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Wondering what to do in Zurich, Switzerland for your first-time visit? This list of the best things to do in Zurich in 1 or 2 days includes all top attractions, museums, restaurants, and nightlife spots as recommended by a local.
After living in Zurich for more than 6 years, I think I can confidently call myself a local. In 6 years, you really get to know a place and feel at home, establish routines and find favorite spots.
Since 2013, my boyfriend and I had also received countless visits from friends and family that we showed around the city ourselves. So, we got pretty good at organizing Zurich itineraries and activities – or at least that’s what they tell us!
That is to say, if you want to explore Zurich like a local, you’ve come to the right place.
Switzerland’s biggest city and financial capital is best known for its banks, high prices and top quality of life. But it has much more to offer, from beautiful sights and architecture to world-class museums and a rich cultural life.
So without further ado, here are the best things to do in Zurich whether you have 1 or 2 days to enjoy the city.
Read more:
- The Best 10 Day Trips from Zurich, Switzerland
- Lucerne Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Lucerne in One Day
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Best things to do in Zurich in 1 day
Take in the views from Üetliberg
If all you have is one day in Zurich, I recommend starting your itinerary at the top of the city.
At 871 meters above sea level, Üetliberg offers the most beautiful views of the city and the lake, all the way to the Swiss Alps.
This pleasant city mountain is easily accessible by train from Zurich main railway station, or by foot through one of its many walking paths. Beware though that the hiking up takes around 1 hour, so if you are short on time, I recommend taking the train instead.
Once you reach the top you can climb the look-out tower, for breathtaking views, or sit on the terrace of the Uto Kulm hotel, for a taste of Zurich specialties.
Shop at Bahnhofstrasse
Considered one of the most expensive shopping avenues in the world, the famous Bahnhofstrasse is a Zurich must-see.
Connecting the main railway station to the lake, this pedestrian street offers everything you can possibly want and pay for, from swiss chocolate to haute couture.
Boasting many luxury brands, including Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Armani, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Prada, its 1,4 kilometers are also home to more affordable fast fashion stores like H&M, Zara or Mango.
Bahnhofstrasse is also a good spot for people-watching. Just sit in one of the many sidewalk cafés or restaurants and enjoy the lively scene.
Have lunch at the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world
Hiltl is my absolute favorite restaurant in Zurich!
Founded in 1898, it is also a Guinness record holder as the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world.
Most importantly, it takes vegetarian cuisine to a whole new level in terms of quality and deliciousness.
Seriously, even if you’re not a fan of veggie food I promise you’ll love this place – we’ve taken so many people here that were a bit skeptical at first but ended up really liking it and even wanting to visit again for a second meal.
Hiltl popular pay-by-weight buffet offers specialties from around the world and is surprisingly affordable for Swiss standards.
They also have à la carte restaurant service, but if this is your first time I suggest going for the buffet and trying a variety of flavors. You won’t be disappointed!
Explore Zurich old town
In the afternoon, explore Zurich old town.
Start your visit at Augustinergasse, once home to the medieval artisans of Zurich.
With colorful houses, wooden bay windows, tourist shops, cafés and restaurants, this pedestrian lane is one of the most picturesque streets in Zurich.
Continue through the narrow streets of the Altstadt up to the Lindenhof square, for a beautiful view of the old town and the Limmat river.
The Lindenhof hill is the site of the former Roman fort and the oldest area of Zurich, around which the city has grown. Today, it’s listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
Going down the Lindenhof and crossing the Limmat River, you’ll find the Niederdorf, or “Dörfli” (meaning “little village”), as the natives affectionately call to this area of Zurich’s old town.
Running parallel to the Limmatquai, this popular pedestrian street is always buzzing with people and activity.
During the day, its many restaurants and shops welcome visitors from all over the world. After dark, it turns into a vibrant nightlife district in the heart of the city.
In Niederdorf, you can also find the imposing Grossmünster. This protestant church, Romanesque in style, is one of Zurich’s most iconic landmarks.
Make sure to climb the 187 steps to the top of the Karlsturm tower to admire the panoramic views of the city and lake.
If you’d like to learn more about the city’s history, I recommend joining a walking tour with a local guide.
Admire the Zurich Opera House
From Niederdorf, head to Sechseläutenplatz, Zurich’s largest square and a stage to many events throughout the year, including the Christmas village market and the city’s popular spring festival.
Dominating the square is the remarkable neo-classical building of the Zurich Opera House.
The Zurich Opera House is considered one of the best in the world. It’s also one of the smallest opera houses worldwide, with only 1,100 seats.
You can take a guided tour of its rich interior, step onto the stage, and learn about wig-making, make-up artistry, and costumes creation.
Take a cruise on Lake Zurich
In Zurich, all roads lead to the lake.
All year round, Lake Zurich is the favorite meeting point for a lunch break, running or cycling while getting some vitamin D.
But it’s in summer that the Zürichsee really comes to life, with hundreds gathering on its shores for a barbecue (a national obsession!) and a swim.
Stroll along the promenade between Bellevue and the Chinese Gardens, filled with street performers, musicians and vendors.
For an unforgettable experience, take a lake cruise and admire the city of Zurich from a different perspective.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve taken this boat tour and always love it!
The short round trip takes 1,5 hours and departs from Bürkliplatz.
Enjoy a traditional dinner at Zeughauskeller
End your first day in Zurich with a traditional dinner at the famous Zeughauskeller.
This historic restaurant was once an armory. According to legend, the crossbow of the Swiss hero Wilhelm Tell was stored here too.
Today, the restaurant serves traditional local dishes and a selection of sausages and meat treats.
It does get very popular with tourists, but the quality of the food and the historical atmosphere make it worthy of a visit.
It’s also located in one of the prettiest squares in the city, Paradeplatz.
Best things to do in Zurich in 2 days
Visit the museums
If you’re spending 2 days in Zurich, I suggest visiting at least one of its many world-class museums.
Pro tip: To save time and money when exploring the museums and other attractions, I recommend getting the Zurich Card, which offers you free or reduced admission to over 40 museums.
Some recommended museums in Zurich are:
Swiss National Museum
For history buffs, the Swiss National Museum is the best place to learn about the history of the country, from its earliest beginnings to the present day.
Besides its 14 permanent collections, the museum also hosts several temporary exhibitions on current issues and topics.
Kunsthaus
If you’re an art enthusiast, a mandatory thing to do in Zurich is a visit to the museum of fine arts, with one of the most impressive art collections in Switzerland.
Presenting works by artists like Monet, Munch, Picasso, Van Gogh, Manet, Matisse, Magritte or the Swiss Alberto Giacometti, this is one of those museums you will want to return to again and again.
Zurich Museum of Design
Part of the Zurich University of the Arts, the Zurich Museum of Design is considered one of the best of its kind in Europe.
Founded in 1875, it tells the history of design and visual communication through four collections dedicated to Design, Poster, Graphics, and Applied Art.
FIFA World Football Museum
Sports fans can’t miss a visit to the FIFA World Football Museum (not to be confused with the FIFA headquarters, which are located in a different area of the city and can’t be visited).
This interactive and fun museum was inaugurated in 2016 to celebrate the history and impact of football as a source of inspiration to the world.
Have lunch with a view
Next, go up to the 35th floor of the Prime Tower, in Zurich-West, and enjoy a meal with a view.
Clouds Bar & Bistro offers fantastic, vertigo-inducing city views, lunchtime specials, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s also a great place for a cocktail at sunset.
Discover the Zurich-West district
Spend the afternoon exploring Zurich-West, a former industrial quarter turned into one of the coolest and trendiest Zurich districts.
Street art and interior design stores, design boutiques and second-hand stores, restaurants and market halls, cafés, bars, and clubs make up Zurich-West rough charm.
Start at the Freitag Flagship Store, a tower built of old shipping containers with a viewing platform on top. Made from recycled materials, the Freitag bag is a true Zurich institution.
Stroll around the narrow streets and alleys, admire the street art, and shop at the hip Im Viadukt, a trendy shopping area created beneath the arches of a railway viaduct.
Enjoy dinner at the Im Viadukt
On your last evening in Zurich, have dinner at one of the several restaurants at the Im Viadukt.
My favorite place here is Restaurant Viadukt, which serves delicious local and international dishes prepared with fresh and organic products of regional origin.
Experience the nightlife
From the lively Niederdorf to the famous Langstrasse or the trendy Zurich-West, Zurich nightlife is as diverse as its people.
For your last night in town, I recommend exploring some of the cool and laid-back bars of the Hardbrücke area, in Zurich-West:
Frau Gerolds Garten
Frau Gerolds Garden is a one of a kind urban garden slash open-air art gallery slash al-fresco bistro and bar.
In Mrs. Gerold’s organic garden, old shipping containers were turned into small design and fashion stores, bars and a terrace overlooking Zurich’s railroad and skyline.
In spring and fall, a design market is also held here on Saturdays.
When the winter comes, the garden and open-air bars give way to a comfy and traditional fondue chalet.
Les Halles
Les Halles is another of my favorite places to eat and drink in Zurich.
A popular and busy meeting point, Les Halles is an industrial-style restaurant, bar, and food market with a French flair and unique décor.
The restaurant is famous for its delicious Moules-Frites (mussels and French fries) but there are other choices on offer.
On weekend evenings, there’s also live music.
How to get around Zurich
Although the largest city in Switzerland, Zurich is relatively small and very easy to explore by foot.
As anywhere else in Switzerland, Zurich’s public transportation network is excellent and (almost) always on time. It is not cheap though.
Whether you’re staying 1 or 2 days in Zurich, I definitely recommend buying the Zurich Card, which is a real deal and will save you a ton of money!
With the Zurich Card, you can travel for free on all public transportation in Zurich, including cable cars and boats, and the journey to and from the airport. The only exception is the night travel supplement, which you’ll have to pay separately.
You also get free or reduced admission to over 40 museums, as well as discounts on several tours and attractions.
Considering prices in Switzerland, this little card is a no-brainer.
You can buy your Zurich Card here.
Where to stay in Zurich
Hotel Montana Zurich
I haven’t stayed here myself, but we had some friends visiting who did and loved it.
One of the best things about Hotel Montana Zurich is its location, just a short 5-minute walk to Zurich main train station and the city center.
This 3-star boutique hotel offers stylish and comfy rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet.
Click here for more info and booking: Booking.com
So, there you have it – the best things to do in Zurich, Switzerland for first-time visitors. This Zurich 1 or 2 day itinerary covers everything you need to know to start planning your trip and experience the city like a local.
More travel tips
Travel Insurance
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Cheap flights
Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.
Yoga Retreats
Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.
Tours
GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.
Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.
Car Rentals
Rentalcars.com is a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.
Have you been to Zurich? What would you add to this list of what to do in Zurich in 1 or 2 days? Share in the comments section below!
Read more:
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- 8 Unique Things to Do in Basel, Switzerland
- How to Travel Switzerland on a Budget
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Ann says
Oh how beautiful, seems like a great city for a vacation 🙂
Brooke says
Zurich is a picturesque location! I love the feel of the old town area. It has such great character and gives you sense of the area. Thanks for these great recommendations! I’d love to spend time in the football museum.