Zurich is commonly on the high of any Switzerland itinerary. As the monetary capital of the nation, the biggest metropolis in Switzerland, and a picturesque setting on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, there are many issues to maintain you busy. Three days in Zurich is simply sufficient time to expertise all of it. This itinerary will assist you plan the proper three days in Zurich, from selecting the very best issues to do, locations to see, and the place to eat. So, are you able to plan the proper Zurich itinerary?
How To Spend 3 Days in Zurich
Welcome to your first day in Zurich! Today, we’re going to get acquainted with the Old Town, however we’re then going to go to the hippest a part of Zurich, Zurich West. This is the place the outdated meets the brand new, and you will see the very best of each. We extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of the Old Town to see the highest landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour after we first arrive in any metropolis, and Zurich is not any exception. It helps us plan out the remainder of our journey and lets us see the highest sights in a short while.
Zurich Itinerary Day 1
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Old Town and Zurich West. If you might be staying in the Old Town, you’ll be able to stroll to all of the sights after which hop on public transit for a brief and straightforward 10-minute journey to Zurich West.
Note: The finest method to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It supplies limitless journey by bus, practice, cableway, and tram, plus you’ll be able to take brief boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get extra particulars right here. To discover the Old Town, it’s simply accomplished by foot as there are various pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Old Town
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 beneath new administration) in the Old Town, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was straightforward to make our method to see the very best landmarks in Old Town.
1. Rechberg Gardens
Located instantly beside Hotel Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are one of the scenic spots in Zurich. They are instantly behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other well-liked landmark in Zurich. Dating again to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It is taken into account a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque fashion Rechberg Gardens is a peaceable method to begin the day.
2. University of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your method to probably the greatest viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) on the University of Zurich provides panoramic views of the Old Town, Limmat River, and so they metropolis’s church steeples. We walked as much as the panorama terrace, however you can too take the Polybahn to keep away from strolling up the hill. It is without doubt one of the most iconic modes of transportation in the town and is included with the Zurich Card. This historic funicular began working in 1889 so in case you get the prospect, hop on. Albeit, it’s a simple stroll to the highest as nicely.
3. Get Lost in the Alleyways of Altstadt
Once you could have neglected Zurich from the University, it’s a good and straightforward stroll downhill by way of the Old Town of Zurich (Altstadt). Part of the allure of visiting Zurich is to buy in the boutiques in the Old Town, seek for its many fountains, and discover the proper espresso store to sit down on a patio for prime people-watching. Other issues to see in the Old Town: see the birthplace of Dadaism at Cafe Voltaire, go into the Belleview Apotheke courting again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an out of doors cafe on the pedestrian-only avenue of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
Before you allow the West Bank of the Limmat River, don’t miss visiting essentially the most iconic constructing in Zurich. Grossmünster (Great Minster) Cathedral. Legend has it that when Charlemagne found the graves of the town’s patrons, he constructed a church upon them.
If you go into the crypt in the cellar and also you’ll see a big sculpture of Charlemagne himself. Grossmünster additionally performs an necessary half in Swiss historical past because it was the birthplace of the Reformation of the church in Switzerland. You also can go as much as the highest of the tower for probably the greatest views in Zurich. It prices 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of the town.
5. Cross the Münsterbrücke
Most of the Old Town’s foremost sights crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no journey to Zurich could be full with out crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmünster throughout the Limmat River on to Fraumünster. Make certain to cease and take in the views. It provides an unobstructed view of a few of the most lovely locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Old city Hall) as you make your manner from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Lady) is a must-visit in Zurich courting again to 835. It attracts guests to view its stained glass home windows designed by Marc Chagall. It prices CHF 5 to enter Fraumünster.
Spend the Afternoon in Zurich West
Once you could have seen a few of the finest sights in the outdated city it’s time to see Zurich’s hippest neighborhood, Zurich West. This is a brilliant place to spend the afternoon into the night. Hop on the streetcar and prepare to spend the afternoon in Zurich West, spending time having fun with the native tradition and experiences.
Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Garden) for Lunch
Grab a late lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Garden). This out of doors occasion area is a backyard group with eateries, bars, and the proper place to seize a beer. The funky environment units the tone in your afternoon in Zurich West. Visit the web site for opening occasions, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
One of essentially the most recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. You could know the title, Freitag, the fashionable baggage are created from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is positioned in Zurich West and you may’t miss its 19 stacked delivery containers reaching 26 meters (85 toes) into the air.
Urban Surf
Right subsequent door is without doubt one of the most unusual issues to do in Zurich. Urban Surf is a unbelievable spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Beach umbrellas line a deck surrounding a large wave pool. You can hop in to catch a wave or just loosen up in the solar as you get pleasure from a cocktail. Visit Urban Surf web site for classes, costs and opening hours.
Go Art Hunting
After you’ve loved a bit of enjoyable in the solar, it’s time to seek for the distinctive artwork that’s scattered all through Zurich West. From Towers at Escher-Wyss-Platz, Anne Sophie in entrance of 25hours Hotel Zurich-West, or you’ll be able to go into Maag Hall to see the most recent shows (at the moment LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the most recent reveals.
Shop alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your method to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard lengthy avenue is really a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This outdated railway viaduct accommodates boutique outlets and eating places positioned inside 36 arches beneath the viaduct. You also can stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some unbelievable views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
Once you could have had your fill of purchasing, make your method to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is unbelievable, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There is indoor and out of doors seating. Visit their web site for reservations. Truth be instructed, Zurich provides many eating places, particularly round well-liked areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with a wide range of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
If you continue to have power, keep out after darkish in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in Prime Tower. Prime Tower is the best tower in Zurich (second highest in Switzerland). Clouds is on the thirty fifth flooring and provides an incredible view of Zurich being the best bar in Zurich. You can have dinner there if you wish to splurge as nicely.
It’s been a full day, so get on the tram along with your Zurich Card and make your manner again to your resort as a result of your Zurich itinerary nonetheless has much more on the agenda.
Nightlife in Zurich
As the solar goes down, Zurich turns into a playground for night time owls. The nightlife is as various as it’s enjoyable and caters to all tastes. Start your night in the fashionable Kreis 5 district, a scorching spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Here, you’ll be able to dance the night time away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the trendy Bar 8001, or get pleasure from a relaxed night on the cozy Café des Amis.
For reside music lovers, Moods Club is a should. This place hosts an incredible mixture of performances, from jazz and blues to rock and pop, so there’s all the time one thing to maneuver to. If theater is your factor, the Theater am Neumarkt has a variety of performs, musicals, and dance performances, a cultural feast for the senses.
Attend an Event or Concert
Zurich’s occasion calendar is stuffed with enjoyable stuff all yr spherical. Whether you want movie, music, or meals, there’s all the time one thing to look ahead to. The Zurich Film Festival is a spotlight, attracting movie buffs from everywhere in the world with its nice program of screenings and occasions. Music lovers will benefit from the Zurich Jazz Festival; foodies can indulge on the Street Food Festival and take a look at meals from everywhere in the world.
In the summer time, the Zurich Openair Festival is a should, with reside music, meals, and drinks in a stupendous out of doors setting. In winter, you may get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive items, and a heat and comfy environment.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich
Today is all about taking in the views, experiencing the 2 completely different waterfronts of Zurich, indulging in some decadent Swiss Chocolate, and visiting the Lindt Factory for a tour and chocolate tasting.
Sunrise at Lindenhof
Today is an early begin as you make your method to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman fort is now a beautiful park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the outdated metropolis partitions. It is a stupendous place for dawn with views of the solar rising over the Limmat River, the Old Town, and Grossmünster cathedral. Seeing it at dawn is the proper time of day to beat the crowds and benefit from the peaceable solitude of the view.
St. Peter’s Church
From Lindenhof Hill, it’s now time to walk alongside the Limmat River in direction of St. Peter’s Church the place largest church clock in Europe resides. Dating again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside however you’ll be able to go into see it and it’s free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Since you awoke at dawn, it’s rather a lot to stroll again to the resort for breakfast, so as an alternative, make your method to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a beautiful place for a cappuccino and pastry to start out your day. You at the moment are able to have an incredible day exploring actions outdoors of the Old Town. It’s time to see Lake Zurich.
Bürkliplatz Pier
Bürkliplatz Pier is a sq. on Lake Zurich and the place to catch a ship in your journey across the lake. It has pretty scenic views of the mountain, the pier and the shores of Lake Zurich. By the way in which, there’s a vegetable market right here twice every week and a Sunday farmer’s market. So there’s a lot occurring at this gathering place. There’s additionally a unbelievable strolling path the place you may make your manner round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. But at the moment, as an alternative of strolling, you will use your Zurich Card to hop on the ferry to Wollishofen.
Boat to Wollishofen
Wolishofen is an artists group that was a former industrial space. It is crammed with artists . One fascinating indisputable fact that we realized about Wollishofen is that when giant builders make investments in property and growth in Zurich, a proportion of their funding should go to the artwork group. Wollishofen has many festivals and occasions and there are many locations to eat as nicely.
Cassiopeia Boardwalk
As you proceed your stroll alongside Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this lovely boardwalk on Lake Zurich is a superb place for a stroll. Another fascinating reality we realized is that waterfront property is now not being bought alongside Lake Zurich. The metropolis now makes certain that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that had been already owned earlier than the regulation got here into place, the town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the non-public properties. This manner, individuals can proceed to stroll round Lake Zurich unobstructed.
Lunch at Mönchhof am See on Lake Zurich
The morning of your second day is coming to an finish it’s time for lunch. There are loads of locations for lunch alongside Lake Zurich and we loved lunch at Mönchhof am See. It’s beer backyard is positioned on the water and overlooks an outdated harbour. Grab a recent salad with some truffle fries and benefit from the views of the Swiss Alps standing proud over Lake Zurich in the space. Don’t eat an excessive amount of, since you at the moment are going to essentially the most scrumptious cease in your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt Home of Chocolate
You can catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on in the afternoon. Lindt Home of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. If you want chocolate, you will love this interactive multimedia expertise. The cutting-edge constructing homes a testing plant the place chocolatiers develop new recipes and methods letting you peek into the artwork of chocolate making.
There are a number of experiences to select from however merely occurring the chocolate tour is superior as you study of the historical past of chocolate earlier than attending to style liquid chocolate from an array of chocolate fountains to chunks of chocolate to check your style buds and at last finish in a room with vats of Lindor candies prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
When you might be completed up on the chocolate museum, make your manner again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s most costly purchasing streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You can take the tram again to downtown utilizing your Zurich card and start the window purchasing as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly avenue. There are streetcars and site visitors, however the sidewalks are vast as you try the common high-end purchasing from Gucci to Rolex, and Chanel to Burberry. Once you’ve had your fill of gawking in the home windows it’s dinner time.
Niederdorfstrasse
Make your method to Paradeplatz to seek for a chunk to eat. We selected an out of doors seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was constructed in 1487 and is extraordinarily well-liked. The service was glorious and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the proper place to seize a chunk in Zurich.
Head to Quaibrücke for Sunset
Depending on the time of yr, you’ll in all probability be consuming earlier than sundown. In the peak of summer time with sundown late in the night, you’ll wish to eat first as we found the exhausting manner that restaurant’s kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrücke, the final bridge between Zurich Old Town and Lake Zurich. This is the traditional spot for pictures the place you’ll be able to see the entire Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It is a vigorous spot at sundown, so make certain to go throughout the road to see how The Alps mild up over Lake Zurich as nicely.
It is now time for relaxation as you’ve been up since dawn, so make it an early night time. The second day of your Zurich itinerary has come to an finish. If you could have your coronary heart set on a nightcap some options for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Old Crow for cocktails, or have a glass of champagne at Cafe Odeon the primary place the place champagne by the glass was ever served!
Zurich Day 3
It’s your closing day in your Zurich itinerary and at the moment is all in regards to the open air. The individuals of Zurich love the lake so make your method to the waterfront. Walk alongside the waterfront in direction of the Arboretum the place individuals sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a pleasing stroll as you make your method to Badi Enge the place it’s time for our favourite exercise in Zurich.
SUP on Lake Zurich
Badi Enge is a public swimming space on Lake Zurich with solar decks, swimming lanes, a restaurant, and a sauna. It has lovely views of the Alps, Lake Zurich, and the town. But one of the simplest ways to expertise it’s to hire a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You can take the boards by way of the marina after which onto the Schanzengraben Canal. This picturesque canal is to not be missed!
Relax at Seebad Enge
Once you might be accomplished paddleboarding, you might be free to go for a swim, loosen up on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You also can replenish your water bottle right here earlier than transferring on. Check for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge web site.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we mentioned you’ll be able to eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we suggest making your manner again to the outdated city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full and not using a fondue, so that is your likelihood. Swiss Chuchi is positioned in the guts of the Old Town. You at the moment are only a brief stroll to your subsequent cease.
Go as much as Uetliberg
After lunch, it’s time to hop on the tram to catch the practice to Uetliberg. It takes about an hour to get to by public transport from the Old Town, so this will likely be your total afternoon. But it’s price it. Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 toes) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the practice that goes practically to the highest. Once you arrive by practice, it’s a couple of 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unimaginable lookout.
There is a tower you could climb for 2CHF and it’s positively price it. We virtually didn’t put this on our Zurich itinerary and I’m so glad we made time for it. There are beautiful views of the town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. If you could have time, you’ll be able to go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automotive down from Felsenegg.
Sunset Over Lake Zurich
For your final night time in Zurich, seize a beer and make your manner all the way down to the Lake to look at the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Located on the east aspect of Lake Zurich is a public park on the lakeshore the place locals hang around in the night. This is a vigorous spot and provides lovely views. It is positioned simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the attractive Zurich Opera House. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is without doubt one of the largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
Once the solar goes down, make your manner throughout the bridge to the West Bank of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Located beneath the shade of enormous chestnut bushes, that is additionally a very good place for a beer in the afternoon solar. But in your closing night time in Zurich, it’s a very good conventional spot to have a beer and luxuriate in a pint of native brew.
How to Get Around Zurich
The finest method to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card offers entry to trains, trams, cable automobiles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally provides free or discounted admissions to museums. Make certain to validate your ticket earlier than you’re taking your first journey on transit. Once it’s validated, you don’t want to point out it except requested in the course of your ticket. Zurich Cards vary from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get extra particulars right here.
Select shops additionally provide reductions to Zurich Card holders to verify to ask.
Some of the very best museums to see in Zurich with the Zurich Card are are:
Kunsthaus Zürich
Museum Rietberg
Museum Haus Konstruktiv
FIFA World Football Museum
Landesmuseum
How to Get to Zurich
International flights arrive each day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the biggest airport in Switzerland. Trains run repeatedly from Zurich Airport to the primary Zurich Main Train Station, Hauptbahnhof. You can use your Swiss Travel Pass to take the practice. Did you realize that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest practice station in Europe? You can then use your Zurich Pass to hop on a tram to your resort, which could be very straightforward when touring in Zurich. This additionally comes in useful if you’re seeking to do a day journey from Zurich.
When you buy a Swiss Travel Pass, it contains:
Unlimited journey by practice, bus, and boatPublic transportation in greater than 90 cities and townsFree admission to greater than 500 museums all through SwitzerlandTwo free informative apps to assist plan your Switzerland journey are: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Travel Guide app
Where to Stay in Zurich
When searching for lodging in Zurich, staying in the Old Town is a good suggestion as it’s straightforward to get round. We stayed at Hotel Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of in all places. It additionally has parking when you have a automotive rental, a unbelievable restaurant, very good breakfasts included, and there are many historic regalia, together with an outdated ceramic wooden range and an outdated radio in the sitting room. Update: Unfortunately, this resort was closed in July 2022 however is about to re-open in 2025 beneath new administration.
Zurich will steal your coronary heart. We had all the time dreamed of visiting Zurich, and after three visits to Switzerland, we lastly managed to discover this thrilling cosmopolitan metropolis. If you might be planning a visit to Switzerland, make certain to spend three days in Zurich to actually expertise the entire superb issues to do in the town.
Note: