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Zurich is perhaps one of Europe’s most underrated cities. The Swiss metropolis truly embodies the good life. Start your day with a refreshing swim in the river, stroll through immaculate streets full of character, browse trendy boutiques and dine in style at some of the city’s top restaurants. A day in Zurich is diverse, relaxed and effortlessly stylish. Planning a city break to Zurich and wondering which places you really shouldn’t miss? In this guide, we share our best tips for Zurich. From must-see sights and local hotspots to unique places to stay.
1. Stroll through the historic streets of the Altstadt
One of the best things to do in Zurich? Just strolling around the Altstadt, the old city center. Here you'll see cobblestone streets, pastel-colored facades, charming squares and a surprising amount of tranquility for a large city. Here you will discover Zurich's history at its finest. You can feast your eyes on the beautiful historic buildings, but you can also indulge in shopping in the small boutiques where you will find something special.
Wander without a plan, walk up to viewpoints and be surprised by hidden courtyards, alleys and picturesque streets. The Altstadt is not only one of Zurich's most beautiful sights, it is also the place to really feel the character of the city.
2. Splash in one of Zurich's 18 badis
On a sunny day, there's nothing better than a dip in Zurich's crystal clear waters, right in the middle of the city! One of the most fun (and local) things to do in Zurich in the summer is to visit a badi: a public outdoor pool by the river or lake. Zurich has no less than 18 badis, five of which are on the river and six on the lakes surrounding the city.
These urban oases are the places where locals gather to swim, sunbathe, have lunch and socialize. Some badis are mixed, others exclusively for women, and almost all have their own bar or terrace where you can eat or drink something in your swimwear.
Our favorite? Seebad Enge, a beautiful wooden bathhouse on the shore of Lake Zurich, overlooking the mountains. Here you take a refreshing dip and order a tasty iced coffee at the water bar. A wonderful place to spend your afternoon like a true Zurichian.
3. Tap a fresh glass of water from one of the 1283 fountains
Zurich is known for its crystal-clear water, and you notice it all over the city. With no fewer than 1283 fountains, Zurich is the city with the most drinking fountains in the world. You will find them in squares, in parks, in the shopping streets and even in unexpected corners in the Altstadt.
So be sure to bring your refillable bottle with you during your city break, because you can tap fresh mountain water for free on almost every street corner. And the nice thing is: many of the fountains are true works of art, each with its own story or history.
Fancy a playful mission during your Zurich city break? Try to spot as many as you can during your trip. It's not called the City of Fountains for nothing!
Fun organized activities in Zurich
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4. Immerse yourself in Zurich's rich culinary scene at these restaurants
Zurich is a city for foodies. From creative chefs and modern concepts to authentic flavors from all corners of the world, Zurich's culinary scene is surprisingly diverse and high-level.
One of our favourite spots is restaurant KLE, where fine dining goes hand in hand with sustainability and vegetables take centre stage. For a flavourful journey to Turkey (without leaving Zurich), take a seat at restaurant Gül, where Turkish cuisine comes to life in a modern way.
Brunching in Zurich? Head to Milchbar. A cosy, easy-going spot in the city centre where you can enjoy an extended breakfast or lunch, paired with a really good cup of coffee. And if you’re keen to eat truly local, Roter Delfin is a surprisingly great find, focusing on seasonal ingredients sourced straight from Swiss soil.
5. Enjoy the view at the Lindenhof
One of Zurich's most beautiful sights is the Lindenhof. Located on a hill, this historic park offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Altstadt, the Limmat River and the imposing Grossmünster.
Lindenhof is not only one of Zurich’s most beautiful viewpoints, but also a place rich in history. In Roman times, a defensive fort stood here, and for centuries the hill served as a strategic lookout point. Today, locals come here to play chess and unwind. If you’re visiting Zurich on a city break, it’s one of the best spots to admire the city.
6. Explore trendy western Zurich
Where trains used to set the tone, you will now find the creative heart of the city: West Zurich. This former industrial district has become the hot spot for those who love the urban atmosphere, street art, fun coffee shops and original concept stores.
One of the best spots is Frau Gerolds Garten, a colourful urban garden filled with cosy bars, food stalls and creative seating areas, set against the backdrop of railway tracks and robust industrial buildings. In summer, this is the perfect place to settle in with a drink in the sun. Just a stone’s throw away is Urban Surf Zurich, where you can instantly get that holiday feeling. Right in the middle of the city, you can surf artificial waves while spectators enjoy fresh bowls, burgers and cold beers at the bar. Also great fun to simply stop by and watch!
But be sure to visit the nearby Markthalle im Viadukt, a covered market hall with local delicacies, boutiques and restaurants, all hidden under the old arches of a railroad viaduct.
Note that almost everything in this district is closed on Sundays. On other days, you can easily wander around for hours and experience Zurich’s truly hip side.
7. Take a pilates class on the rooftop of Samigo Amusement
Looking for an active experience in Zurich? Join a pilates class by Pilates by Imi on the rooftop of Samigo Amusement. This lakeside location is an experience in itself, and when you add an energising pilates session, your day is guaranteed to be a good one.
The class starts gently, with a focus on breathing and technique, but before long you’ll feel the burn in your core, legs and arms. It’s a wonderful way to wake up your body while gazing out over the shimmering water as the city slowly comes to life. Afterwards, you can linger for coffee or lunch on Samigo’s terrace.
The best places to stay in Zurich
Zurich is brimming with stylish hotels, charming boutique stays and modern design hotels. Where you choose to stay depends on your plans and, of course, the kind of atmosphere you’re looking for.
If you want to stay right in the historic heart of the city, we highly recommend CitizenM Zurich. We stayed there ourselves and loved it! This modern hotel in the Old Town is just steps from all the main sights, great restaurants, and charming streets. The rooms are compact but cleverly designed, with comfy beds, refreshing rain showers, and sleek interiors, exactly what you’d expect from CitizenM. The lobby feels like a cosy living room where you can work or relax with a drink.
Besides the Altstadt, we also loved staying in these neighborhoods:
Langstrasse and Kreis 4: here you’ll find a mix of trendy bars, multicultural restaurants, and unique places to stay.
West Zurich: the former industrial district transformed into a vibrant hotspot full of architecture, art, and concept stores. You’re just outside the city centre, but the tram will get you there in no time.
Seefeld: this chic lakeside neighborhood is loved by locals. You'll find quiet streets, stylish hotels and fun brunch spots.
Practical tips for your city break to Zurich
Before you leave for this stylish city, here are a few handy things to know. That way you'll get the most out of your city break to Zurich and keep your trip nice and relaxed.
Want to see a lot in a short time? Then the Zürich Card is definitely worth it. With it, you can travel for free on public transport, get discounts at museums, and sometimes even at restaurants and lake cruises. The card is available for 24 or 72 hours and can be easily purchased online or at stations in Zurich.
And did you know that Zurich is surprisingly easy to reach by train? It’s one of Europe’s most enjoyable city breaks by train. Traveling by rail allows you to reach the heart of the city comfortably, without the hassle of airport security or long check-in lines. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic Swiss landscapes along the way. An extra bonus: it’s a sustainable and stress-free way to travel.
Planning to travel through Europe and want to reach Zurich by train, for example from Amsterdam? Check the NS International options for trains to Zurich.
Take a surprising tour of Switzerland by train - in summer and winter
Zurich is not only a wonderful city for a city break, but also the ideal starting point to further explore Switzerland by train. And the great thing is: you can do that all year round, with completely different experiences per season.
In the summer, we traveled on by train to Vitznau, an idyllic village on Lake Lucerne, at the foot of the Rigi. Think clear blue water, green mountain slopes, boat rides across the lake and sunny train rides through one of Switzerland's most beautiful regions. Then we moved on to Ticino, where the Italian dolce vita feeling, palm trees and cozy villages provide a wonderful summer contrast. Curious about our summer itinerary through Switzerland by train? Check it out!
But even in winter, a train trip through Switzerland is a unique experience. Snowy landscapes, panoramic train routes, winter villages and cozy stops make this perhaps one of the most relaxing ways to discover the country in the colder months. Discover our winter train tour of Switzerland, with panoramic routes and tips.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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