ZürichArt Weekend and the Street Parade, as well as enjoying picnics in parks and alfresco dining. For winter sports enthusiasts, December to February offers Christmas markets, spa experiences, and skiing opportunities at nearby resorts like Atzmännig. Budget travelers and nature lovers will find March to May favorable, with the blooming of trees and the traditional spring festival of Sechseläuten. Foodies, hikers, and culture enthusiasts should consider visiting in September and October to enjoy the Long Night of the Museums, the Food Zürich festival, and the beautiful autumnal colors.
Zurich Travel Tips
1. Plan Your Visit to Uetliberg: If you plan to hike up Uetliberg, Zurich's local mountain, it's advisable to book your hiking trip in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid overcrowding and ensure a pleasant experience. Wear comfortable clothes and hiking boots, pack sunscreen and a hat, and start early to beat the crowds. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the top. 2. Check Museum Opening Hours: Many museums in Zurich, such as the Swiss National Museum and Kunsthaus Zürich, are closed on Mondays. Always check the opening days and hours before planning your visit to avoid disappointment. 3. Mountain Weather Precautions: When hiking in nearby mountains, weather can change rapidly. Always check forecasts, inform someone of your plans, and carry appropriate gear, including warm clothing and sufficient water. Avoid walking alone and be cautious of dislodging rocks. Ensure your insurance covers mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation. 4. Respect Bike Lanes: Zurich has many dedicated bike lanes, marked with yellow lines and sometimes a red surface. Always respect these lanes and avoid walking or standing in them to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
Zurich Useful Guide
Zurich's official language is German, specifically Swiss German or Swiss Standard German, which is distinct from standard German with unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Translation services and language apps are available for travelers, and English is commonly spoken, especially among the younger population. Multilingualism is prevalent due to Switzerland's four national languages and diverse linguistic regions. Effective communication can be aided by familiarizing oneself with basic Swiss German phrases and using non-verbal cues.
Trip.Best: Zurich
Things to do in Zurich
What to do
Lindt Home of Chocolate
trip**:“There were many chocolates on sale at reasonable prices, and it was fun just to look at them. There was also a model of a factory where you could see the manufacturing process.”
Grossmunster
SUNSHINE ONUS:“The Cathedral of Zurich is one of the three main churches in Zurich, Switzerland, and is designed to incorporate a variety of architectural styles such as Romanesque, post-Gothic and neo-Gothic. Its most distinctive feature is the towering twin towers, which makes it also known as the "Cathedral of Zurich Twin Towers". The interior of the church is simple and reflects the style of the 16th century Reformation. The church has stained glass windows created by Swiss modern art master Giacometti, whose artistic masterpieces are painted glass. In addition, the church's underground church and the seat of the Saints are older parts of the existing history, dating back to the late 11th century and early 12th century, and still can see traces of the frescoes on the decoration.”
Swiss National Museum
横竖是二温小迪:“On the first day of landing in Zurich, it happened to rain, so I went to visit the National Museum next to the train station. You can get free tickets with Swiss pass, and the staff also gave you a coin to send a package. The storage and toilet are on the basement floor, and small suitcases should be able to be stored.
The exhibits on the first floor of the Swiss Museum can be guided in Chinese, but there is no Chinese guide on the second floor. The exhibits are not very interesting to me, but the museum is not bad, and there are not many people, which is suitable for checking in and taking pictures. In addition, the small gadgets in the gift shop are also very cute, but the prices are not beautiful.”
Bahnhofstrasse
Show闲队长:“Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich's most famous shopping street, luxurious and full of vitality! It is full of top brand stores, exquisite cafes and century-old shops, which is very stylish to visit. The street is clean and elegant, with trams running through it, retro and modern. Although the prices are high, the window viewing and street photography are worth it! It is recommended to experience the exquisite life in Switzerland, remember to bring your wallet~”
Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)
横竖是二温小迪:“The Zurich Art Museum is really conscientious. You can see paintings for free on Wednesdays, and storage is also free.
There are more works of famous painters in the new museum. If you don’t have enough time, go directly to the new museum. You can see the works of famous painters such as Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso, etc. here up close. It is really a super generous museum. I feel that there are a lot of Monet's paintings.”
Fraumunster Church
Show闲队长:“Zurich's Frauenkirche is a must-visit landmark! The twin towers are very eye-catching, and the green spires are very photogenic. The interior of the church is simple and elegant, with beautiful stained windows and murals. You can also overlook the beautiful scenery of the whole city from the tower. The location is very convenient, right on the Limmat River, across the river from the cathedral opposite. It is free to visit, quiet and sacred, and suitable for daydreaming and taking photos. Don't miss it when you come to Zurich!”
Rhine Falls
foul13:“Nature tourism but with modern access/facilities. The largest waterfall in Europe. With easy access there is a free lift. Free entry ticket if you only take pictures and walk around the edge and around the waterfall and river. If you take a boat, you have to pay.”
Lindenhof
横竖是二温小迪:“Lindenhof is a park on a small hill. Due to its high terrain, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Zurich. It was raining on the day we went there, so the panoramic view was not so beautiful, but the small platform itself was very beautiful in autumn. There were golden trees all around, and a thin layer of orange leaves on the ground, which made the atmosphere full.
It is said that this is the filming location of the Korean drama Crash Landing on You, and there are many Korean tourists.”
FIFA Museum
横竖是二温小迪:“I didn't expect to be able to see the World Cup so closely.
The adult ticket for the World Cup Museum is 26 Swiss francs, and it is free with a Swiss pass. Bags, drinks and food must be stored, and storage is free. When you buy the ticket, you will be given a metal coin to lock the door with the key.
Their lockers are the highlight, and the names of the stars are written on the lockers. However, some of the locker doors have been damaged and removed. I originally thought that if I couldn't get my favorite star, I could get a domestic one, but I didn't find Fan Zhiyi, but fortunately there was Sun Wen.
The exhibition hall mainly introduces the history of the World Cup, jerseys, trophies, star careers of various countries, and some souvenirs. Unfortunately, there is no Chinese, so I can only take a general look.
There are also some fun games in the exhibition hall, which you can interact with.”
Zoo Zurich
lan309:“Tickets are 31 Swiss francs for adults and 17 Swiss francs for my 7-year-old daughter. The zoo is a forest park. The animals here live very comfortably, with a lot of space and a great environment. Every door in the park is a place to rest and eat, with lots of shade. In the ape house, we saw koalas. We thought they were in the trees or hiding, but when we saw them, they climbed down from the trees. They were so cute. There are also many places for children to play. In short, it is very suitable for families to bring their children to play.”Where to stay
What to eat
IGNIV Zürich
西红柿子wyh:“The food was great, the service was really great, all the waiters were very helpful and super friendly.”
ZEUGHAUSKELLER
翱翔的大鲨鱼:“This is a very famous restaurant in Zurich.
There were few people at the entrance, so I thought it was just a casual restaurant, but later I found out it was quite famous.
The onion soup and the main course were not very impressive, but the desserts after the meal were chestnut cake and Tirami Su. The desserts were really rich, especially the chestnut cake, which was not only sweet, but also had a light wine aroma. I dare say this is one of the best desserts, and you must try it if you have the chance to go to Zurich.”
Restaurant Brasserie Johanniter
M35***13:“The traditional Swiss restaurant did not disappoint, the dishes were fresh and delicious, and the presentation was exquisite”
Royal Panda
TheForkUser:“We go to Royal Panda regularly. The food and service are always great. As a side effect, it is getting busier and busier, especially this time of year, so the restaurant was packed.”
Sternen Grill
徐徐霞客Rr:“The owner of this sausage shop in Zurich's Stirnen Orange Shop has opened three or four chain stores in the local area. There are many types of sausages sold in it, but the price is also relatively cost-effective. I recommend that you must try the double stone cheese sausage in this store, which feels particularly delicious.”
Swiss Chuchi Restaurant
Kevin:“The local specialty food, cheese hotpot, is served with bread crackers, but I also added eggs and other things. It tastes very good, and the business is very hot. The outdoor seats at the door are also full.”
Tamarind Hill Indian Restaurant
Kevin:“You can tell at first glance that it is a very authentic Indian restaurant, the decoration is exactly the same as in India. There are many Indian waiters and the waitresses are all beauties. There are many varieties of Indian curry, and the red curry is the spiciest.”
Restaurant Le Dézaley
没有蜡olling:“For my first dinner in Switzerland (it would be supper in China [covering face][covering face]), I found a restaurant ranked second in reviews - Le Dezaley's cheese hot pot is definitely ranked first, haha, I like beef liver and steak. In addition to authentic cheese hot pot and sweet bread, there is also wine brewed from the Dezaley region. Although it is relatively expensive, it is really worth it!”
Iberia Tapas
TheForkUser:“Really good quality food and choice. Sometimes in tapas restaurants you get overwhelmed by the 60+ dishes on the menu, at Iberia tapas they have a good range of dishes but not too many. Quality over quantity, which I like.”
Simon Says Taste Taiwan
TheForkUser:“I’ve visited Simon’s numerous times and they still manage to surprise me with additions to their menu that blow my mind! This time it was the wine-braised chicken and the hot mochi in coconut. Just delicious!!”
Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten
Kevin:“The main reason I came to this restaurant was that there was a smoking area. The waiter was very enthusiastic and arranged a smoking seat for me. I ordered a pizza and a soup, and it was nice to take a rest.”
Antica Roma
TheForkUser:“One shouldn't get pushed back by the little bit old fashioned the restaurant looks like from the street. The terrace in the back and the quality of the food made our evening. The staff was very accommodating with our unexpected guests. We had a great time!”Zurich Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes
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[Switzerland🇨🇭] Zurich
This hotel in Zurich is so luxurious, you have to see it to believe it.
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