The Perfect 3 Days in Zurich, Switzerland (Updated 2024)

Zurich is usually on the prime of any Switzerland itinerary. Because the monetary capital of the nation, the most important 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 enable you plan the proper three days in Zurich, from selecting the most effective 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! In the present day, we’re going to get acquainted with the Previous City, however we’re then going to move to the hippest a part of Zurich, Zurich West. That is the place the outdated meets the brand new, and you’re going to see the most effective of each. We extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of the Previous City to see the top landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour once 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 points of interest in a short while.

Zurich Itinerary Day 1

Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Previous City and Zurich West. If you’re staying within the Previous City, you possibly can stroll to all of the points of interest after which hop on public transit for a brief and straightforward 10-minute journey to Zurich West.

Observe: One of the best ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It gives limitless journey by bus, practice, cableway, and tram, plus you possibly can take brief boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get more details here. To discover the Previous City, it’s simply accomplished by foot as there are a lot of pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.

Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Previous City

After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 below new administration) within the Previous City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was simple to make our method to see the most effective landmarks in Previous City.

1. Rechberg Gardens 

Situated straight beside Resort Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are one of the scenic spots in Zurich. They’re straight behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other in style landmark in Zurich. Relationship again to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It’s thought of a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque model Rechberg Gardens is a peaceable method to begin the day.

2. College of Zurich View

As you proceed your morning stroll, make your method to probably the greatest viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Expertise (ETH) on the College of Zurich affords panoramic views of the Previous City, 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 within the metropolis 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 effectively.

3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt

After getting ignored Zurich from the College, it’s a good and straightforward stroll downhill via the Previous City of Zurich (Altstadt). A part of the appeal of visiting Zurich is to buy within the boutiques within the Previous City, seek for its many fountains, and discover the proper espresso store to sit down on a patio for prime people-watching. Different issues to see within the Previous City: 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

Earlier than you permit the West Financial institution of the Limmat River, don’t miss visiting essentially the most iconic constructing in Zurich. Grossmünster (Nice Minster) Cathedral. Legend has it that when Charlemagne found the graves of town’s patrons, he constructed a church upon them.

When you go into the crypt within 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 too 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 town.

5. Cross the Münsterbrücke

A lot of the Previous City’s fundamental points of interest crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no journey to Zurich can be full with out crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmünster throughout the Limmat River on to Fraumünster. Be sure to cease and take within the views. It affords an unobstructed view of a few of the most lovely locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Previous city Corridor) as you make your means from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..

6. Fraumünster Church

Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Girl) 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

After getting seen a few of the finest sights within the outdated city it’s time to see Zurich’s hippest neighborhood, Zurich West. This can be a tremendous 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 Backyard) for Lunch

Seize a late lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Backyard). This outside occasion area is a backyard neighborhood with eateries, bars, and the proper place to seize a beer. The funky ambiance units the tone to your afternoon in Zurich West.  Visit the website for opening occasions, menu and reservations.

Freitag Tower

Probably the most recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. It’s possible you’ll know the title, Freitag, the trendy luggage are constituted of recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is positioned in Zurich West and you’ll’t miss its 19 stacked delivery containers reaching 26 meters (85 ft) into the air.

City Surf

Proper subsequent door is without doubt one of the most original issues to do in Zurich. City Surf is a incredible spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Seashore umbrellas line a deck surrounding a large wave pool. You possibly can hop in to catch a wave or just chill out within the solar as you take pleasure in a cocktail. Visit Urban Surf website for classes, costs and opening hours.

Go Artwork Looking

After you’ve loved slightly enjoyable within 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 Resort Zurich-West, or you possibly can go into Maag Corridor to see the newest shows (at the moment LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the newest displays.

Store 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 comprises boutique outlets and eating places positioned inside 36 arches below the viaduct. You too can stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some incredible views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.

Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant

After getting had your fill of procuring, make your method to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is incredible, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There may be indoor and outside seating. Visit their website for reservations. Reality be advised, Zurich affords many eating places, particularly round in style areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with a wide range of eating choices.

Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower

When you nonetheless have power, keep out after darkish in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in Prime Tower. Prime Tower is the very best tower in Zurich (second highest in Switzerland). Clouds is on the thirty fifth ground and affords an excellent view of Zurich being the very best bar in Zurich. You possibly can have dinner there if you wish to splurge as effectively.

It’s been a full day, so get on the tram along with your Zurich Card and make your means again to your resort as a result of your Zurich itinerary nonetheless has much more on the agenda.

Nightlife in Zurich

Because the solar goes down, Zurich turns into a playground for evening owls. The nightlife is as diverse as it’s enjoyable and caters to all tastes. Begin your night within the fashionable Kreis 5 district, a scorching spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Right here, you possibly can dance the evening away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the trendy Bar 8001, or take pleasure in a relaxed night on the cozy Café des Amis.

For stay music lovers, Moods Membership 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 Occasion or Live performance

Zurich’s occasion calendar is stuffed with enjoyable stuff all yr spherical. Whether or not you want movie, music, or meals, there’s all the time one thing to look ahead to. The Zurich Movie Pageant 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 Pageant; foodies can indulge on the Avenue Meals Pageant and take a look at meals from everywhere in the world.

In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Pageant is a should, with stay music, meals, and drinks in a gorgeous outside setting. In winter, you may get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive items, and a heat and comfortable ambiance.

Zurich Itinerary Day 2

Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich

In the present day is all about taking within the views, experiencing the 2 completely different waterfronts of Zurich, indulging in some decadent Swiss Chocolate, and visiting the Lindt Manufacturing unit for a tour and chocolate tasting.

Dawn at Lindenhof

In the present day is an early begin as you make your method to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman fortress is now a beautiful park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the outdated metropolis partitions. It’s a lovely place for dawn with views of the solar rising over the Limmat River, the Previous City, 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. Relationship again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside however you possibly can go into see it and it’s free to enter.

Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz

Because you awakened at dawn, it’s so much 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 are actually able to have an incredible day exploring actions exterior of the Previous City. It’s time to see Lake Zurich.

Bürkliplatz Pier

Bürkliplatz Pier is a sq. on Lake Zurich and the place to catch a ship to your journey across the lake. It has beautiful 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 per week and a Sunday farmer’s market. So there’s a lot occurring at this gathering place. There’s additionally a incredible strolling path the place you can also make your means round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However right now, as an alternative of strolling, you’re going to use your Zurich Card to hop on the ferry to Wollishofen.

Boat to Wollishofen

Wolishofen is an artists neighborhood that was a former industrial space. It’s crammed with artists . One attention-grabbing incontrovertible fact that we discovered about Wollishofen is that when massive builders spend money on property and improvement in Zurich, a proportion of their funding should go to the artwork neighborhood. Wollishofen has many festivals and occasions and there are many locations to eat as effectively.

Cassiopeia Boardwalk

As you proceed your stroll alongside Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this lovely boardwalk on Lake Zurich is an excellent place for a stroll. One other attention-grabbing reality we discovered is that waterfront property is not being bought alongside Lake Zurich. Town now makes positive that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that have been already owned earlier than the legislation got here into place, town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal houses. 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 many 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. Seize a recent salad with some truffle fries and benefit from the views of the Swiss Alps standing proud over Lake Zurich within the distance. Don’t eat an excessive amount of, since you are actually going to essentially the most scrumptious cease in your Zurich itinerary.

Lindt Residence of Chocolate

You possibly can catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt Residence of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. When you like chocolate, you’re going to love this interactive multimedia expertise. The state-of-the-art 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 be taught 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 goodies prepared so that you can eat!

Bahnhofstrasse

If you find yourself completed up on the chocolate museum, make your means again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s most costly procuring streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You possibly can take the tram again to downtown utilizing your Zurich card and start the window procuring as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly avenue. There are streetcars and visitors, however the sidewalks are huge as you take a look at the common high-end procuring from Gucci to Rolex, and Chanel to Burberry. When you’ve had your fill of gawking within the home windows it’s supper 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 in-built 1487 and is extraordinarily in style. The service was wonderful and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the proper place to seize a chunk in Zurich.

Head to Quaibrücke for Sundown

Relying on the time of yr, you’ll in all probability be consuming earlier than sundown. Within the top of summer season with sundown late within the night, you’ll need to eat first as we found the exhausting means that restaurant’s kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrücke, the final bridge between Zurich Previous City and Lake Zurich. That is the traditional spot for images the place you possibly can see all the Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a vigorous spot at sundown, so be certain to go throughout the road to see how The Alps gentle up over Lake Zurich as effectively.

It’s now time for relaxation as you’ve been up since dawn, so make it an early evening. The second day of your Zurich itinerary has come to an finish. You probably have your coronary heart set on a nightcap some solutions for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Previous 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 ultimate day in your Zurich itinerary and right now is all in regards to the open air. The individuals of Zurich love the lake so make your method to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in direction of the Arboretum the place individuals sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a nice 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 town. However one of the simplest ways to expertise it’s to lease a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You possibly can take the boards via the marina after which onto the Schanzengraben Canal. This picturesque canal is to not be missed!

Calm down at Seebad Enge

As soon as you’re accomplished paddleboarding, you’re free to go for a swim, chill out on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You too can refill your water bottle right here earlier than shifting on. Test for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge website.

Lunch at Swiss Chuchi

I do know that we mentioned you possibly can eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we suggest making your means again to the outdated city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full with out a fondue, so that is your likelihood. Swiss Chuchi is positioned within the coronary heart of the Previous City. You are actually 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 Previous City, so this will probably be your whole afternoon. However it’s price it. Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 ft) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the practice that goes practically to the highest. When you arrive by practice, it’s a few 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unimaginable lookout.

There’s a tower that you would be able to 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 attractive views of town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. You probably have time, you possibly can go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automobile down from Felsenegg.

Sundown Over Lake Zurich

On your final evening in Zurich, seize a beer and make your means right down to the Lake to observe the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Situated on the east facet of Lake Zurich is a public park on the lakeshore the place locals hand around in the night. This can be a vigorous spot and affords lovely views. It’s positioned simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the gorgeous Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is without doubt one of the largest squares in Switzerland.

Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli

As soon as the solar goes down, make your means throughout the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Situated below the shade of huge chestnut bushes, that is additionally a great place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However to your ultimate evening in Zurich, it’s a great conventional spot to have a beer and revel in a pint of native brew.

Get Round Zurich

One of the best ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card provides entry to trains, trams, cable vehicles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally affords free or discounted admissions to museums. Be sure to validate your ticket earlier than you’re taking your first journey on transit. As soon as it’s validated, you don’t want to point out it except requested at some point of your ticket. Zurich Playing cards vary from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get more details here.

Choose shops additionally provide reductions to Zurich Card holders to verify to ask.

• Among the finest museums to see in Zurich with the Zurich Card are are:
  • Kunsthaus Zürich
  • Museum Rietberg
  • Museum Haus Konstruktiv
  • FIFA World Soccer Museum
  • Landesmuseum

Get to Zurich

Worldwide flights arrive each day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the most important airport in Switzerland. Trains run commonly from Zurich Airport to the primary Zurich Predominant Prepare Station, Hauptbahnhof. You should use your Swiss Journey Cross to take the practice. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest practice station in Europe? You possibly can then use your Zurich Cross to hop on a tram to your resort, which may be very simple when touring in Zurich. This additionally turns out to be useful in case you are seeking to do a day journey from Zurich.

If you buy a Swiss Journey Cross, it consists of:

Limitless journey by practice, bus, and boat
Public transportation in additional than 90 cities and cities
Free admission to greater than 500 museums all through Switzerland
Two free informative apps to assist plan your Switzerland journey are: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Travel Guide app

The place to Keep in Zurich

When searching for lodging in Zurich, staying within the Previous City is a good suggestion as it’s simple to get round. We stayed at Resort Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of all over the place. It additionally has parking when you’ve got a automobile rental, a incredible restaurant, very good breakfasts included, and there are many historic regalia, together with an outdated ceramic wooden range and an outdated radio within the sitting room. Replace: Sadly, this resort was closed in July 2022 however is ready to re-open in 2025 below 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’re planning a visit to Switzerland, be certain to spend three days in Zurich to really expertise all the superb issues to do within the metropolis.

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