Zurich Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Zurich

Zurich’s centre is compact and walkable, with the old town spread along both banks of the Limmat river where it flows out of the lake.

• Old Town (Altstadt) — A maze of cobbled lanes, guild houses and hidden squares on both sides of the Limmat, with the lively Niederdorf quarter on the east bank.
• Lake Zurich — Stroll the lakeside promenades, relax in a waterside park or take a boat cruise for views of the shoreline villages and distant Alps.
• Grossmünster — The twin-towered Romanesque church is a symbol of the city and a key site of the Swiss Reformation; climb a tower for rooftop views.
• Fraumünster — A historic church across the river, famous for its striking stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall.
• Kunsthaus Zürich — One of Switzerland’s leading art museums, with works ranging from medieval art to Swiss and international modern masters.
• Swiss National Museum — Housed in a castle-like building beside the main station, it tells the story of Swiss history and culture.
• Uetliberg — Zurich’s local mountain, reached by train from the main station, offering walking trails and panoramic views over the city, lake and Alps.

Best time to visit Zurich

Summer, from June to September, is the most popular time to visit. Warm days bring locals to the lake and river bathing spots, outdoor bars and open-air events, and it is the ideal season for boat trips and mountain excursions. July and August are the warmest months, with occasional thunderstorms.

Spring brings blossoms and the traditional Sechseläuten festival in April, when guild members parade through the streets and a snowman effigy is burned to mark the end of winter. In August, the Street Parade techno festival draws huge crowds to the lakeside, so book accommodation early if your dates overlap. Autumn is mild and quieter, with colourful foliage around the lake.

Winter is cold and often grey, with occasional snow in the city. During Advent, Christmas markets and festive lights brighten the old town and the main station, and the Alpine ski resorts are within easy reach by train. January to March is the quietest period, when museums and cafés make good refuges from the cold.

Getting from the airport

Zurich Airport lies around 10 kilometres north of the city centre and is one of the best-connected airports in Europe, with a railway station directly beneath the terminal complex.

• Train — Frequent trains run from the airport station to Zurich main station (Zürich HB) in around 10 to 15 minutes, making this the fastest and most popular option.
• Tram — Tram line 10 links the airport with the main station and the city, taking around 35 minutes; it is a convenient choice if your hotel is near a tram stop.
• Taxi — Taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals areas. The drive to the centre usually takes around 20 minutes, longer at peak times, and is by far the most expensive option.

Trains and trams share the same regional ticketing system, and tickets can be bought from machines at the airport station or through the official public transport app. Direct long-distance trains also run from the airport to many other Swiss cities.

Where to stay

Zurich is small and well served by trams, trains and buses, so most areas are only a few minutes from the old town.

• Old Town (Altstadt) — Ideal for first-time visitors who want to walk to the churches, the Bahnhofstrasse and the lakefront.
• Near the main station — Very convenient for airport trains and day trips by rail, with accommodation for a range of budgets.
• Seefeld — An upmarket residential district along the eastern lakeshore, suited to couples and travellers who enjoy quiet evenings and waterside walks.
• Zurich West — A former industrial area transformed into a creative quarter with bars, restaurants and converted warehouses, popular with younger travellers.
• Langstrasse area — Zurich’s most vibrant nightlife district, with a diverse mix of bars and eateries; best for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere.

Travel tips

• Getting around — Trams, buses, trains and lake boats share one integrated ticketing system. Buy a ticket before boarding, as inspectors carry out random checks and fines apply.
• Payment — Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, not the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; some places accept euros, but change is usually given in francs.
• Drinking water — Zurich has hundreds of public fountains, and the water from them is generally drinkable unless marked otherwise, so carry a refillable bottle.
• Tipping — Service is included in prices by law, but rounding up or leaving a small extra amount for good service is appreciated.
• Sundays — Most shops close on Sundays and public holidays, although shops at the main station and airport remain open.
• Entry requirements — Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area but not the European Union. Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality, so check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.