Zurich is usually on the prime 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 assist you 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 At present, we’re going to get acquainted with the Outdated City, however we’re then going to move to the hippest a part of Zurich, Zurich West. That is the place the outdated meets the brand new, and you’re going to see the very best of each. We extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of the Outdated City to see the prime landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour once 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 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Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Outdated City and Zurich West. If you’re staying within the Outdated City, you possibly can stroll to all of the sights after which hop on public transit for a brief and straightforward 10-minute trip to Zurich West.
Word: One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It gives limitless journey by bus, practice, cableway, and tram, plus you possibly can 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 To discover the Outdated City, it’s simply performed by foot as there are lots of pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Outdated City
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 underneath new administration) within the Outdated City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was simple to make our method to see the very best landmarks in Outdated City.
1. Rechberg GardensÂ
Positioned straight beside Lodge Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are one of the vital scenic spots in Zurich. They’re straight behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other fashionable landmark in Zurich. Relationship 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 method to begin the day.
2. College of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your method to probably the greatest viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Know-how (ETH) on the College of Zurich gives panoramic views of the Outdated 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 without doubt 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 when you get the possibility, hop on. Albeit, it’s a straightforward stroll to the highest as properly.
3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt
Upon getting missed Zurich from the College, it’s a good and straightforward stroll downhill by way of the Outdated City of Zurich (Altstadt). A part of the allure 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 permit 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.
In the event 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 may as well go as much as the highest of the tower for probably the greatest 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 Outdated City’s fundamental sights crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no journey to Zurich could be full with out crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmünster throughout the Limmat River on to Fraumünster. Be certain that to cease and take within the views. It gives 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 approach from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Girl) 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
Upon getting seen a few 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 neighborhood with eateries, bars, and the proper place to seize a beer. The funky environment units the tone on your afternoon in Zurich West.  Go to the web site for opening occasions, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
One of the vital recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. You could know the identify, Freitag, the fashionable baggage are created from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is situated in Zurich West and you’ll’t miss its 19 stacked delivery containers reaching 26 meters (85 toes) into the air.
City Surf
Proper subsequent door is without doubt one of the most original issues to do in Zurich. City Surf is a implausible spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Seaside umbrellas line a deck surrounding a large wave pool. You possibly can hop in to catch a wave or just loosen up 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 a bit 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 Lodge Zurich-West, or you possibly can go into Maag Corridor to see the newest shows (presently LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the newest reveals.
Store alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your method to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard lengthy road 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 may as well stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some implausible views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
Upon getting had your fill of buying, make your method to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is implausible, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There’s indoor and out of doors seating. Go to their web site for reservations. Fact be advised, Zurich gives many eating places, particularly round fashionable areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with a wide range of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
In the event you nonetheless have power, 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 gives a terrific view of Zurich being the best bar in Zurich. You possibly can 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 approach again to your resort 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 assorted 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 possibly can dance the evening away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the fashionable 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 look ahead to. 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 Avenue 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 phenomenal out of doors setting. In winter, you may 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
At present is all about taking within the views, experiencing the 2 completely different waterfronts of Zurich, indulging in some decadent Swiss Chocolate, and visiting the Lindt Manufacturing facility for a tour and chocolate tasting.
Dawn at Lindenhof
At present is an early begin as you make your method to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman fortress is now a beautiful 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 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. Relationship again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside however you possibly can go into see it and it’s free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Because you awoke at dawn, it’s rather a lot to stroll again to the resort for breakfast, so as an alternative, make your method to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a beautiful 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 on your journey across the lake. It has pretty 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 approach round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However at present, as an alternative of strolling, you’re going to use your Zurich Card to hop on the ferry to Wollishofen.
Boat to Wollishofen
Wolishofen is an artists neighborhood that was a former industrial space. It’s crammed with artists . One fascinating proven fact that we realized about Wollishofen is that when massive builders put money into property and improvement in Zurich, a proportion of their funding should go to the artwork neighborhood. 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 an excellent place for a stroll. One other fascinating reality we realized is that waterfront property is now not being bought alongside Lake Zurich. Town now makes positive that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that have been already owned earlier than the regulation got here into place, town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal houses. This manner, 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 contemporary 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 Dwelling of Chocolate
You possibly can catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt Dwelling of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. In the event you like chocolate, you’re going to love this interactive multimedia expertise. The state-of-the-art 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 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 eventually finish in a room with vats of Lindor candies prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
When you’re completed up on the chocolate museum, make your approach again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s most costly buying streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You possibly can take the tram again to downtown utilizing your Zurich card and start the window buying as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly road. There are streetcars and site visitors, however the sidewalks are extensive as you try the common high-end buying 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 method to Paradeplatz to seek for a chunk to eat. We selected an outside seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was inbuilt 1487 and is extraordinarily fashionable. The service was glorious 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 most likely be consuming earlier than sundown. Within the peak of summer season with sundown late within the night, you’ll need to eat first as we found the laborious approach 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 basic spot for images the place you possibly can see all the Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a vigorous spot at sundown, so make 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 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 at present is all concerning the outside. The individuals of Zurich love the lake so make your method to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in the direction of the Arboretum the place individuals sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a pleasing stroll as you make your method 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 the easiest way to expertise it’s to lease a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You possibly can take the boards by way of 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 performed paddleboarding, you’re free to go for a swim, loosen up on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You may as well replenish your water bottle right here earlier than shifting 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 possibly can eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we suggest making your approach again to the outdated city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full with no fondue, so that is your likelihood. Swiss Chuchi is situated 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 will likely be your complete 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 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 which you can climb for 2CHF and it’s undoubtedly value it. We virtually didn’t put this on our Zurich itinerary and I’m so glad we made time for it. There are beautiful views of town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. When you’ve got time, you possibly can go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automotive down from Felsenegg.
Sundown Over Lake Zurich
On your final evening in Zurich, seize a beer and make your approach right 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 vigorous spot and gives stunning views. It’s situated simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the attractive Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is without doubt one of the largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
As soon as the solar goes down, make your approach throughout the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Positioned underneath the shade of enormous chestnut bushes, that is additionally a superb place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However on your closing evening in Zurich, it’s a superb conventional spot to have a beer and revel in a pint of native brew.
Learn how to Get Round Zurich
One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card offers entry to trains, trams, cable vehicles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally gives free or discounted admissions to museums. Be certain that to validate your ticket earlier than you’re taking your first journey on transit. As soon as it’s validated, you don’t want to point out it until requested at some stage in 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 supply 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
Learn how to Get to Zurich
Worldwide flights arrive each day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the biggest airport in Switzerland. Trains run recurrently from Zurich Airport to the primary Zurich Major Prepare 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 possibly can then use your Zurich Cross to hop on a tram to your resort, which could be very simple when touring in Zurich. This additionally turns out to be useful if you’re seeking to do a day journey from Zurich.
Once 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 Prepare 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 simple to get round. We stayed at Lodge Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of in all places. It additionally has parking if in case you have a automotive rental, a implausible restaurant, excellent 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 resort 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. If you’re planning a visit to Switzerland, make sure that to spend three days in Zurich to actually expertise all the wonderful issues to do within the metropolis.
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