From being the largest city to the most happening spot in Switzerland, Zurich is a place that has always been enthralling and exciting to explore. Calling it a financial and economic hub won’t be wrong as Zurich is a well-known city in Europe that is supporting the industrial capitals. It is the urban vibes of the city that lures vacationers to spend some day at ease. When it comes to planning a vacation, there are so many places to visit in Zurich which are culturally vibrant and define modernity. There are museums, art galleries, ancient towns, and some Renaissance buildings speaking about the political history of Switzerland.
Top 12 Places to Visit in Zurich Which No Travelers Should Miss Exploring
Zurich speaks for the city vibe and nightlife of Switzerland. The city, along with its fascinating natural charm also has some top man-made attractions, designed with the best architecture and design. We have listed some top places that will surely add some thrill and frills to your vacation in this Swiss city.
- Lake Zurich
- Fraumünster
- Niederdorf- The Old Town
- Limmatquai and the Rathaus
- Swiss National Museum
- Grossmünster (Great Minster)
- Bahnhofstrasse and the Bahnhof
- St. Peter's Church
- Kunsthaus (Museum of Fine Arts)
- Lindt Home of Chocolate
- Zurich Zoo
- Irchelpark
1. Lake Zurich
With the swans floating around and the blue refreshing waters, Lake Zurich is the main highlight of the city. What makes it one of the best things to see in Zurich is the serenity you won’t find in the city. Today, the lake stands as a hub where tourists and locals enjoy a day with family, boating, or just a picnic on its bank. Cruises and activities like swimming and surfing are also hosted for the adventure freaks.
The lake is enclosed by a lush green chain of forest and there are many small islands which make it quite special and unique from other lakes in Switzerland. The entire shoreline of Lake Zurich is brimming with some fancy and cozy hotspots like cafes and boutique shops to kill some leisure time.
Location: Mythenquai 333, 8038, Zürich
Timing: N/A
Things To do: Boating, Cruise, Picnic, Shopping
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2. Fraumünster
Fraumünster or the Women’s church is one of the most significant places to see in Zurich. In 853 an abbey was found here for the aristocratic women of Europe, by the emperor Ludwig for his daughter, Hildegard. Talking about design and architecture, this church is a marvel to witness, adorning some of the best carving and use of metals. This is a three-aisled church that has a pillared basilica with a Gothic nave. The design represents the art of the 13th to the 15th centuries, while the remains of the crypt under the undercroft represent the 9th-century abbey church.
Another fascinating aspect of this attraction in Switzerland is the excellent use of five stained-glass windows, depicting a story in beautiful colors and patterns. Well, you have to visit this Zurich attraction to get to know the folks painted on the window.
Location: Münsterhof, Zürich
Timing: All Days from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Opened in: 853 AD
Built by: Louis the German
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3. Niederdorf- The Old Town
The old town of Zurich is way more magnificent than any other place to go in Zurich. The historic charm and magical aura of the town make it quite interesting for those who love vintage hues. While there are many places, it is the Niederdorf area that makes the old town quite famous. There are some of the best cafes and restaurants in Switzerland that will take you back in time. These boutique shops and marketplaces are surely the best attraction here, which will leave you in awe. Now, what makes Niederdorf so unique is the laid-back beauty and the vibrant streets. You can shop or have leisure time strolling around. Even just by exploring the neighborhoods, you can receive an idea of the warren of lovely streets in Old Town as well as an best architecture of the city's layout.
Location: Right bank of Limmat River, 8001
Time Required: 2-4 hours
Best Attractions: Boutique cafes, Restaurants, Market places
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4. Limmatquai and the Rathaus
The Zürich Rathaus, which overlooks the Limmat River and spans both the river and a small plaza, is considered one of Europe's finest city halls. Known to be the best place to visit in Zurich, the Rathaus, or Town Hall, of Zürich was built between 1694 and 1698 with a blend of Renaissance and Northern German Baroque styles. You can tour the ceremonial hall and grand room, visit the modern museum on the top floor, or just take in the views from the plaza below. The interior also features frescoes by Hans Holbein, who spent time in Zürich during his lifetime. The exquisite stained-glass windows found here range in age from the late 1200s to the 1960s, making it an interesting mix and the finest attraction in Europe to visit.
Location: Limmatquai 72, Zürich, Zug 8001
Opening Hours: NA
Entry Fees: Open to all
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5. Swiss National Museum
The Swiss National Museum is a castle-like structure with neo-Gothic embellishments housing an excellent museum showcasing Switzerland's cultural past. This Zurich attraction has a medieval wall painting, as well as a collection of antique stained glass, which is particularly intriguing. The exhibits are organised around four themes: early migration and settlement, religious and intellectual history, political history, and Switzerland's economic development. The Collections Gallery showcases 20 exhibitions of Swiss handicrafts.
The Collections Gallery showcases 20 exhibitions of Swiss handicrafts and products. It is by far the most important collection of Swiss historic and cultural objects, with about 820,000 items from prehistory to the twentieth century. It is the architecture that makes it a prominent place to visit in Zurich Switzerland.
Location: Museumstrasse 2, Zurich, ZH 8001
Opening Hours:
- Museum, boutique and bistro
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Library
- Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday 10:00 - 18:00
- Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
- Saturday and Monday: closed
Entry fee: 10 Swiss francs
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6. Grossmünster (Great Minster)
The Grossmünster also called Great Minster is one of Zurich's top attractions that attracts tourists for its bygone charm and fascinating history. Also known as the Romanesque church, which stands on an open terrace, the church dominates the city skyline with its perfectly designed twin towers. A three-aisled galleried basilica, built during the 11th and 13th centuries, this Romanesque church is filled with Gothic paintings and remnants of earlier sculptures. Its great stained-glass windows light up the interior.
Taking a tour of the church is surely the best thing to do in Switzerland. The towers' upper levels date from 1487, but the domed tops were constructed in 1782. The two modern bronze doors completed in 1935-36, the sculptured Romanesque capitals - including one depicting scenes of the Last Judgment - and the remains of Gothic wall paintings are worth seeing.
Location: Grossmünsterplatz, 8001, Zürich
Opening Hours: N/A
Built-in: 1100
Founded By: Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne.
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7. Bahnhofstrasse and the Bahnhof
The Bahnhofstrasse is, as the name implies, built along the tracks of the railway station. This busy pedestrianized street is best for Zurich sightseeing on the Switzerland Tour. It stretches a long distance, starting from the main train station to the Bürkliplatz at the lake's head, and forms the central section of this shopping area in Zürich. Although many of the stores along it sell furs, clothes, and jewelry, their well-decorated windows, and the buildings are an attraction itself, which are worth exploring while strolling. The central section of the street was erected in 1867 after an old moat was filled in; later extensions finished off its current look. The Bahnhof attracts crowds of tourists and city dwellers alike on most days of the year, but it really comes alive during the annual Christmas market. It's the city's main shopping street, where you'll find high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton and Swatch.
Location: Bahnhofstrasse 46, Zurich 8001 Switzerland
Time requires: 2-3Hours
Top Attractions: Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich, Paradeplatz, Christmas Market
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8. St. Peter's Church
The St. Peter Church is the oldest parish church and one of the best things to see in Zurich, which has been rebuilt several times since. The bell tower houses five bells, Switzerland's largest clock-face, and a beautiful interior designed in Baroque style. In addition to being the oldest parish church, it is also one of the world's largest clock faces. St. Peter has a Romanesque choir beneath the tower, three aisles for worshippers with galleries on either side and Baroque details including wall paintings and an elaborate stucco ceiling. While the 9th-century foundation walls are visible beneath the chancel today, it was also equipped with large clock dials in 1538, which stood as the world's largest timepiece until 1710. The church also has colorful stained-glass windows from Gothic times.
Location: St.-Peter-Hofstatt, 8001, Zürich
Opening Hours:
- Saturday: 10:00-16:00
- Sunday: 11:00-17:00
Built-In: 1706
Founded by: Protestant rule
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9. Kunsthaus (Museum of Fine Arts)
The Kunsthaus Zurich is an epitome of artistic brilliance and cultural enrichment located in the heart of Zurich city. This Museum of Fine Arts, which is well-known for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, takes guests on an enthralling tour through centuries of creative expression and invention. Founded in 19th century, the museum has an extensive collection of art ranging from the works of international classics like Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh to the renowned Swiss artists like Ferdinand Hodler and Alberto Giacometti. Apart from its permanent exhibits, the Kunsthaus Zurich also hosts an exciting array of temporary exhibitions, showcasing the work of emerging talents and exploring timely themes and concepts in contemporary art, making it one of the best places to visit in Zurich.
Location: Heimpl. 1/5, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Remains closed on Monday)
Time required: 2 to 3 hours
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10. Lindt Home of Chocolate
Lindt Home of Chocolate is an iconic attraction that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Switzerland with the exquisite craftmanship of chocolates. One of the best things to do in Zurich is to embark on a delightful and immersive journey by visiting this paradise where you will be transported to a fascinating world of chocolates. The attraction has a range of interactive displays and multimedia installations that provide visitors with an understanding of the history of chocolate-making, from its prehistoric beginnings to Lindt's contemporary production techniques. After exploring the Lindt Museum, visitors can savor delectable sweets and chocolates by stopping at the on-site chocolate shop, buy some as souvenirs from the land of famous Swiss chocolates.
Location: Schokoladenplatz 1, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Time required: 3 to 4 hours
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11. Zurich Zoo
Situated amid the lush greenery of Zurich, Switzerland, the Zurich Zoo which was founded in 1929 offers visitors a captivating journey into the world of incredible wildlife conservation. With a diverse range of more than 380 exotic wildlife species, the Zurich Zoo will offer you an opportunity to discover various natural habitats like Lewa Savana, Masoala Rainforest, Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park, Australia, Aquarium, Mongolian Steppe, and Zoolino. Spot on various marine life species like Andaman Damsel, Atlantic Lookdown, Flame Angel, Epaulette Shark, Elegant Unicornfish, etc., at Zuri’s Aquarium, one of the best places to visit in Zurich to discover the natural eccentricities. Never forget to go on nature walks and wildlife safaris and enjoy close encounters with them.
Location: Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Time required: 3 to 4 hours
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12. Irchelpark
Irchelpark was founded in the late 19th century and has grown to become an idyllic destination for families, joggers, picnickers, and nature lovers looking for a break from the hectic pace of the city. The park offers lots of space for leisure and recreation, beckoning people to detoxify, re-establish a connection with the natural world, and rejuvenate themselves amid verdant grass, towering trees, and winding walkways. One of the best things to do in Switzerland is to take a leisurely stroll all along the park and marvel at the colorful blooms like fragrant rose gardens to the tranquil ponds which also provide a home to a plethora of mammals, birds, and butterflies and a feast for the senses.
Location: Hirschwiesen strasse 10, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Time required: 3 to 4 hours
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Now as you have a complete list of the best places to visit in Zurich, you can make your vacation as interesting and exciting as you want. From old towns to churches and marketplaces this city has a vibe that makes all go crazy for a vacation. From honeymooners to families and travelers, this is the city that has everything for all. You can book your Switzerland tour packages anytime and discover the best of Zurich as it is a year-round destination, perfect for your vacation break. So, pack your bags and get set for an incredible Swiss holiday experience.
FAQ’s
Zurich is a year-round destination but it is the best city to visit in December for celebrating Christmas or the new year. You can shop or dine in at fancy restaurants, enjoy nightlife and so much more.
Zurich has the best attractions for everyone offering the best vacation to enjoy. Some of the best places to visit in Zurich are:
- Lake Zurich
- Bahnhofstrasse
- Grossmünster
- St Peter Church
- Niederdorf
The St. Peter church in Zürich's oldest parish church, with an early 13th-century Romanesque choir beneath the tower and a Baroque nave with three aisles and galleries.
Bahnhofstrasse is a popular spot for everyone to stroll. It's home to the city's most well-decorated windows and buildings, making it a great spot for shoppers. Being a shopping street, this is the place where you'll find high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton and Swatch.
The Grossmünster was built as a Romanesque church with a three-aisled galleried basilica. It was built during the 11th and 13th centuries and is filled with Gothic paintings and remnants of earlier sculptures. Its great stained-glass windows light up the interior.
Lake Zurich is the best place to enjoy a day with family. You can go boating or just have a picnic on its bank, book a cruise or enjoy activities like swimming and surfing. The entire shoreline of Lake Zurich is brimming with some fancy and cozy hotspots like cafes and boutique shops to kill some leisure time.
Zurich is the commercial, financial, and tourist hub of Switzerland. It has some of the best city vibe and nightlife in Switzerland, housing top museums and churches. The city has some top natural and man-made attractions, designed with the best architecture and design.
Niederdorf is located in the old town of Zurich, on the right bank of the Limmat river. The historic charm and magical aura of the town make it quite interesting for those who love vintage hues. There are some of the best cafes and boutique shops and marketplaces too.
A minimum of 2 days is required for Zurich to cover the major highlights of the city including the Zurich Lake, Fraumusnter, Niederdorf, Swiss National Museum, etc. You can even extend your trip in Zurich based on your preferences.
Zurich is mostly famous for the iconic cultural landmarks like the museums and art galleries which will transport you to a world of art and creativity. Moreover, Lake Zurich is also another highlight of Zurich city which offers plenty of scenic vistas for an everlasting effect.
