Travel Guide to Zurich, Switzerland

Ra's Travel Guide to Zurich

A city with 1200 fountains and the home of the largest church clock in Europe; a complete travel guide to Zurich.

Table of Contents

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, serves as a significant hub for culture, social activities, and financial institutions. Renowned for its status as one of the world's happiest cities, Zurich offers a remarkably clean environment and abundant opportunities. In the warmer months, locals embrace the pristine waters of the Limmatt River, floating to and from work. With a rich historical backdrop, Zurich has hosted significant events, such as the Dadaists' gatherings at Cabaret Voltaire and James Joyce's writing of "Ulysses." Dive into this travel guide to Zurich for tips on optimizing your visit.

Getting to Zurich, Switzerland: Transportation Options and Travel Tips

Zurich is easily accessible by bus, plane, and train, both domestically and internationally. Buses and trains are generally more budget-friendly but may have longer travel times. The scenic routes, however, offer breathtaking landscapes that are worth the extended journey. Direct Flixbuses are also available from Basel-Mulhouse-Freidburg airport, a hub for many budget airlines.

Air travel remains the most popular option to reach Zurich, albeit typically pricier, depending on the airline and the season. Zurich airport, a relatively large facility, hosts hundreds of daily flights. To ensure a smooth experience, it's advisable to arrive 3-4 hours before departure to navigate through the airport and reach your gate.

For planning travel routes, assessing costs, and exploring transportation options, I frequently turn to Rome2rio. This invaluable tool offers comprehensive information, suggesting possible route combinations and recommending stops along the way, facilitating a customized and well-informed travel experience. Rome2rio link

Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland?

Zurich is a large city, making the choice of where to stay challenging. Your decision should be based on budget, accommodation preferences, and your main objectives during the visit. The city offers a variety of hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and more. While Zurich is not the go-to destination for budget travelers due to higher prices compared to other places, there are opportunities to save money. Here's a brief overview of Zurich's regions:

Altstadt: Ideal for Sightseeing
Langstrasse: Perfect for Nightlife
Enge & Wollishofen: Suitable for Families and Budget Travelers
Seefeld: Offers Lake Views

During my Zurich visit, I stayed at Meininger Zurich Greencity Hostel in the Enge and Wollishofen area. It provided a quieter atmosphere and more affordable accommodation. The area boasts a major train and bus station, facilitating easy city exploration and commuting between the city center and your lodging. Keep in mind that prices might be lower in warmer months, as many visitors come for skiing and snowboarding.

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Getting Around Zurich, Switzerland

Car

Renting a car in Zurich isn't ideal for city exploration due to high costs associated with gas and parking. Most hotels offer limited or expensive parking options, and road congestion is a common issue. Rental agencies are available at the airport for those still considering this option.

Bus/Tram/Trolleybus

Zurich's public transportation is efficient, widespread, and user-friendly. Trams are excellent for city center travel, while buses cover longer routes. Tap-and-pay isn't available, so tickets must be purchased through machines or the SBB app. Options include single trips, 1-3 hours, single-day, or multi-day passes. Consider the Zurich Card, inclusive of public transportation, if visiting major attractions.

Train

The best option for longer routes or day trips around Zurich. Trains are punctual, clean, and comfortable. Tickets are available at vending stations, online, or through the SBB app, offering similar options as mentioned earlier, including direct tickets to day-trip destinations.

Bicycle

Zurich promotes eco-friendliness, making biking popular. Pay-and-ride options exist, and free rentals for daily use are available at Zuri Rollt with a $25 deposit upon showing your passport.

Taxi

While Uber is available, Zurich's extensive public transportation network makes taxis unnecessary, especially given their high costs. Rates start at $8.75 and then $5.50 per kilometer.

Walking

When visiting the Old Town, walking is the best method to get around and explore the city. While this is usually my favorite option to get around, many of the museums and tourist attractions are spread out around the city. Unless you’re interested in going on multiple 45-minute - 1+ hour-long walks, I recommend using public transport to reach an area near your destination and then explore on foot.

What to Do in Zurich, Switzerland?

Walking Tour

When everything in Zurich seems expensive, consider a free walking tour to explore key tourist spots and the city's history. Local volunteers guide these tours, offering valuable travel information and tips about Zurich and Switzerland. Check their website for various tour options, and make sure to reserve your spot in advance. Don't forget to bring cash for tipping your guide at the end.

Swiss National Museum

This museum showcases collections and exhibits highlighting Swiss art, culture, and history. Core exhibits cover Swiss architecture, centuries of history, and art collections, with rotating exhibits such as the recent display on the linguistic diversity of the country. Housed in a castle-like building near the main train station, the museum offers a free audio guide through its app.

Old Town

The heart of Zurich, Old Town, features picturesque architecture and cobblestoned streets. Key attractions include Cabaret Voltaire (a gathering place for Dadaists), Grössmünster Cathedral, Fraumunster Cathedral, Münsterhof Square, Lindenhof Park, Augustinergasse, St. Peter’s Church, and the Niederdorf neighborhood. Most locations are free, except Fraumunster Cathedral, which charges 5 CHF. Google Maps provides convenient navigation with dropped pins for these attractions.

Uetliberg

Situated southwest of Zurich, Uetliberg is a small mountain offering various hiking trails and a viewing platform. Enjoy breathtaking views or climb the tower for an aerial perspective of Zurich (for a small fee). If hiking isn't your preference, a train from Zurich HB main station to Uetliberg stop is available.

FIFA Museum

A treat for soccer/football enthusiasts, Zurich, as the official FIFA headquarters, houses a comprehensive museum. Explore exhibits on the sport's history, players, memorabilia from the World Cup, and engaging interactive displays, suitable for various age groups.

Lindt Home of Chocolate

Learn about the history and production process of the world-renowned Lindt Chocolate. Inside, you will find a large gift shop, cafe, and the museum which needs to be booked in advance as it sells out. The museum audio guide is extremely informative and there are many interactive exhibits, including chocolate sampling. You even get to take home all the different flavors of chocolate from the exhibit.

Boat Cruises

Explore Zurich's scenic waterways with boat cruises on the Limmat River or Lake Zurich during warmer months. Different options and durations are available for lake cruises, offering views of major attractions along the lakeside. River cruises provide spectacular photos, videos, and views of both new and old Zurich, with the added bonus of a boat bar.

Zurich Opera House

Established in 1891, the Zurich Opera House is a cultural landmark hosting famous operas and ballets. It stands out for its architectural excellence inside and out. If not attending a show, take advantage of guided tours. Purchase tickets in advance, and don your best outfit as shows often sell out.

Polybahn Funicular Train

One of the best views of Zurich is at the famous ETH Zürich, the university where many famous scientists attend including Albert Einstein, who was kicked out of the university to receive a Nobel Prize later. To reach this viewpoint from the Old Town, you can take a vintage funicular train up the hill.

Museum of Art

Ideal for art lovers, this museum features collections from renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Andy Warhol. It boasts the largest collection of Edward Munch paintings outside of Norway. Admission is free every Wednesday and discounted for students on Thursday evenings. Don't miss the bronze sculpture "The Gates of Hell" by Auguste Rodin at the museum's entrance.

Zurich, with its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and diverse cultural offerings, stands as a captivating destination for any traveler. From the enchanting Old Town to the breathtaking views atop Uetliberg, this travel guide to Zurich provides a comprehensive overview of the city's key attractions. Whether indulging in Swiss chocolate at the Lindt Home of Chocolate or exploring the FIFA Museum for soccer enthusiasts, Zurich offers a blend of experiences that cater to various interests. Navigate through the city's neighborhoods, embark on boat cruises, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene. This travel guide to Zurich equips you with the insights needed to make the most of your journey, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling experience in this enchanting Swiss city.

Travel Tip

There’s no tap-and-pay in public transport, so you will need to purchase a pass or tickets through the ticket machines located at major stops or through the SBB app.