Zurich is commonly on the prime of any Switzerland itinerary. Because the monetary capital of the nation, the most important metropolis in Switzerland, and a picturesque setting on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, there are many issues to maintain you busy. Three days in Zurich is simply sufficient time to expertise all of it. This itinerary will enable you to plan the proper three days in Zurich, from selecting the very best issues to do, locations to see, and the place to eat. So, are you able to plan the proper Zurich itinerary?
How To Spend 3 Days in Zurich
Welcome to your first day in Zurich! At the moment, we’re going to get acquainted with the Previous City, however we’re then going to move to the hippest a part of Zurich, Zurich West. That is the place the outdated meets the brand new, and you will see the very best of each. We extremely advocate reserving a strolling tour of the Previous City to see the top landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour after we first arrive in any metropolis, and Zurich isn’t any exception. It helps us plan out the remainder of our journey and lets us see the highest points of interest in a short while.
Zurich Itinerary Day 1
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Previous City and Zurich West. In case you are staying within the Previous City, you’ll be able to stroll to all of the points of interest after which hop on public transit for a brief and simple 10-minute trip to Zurich West.
Notice: One of the best ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It offers limitless journey by bus, practice, cableway, and tram, plus you’ll be able to take brief boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get more details here. To discover the Previous City, it’s simply accomplished by foot as there are numerous pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Previous City
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 underneath new administration) within the Previous City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was straightforward to make our strategy to see the very best landmarks in Previous City.
1. Rechberg GardensÂ
Positioned straight beside Resort Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are some of the scenic spots in Zurich. They’re straight behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other standard landmark in Zurich. Relationship again to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It’s thought-about a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque model Rechberg Gardens is a peaceable strategy to begin the day.
2. College of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your strategy to the most effective viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Expertise (ETH) on the College of Zurich affords panoramic views of the Previous City, Limmat River, they usually metropolis’s church steeples. We walked as much as the panorama terrace, however you can even take the Polybahn to keep away from strolling up the hill. It is among the most iconic modes of transportation within the metropolis and is included with the Zurich Card. This historic funicular began working in 1889 so should you get the prospect, hop on. Albeit, it’s a simple stroll to the highest as properly.
3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt
After you have ignored Zurich from the College, it’s a good and simple stroll downhill by the Previous City of Zurich (Altstadt). A part of the attraction of visiting Zurich is to buy within the boutiques within the Previous City, seek for its many fountains, and discover the proper espresso store to take a seat on a patio for prime people-watching. Different issues to see within the Previous City: see the birthplace of Dadaism at Cafe Voltaire, go into the Belleview Apotheke relationship again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an out of doors cafe on the pedestrian-only avenue of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
Earlier than you allow the West Financial institution of the Limmat River, don’t miss visiting essentially the most iconic constructing in Zurich. Grossmünster (Nice Minster) Cathedral. Legend has it that when Charlemagne found the graves of town’s patrons, he constructed a church upon them.
Should you go into the crypt within the cellar and also you’ll see a big sculpture of Charlemagne himself. Grossmünster additionally performs an necessary half in Swiss historical past because it was the birthplace of the Reformation of the church in Switzerland. You can even go as much as the highest of the tower for the most effective views in Zurich. It prices 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of town.
5. Cross the Münsterbrücke
Many of the Previous City’s fundamental points of interest crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no journey to Zurich can be full with out crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmünster throughout the Limmat River on to Fraumünster. Make certain to cease and take within the views. It affords an unobstructed view of a number of the most stunning locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Previous city Corridor) as you make your manner from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Girl) is a must-visit in Zurich relationship again to 835. It attracts guests to view its stained glass home windows designed by Marc Chagall. It prices CHF 5 to enter Fraumünster.
Spend the Afternoon in Zurich West
After you have seen a number of the greatest sights within the outdated city it’s time to see Zurich’s hippest neighborhood, Zurich West. It is a tremendous place to spend the afternoon into the night. Hop on the streetcar and prepare to spend the afternoon in Zurich West, spending time having fun with the native tradition and experiences.
Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Backyard) for Lunch
Seize a late lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Backyard). This out of doors occasion area is a backyard group with eateries, bars, and the proper place to seize a beer. The funky ambiance units the tone on your afternoon in Zurich West.  Visit the website for opening occasions, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
One of the recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. It’s possible you’ll know the identify, Freitag, the fashionable luggage are created from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is situated in Zurich West and you may’t miss its 19 stacked delivery containers reaching 26 meters (85 toes) into the air.
City Surf
Proper subsequent door is among the most original issues to do in Zurich. City Surf is a implausible spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Seashore umbrellas line a deck surrounding an enormous wave pool. You’ll be able to hop in to catch a wave or just chill out within the solar as you get pleasure from a cocktail. Visit Urban Surf website for classes, costs and opening hours.
Go Artwork Searching
After you’ve loved slightly enjoyable within the solar, it’s time to seek for the distinctive artwork that’s scattered all through Zurich West. From Towers at Escher-Wyss-Platz, Anne Sophie in entrance of 25hours Resort Zurich-West, or you’ll be able to go into Maag Corridor to see the most recent shows (presently LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the most recent reveals.
Store alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your strategy to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard lengthy avenue is really a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This outdated railway viaduct incorporates boutique retailers and eating places situated inside 36 arches underneath the viaduct. You can even stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some implausible views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
After you have had your fill of procuring, make your strategy to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is implausible, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There may be indoor and out of doors seating. Visit their website for reservations. Fact be advised, Zurich affords many eating places, particularly round standard areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with a wide range of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
Should you nonetheless have power, keep out after darkish in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in Prime Tower. Prime Tower is the very best tower in Zurich (second highest in Switzerland). Clouds is on the thirty fifth flooring and affords an awesome view of Zurich being the very best bar in Zurich. You’ll be able to have dinner there if you wish to splurge as properly.
It’s been a full day, so get on the tram together with your Zurich Card and make your manner again to your lodge as a result of your Zurich itinerary nonetheless has much more on the agenda.
Nightlife in Zurich
Because the solar goes down, Zurich turns into a playground for evening owls. The nightlife is as different as it’s enjoyable and caters to all tastes. Begin your night within the stylish Kreis 5 district, a sizzling spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Right here, you’ll be able to dance the evening away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the fashionable Bar 8001, or get pleasure from a relaxed night on the cozy Café des Amis.
For dwell music lovers, Moods Membership is a should. This place hosts an incredible mixture of performances, from jazz and blues to rock and pop, so there’s all the time one thing to maneuver to. If theater is your factor, the Theater am Neumarkt has a variety of performs, musicals, and dance performances, a cultural feast for the senses.
Attend an Occasion or Live performance
Zurich’s occasion calendar is stuffed with enjoyable stuff all 12 months spherical. Whether or not you want movie, music, or meals, there’s all the time one thing to stay up for. The Zurich Movie Pageant is a spotlight, attracting movie buffs from all around the world with its nice program of screenings and occasions. Music lovers will benefit from the Zurich Jazz Pageant; foodies can indulge on the Road Meals Pageant and take a look at meals from all around the world.
In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Pageant is a should, with dwell music, meals, and drinks in a fantastic out of doors setting. In winter, you will get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive presents, and a heat and comfy ambiance.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich
At the moment is all about taking within the views, experiencing the 2 totally different waterfronts of Zurich, indulging in some decadent Swiss Chocolate, and visiting the Lindt Manufacturing unit for a tour and chocolate tasting.
Dawn at Lindenhof
At the moment is an early begin as you make your strategy to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman fortress is now a stunning park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the outdated metropolis partitions. It’s a stunning place for dawn with views of the solar rising over the Limmat River, the Previous City, and Grossmünster cathedral. Seeing it at dawn is the proper time of day to beat the crowds and benefit from the peaceable solitude of the view.
St. Peter’s Church
From Lindenhof Hill, it’s now time to walk alongside the Limmat River in direction of St. Peter’s Church the place largest church clock in Europe resides. Relationship again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside however you’ll be able to go into see it and it’s free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Because you awoke at dawn, it’s so much to stroll again to the lodge for breakfast, so as an alternative, make your strategy to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a stunning place for a cappuccino and pastry to begin your day. You at the moment are able to have an incredible day exploring actions outdoors of the Previous City. It’s time to see Lake Zurich.
Bürkliplatz Pier
Bürkliplatz Pier is a sq. on Lake Zurich and the place to catch a ship on your journey across the lake. It has beautiful scenic views of the mountain, the pier and the shores of Lake Zurich. By the best way, there’s a vegetable market right here twice per week and a Sunday farmer’s market. So there’s a lot happening at this gathering place. There’s additionally a implausible strolling path the place you may make your manner round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However right this moment, as an alternative of strolling, you will use your Zurich Card to hop on the ferry to Wollishofen.
Boat to Wollishofen
Wolishofen is an artists group that was a former industrial space. It’s crammed with artists . One attention-grabbing proven fact that we realized about Wollishofen is that when massive builders put money into property and improvement in Zurich, a share of their funding should go to the artwork group. Wollishofen has many festivals and occasions and there are many locations to eat as properly.
Cassiopeia Boardwalk
As you proceed your stroll alongside Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this stunning boardwalk on Lake Zurich is a superb place for a stroll. One other attention-grabbing truth we realized is that waterfront property is not being offered alongside Lake Zurich. Town now makes positive that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that have been already owned earlier than the legislation got here into place, town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal houses. This fashion, individuals can proceed to stroll round Lake Zurich unobstructed.
Lunch at Mönchhof am See on Lake Zurich
The morning of your second day is coming to an finish it’s time for lunch. There are many locations for lunch alongside Lake Zurich and we loved lunch at Mönchhof am See. It’s beer backyard is situated on the water and overlooks an outdated harbour. Seize a recent salad with some truffle fries and benefit from the views of the Swiss Alps standing proud over Lake Zurich within the distance. Don’t eat an excessive amount of, since you at the moment are going to essentially the most scrumptious cease in your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt Residence of Chocolate
You’ll be able to catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt Residence of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. Should you like chocolate, you will love this interactive multimedia expertise. The state-of-the-art constructing homes a testing plant the place chocolatiers develop new recipes and methods letting you peek into the artwork of chocolate making.
There are a number of experiences to select from however merely happening the chocolate tour is superior as you study of the historical past of chocolate earlier than attending to style liquid chocolate from an array of chocolate fountains to chunks of chocolate to check your style buds and at last finish in a room with vats of Lindor sweets prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
When you find yourself completed up on the chocolate museum, make your manner again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s most costly procuring streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You’ll be able to take the tram again to downtown utilizing your Zurich card and start the window procuring as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly avenue. There are streetcars and visitors, however the sidewalks are huge as you take a look at the common high-end procuring from Gucci to Rolex, and Chanel to Burberry. When you’ve had your fill of gawking within the home windows it’s supper time.
Niederdorfstrasse
Make your strategy to Paradeplatz to seek for a chunk to eat. We selected an out of doors seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was inbuilt 1487 and is extraordinarily standard. The service was wonderful and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the proper place to seize a chunk in Zurich.
Head to Quaibrücke for Sundown
Relying on the time of 12 months, you’ll in all probability be consuming earlier than sundown. Within the peak of summer time with sundown late within the night, you’ll wish to eat first as we found the laborious manner that restaurant’s kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrücke, the final bridge between Zurich Previous City and Lake Zurich. That is the traditional spot for pictures the place you’ll be able to see the entire Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a energetic spot at sundown, so be sure that to go throughout the road to see how The Alps gentle up over Lake Zurich as properly.
It’s now time for relaxation as you’ve been up since dawn, so make it an early evening. The second day of your Zurich itinerary has come to an finish. When you’ve got your coronary heart set on a nightcap some options for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Previous Crow for cocktails, or have a glass of champagne at Cafe Odeon the primary place the place champagne by the glass was ever served!
Zurich Day 3
It’s your last day in your Zurich itinerary and right this moment is all concerning the open air. The individuals of Zurich love the lake so make your strategy to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in direction of the Arboretum the place individuals sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a nice stroll as you make your strategy to Badi Enge the place it’s time for our favourite exercise in Zurich.
SUP on Lake Zurich
Badi Enge is a public swimming space on Lake Zurich with solar decks, swimming lanes, a restaurant, and a sauna. It has stunning views of the Alps, Lake Zurich, and town. However one of the best ways to expertise it’s to lease a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You’ll be able to take the boards by the marina after which onto the Schanzengraben Canal. This picturesque canal is to not be missed!
Calm down at Seebad Enge
As soon as you’re accomplished paddleboarding, you’re free to go for a swim, chill out on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You can even refill your water bottle right here earlier than shifting on. Examine for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge website.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we stated you’ll be able to eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we advocate making your manner again to the outdated city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full with out a fondue, so that is your likelihood. Swiss Chuchi is situated within the coronary heart of the Previous City. You at the moment are only a brief stroll to your subsequent cease.
Go as much as Uetliberg
After lunch, it’s time to hop on the tram to catch the practice to Uetliberg. It takes about an hour to get to by public transport from the Previous City, so this shall be your whole afternoon. However it’s value it. Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 toes) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the practice that goes almost to the highest. When you arrive by practice, it’s a couple of 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unbelievable lookout.
There’s a tower that you may climb for 2CHF and it’s positively value it. We nearly didn’t put this on our Zurich itinerary and I’m so glad we made time for it. There are attractive views of town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. When you’ve got time, you’ll be able to go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automobile down from Felsenegg.
Sundown Over Lake Zurich
On your final evening in Zurich, seize a beer and make your manner all the way down to the Lake to observe the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Positioned on the east aspect of Lake Zurich is a public park on the lakeshore the place locals hand around in the night. It is a energetic spot and affords stunning views. It’s situated simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the gorgeous Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is among the largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
As soon as the solar goes down, make your manner throughout the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Positioned underneath the shade of huge chestnut timber, that is additionally a great place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However on your last evening in Zurich, it’s a great conventional spot to have a beer and revel in a pint of native brew.
Easy methods to Get Round Zurich
One of the best ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card offers entry to trains, trams, cable automobiles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally affords free or discounted admissions to museums. Make certain to validate your ticket earlier than you are taking your first journey on transit. As soon as it’s validated, you don’t want to point out it until requested in the course of your ticket. Zurich Playing cards vary from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get more details here.
Choose shops additionally provide reductions to Zurich Card holders to verify to ask.
- A few of the greatest museums to see in Zurich with the Zurich Card are are:
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Museum Rietberg
- Museum Haus Konstruktiv
- FIFA World Soccer Museum
- Landesmuseum
Easy methods to Get to Zurich
Worldwide flights arrive every day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the most important airport in Switzerland. Trains run often from Zurich Airport to the principle Zurich Predominant Practice Station, Hauptbahnhof. You should use your Swiss Journey Cross to take the practice. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest practice station in Europe? You’ll be able to then use your Zurich Cross to hop on a tram to your lodge, which may be very straightforward when touring in Zurich. This additionally is useful in case you are trying to do a day journey from Zurich.
If you buy a Swiss Journey Cross, it contains:
Limitless journey by practice, bus, and boat
Public transportation in additional than 90 cities and cities
Free admission to greater than 500 museums all through Switzerland
Two free informative apps to assist plan your Switzerland journey are: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Travel Guide app
The place to Keep in Zurich
When on the lookout for lodging in Zurich, staying within the Previous City is a good suggestion as it’s straightforward to get round. We stayed at Resort Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of in all places. It additionally has parking when you’ve got a automobile rental, a implausible restaurant, very good breakfasts included, and there are many historic regalia, together with an outdated ceramic wooden range and an outdated radio within the sitting room. Replace: Sadly, this lodge was closed in July 2022 however is about to re-open in 2025 underneath new administration.
Zurich will steal your coronary heart. We had all the time dreamed of visiting Zurich, and after three visits to Switzerland, we lastly managed to discover this thrilling cosmopolitan metropolis. In case you are planning a visit to Switzerland, be sure that to spend three days in Zurich to really expertise the entire wonderful issues to do within the metropolis.
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