The Best Things to Do in Zürich: Top 11 Zürich Attractions
- Almosafer
- Jul 6
- 7 min read
Zürich, Switzerland's largest city, is renowned for its exceptional quality of life, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled between Lake Zürich and the Swiss Alps, this cosmopolitan city offers a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and alpine charm.
With a plethora of things to do in Zürich, it can get overwhelming for new travellers. So, join us as we explain the best things to do in Zürich, Switzerland, to guarantee you the best experience possible!
The Best Things To Do in Zürich, Switzerland
Visit The Grossmünster Church
The Grossmünster, a prominent Protestant church with iconic twin towers, is one of the must-visit Zürich attractions in the Old Town. As a key player in the Swiss Reformation led by Huldrych Zwingli, the Grossmünster offers visitors a chance to explore its Romanesque crypt, admire stunning stained glass windows, and learn about the Reformation through engaging exhibits.
Location: Zwingliplatz 7, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
Opening Hours:
Summer (March 1 - October 31): 10 AM - 6 PM.
Winter (November 1 - February 28): 10 AM - 5 PM.
Entrance Fees: Free for prayer. Church exploration: Adults 5 CHF, Children (6-16) 2 CHF.
Explore The Fraumünster Church
Among the many other Zürich tourist attractions in the Old Town, you will find the Fraumünster Church. Fraumünster is a Reformed church offering a variety of religious services and activities. Visitors can attend sermons, concerts, or guided tours.
Known for its stunning architecture and rich history, the Fraumünster Church is free to enter for quiet reflection. Guided tours, however, have a fee.
Location: Münsterhof 2, Zürich.
Opening Hours:
Summer (March 1 - October 31): 10 AM - 6 PM
Winter (November 1 - February 28): 10 AM - 5 PM
Entrance Fees:
5 CHF/person (17+) if not attending a service. Find more details on the 50+ guided tours on the website.
Shop on the Bahnhofstrasse street
The Bahnhofstrasse, a renowned shopping boulevard in Zurich, is among the best Zürich attractions for anyone seeking a luxurious shopping experience. Stretching from the main railway station to Lake Zurich, this pedestrian street offers a plethora of high-end boutiques, fashion, jewellery, perfume, chocolate, and Swiss watches at the many luxury shops lining the boulevard.
Location: Downtown Zürich.
Experience the FIFA Museum
Nestled in the heart of Zürich, the FIFA Museum offers an interactive and engaging experience for football enthusiasts. Discover the sport's global impact through immersive exhibits and VR experiences. Here are the highlights you can expect in the FIFA Museum:
The Rainbow: Immerse yourself in a vibrant display of national team shirts.
The Timeline: Trace football's evolution from its British origins to global dominance.
The Foundations: Explore FIFA's birth and its founding principles.
The FIFA World Cup Gallery: Delve into the history of the World Cup with unique artefacts.
The Cinema: Relive iconic World Cup moments through captivating short films.
eFootball: The Virtual Pitch: Experience the thrill of virtual football and witness the evolution of player appearances.
The Pinball: Test your football skills in a challenging pinball game.
VR - THE FIRST FIFA WORLD CUP™: Immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of the 1930 FIFA World Cup™ through a virtual reality experience.
Location: Seestrasse 27, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland.
Opening Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with the last admission at 5:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Entrance Fees:
Single Tickets:
Adults (16+): 26 CHF.
Seniors (AHV): 20 CHF.
Disabled (IV): 15 CHF.
Students (17-25): 20 CHF.
Children (7-15): 15 CHF.
Children (0-6): Free
Family Tickets (2 Adults + 2 Kids 7/15):
Adults: 24.50 CHF.
Teens(7-15): 10 CHF.
Children (0-6): Free
Group Tickets (10+):
Adults: 24 CHF.
Children: 13 CHF.
VR - THE FIRST FIFA WORLD CUP™ requirements and price:
Age: 12+
Height: 120 cm and above
Children under 14: Must be accompanied by an adult (18+) with a valid ticket.
Costs: 19 CHF.
Museum & VR:
Adults: 41 CHF.
Seniors (AHV): 35 CHF.
Students (17-25): 35 CHF.
Children (7-15): 30 CHF
Family(2 Adults + 2 Kids 7/15): 39.5 CHF (adults) / 25 CHF(kids 7-15)
Climb Mount Uetliberg
Standing at 870 metres above sea level, Uetliberg is one of the best things to do in Zürich. Renowned for its breathtaking views, especially in November, Uetliberg offers panoramic vistas of Zürich, Lake Zürich, and the Alps. During the winter, you can experience the thrill of sledging down Uetliberg's slopes. While in the summer, you can embark on hiking or biking adventures, or explore the educational Planet Trail.
Location: 8143 Stallikon, Switzerland.
Explore the Swiss National Museum
You can find another one of the top things to do in Zürich right by the airport, the National Museum Zürich is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Founded in the late 19th century, this grand institution has quickly become a popular attraction due to its impressive collection and central location.
Explore centuries of Swiss history through the museum's vast collection, featuring archaeological finds and captivating artwork. Permanent exhibitions highlight Swiss culture and history, while temporary displays showcase diverse topics.
Location: Museumstrasse 2, Zürich.
Opening Hours:
The Museum: Tuesday-Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM, Thursday 10 AM-7 PM. Closed on Saturday.
The Library: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 AM-6 PM, Thursday 10 AM-7 PM. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Entrance Fees:
Adults: 13 CHF.
Concessions: 10 CHF.
Free: Children under 16, specific pass holders.
Combined Ticket: 23 CHF (museum, drink, boutique discount).
Annual Pass: 35 CHF (adults), 25 CHF (concessions).
Stroll Through the Zürich Old Town (Altstadt Kreis)
Zürich's Old Town, also known as Alstadt, is a charming blend of history and modernity. This historic centre boasts iconic churches like the twin-towered Grossmünster and the Fraumünster, renowned for their breathtaking stained glass windows. Stroll through the streets of Niederdorf and Limmatquai, bustling with shops, cafes, and nightlife. Or take a leisurely cruise along the Limmat River for a unique perspective of the Old Town.
Location: District 1, Zürich, Switzerland.
Have Dessert at Lindt Home of Chocolate
Located in Kilchberg, Zürich, the Lindt Home of Chocolate is a captivating destination for chocolate enthusiasts. Discover the history of chocolate, from its origins in Central America to its conquest of Europe with its interactive exhibits, guided tours, and tastings. Learn about the Swiss inventors who revolutionised chocolate production.
Location: Schokoladenplatz 1, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland.
Opening Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, except on Mondays, they close at 5 PM.
Entrance Fee:
Adults (16+): 17 CHF.
Students (with a suitable ID): 15 CHF.
Pensioners: 15 CHF.
Special Needs (with IV card): 15 CHF.
Children (8-15): 10 CHF.
Children (under 8): Free.
Relax at Lake Zürich (Zürichsee)
Nestled amidst the Swiss Alps, one of the most relaxing things to do in Zürich is hidden. Lake Zürich offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city.
Renowned for its beauty, this lake is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. As one of Switzerland's five largest lakes, it's surrounded by stunning scenery and offers a variety of activities. Explore Nearby Attractions:
Rapperswil: Discover the "rose town" with its beautiful public gardens featuring over 15,000 rose bushes.
Alpamare: Enjoy thrilling water slides and attractions at Europe's largest covered water park.
Islands: Explore the charming islands of Ufenau and Lützelau, each with its unique character.
Wooden Footbridge: Cross the lake on a picturesque wooden footbridge connecting Rapperswil and Hurden.
Baroque Church: Admire the architectural beauty of the Baroque church in Lachen.
Chocolate Factory: Indulge in a sweet treat at the Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory in Kilchberg.
Location: Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft, Mythenquai 333, 8038 Zürich.
Entrance Fees: Entrance to Lake Zürich is free of charge.
Adliswil – Felsenegg Cable Car
Escape the city bustle and soar to new heights with the Felsenegg Cable Car! This thrilling five-minute journey whisks you 800 meters above sea level to the Felsenegg vantage point, offering panoramic views of the city, lake, and surrounding mountains.
Location: Zelgstrasse 80, 8134 Adliswil, Switzerland.
Opening Hours:
Summer (March 31 - October 26):
Monday-Saturday: 8:05 AM - 10:05 PM (every 15 minutes)
Sunday: 8:05 AM - 8:05 PM (every 15 minutes)
Winter (October 27 - March 29):
Monday-Thursday: 9:05 AM - 8:05 PM (every 15 minutes)
Friday-Saturday: 9:05 AM - 10:05 PM (every 15 minutes)
Sunday: 9:05 AM - 8:05 PM (every 15 minutes)
Entrance Fee:
1-Hour ticket:
Full Price: 4.60 CHF.
Half Price: 3.20 CHF (If you have the Zürich travel card or the Junior Card, then you are eligible for half price)
24-Hour ticket:
Full Price: 9.20 CHF.
Half Price: 6.40 CHF
Albis-24-ticket:
Full Price: 18.40 CHF.
Half Price: 9.20 CHF
Immerse yourself in the Tram Museum
This fascinating museum offers a nostalgic journey through the evolution of public transportation in the city. Explore a collection of original trams dating back to 1897, including horse-drawn carriages and modern electric trams, and climb aboard historic trams, marvel at detailed models, and even try your hand at operating a children's tram. The Tram Museum also offers a captivating glimpse into the social and industrial changes that shaped Zürich. Witness the evolution of uniforms, ticket machines, and technology used throughout the years.
Location: Forchstrasse 260, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland.
Opening Hours: The Museum is open on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM to 6 PM.
Entrance Fee:
Single Entry:
Adults: 14 CHF.
Teens (16-18): 9 CHF.
Children (6-16): 7 CHF.
Children (0-5): Free
Disabled Person and their required accompanying person: Free
Family Entry:
Adults/Grandparents: 28 CHF.
Children/Grandchildren (max 2): 14 CHF.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zürich Tourist Attractions
Q. What is Zürich best known for?
Zürich is best known for being one of the primary financial centres of Switzerland, and for being the biggest city in Switzerland.
Q. What is the best time to visit Zürich?
The ideal time to visit Zürich depends on your preferences. However, for most people, summer (June to August) is the most comfortable with warm temperatures and low rainfall.
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