Zurich: a must-see destination in Switzerland

Dernière mise à jour de cet article le 1 September 2024

Despite my frequent visits to Switzerland, I’ve never taken the time to visit Zurich. So, for this new trip to Switzerland, I wanted to discover the hidden treasures of Switzerland’s largest city. And for the record, it’s not Zurich that’s the capital of Switzerland, but Berne.

From culture and gastronomy to iconic landmarks, Zurich is packed with must-sees. Discover my tips for a memorable visit!

At the end of the article, read the opinion of Kiki, whose favorite word is Grüezi (hello in Swiss German).

Introducing Zurich

Zurich, with a population of around 443,000, is located in northern Switzerland. It is nestled along the shores of Lake Zurich and surrounded by the mountains of the Alps.

Zurich is also a major global financial center, home to numerous banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.

Zurich is also renowned for its high-level academic institutions. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) is one of the most prestigious technical universities in the world. In fact, it was attended by Albert Einstein!

Visit Zurich’sOld Town

To discover Zurich’s old town, I took a two-hour guided tour (in English) offered by Zurich’s tourist office.

The tour begins in Zurich’s main railway station. It’s a station I’m getting to know very well, and now to tame… Indeed, I got lost many times in this huge station!

On this tour, we walked through the medieval streets of the old town to discover Zurich’s historic architecture, quaint boutiques and charming cafés.

Take time to admire the facades of the buildings. I say it a lot, but I’m still amazed when I look up.

We passed through Zurich’s main squares, such as Münsterhof and Spiegelgasse Platz.

What’s more, if you’re in Zurich’s Old Town, it’s impossible not to see iconic buildings like the Fraumünster church.

Grossmünster Church

The Grossmünster church is one of Zurich’s most emblematic historical monuments. It occupies an important place in the city’s religious and cultural history.

Grossmünster Church has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. According to legend, the church was founded in the 9th century by Charlemagne himself. However, construction actually began in the 12th century. The church was a major religious and political center in Zurich, and played an important role in the Swiss Reformation in the 16th century.

To get there, take the famous Münsterbrücke bridge.

The church is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture. Indeed, it boasts two distinctive twin towers that rise above Zurich’s old town and have become a symbol of the city. In fact, you can climb the towers to enjoy panoramic views of the city and Lake Zurich.

The oppressive heat during my visit discouraged me from climbing the towers. Next time I’m in Zurich, I’ll go!

Find the best view of Zurich

Want a splendid view of Zurich? Then I recommend a visit to Lindenhof Square, in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town. This picturesque hill offers panoramic views of the Old Town, Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps.

Lindenhof was once the site of a Roman fort called “Turicum”, built around 15 BC. Later, in the Middle Ages, it became the site of a castle. Today, vestiges of these eras remain, including the Roman ramparts and traces of the medieval castle.

It’s also famous for the centuries-old lime trees that give it its name (Linden means lime tree in German).

The panoramic view over Zurich is incredible.

The Lindenhof is within easy walking distance of Zurich city center. In fact, it’s just a stone’s throw from Zurich station. It’s a place not to be missed on your visit to Zurich.

After 2 hours, the tour was unfortunately over. I really recommend this guided tour of Zurich to learn a lot of interesting information.

Strolling along Lake Zurich

After my visit to Zurich’s old town, I went for a walk along Lake Zurich. I really like Zurich for its proximity to the lake and the city center. It’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax by the lake in less than a 10-minute walk.

You can also take a cruise on Lake Zurich. That’s what I did the first time I came to Zurich. I went as far as Rapperswil Jona. It’s still a very fond memory. In fact, I went back to visit Rapperswil Jona, a town I’d recommend to you!

Strolling along the banks of the Limmat in Zurich

The Limmat is a river that rises in the canton of Glarus and flows through several regions before emptying into Lake Zurich. It then flows through Zurich’s city center before ending up in the Aare River at Baden. The Limmat plays an important role in Zurich’s geography and history, as it divides the city into two parts: the west bank (where the old town is located) and the east bank.

Stroll along the Limmat River. It adds a picturesque touch to the city with its tree-lined quays, historic bridges and sparkling waters.

In fact, the banks of the Limmat are a popular spot for strolling, cycling, picnicking and spending time with family and friends.

You can even take a dip in the Limmat to cool off!

Visit Zurich and climb the Uetliberg

In a different style, you can go to theUetliberg. In fact, it’s not water, but a mountain located some 10 kilometers west of Zurich city center. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city of Zurich, Lake Zurich and the surrounding Alps.

There are several hiking trails leading to the summit, each offering magnificent views and varied landscapes. The Uetliberg summit is also equipped with an observation tower, allowing you to admire a 360-degree panoramic view of the town and surrounding mountains.

Accessibility :

Uetliberg is easily accessible from Zurich. You can take a train from Zurich main station to Uetliberg station. From there, you can begin your hike to the summit. It’s a 10-minute walk to the top.

A must-see when visiting Zurich!

Visit Zurich and shop on Bahnhofstrasse

Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse is one of the world’s most prestigious and emblematic shopping streets. It stretches for around 1.4 kilometers. It runs from Zurich’s main railway station to the picturesque shores of Lake Zurich. This wide, elegant pedestrian street is lined with magnificent architecture and a variety of high-end boutiques and stores.

However, this really isn’t my favorite street in Zurich. I find it overpriced and the stores inaccessible for my budget!

Visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum

Here’s an idea for an outing that’s sure to delight all chocolate lovers! The Lindt Chocolate Museum, officially called the “Lindt Home of Chocolate”, is located in Kilchberg, near Zurich. It’s an immersive experience that plunges you into the history and manufacture of chocolate.

The museum offers a complete overview of the history of chocolate, from its ancient origins to its evolution. You can discover the different stages of chocolate production, from the cultivation of cocoa trees to the transformation of the beans into delicious bars and pralines.

Of course, a visit to the Musée du Chocolat wouldn’t be complete without Lindt chocolate tastings. You’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of chocolate flavors and textures.

If you have a sweet tooth, you can now book your ticket for the Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum.

How long does it take to visit Zurich?

One day is the minimum to visit Zurich. You can visit the Old Town, stroll along Lake Zurich, stroll along the Limatt and climb to the top of the Ueltilberg.

However, I’d recommend spending two days in Zurich if you want to take more time and visit museums.

How to get to Zurich

There are direct flights between Paris and Zurich. In fact, Zurich airport is one of my favorite airports. Clean, fast and on time!

You can also come to Zurich by train. I say this a lot, but I love taking the train in Switzerland. Never late! Train fares are high in Switzerland. However, you can opt for the Swiss Travel Pass. For a limited time, you can travel as much as you like by train. Ideal for discovering Switzerland!

Getting around Zurich

You can start your tour of Zurich at the main station and then stroll through Zurich’s city center, lakeside and Limat quays on foot without any problems.

What’s more, there are several streetcar lines serving the city.

Sightseeing in and around Zurich

Zurich is the ideal starting point for visiting German-speaking Switzerland, whether by train or by car. So here are a few destinations close to Zurich that will appeal to you. And if you’d like to find out more about Switzerland, click on the link to read the article.

Visit St. Gallen

St. Gallen is about 1 hour from Zurich. Take the opportunity to discover this magnificent city with its UNESCO World Heritage Abbey.

See the article on what to do in St. Gallen. By the way, I’m told that Kiki is very fond of St. Gallen.

Discover the Appenzell region

Appenzell is a 1hr 10min drive from Zurich. This rural region of Switzerland will seduce you with its mountains and its lifestyle.

See article on the Appenzell region.

See the Rhine Falls, the largest in Europe.

The Rhine Falls are 40 minutes from Zurich. I really recommend discovering them. I really fell in love with it!

Read our article on the Rhine Falls. You can also take the opportunity to visit the beautiful town of Schaffhausen and discover some incredible places around Lake Constance.

Getting to Lucerne

Lucerne is just 50 minutes from Zurich. Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the city combines the captivating history of its medieval architecture. The Kapellbrücke bridge, one of Switzerland’s most famous landmarks, will captivate you. You’ll have a breathtaking view of the crystal-clear lake and surrounding snow-capped peaks.

What to do in Lucerne Read my article about Lucerne and our excursion to Mount Pilatus.

Visit Solothurn, Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque town

Solothurn, 1hr 10mins from Zurich, is worth discovering for its architecture and pleasant surroundings. We were charmed.

Discover the Emmental region for gourmets

The Emmental region is about an hour and a half’s drive from Zurich. The perfect opportunity to discover the history and production of Emmental cheese. A holiday you’re sure to enjoy!

Discover incredible peaks

A little further on, just under 2 hours away, you can go to Interlaken. This is the starting point for trips to the Jungfraujoch, the roof of Europe, and the Schilthorn. Two excursions we made that are among our fondest memories of Switzerland.

Finally, if you love the mountains, you can spend a weekend in Saint Moritz, which is only 3 hours from Zurich.

Kiki’s opinion on this visit to Zurich

German is a difficult language, let alone Swiss German! And in Zurich, the locals are notorious for their rather harsh and strong accentuation of words. But one word sounds just like it does everywhere else in Switzerland: Grüezi!

Aside from the unmistakable dialect, Kiki really likes Zurich: a beautiful lake with historic buildings lining the Limmat, it’s exactly to his taste! In Zurich, you can experience everything. As well as cultural diversity, there are plenty of concerts and sporting events (teams from all sports are in the top league). The geographical location is also excellent. In fact, in about an hour, you can get to so many beautiful places, as you’ve seen above.

In his heart, Kiki is clearly attached to Eastern Switzerland, and yet he has to admit without jealousy just how beautiful Zurich is!