The swanky cosmopolitan city of Zurich is a lot of things: it’s a buzzing financial capital, a glittering lakeside escape, and it’s home to Switzerland’s busiest international airport...

Which means many tourists incidentally find themselves here, and (if word of mouth is anything to go by), they often find it boring.

In defense of Zurich however, I’d like to say this: unlike other Swiss cities (e.g. Lucerne or Basel), Zurich is a place that subtly resists against mass tourism. Sure, there’s tourists, but with a relative lack of iconic attractions and famous opportunities for sightseeing , the vibe here is that Zurich caters more to its locals than those stopping by. Which is not a bad thing!

If a more laid back travel experience is what you’re looking for, then there’s actually quite a bit to do in Zurich, oh, and substantially less ‘SWISS WATCHES AND ARMY KNIFE SOUVENIR’ energy than other Swiss hotspots, which I view as a plus.

So, if that sounds like your kind of thing, read on for a list of Zurich must-dos, from quirky museums and cool neighbourhoods to nearby day trips that are both delicious and beautiful.

1. Admire the view from Lindenhof

First – let’s get some views in. One of my favourite things about Zurich is that aesthetically, it’s pristine – with postcard views all over the city.

The most famous of such views can be found on top of the Lindenhof, a historic hill offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. This square dates back to the Roman era, when it was a crucial military stronghold, strategically located to oversee the Limmat River.

In the early medieval period, around the 9th century, Lindenhof continued to hold significant importance. It became the location of a royal palace, built by Louis the German, the grandson of Charlemagne, and as Zurich evolved, Lindenhof retained its status as a central and symbolic site.

By the Middle Ages, it had transformed into a civic center where the citizens of Zurich would gather for important events and assemblies… and today, it’s a peaceful park, offering stunning views of the city and the river.

Oh yes, come here and you, too, can get an awkward photo looking out to the city with leaves stuck on your boot:

2. Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Now, while parts of Zurich are undoubtedly modern, the most picturesque portion of the city is (to me) the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and charming cafes.

Zurich’s Old Town dates back to to Roman times when Zurich was known as “Turicum,” and was a minor customs post for the Roman Empire. Historically, the Old Town has always been the heart of Zurich, with it flourishing as a center of commerce and trade in the Middle Ages.

Today, the winding, narrow streets and alleys (many of which follow the original medieval layout) are lined with centuries-old buildings housing small boutiques, art galleries, cozy cafes, and traditional Swiss restaurants. Street performers and markets often add to the lively atmosphere as well, especially around the bustling Niederdorf area.

This is definitely one the cutest areas to explore in Zurich, so don’t miss it!

3. Enjoy Lake Zurich

Another highlight of the city? Its shimmery lake, of course.

I was honestly shocked at the size of Lake Zurich the first time I saw it. Stretching for almost 40km at its longest point, a full lap around the lake isn’t feasible unless you’re a superhero, but a walk along the water to admire the views is a must.

Some scenic walking areas around the lake include…

• Historische Quais am Zürisee: Probably the most well-known is this area that starts in front of the opera house and is often mobbed by swans!
• Zürichhorn: If you continue all the way down the lakeside from the above you’ll come to this large park area which contains a serene Chinese garden and some lovely lakeside eateries.
• Rentenwiese: Another pretty park on the other side of the lake but still close to the Zurich city centre. This park is also home to a beautiful botanic garden and a bird sanctuary.

Another option is to hop on a boat cruise to enjoy the lake peacefully from the water. This website shows all the options for short cruises down to Kilchberg (where the Lindt museum is, more on that later!) along with longer cruises all the way to Rapperswil and romantic sunset cruises.

4. Marvel at Grossmünster

As far as iconic landmarks go, Zurich’s proudest structure is probably its Grossmünster.

With its signature towers, this iconic church has a fascinating history and is a must-see when you’re in the city. Legend has it that Charlemagne himself founded Grossmünster. The story goes that while he was out hunting, his horse fell to its knees at the burial site of Zurich’s patron saints, Felix and Regula. Inspired by this divine sign, Charlemagne ordered the construction of a church on that very spot.

The construction of Grossmünster began around the year 1100 and was completed in the 13th century. Architecturally, it’s a stunning example of Romanesque style, characterized by its massive size, thick walls, and semi-circular arches. The twin towers, which were added in the 15th century, are perhaps its most recognizable feature and give the church its distinctive silhouette against the Zurich skyline.

Now, what can you see when you visit? First off, the crypt, which dates back to the 11th century, is worth exploring. Then there are the stunning stained glass windows by Swiss artist Augusto Giacometti, added in the 1930s. Another highlight is the climb up the towers. It’s a bit of a workout, but totally worth it for the panoramic views of Zurich and the surrounding Alps. On a clear day, the sight is simply breathtaking.

5. Visit Fraumünster Church

Though not as grand, another highlight of the typical Zurich sightseeing route is the Fraumünster.

Fraumünster was founded in 853 by Louis the German, a grandson of Charlemagne. He established it as a convent for aristocratic women (and his daughter was the first abbess), which gave the church its name – “Fraumünster” means “Women’s Minster” in German. Over the centuries, the convent became quite powerful; the abbess even had the authority to mint coins and govern parts of Zurich!

Architecturally, Fraumünster is a blend of different styles, reflecting its long history. The original building was Romanesque, but it was largely rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 13th century. One of the standout features of the church is its slender, green spire, which is visible from many parts of Zurich and adds to the city’s picturesque skyline.

The interior of Fraumünster is just as impressive. One of the absolute highlights is the set of stunning stained glass windows by the famous artist Marc Chagall. Installed in the 1970s, these windows are vibrant and full of life, depicting various biblical scenes in Chagall’s distinctive, dreamy style.

6. Keep an eye out for public art

While wandering around Zurich, another highlight to look out for is public art. With over 1300 installations spread across the city, you’re bound to come across a few!

Some of the most famous pieces include…

• “Y” by Sislej Xhafa: This awesome 15 meter (49ft) tall sculpture is also a swing and is located in Hardau Park.
• “Heureka” by Jean Tinguely: Located in the lakeside park of Zürichhorn, this kinetic sculpture starts moving every day at 11am, 3pm, and 7pm for 8 minutes.
• “Der Gefangene Floh” by Yves Netzhammer: A massive piece of installation art which shows a “perceptual labyrinth” on the side of a building at Binzmühlestrasse 156.
• The Stick Figures of Harald Naegeli: Harald Naegeli is a well-known Zurich graffiti artist who was once actually jailed for his art, but is now celebrated and you can find his art throughout the city (including on Merkurstrasse at the corner of Zeltweg, as seen in the photo below).

7. See Kunsthaus Zurich

For art lovers, another Zurich attraction to check out is the Kunsthaus Zurich, home to a collection of artworks that spans from the Middle Ages to today.

The museum was founded in 1910 by the Zurich Society of Arts, and over the years, it has grown into one of the most important (and largest) art institutions in Switzerland. The building itself is also quite striking, with a blend of classical and modern architectural elements.

And what can you see there? Well, the Kunsthaus has a bit of everything. If you’re a fan of classic art, you’ll love their extensive collection of European masterpieces. They’ve got works by artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, and even some stunning pieces by Swiss artist Johann Heinrich Füssli.

But the museum doesn’t stop at the classics. It’s also home to an impressive array of modern art. You’ll find works by big names like Picasso, Monet, and Chagall. They’ve also got some fantastic pieces from the Dada movement, which actually started in Zurich, so that’s pretty cool to see as well.

And for those curious about Swiss culture and history (Swisstory, if I may), another one of Zurich’s most popular museums is the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich).

The museum itself is housed in a building that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Built in 1898, it’s designed in a historicist style, meaning it has that grand, castle-like appearance with towers and turrets, although there’s also a more modern section that’s home to the museum’s auditorium.

Inside, you’ll find a variety of displays offering a comprehensive look at Switzerland’s history from prehistoric times right up to the present day. One of the museum’s highlights is its collection of decorative arts, which includes stunning furniture, ceramics, and costumes.

The museum also has some fantastic exhibits on Swiss cultural history. You’ll find sections dedicated to traditional Swiss customs and practices, like their famous watchmaking industry and the intricate art of lace making.

Basically if you’re curious about what makes Switzerland tick, a visit to the Swiss National Museum is a must.

9. Or visit a small, niche museum

Lastly on the museum front, if you’re into quirky little museums, then Zurich has a surprising selection to choose from.

Some examples include…

• Kulturama: Kulturama offers an engaging journey through the history of life on Earth, showcasing everything from dinosaur skeletons to human evolution with interactive exhibits spread across three floors.
• FIFA Museum: One for the football fans, the FIFA Museum celebrates the rich history and culture of international soccer, featuring a fun collection of memorabilia.
• Swiss Finance Museum: And while you might not find a 6″5′, blue eyes, man in finance at the Swiss Finance Museum, you will find a fascinating look into the world of finance, banking systems, and the stock market.

10. Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse

Of course, beyond sightseeing and views, one of the things that Zurich is particularly known for is shopping. (For those who can afford it, anyway).

The main shopping strip in Zurich is known as Bahnhofstrasse, with retail representation from most famous brands you can imagine.

If this Zurich activity sounds like it’s out of your tax bracket – fret not, it’s nice to just stroll down this main drag and window shop too… especially during the festive season when the Zurich Christmas Markets are on.

Throughout this period, the entire street is illuminated with a string of twinkling lights that they affectionately call Lucy. They even have a special ceremony for lighting her up!

11. Uetliberg Mountain

Offering spectacular vistas of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the Alps, a trip up Uetliberg is another fun Zurich must-do for those willing to venture a bit outside of the city.

There’s actually a train station almost at the top of the mountain, and trains leave every 30 minutes from Zurich’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof), taking about 20 minutes to get to the summit. From the Uetliberg station it’s just a short scenic walk to the top where you can simply enjoy the views from there or you can climb the Uetliberg lookout tower (Uetliberg Turm) for CHF 2 and see even more incredible views.

Uetliberg is also crisscrossed with hiking and biking trails, if you’re feeling energetic. One popular hike is the Planetenweg, a scenic walk that takes you along a model of the solar system, ending at Felsenegg. And if you visit in winter, many of the hiking trails are turned into sledding trails instead!

12. Enjoy a dip

Public baths are a huge deal in Zurich, so if weather permits, another fun thing to do in the city is enjoying one of the city’s many lakeside bath options!

Some of the most popular picks include:

• Seebad Enge: offers a relaxing lakeside swimming spot with floating rafts, a sauna, and stunning views of the Alps
• Strandbad Mythenquai: boasts a long sandy beach, extensive grassy areas, and various amenities like volleyball courts as well as a children’s playground
• Seebad Utoquai: features historic bathhouses, separate swimming areas for men and women, along with lovely sun terraces

NOTE: If you want a cold weather alternative, there’s also the Zurich Thermal Baths & Spa. Housed in a former brewery, a visit here is by far one of the most relaxing things to do in Zurich!

13. Enjoy the view from the Polyterrasse

Another great thing to do in Zurich is admire the city skyline from Polyterrasse, a hidden gem on the ETH Zurich campus, offering stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.

The terrace provides ample seating, making it an ideal place to sit back and enjoy a coffee from the nearby café, or simply take in the scenery. It’s popular with both local students and tourists alike, both as a meeting place or somewhere to get some lovely photos of Zurich.

The terrace is also easily accessible via the incredibly cute little red Polybahn funicular, which adds a fun and convenient way to reach this scenic lookout.

14. Explore Zurich-West

And if you want to venture beyond ‘typical tourist’ Zurich, then a great neighbourhood to explore is Zurich-West.

A highlight here are the Viadukt Arches (Im Viadukt), a trendy shopping district built beneath railway arches, featuring boutiques, markets, and gourmet eateries.

There’s also Frau Gerold’s Garten, an urban eatery that spreads out over a terrace in summer, with regular live music and other events. There are also some very cool shops and studios here to check out.

And right next to it, Urban Surf, a man-made standing wave where you can actually go surfing, or just watch the surfers from the comfort of the bar and restaurant!

Lindt may be one of my favourite chocolate brands in the world, and full disclosure: I unironically find the the Lindt Master Chocolatier (from the commercials) very attractive… SO, when I tell you that missing out on the Lindt Home of Chocolate is one of my biggest Switzerland travel regrets, please believe me.

This incredible interactive chocolate museum is home to the world’s largest free-standing chocolate fountain, which stands at nine meters tall and is a great photo opportunity (see below). Of course, as you explore you’ll get to taste lots of different chocolate and visitors can also take part in chocolate-making workshops under the guidance of a Lindt Master Chocolatier.

The attraction is located next to the Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory in Kilchberg, which is about a 12-minute train journey (plus a ten-minute walk) from the Zurich Hauptbahnhof or a 15-minute drive. You could also catch a ferry to the Kilchberg ferry station and then walk about 8 minutes to the Home of Chocolate.

So, for chocolate lovers, a visit here is a must.

16. Do a cool day trip

Finally, Zurich makes an excellent base for day trips, so if you have more time, then consider venturing further to amazing spots like…

• Rhine Falls: Europe’s largest waterfall offers breathtaking views and thrilling boat rides that take you close to the roaring cascades. Book a tour here.
• Lucerne: Lucerne enchants visitors with its picturesque lake setting, historic Old Town, and iconic Chapel Bridge. Book a day trip here.
• Interlaken and Grindelwald: Nestled between two beautiful lakes and surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps, Interlaken and Grindelwald are two gorgeous alpine towns that you can visit on a combined trip. Book your day trip here.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Zurich?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Zurich activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂