- Home
- Tourism
- Switzerland
- Zurich
- Top Unmissable Things to Do in Zurich
Top Unmissable Things to Do in Zurich
Zurich is the largest city and the financial capital of Switzerland. The city sits along the Limmat River and is best known for its stunning lakeside setting. From exploring the cobblestone lanes of Altstadt to enjoying cruises at Lake Zurich, the best things to do in this city offer a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveller. Here are the top things to do in Zurich that no traveller should miss.
Switzerland Travel Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Ideal Trip Duration | 7–10 days (add 2 days for Zurich trip) |
| Popular Places to Visit | Interlaken, Jungfrau, Lucerne, Zermatt, Zurich |
| Best Time to Visit | May – October for scenic travel, December – February for snow experiences |
| Average Travel Budget | (~CHF 3,350 – 5,800) INR 4,00,000 – 7,00,000 per person |
| Top Experiences | Scenic train rides, mountain excursions, lake cruises, and Swiss villages |
Plan your perfect Swiss escape with our Switzerland tour package, to seamlessly combine all these top things to do in Zurich for your exciting Swiss experiences.
Why Things to Do in Zermatt are Unmissable?
- The 15-Minute Metropolis: It is a rare global hub where medieval alleys, Roman ruins, and world-class luxury avenues are all within a short, walkable radius.
- Gateway to Vertical Escapes: You can be atop local mountains within 20 minutes from the city center, for an ariel view of the Alps and the entire lake basin.
- Global Confectionery Capital: As the home of Swiss chocolate pioneers, Zurich offers the world's most immersive tasting experiences, from artisanal boutiques to massive interactive chocolate fountains.
- The Ultimate Transit Lounge: Its ultra-efficient rail hub turns travel into a luxury, making it the perfect base to explore the furthest reaches of the Alps and return by sunset.
Zurich (6N)
- Titlis Experience -Best combined with Swiss Pass
Top Things to Do in Zurich
1. Take a Scenic Lake Zurich Boat Cruise
2. Hike to Uetliberg Mountain for the Best Zurich Views
3. Cycle Around Lake Zurich’s Scenic Lakeside Route
4. Feel the Power of Rhine Falls
5. Ski Day Trip from Zurich to Flumserberg or Engelberg-Titlis
6. Shop Luxury Brands on Bahnhofstrasse
Zurich (7N)
- Titlis Experience -Best combined with Swiss Pass
1. Take a Scenic Lake Zurich Boat Cruise
A boat cruise on Lake Zurich is one of the most relaxing ways to experience the charm of this beautiful city. During the journey, visitors are treated to stunning views of the city’s historic skyline and the distant peaks of the Swiss Alps.
Tip: Catch the evening sunset cruise for golden light on the Alps.
2. Hike to Uetliberg Mountain for the Best Zurich Views
Uetliberg is known as Zurich's very own mountain. A hike to this scenic mountain rewards visitors with sweeping panoramas of the city, the lake and the entire Alpine landscape. The mountain offers well-marked trails that wind through peaceful forests and gentle slopes, making it perfect for both casual walkers and avid hikers.
Tip: It is recommended to visit on clear mornings during sunrise for a magical experience above the clouds.
3. Cycle Around Lake Zurich’s Scenic Lakeside Route
Cycling around Lake Zurich is one of the most relaxing ways to experience Switzerland’s natural beauty. This scenic loop takes you through charming lakeside villages, vineyards and mountain views.
4. Feel the Power of Rhine Falls
Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe and is located around 50-60 minutes away from Zurich. Visitors can take a boat ride to the rock in the middle of the falls for a truly unique perspective.
Tip: Visit in May or June, as the falls are at their most spectacular form.
5. Ski Day Trip from Zurich to Flumserberg or Engelberg-Titlis
From Zurich, a ski adventure is just a short journey away. Flumserberg (about an hour away by train) offers scenic Alpine slopes and stunning views of Lake Walen. Alternatively, Engelberg-Titlis (about 90 minutes away by train) is known for its excellent snow cover and access to the famous Titlis glacier area.
6. Shop Luxury Brands on Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. This iconic street offers everything from high-end fashion and jewellery to famous Swiss chocolates.
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Get the Zurich Card: This is your all-access pass to the city. It offers unlimited travel on all trams, buses, trains, boats, and cable cars within the city and surrounding area. Plus, it gives you free or discounted entry to most museums, including the Kunsthaus and the FIFA Museum.
- Master the ZVV App: Zurich’s public transport is legendary for its precision. Download the ZVV app for real-time schedules, platform numbers, and a "Check-in" feature that automatically calculates the cheapest fare for your journey so you never have to worry about zones.
- Utilize "Züri rollt": Explore the city like a local for free! You can borrow city bikes, mountain bikes, or children's bikes at the Velostation Europaplatz (near the main station) simply by showing your ID and leaving a small deposit. It's the most eco-friendly and scenic way to tour the lakeside.
- Sunday Survival Strategy: Most shops on Bahnhofstrasse and in the Old Town are closed on Sundays. However, if you need to shop, head to ShopVille (the underground mall at the Main Station) or Zurich Airport, where stores remain open 365 days a year until late evening.
- Hydrate for Free: Zurich is the city of fountains with over 1,200 public fountains dispensing fresh, chilled drinking water. Unless a fountain is specifically marked "Kein Trinkwasser", the water is 100% safe, high-quality alpine spring water, so keep your refillable bottle handy!
Conclusion: Why You'll Love All the Things to Do in Zurich?
Zurich blends historic charm with modern energy. From enjoying lakefront views at Lake Zurich to shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, the best things to do in Zurich offer unforgettable experiences in every season.
Explore More of Zurich
Book our completely customizable Zurich Tour Packages, for your hassle-free Zurich Trip!
To help you plan the perfect trip, dive deeper into our specific guides:
Zurich Travel Guide | Best Places to Visit in Zurich | Best Time to Visit Zurich
FAQs
What Are the Best Things to Do in Zurich?
Lake Zurich boat cruise, Altstadt exploration, Kunsthaus art museum, Uetliberg hike, Bahnhofstrasse shopping, Rhine Falls day trip, Lake Zurich swimming and the Glacier Express rail journey.
Are things to do in Zurich Expensive?
Zurich is one of Europe's most expensive cities. Average daily budget ranges between CHF 100 - 700, depending on activities, accommodation and season. The Swiss Travel Pass significantly reduces costs on transport and museum entry.
Are There Free Things to Do in Zurich?
Yes. The Altstadt walk, Lindenhügel viewpoint, river swimming at Letten (seasonal), exploring Zurich West, the Freitag Tower, lakeside promenades and public drinking fountains are all free activities.
Update your location?