20 Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich offers a captivating mix of Swiss efficiency, stunning natural beauty, and a rich cultural scene nestled around Lake Zurich and the Limmat River. While known as a global financial center, the city surprises visitors with its charming Old Town, excellent museums, and easy access to alpine vistas. Exploring Zurich includes discovering delightful public spaces and picturesque views, making it easy to find enjoyable free things to do in Zurich alongside its paid attractions.
From historic churches and world-class art to scenic boat trips and mountain excursions, Zurich provides a diverse range of activities. This guide highlights 20 distinct ways to experience the best of Switzerland’s largest city, blending urban exploration with moments of natural tranquility. Prepare to discover the unique character and sophisticated charm of Zurich.
Old Town Charm & Historic Sights
Explore the Altstadt (Old Town): Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Zurich’s historic heart, exploring both sides of the Limmat River. Discover hidden courtyards, medieval buildings, small boutiques, and charming cafes around every corner.
Grossmünster Church: Visit the iconic Romanesque-style church with its distinctive twin towers, a major landmark of Zurich. Climb one of the towers for fantastic views over the Old Town, lake, and river.
Fraumünster Church: Admire the stunning stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti inside this former abbey church. The vibrant colors and artistic mastery make this a must-see cultural stop.
St. Peter’s Church: See the church boasting the largest clock face in Europe, located in a picturesque part of the Old Town. Its simple interior offers a contrast to the other main churches, providing a moment of quiet reflection.
Lindenhof Hill: Relax on the hilltop park that marks the site of Zurich’s Roman and medieval origins, offering peaceful panoramic views over the Limmat River and the Old Town. It’s a popular spot for locals to play chess or simply unwind.
Lakeside & River Experiences
Lake Zurich Promenade: Stroll, bike, or relax along the shores of Lake Zurich, enjoying beautiful views of the water and distant Alps on clear days. The promenade offers green spaces, swimming areas (in summer), and boat docks for pleasant lakeside recreation.
Take a Lake Zurich Boat Trip: See the city and surrounding landscape from a different perspective by taking a scenic boat cruise on Lake Zurich. Choose from short round trips or longer excursions to villages along the lake for a relaxing water adventure.
Swim in the Limmat River (Summer): Join the locals during summer months for a refreshing swim in the designated clean sections of the Limmat River. Official river pools (Badis) like Oberer Letten offer safe access and facilities for this unique urban swim.
Bürkliplatz Market: Browse the vibrant farmers market (Tuesdays and Fridays) or the popular flea market (Saturdays, May-Oct) held at Bürkliplatz near the lake bridge. It’s a great place to find local produce, flowers, crafts, and unique second-hand treasures.
Museums & Culture
Kunsthaus Zürich: Explore Switzerland’s leading art museum, featuring impressive collections spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including works by Giacometti, Munch, and Monet. Plan ample time to discover its extensive galleries.
Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum): Discover Swiss cultural history from prehistoric times to the present day through engaging exhibits housed in a fairy-tale castle-like building near the main station. Learn about Swiss identity, crafts, and historical developments.
FIFA Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of football (soccer) through interactive exhibits, historic memorabilia, and the original FIFA World Cup Trophy. It’s a must-visit for sports fans, offering a global perspective on the beautiful game.
Rietberg Museum: Explore non-European art and culture from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, housed in several beautiful villas within Rieterpark. The tranquil park setting enhances the experience of discovering diverse world art.
Views, Heights & Shopping
Uetliberg Mountain Ascent: Take the train up Zurich’s local mountain for spectacular panoramic views over the city, Lake Zurich, and the snow-capped Alps. Hike trails along the ridge or simply enjoy the vista from the lookout tower.
Climb Grossmünster’s Karlsturm Tower: Ascend the steps of one of Grossmünster’s towers (Karlsturm) for close-up views of the Old Town rooftops, the river, and the lake. It’s a rewarding climb offering a different perspective than Uetliberg.
Bahnhofstrasse Shopping: Stroll down one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive shopping streets, lined with designer boutiques, luxury watch shops, and department stores. Enjoy window shopping or indulge in upscale retail therapy.
Explore Zurich West: Discover the trendy former industrial district transformed into a vibrant area with unique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars housed in repurposed factories. Don’t miss the Freitag Tower made of shipping containers or the Viadukt market arches.
Unique Zurich Experiences
Zurich Zoo: Visit one of Europe’s top zoos, known for its naturalistic habitats like the Masoala Rainforest Hall and Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park. See diverse animal species from around the globe in well-designed environments.
Botanical Garden (University of Zurich): Wander through serene outdoor gardens and distinctive domed greenhouses showcasing diverse plant collections from around the world. It offers a peaceful and educational botanical escape within the city.
Lindt Home of Chocolate (Nearby): Take a short train ride to Kilchberg to visit the impressive museum dedicated to Swiss chocolate, featuring interactive exhibits, chocolate-making insights, and the world’s largest chocolate fountain. Indulge your sweet tooth with unlimited chocolate tastings (book tickets well in advance).
