Zurich is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. From its stunning views of Lake Zurich and the Alps beyond to its vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone in this city. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family outing, or just a quiet weekend away from it all, Zurich has something special waiting for you. In this blog post, we take a look at 10 of the best things to see and do when visiting this Swiss city. So grab your camera and get ready to explore the wonders of Zurich!
Zurich Old Town
Zurich Old Town is a beautiful and historic area of the city, with a great selection of shops, restaurants, and bars. The area is also home to many museums and art galleries, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring.
There are a few must-see sights in Zurich Old Town, including the Swiss National Museum, the Zurich Zoo, and the Rietberg Museum. If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat, there are plenty of options in Zurich Old Town, from traditional Swiss cuisine to international dishes. And if you fancy doing some shopping, you’ll find everything from high-end designer stores to quaint souvenir shops.
Shopping. From high-end designer stores to quaint souvenir shops, there’s something for everyone when it comes to shopping in Zurich. Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most famous shopping streets in Europe, while Niederdorf is known for its unique boutiques and galleries.
Nightlife. Whether you want to dance until dawn or enjoy some live music, there are plenty of options when it comes to enjoying Zurich’s nightlife scene. The city has many bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy drinks with friends until late
Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most famous shopping streets in Europe and is a must-see when visiting Zurich. The street is lined with high-end stores selling everything from designer clothes to luxury watches, and there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy. If you’re looking for some souvenirs to take home, Bahnhofstrasse is the place to find them.
The street is approximately 1.2km long and stretches from the Zurich Main Station in the north to Paradeplatz in the south. It is one of the most expensive streets in Europe, and many of the world’s leading brands have flagship stores here. The street is also home to several banks, including Credit Suisse and UBS.
Bahnhofstrasse has a long history that dates back to medieval times. Today it is still one of the most beautiful streets in Zurich, with its iconic arcades and Neo-Renaissance buildings. Bahnhofstrasse is also a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who come to take in its unique beauty and shop for some of the best luxury goods available anywhere.
Lake Zurich
This idyllic lake is a great spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or just to take in the stunning scenery. The water is clean and clear, making it perfect for swimming, boating, and windsurfing. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes lining the shores, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
The lake is also home to many festivals throughout the year, including the Zurich Festival of Lights in December and the Zurich Film Festival in July. These events draw huge crowds and are a great way to experience the city’s culture and atmosphere.
The numerous swimming areas, the Alpamare in Pfaffikon, which is the largest covered water park in Europe, the sunny islands of Ufenau and Lützelau near Rapperswil, the wooden footbridge across the lake between Rapperswil and Hurden, the Baroque church in Lachen, and the famous Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory in Kilchberg are all popular places to visit in the vicinity of Lake Zurich.
Uetliberg Mountain
The Uetliberg Mountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Zurich. It offers stunning views of the city, the river, and the mountains. There are several hiking trails of different levels of difficulty, so everyone can find a suitable route. A mountain is also a great place for picnics and there are several restaurants at the top.
There are two ways of getting to Uetliberg: either by train or on foot. The railway line takes you up the mountain in just 25 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. You can also take a scenic walk or bike ride up the mountain. On a clear day, you can even get a glimpse of the Alps!
At the top of Uetliberg, you will find the Uetliberg Tower. From this tower, you can enjoy amazing views of the city and beyond. The platform at the top is perfect for a romantic sunset or sunrise. To really experience this beautiful mountain, there are also several overnight accommodation options available. The mountain is also home to several restaurants and cafes, perfect for taking a break from your hike and enjoying some refreshments with a stunning view!
Swiss National Museum
The Swiss National Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Zurich. It is home to over 1,000 exhibits, including Swiss history, art, and culture. The museum also has a restaurant, cafe, and shop. Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace or take a guided tour.
The museum houses many masterpieces of art, including works by Swiss artists such as Ferdinand Hodler, Arnold Böcklin, and Giovanni Giacometti. There are also exhibits on Swiss history, from prehistoric times to the modern day. The museum is also home to several interactive displays that allow visitors to explore different aspects of Swiss culture.
Zurich Zoo
Zurich Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Situated on the edge of Lake Zurich, the zoo is home to over 3,500 animals from all over the world. Highlights include the elephant house, which was designed by famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier, and the penguin pool, where you can see penguins swimming and playing. The zoo also has a restaurant, a gift shop, and a playground for children.
The zoo is divided into several different areas, such as the African Savanna, the Arctic, and the South American Rainforest. Each area has its own unique environment and houses animals from that region. The zoo also offers educational programs for school groups and has a petting zoo where visitors can get up close and personal with some of their favorite animals.
Opera House
The Zurich Opera House is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Located on Sechseläutenplatz in the central district, the opera house was built in 1834 and is home to the Zurich Opera Company. Visitors can take a tour of the opera house, which includes the auditorium, dressing rooms, and stage, or attend a performance. The opera house also has a restaurant and bar, making it the perfect place to spend an evening in Zurich.
The opera house is renowned for its excellent acoustics and has been used for a variety of performances, including operas, cantatas, symphonies, and ballet. The building itself is resplendent with white stucco work, gilded details, and ornate chandeliers. The auditorium holds up to 1,800 people and often hosts international productions.
In addition to the regular season of operas and ballets at the opera house, the venue also hosts a series of events throughout the year such as music festivals, concerts, film screenings, lectures, and theatre performances. It also serves as a popular venue for corporate meetings, conferences, galas, and receptions.
Fraumunster Church
Zurich is home to many beautiful churches, but Fraumunster Church is definitely one of the most stunning. This Romanesque-style church was built in the 9th century and is located on Munsterhof square in the old city center. The church is best known for its stained glass windows, which were designed by Swiss artist, Marc Chagall. Visitors can also climb the tower for breathtaking views of Zurich and the surrounding mountains.
The organ at the Fraumünster Church is the largest in all of the churches in the Canton of Zurich, with 5793 individual pipes. The story of how the monastery was established and how Saints Felix and Regula became the patron saints of the city are shown in a series of frescoes that were painted by Paul Bodmer.
The church is open to the public and can be visited from Monday to Saturday from 9am – 6pm. There are also guided tours available, as well as special services held throughout the year.
Lindt Swiss Chocolate Factory
Zurich is home to many world-renowned companies and attractions, including the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Factory. Founded in 1845, Lindt is one of the oldest and most respected chocolatiers in the world. The factory offers tours that take visitors behind the scenes to see how Lindt chocolate is made. The tour includes a tasting session, so you can sample some of the delicious chocolate for yourself!
The Lindt Swiss Chocolate Factory is open all year round, with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Guided tours are available in both English and German. Tour prices vary depending on the size of the group and duration but typically range from US$20 to US$50 per person.
Kunsthaus Zürich (Museum of Fine Arts)
Kunsthaus Zürich is one of the most important museums of fine art in Switzerland. It houses a significant collection of Swiss art from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as international paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to the present day. The museum frequently organizes special exhibitions, which are often very popular with locals and tourists alike.
A visit to Kunsthaus Zürich is a must for anyone interested in art, whether you are a seasoned museum-goer or just getting started in your appreciation of great works of art. The building itself is impressive, and the collections on display are sure to inspire awe and wonder. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to explore all that this incredible museum has to offer.
Conclusion
Zurich is one of Switzerland’s most popular destinations and with so many things to see, do and explore, it is easy to understand why. From its iconic churches and museums to its stunning outdoor adventures, there really is something for everyone in this spectacular city.
Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or some thrills and spills, Zurich has plenty of options that will make your visit unforgettable. So if you’re planning a trip to Switzerland any time soon, be sure not to miss out on the very best that Zurich has to offer!