Zurich is commonly on the high of any Switzerland itinerary. Because the monetary capital of the nation, the biggest 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 show you how 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! As we speak, we’re going to get acquainted with the Outdated City, however we’re then going to go to the hippest a part of Zurich, Zurich West. That is the place the previous meets the brand new, and you’ll see the very best of each. We extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of the Outdated City to see the highest landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour after we first arrive in any metropolis, and Zurich is not any exception. It helps us plan out the remainder of our journey and lets us see the highest sights in a short while.
Zurich Itinerary Day 1
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Outdated City and Zurich West. If you’re staying within the Outdated City, you may stroll to all of the sights after which hop on public transit for a brief and simple 10-minute experience to Zurich West.
Word: The easiest way to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It supplies limitless journey by bus, practice, cableway, and tram, plus you may take quick boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get extra particulars right here. To discover the Outdated City, it’s simply executed by foot as there are numerous pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Outdated City
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 beneath new administration) within the Outdated City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was straightforward to make our solution to see the very best landmarks in Outdated City.
1. Rechberg Gardens
Situated straight beside Resort Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are probably the most scenic spots in Zurich. They’re straight behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other well-liked landmark in Zurich. Courting again to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It’s thought of a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque fashion Rechberg Gardens is a peaceable solution to begin the day.
2. College of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your solution to among the finest viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Know-how (ETH) on the College of Zurich presents panoramic views of the Outdated City, Limmat River, and so they metropolis’s church steeples. We walked as much as the panorama terrace, however it’s also possible to take the Polybahn to keep away from strolling up the hill. It is likely one of the most iconic modes of transportation within the metropolis and is included with the Zurich Card. This historic funicular began working in 1889 so for those who get the possibility, hop on. Albeit, it’s a simple stroll to the highest as nicely.
3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt
After getting ignored Zurich from the College, it’s a good and simple stroll downhill by means of the Outdated City of Zurich (Altstadt). A part of the appeal of visiting Zurich is to buy within the boutiques within the Outdated 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 Outdated City: see the birthplace of Dadaism at Cafe Voltaire, go into the Belleview Apotheke courting again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an outside cafe on the pedestrian-only road of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
Earlier than you allow the West Financial institution of the Limmat River, don’t miss visiting probably the most iconic constructing in Zurich. Grossmünster (Nice Minster) Cathedral. Legend has it that when Charlemagne found the graves of the 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 essential 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 among the finest views in Zurich. It prices 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of the town.
5. Cross the Münsterbrücke
Many of the Outdated City’s fundamental sights 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 presents an unobstructed view of a few of the most stunning locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Outdated city Corridor) as you make your means from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Woman) is a must-visit in Zurich courting 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 getting seen a few of the greatest sights within the previous 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 outside occasion area is a backyard group with eateries, bars, and the proper place to seize a beer. The funky environment units the tone to your afternoon in Zurich West. Go to the web site for opening instances, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
One of the vital recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. Chances are you’ll know the identify, Freitag, the trendy luggage are created from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is positioned in Zurich West and you’ll’t miss its 19 stacked delivery containers reaching 26 meters (85 ft) into the air.
City Surf
Proper subsequent door is likely one of 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 may hop in to catch a wave or just calm down within the solar as you take pleasure in a cocktail. Go to City Surf web site for classes, costs and opening hours.
Go Artwork Searching
After you’ve loved somewhat 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 may go into Maag Corridor to see the most recent shows (at present LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the most recent displays.
Store alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your solution to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard lengthy road is really a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This previous railway viaduct accommodates boutique retailers and eating places positioned inside 36 arches beneath 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 getting had your fill of procuring, make your solution to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is implausible, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There may be indoor and outside seating. Go to their web site for reservations. Fact be informed, Zurich presents many eating places, particularly round well-liked areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with a wide range of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
Should you nonetheless have vitality, keep out after darkish in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in Prime Tower. Prime Tower is the best tower in Zurich (second highest in Switzerland). Clouds is on the thirty fifth flooring and presents an ideal view of Zurich being the best bar in Zurich. You may have dinner there if you wish to splurge as nicely.
It’s been a full day, so get on the tram along with your Zurich Card and make your means 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 diverse 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 may dance the evening away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the trendy Bar 8001, or take pleasure in a relaxed night on the cozy Café des Amis.
For reside music lovers, Moods Membership is a should. This place hosts a tremendous 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 filled with enjoyable stuff all 12 months spherical. Whether or not you want movie, music, or meals, there’s all the time one thing to sit up for. The Zurich Movie Pageant is a spotlight, attracting movie buffs from everywhere in 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 everywhere in the world.
In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Pageant is a should, with reside music, meals, and drinks in a good looking outside setting. In winter, you will get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive items, and a heat and comfy environment.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich
As we speak 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
As we speak is an early begin as you make your solution to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman fortress is now a stunning park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the previous metropolis partitions. It’s a stunning place for dawn with views of the solar rising over the Limmat River, the Outdated 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 the direction of St. Peter’s Church the place largest church clock in Europe resides. Courting again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside however you may 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 a substitute, make your solution to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a stunning place for a cappuccino and pastry to start out your day. You at the moment are able to have a tremendous day exploring actions exterior of the Outdated 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 to 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 every week and a Sunday farmer’s market. So there’s a lot occurring at this gathering place. There’s additionally a implausible strolling path the place you can also make your means round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However right this moment, as a substitute of strolling, you’ll 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 full of artists . One fascinating indisputable fact that we realized about Wollishofen is that when giant 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 nicely.
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 fascinating truth we realized is that waterfront property is now not being bought alongside Lake Zurich. Town now makes certain that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that have been already owned earlier than the regulation got here into place, the town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal properties. This manner, folks 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 positioned on the water and overlooks an previous 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 probably the most scrumptious cease in your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt House of Chocolate
You may catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt House of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. Should you like chocolate, you’ll love this interactive multimedia expertise. The cutting-edge constructing homes a testing plant the place chocolatiers develop new recipes and strategies letting you peek into the artwork of chocolate making.
There are a number of experiences to select from however merely occurring the chocolate tour is superior as you be taught 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 eventually finish in a room with vats of Lindor goodies prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
When you find yourself completed up on the chocolate museum, make your means again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s costliest procuring streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You may take the tram again to downtown utilizing your Zurich card and start the window procuring as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly road. There are streetcars and visitors, however the sidewalks are broad as you try 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 time for supper.
Niederdorfstrasse
Make your solution to Paradeplatz to seek for a chew to eat. We selected an outside seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was inbuilt 1487 and is extraordinarily well-liked. The service was wonderful and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the proper place to seize a chew 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 top of summer season with sundown late within the night, you’ll wish to eat first as we found the arduous means that restaurant’s kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrücke, the final bridge between Zurich Outdated City and Lake Zurich. That is the traditional spot for images the place you may see all the Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a vigorous spot at sundown, so be certain to go throughout the road to see how The Alps mild up over Lake Zurich as nicely.
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 recommendations for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Outdated 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 closing day in your Zurich itinerary and right this moment is all concerning the outside. The folks of Zurich love the lake so make your solution to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in the direction of the Arboretum the place folks sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a pleasing stroll as you make your solution 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 the town. However one of the simplest ways to expertise it’s to lease a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You may take the boards by means of the marina after which onto the Schanzengraben Canal. This picturesque canal is to not be missed!
Chill out at Seebad Enge
As soon as you might be executed paddleboarding, you might be free to go for a swim, calm down on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You can even replenish your water bottle right here earlier than transferring on. Verify for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge web site.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we mentioned you may eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we suggest making your means again to the previous city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full and not using a fondue, so that is your probability. Swiss Chuchi is positioned within the coronary heart of the Outdated City. You at the moment are only a quick 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 Outdated City, so this can be your total afternoon. However it’s price it. Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 ft) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the practice that goes practically to the highest. When you arrive by practice, it’s a few 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unimaginable lookout.
There’s a tower that you may climb for 2CHF and it’s positively price 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 the town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. When you’ve got time, you may go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automobile down from Felsenegg.
Sundown Over Lake Zurich
To your final evening in Zurich, seize a beer and make your means all the way down to the Lake to observe the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Situated 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 vigorous spot and presents stunning views. It’s positioned simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the gorgeous Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is likely one of the largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
As soon as the solar goes down, make your means throughout the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Situated beneath the shade of enormous chestnut bushes, that is additionally a great place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However to your closing evening in Zurich, it’s a great conventional spot to have a beer and revel in a pint of native brew.
How one can Get Round Zurich
The easiest way to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card provides entry to trains, trams, cable automobiles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally presents 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 throughout your ticket. Zurich Playing cards vary from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get extra particulars right here.
Choose shops additionally provide reductions to Zurich Card holders to verify to ask.
Among 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
How one can Get to Zurich
Worldwide flights arrive every day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the biggest airport in Switzerland. Trains run usually from Zurich Airport to the principle Zurich Primary 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 may then use your Zurich Cross to hop on a tram to your lodge, which could be very straightforward when touring in Zurich. This additionally turns out to be useful if you’re trying to do a day journey from Zurich.
Whenever you buy a Swiss Journey Cross, it contains:
Limitless journey by practice, bus, and boatPublic transportation in additional than 90 cities and townsFree admission to greater than 500 museums all through SwitzerlandTwo free informative apps to assist plan your Switzerland journey are: Grand Practice Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Journey Information app
The place to Keep in Zurich
When on the lookout for lodging in Zurich, staying within the Outdated 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 in case you have a automobile rental, a implausible restaurant, excellent breakfasts included, and there are many historic regalia, together with an previous ceramic wooden range and an previous radio within the sitting room. Replace: Sadly, this lodge was closed in July 2022 however is about to re-open in 2025 beneath 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. If you’re planning a visit to Switzerland, be certain to spend three days in Zurich to really expertise all the superb issues to do within the metropolis.
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