Zurich is commonly 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 provide help to 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! At present, we’re going to get acquainted with the Previous City, however we’re then going to go to the hippest a part of Zurich,ย Zurich West. That is the place the previous meets the brand new, and you will see the most effective of each. We extremely advocate reserving a strolling tour of the Previous City to see the highest 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 sights 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 may stroll to all of the sights after which hop on public transit for a brief and simple 10-minute experience to Zurich West.
Be aware: One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It offers limitless journey by bus, prepare, cableway, and tram, plus you may take quick boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours.ย Get extra particulars right here. To discover the Previous City, it’s simply finished 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 atย Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 underneath new administration)ย within the Previous City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was straightforward to make our method to see the most effective landmarks in Previous City.
1. Rechberg Gardensย
Situated straight beside Lodge Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are one of the vital scenic spots in Zurich. They’re straight behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other widespread landmark in Zurich. Relationship again to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It’s thought-about a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque type 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 among the best viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Know-how (ETH) on the College of Zurich presents panoramic views of the Previous City, Limmat River, and so they metropolisโs church steeples. We walked as much as the panorama terrace, however it’s also possible to take the Polybahn to keep away from strolling up the hill. It is likely 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 the event 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
Upon getting missed Zurich from the College, it’s a good and simple stroll downhill by means of 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 take a seat 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 relationship again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an out of doors cafe on the pedestrian-only avenue of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmรผnster
Earlier than you allow the West Financial institution of the Limmat River, donโt miss visiting probably the most iconic constructing in Zurich. Grossmรผnster (Nice Minster) Cathedral. Legend has it that when Charlemagne found the graves of the townโs patrons, he constructed a church upon them.
In case you go into the crypt within the cellar and also youโll see a big sculpture of Charlemagne himself. Grossmรผnster additionally performs an vital half in Swiss historical past because it was the birthplace of the Reformationย of the church in Switzerland. It’s also possible to go as much as the highest of the tower for among the best views in Zurich. It prices 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of the town.
5. Cross the Mรผnsterbrรผcke
A lot of the Previous Cityโs major sights crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no journey to Zurich could be full with out crossing the Mรผnsterbrรผcke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmรผnster throughout the Limmat River on to Fraumรผnster. Be certain to cease and take within the views. It presents an unobstructed view of a number of the most stunning locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurichโs Previous city Corridor) as you make your method from Grossmรผnster to Fraumรผnster..
6. Fraumรผnster Church
Fraumรผnster. Church (Church of Our Girl) is a must-visit in Zurich relationship again to 835. It attracts guests to view its stained glass home windows designed by Marc Chagall. It prices CHF 5 to enter Fraumรผnster.
Spend the Afternoon in Zurich West
Upon getting seen a number of the greatest sights within the previous city it’s time to see Zurichโs 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. Geroldโs Backyard) for Lunch
Seize a late lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Geroldโs Backyard). This out of doors occasion area is a backyard group with eateries, bars, and the proper place to seize a beer. The funky ambiance units the tone on your afternoon in Zurich West. ย Go to the web site for opening instances, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
One of the crucial recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. Chances are you’ll know the title, Freitag, the trendy baggage are produced from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is positioned in Zurich West and you mayโt miss its 19 stacked delivery containers reaching 26 meters (85 toes) into the air.
City Surf
Proper subsequent door is likely one of the most unusual issues to do in Zurich. City Surf is a unbelievable spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Seashore umbrellas line a deck surrounding a large wave pool. You may hop in to catch a wave or just loosen up within the solar as you take pleasure in a cocktail. Go to City Surf web site for classes, costs and opening hours.
Go Artwork Looking
After youโve loved a little bit enjoyable within the solar, itโs 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 Lodge Zurich-West, or you may go into Maag Corridor to see the most recent shows (at the moment LEONARDO DA VINCI โ UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the most recent displays.
Store alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
Itโs 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 previous railway viaduct accommodates boutique outlets and eating places positioned inside 36 arches underneath the viaduct. It’s also possible to stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some unbelievable views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
Upon getting had your fill of purchasing, make your method to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is unbelievable, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There’s indoor and out of doors seating. Go to their web site for reservations. Fact be informed, Zurich presents many eating places, particularly round widespread areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with quite a lot of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
In case you nonetheless have vitality, keep out after darkish in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in Prime Tower. Prime Tower is the best tower in Zurich (second highest in Switzerland). Clouds is on the thirty fifth flooring and presents an incredible view of Zurich being the best bar in Zurich. You may have dinner there if you wish to splurge as effectively.
Itโs been a full day, so get on the tram together with your Zurich Card and make your method again to your lodge 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 different as it’s enjoyable and caters to all tastes. Begin your night within the stylish Kreis 5 district, a sizzling spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Right here, you may dance the evening away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the fashionable Bar 8001, or take pleasure in a relaxed night on the cozy Cafรฉ 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 thereโs at all times 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
Zurichโs occasion calendar is filled with enjoyable stuff all yr spherical. Whether or not you want movie, music, or meals, thereโs at all times one thing to look ahead to. The Zurich Movie Competition is a spotlight, attracting movie buffs from all around the world with its nice program of screenings and occasions. Music lovers will benefit from the Zurich Jazz Competition; foodies can indulge on the Avenue Meals Competition and take a look at meals from all around the world.
In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Competition is a should, with stay music, meals, and drinks in an attractive out of doors setting. In winter, you may get into the festive spirit at Zurichโs 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
At present is all about taking within the views, experiencing the 2 totally 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
At present is an early begin as you make your method to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman citadel is now a stunning park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the previous metropolis partitions. It’s a stunning place for dawn with views of the solar rising over the Limmat River, the Previous City, and Grossmรผnster 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. Peterโs Church
From Lindenhof Hill, it’s now time to walk alongside the Limmat River in direction of St. Peterโs Church the place largest church clock in Europe resides. Relationship again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didnโt go inside however you may go into see it and it’s free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Because you awoke at dawn, itโs so much to stroll again to the lodge for breakfast, so as a substitute, make your method to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a stunning place for a cappuccino and pastry to start out your day. You at the moment are able to have an incredible day exploring actions exterior of the Previous City. Itโs time to see Lake Zurich.
Bรผrkliplatz Pier
Bรผrkliplatz Pier is a sq. on Lake Zurich and the place to catch a ship on your journey across the lake. It has pretty 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 farmerโs market. So there’s a lot happening at this gathering place. Thereโs additionally a unbelievable strolling path the place you can also make your method round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However right now, as a substitute of strolling, you will use your Zurich Card to hop on the ferry to Wollishofen.
Boat to Wollishofen
Wolishofen is an artists group that was a former industrial space. It’s full of artists . One attention-grabbing indisputable fact that we discovered about Wollishofen is that when massive builders put money into property and growth in Zurich, a share of their funding should go to the artwork group. 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 stunning boardwalk on Lake Zurich is an excellent place for a stroll. One other attention-grabbing truth we discovered is that waterfront property is now not being offered alongside Lake Zurich. The town now makes positive that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that had been already owned earlier than the legislation got here into place, the town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal properties. This fashion, individuals can proceed to stroll round Lake Zurich unobstructed.
Lunch at Mรถnchhof am See on Lake Zurich
The morning of your second day is coming to an finish itโs time for lunch. There are many locations for lunch alongside Lake Zurich and we loved lunch at Mรถnchhof am See. Itโs beer backyard is positioned on the water and overlooks an previous 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. Donโt eat an excessive amount of, since you at the moment are going to probably the most scrumptious cease in your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt Dwelling of Chocolate
You may catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt Dwelling of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. In case you like chocolate, you will 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 happening the chocolate tour is superior as you study 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 eventually finish in a room with vats of Lindor sweets prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
When you find yourself completed up on the chocolate museum, make your method again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many worldโs costliest purchasing streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You may take the tram again to downtown utilizing your Zurich card and start the window purchasing as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly avenue. There are streetcars and site visitors, however the sidewalks are huge as you try the common high-end purchasing from Gucci to Rolex, and Chanel to Burberry. When youโve had your fill of gawking within the home windows itโs meal 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 widespread. The service was glorious and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the proper place to seize a chunk in Zurich.
Head to Quaibrรผcke for Sundown
Relying on the time of yr, you’ll most likely be consuming earlier than sundown. Within the peak of summer season with sundown late within the night, youโll wish to eat first as we found the arduous method that restaurantโs kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrรผcke, the final bridge between Zurich Previous City and Lake Zurich. That is the basic spot for pictures the place you may see all the Limmat River and Zurichโs 4 main church buildings. It’s a vigorous spot at sundown, so ensure that to go throughout the road to see how The Alps gentle up over Lake Zurich as effectively.
It’s now time for relaxation as youโve 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 ideas 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
Itโs your remaining day in your Zurich itinerary and right now is all concerning 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 waterโs edge. Itโs a nice stroll as you make your method to Badi Enge the place itโs 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 stunning views of the Alps, Lake Zurich, and the town. However one of the simplest ways to expertise it’s to lease a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You may take the boards by means of the marina after which onto the Schanzengraben Canal. This picturesque canal is to not be missed!
Chill out at Seebad Enge
As soon as you’re finished paddleboarding, you’re free to go for a swim, loosen up on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. It’s also possible to refill your water bottle right here earlier than transferring on. Test for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge web site.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we stated you may eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we advocate making your method again to the previous city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full with no fondue, so that is your probability. Swiss Chuchi is positioned within the coronary heart of the Previous City. You at the moment are only a quick stroll to your subsequent cease.
Go as much as Uetliberg
After lunch, it’s time to hop on the tram to catch the prepare to Uetliberg. It takes about an hour to get to by public transport from the Previous City, so this will likely be your whole afternoon. However it’s price it. Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 toes) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the prepare that goes almost to the highest. When you arrive by prepare, 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 undoubtedly price it. We nearly didnโt put this on our Zurich itinerary and I’m so glad we made time for it. There are beautiful views of the town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. You probably have time, you may go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automotive down from Felsenegg.
Sundown Over Lake Zurich
On your final evening in Zurich, seize a beer and make your method all the way down to the Lake to look at the sundown in entrance of Sechselรคutenplatz. 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 presents stunning views. It’s positioned simply in entrance of Sechselรคutenplatz which homes the attractive Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechselรคutenplatz is likely one of the largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschรคnzli
As soon as the solar goes down, make your method throughout the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschรคnzli. Situated underneath the shade of enormous chestnut bushes, that is additionally an excellent place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However on your remaining evening in Zurich, itโs an excellent conventional spot to have a beer and revel in a pint of native brew.
The way to Get Round Zurich
One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card offers entry to trains, trams, cable vehicles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally presents free or discounted admissions to museums. Be certain to validate your ticket earlier than you’re taking your first journey on transit. As soon as it’s validated, you donโt want to point out it except requested all through your ticket. Zurich Playing cards vary from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours.ย Get extra particulars right here.
Choose shops additionally provide reductions to Zurich Card holders to verify to ask.
A few of the greatest museums to see in Zurich with the Zurich Card are are:
Kunsthaus Zรผrich
Museum Rietberg
Museum Haus Konstruktiv
FIFA World Soccer Museum
Landesmuseum
The way to Get to Zurich
Worldwide flights arrive every day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the most important airport in Switzerland. Trains run frequently from Zurich Airport to the principle Zurich Essential Practice Station, Hauptbahnhof. You should utilize your Swiss Journey Move to take the prepare. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest prepare station in Europe? You may then use your Zurich Move to hop on a tram to your lodge, which may be very straightforward when touring in Zurich. This additionally is useful if you’re trying to do a day journey from Zurich.
While you buy a Swiss Journey Move, it contains:
Limitless journey byย prepare, bus, and boatPublic transportation in additional thanย 90 cities and townsFree admissionย to greater thanย 500 museumsย all through SwitzerlandTwo free informative apps to assist plan your Switzerland journey are:ย Grand Practice Tour of Switzerland appย andย Swiss Journey Information app
The place to Keep in Zurich
When on the lookout for lodging in Zurich, staying within the Previous City is a good suggestion as it’s straightforward to get round. We stayed at Lodge Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of in every single place. It additionally has parking you probably have a automotive rental, a unbelievable restaurant, very good breakfasts included, and there are many historic regalia, together with an previous ceramic wooden range and an previous radio within the sitting room. Replace: Sadly, this lodge was closed in July 2022 however is about to re-open in 2025 underneath new administration.
Zurich will steal your coronary heart. We had at all times 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, ensure that to spend three days in Zurich to actually expertise all the wonderful issues to do within the metropolis.
Be aware: