things to do in zurich
Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is a beautiful and vibrant destination that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do in Zurich:
- Lake Zurich: Take a stroll along the lake’s picturesque promenade, rent a boat, or enjoy a scenic boat tour to admire the city’s stunning views.
- Old Town (Altstadt): Explore the narrow streets and historic buildings of Zurich’s Old Town, which features charming shops, restaurants, and museums.
- Bahnhofstrasse: This famous shopping street is lined with high-end boutiques, department stores, and cafes.
- Uetliberg Mountain: Take a cable car ride to the top of Uetliberg Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and Lake Zurich.
- Swiss National Museum: Learn about Switzerland’s history and culture at this world-class museum, which features exhibits on art, archaeology, and natural history.
- Kunsthaus Zurich: Discover an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art at this renowned museum.
- Zurich Zoo: Visit the oldest zoo in Switzerland, which features over 6,000 animals from around the world.
- Limmat River: Take a stroll along the river and enjoy the city’s scenic views, or rent a boat and explore the river.
- Niederdorf: This charming neighborhood is known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere.
- Festhalle Zurich: Attend a concert, festival, or exhibition at this iconic venue, which hosts a wide range of events throughout the year.
Day trips and excursions
- St. Gallen: Visit this charming city, known for its stunning cathedral and picturesque old town.
- Lucerne: Explore this beautiful city, famous for its Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument.
- Interlaken: Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, paragliding, or skiing in this picturesque town.
- Mount Pilatus: Take a scenic train ride to the top of Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Rhine Falls: Visit the largest waterfall in Europe, which is located just outside of Zurich.
Food and drink
- Try traditional Swiss cuisine: Sample dishes like fondue, raclette, and Zürigeschnätzlets at a local restaurant.
- Visit a traditional Swiss bakery: Indulge in freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes.
- Sample Swiss chocolate: Visit a chocolate shop or take a chocolate-making class to learn about Switzerland’s famous chocolate-making traditions.
- Enjoy a beer at a traditional Swiss beer garden: Relax with a cold beer and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Events and festivals
- Zurich Carnival: Celebrate the city’s carnival season with parades, music, and dancing.
- Zurich Film Festival: Attend this annual film festival, which showcases new and classic films from around the world.
- Zurich Jazz Festival: Enjoy live jazz music at this popular festival, which takes place in July.
- Zurich Christmas Market: Visit this festive market, which features traditional food, drinks, and crafts.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Zurich. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, or food and drink, Zurich has something for everyone.