Things To Do (Activities & Food)
Free City Tour (Activity)
Join a free tour of the city with Free Walk Zurich (https://www.freewalk.ch/zurich/tours.php). They offer tours of downtown, a tour of Zurich West (the up-and-coming former industrial zones), or a street art tour.
Niederdorf - Zurich Old Town (Activity)
Visit the shops, cafes, and historic architecture of the old town of Zurich. We recommend the eastern part of the old city.
Lake Zurich (Activity)
Stroll around the lake on the scenic promenade that stretches 3 km from Bellevue to Tiefenbrunnen, take in the sights, grab an ice cream, take a paddle boat ride, or go swimming.
Üetliberg Mountain (Activity)
A great option for a day hike in Zurich. The top of the mountain offers a spectacular view of Zurich. Just 15 minutes by train from the centre of town to the summit.
Kunsthaus Zürich, Museum of Art (Activity)
The Kunsthaus is Switzerland's most known fine arts institution. It houses one of the country's largest and most important art collections, spanning from the middle ages to contemporary, with an emphasis on Swiss and European art.
Fraumünster (Activity)
Gothic cathedral with stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.
Grossmünster (Activity)
12th-century cathedral. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Zurich. You can climb one of the two towers to get a great view of downtown Zurich.
Mount Rigi (Day Trip)
Great for a nice day of hiking. On the mountain there is also an award winning spa (Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad).
Lucerne (Day Trip)
Lucerne is a lovely medieval town about 40-60 minutes outside of Zurich. Visit by car or train.
Rote Fabrik (Activity)
Rote Fabrik is a former factory in the Wollishofen neighbourhood of Zürich. It is now used as a music venue and alternative culture centre. It is so named because the buildings are made of red brick, but also because left-wing parties were part of the campaign to turn the location into a cultural centre.
Take in a Soccer Game at Letzigrund (Activity)
Both Zurich soccer teams FCZ and Grasshoppers play at Letzigrund. Teams are known for their rabid fan bases. We are an FCZ family!
Boat ride around Zurich (Activity)
Take a local ferry around the lake of Zurich. Typically boats leave from Bürkliplatz.
Langstrasse (Activity)
Langstrasse is the main street that connects the alternative districts 3 and 4. Explore the side streets to find cute shops, sit in cafes, and find great restaurants.
Zoo Zürich (Activity)
Fun family trip!
Bahnhofstrasse (Shopping $$$)
Probably best for window shopping ;)
Relax at a Spa in Town (Activity)
Need a relaxing day before or after the festivities? Spend a few hours at a spa and get pampered. Zurich Thermal Baths & Spa located in an old soda water factory is a great option.
Must Eat Dishes in Zurich
Kalbsbratwurst (veal sausage) Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in cream and mushroom sauce) Rösti (potato pancake side dish) Eglifilets (fried fish from lake Zurich with tartar sauce) Spätzli (egg dumpling, usually with cheese) Beef tartare Cordon Bleu (schnitzel stuffed with ham and cheese) Fondue Raclette Birchermüesli (berry, oats, fruit, and yogurt) Luxemburgerli (world famous macaron, sold at Sprüngli) Wiener Schnitzel (Vienna style thin veal schnitzel) Älpler-Makkaronen (alpine pasta dish with onions, potatoes, cream sauce, side apple sauce) Ghackets mit Hörnil (macaroni, meat sauce, applesauce)
Zeughauskeller (Restaurant - $$)
The Zeughauskeller is a Swiss-Bavarian beer hall serving culinary classics from both cuisines. World-famous for its humongous Vienna-Style Schnitzel.
Vorderer Sternen (Restaurant - $)
The Vorderer Sternen Grill (take-out) is a destination for one of Zurich's most iconic food items. The veal Bratwurst. Don't miss out!
Raclette-Stube (Restaurant - $$)
Hankering for Raclette or cheese fondue? Raclette-Stube in Zurich's old city is a great (non-touristy) option.
Haus Hiltl (Restaurant - $$)
Hiltl claims to be the longest-running vegetarian restaurant in the world (since 1898). A local and personal favourite!
Restaurant Hardhof (Restaurant - $$)
One of our favourite restaurants in town, serving classic Zurich dishes and a wide selection of local cheeses and charcuterie.
Fischers Fritz (Restaurant - $$)
Wonderful lakeside fish restaurant on the Western bank of Lake Zurich. All fish fresh out of the lake.
Volkshaus (Restaurant - $$)
Century-old theatre and restaurant with Zurich-style dishes.
Frau Gerolds Garten (Restaurant - $)
Laid-back home-style cuisine in an urban garden setting.
Pumpstation (Restaurant - $)
Lakeside grill restaurant serving up Swiss barbecue classics with a great view.
La Baracca (Restaurant - $$)
One of the best Italian restaurants in the city with an extensive wine list.
Santo Bevitore (Restaurant - $$)
Very good Italian restaurant from the same owners as La Baracca
Gül (Restaurant - $$)
Really fun Turkish small plate restaurant best enjoyed with a bigger party
Rosso (Restaurant - $$)
One of Zurich's finest pizzerias!
Co Chin Chin (Restaurant - $$)
Hip Vietnamese restaurant in Zurich's bustling District 3
BEBEK (Restaurant - $$)
BEBEK is a really delicious small-plate Middle Eastern restaurant in Zurich's District 4