Zurich is usually 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 enable you plan the right three days in Zurich, from selecting one of the best issues to do, locations to see, and the place to eat. So, are you able to plan the right Zurich itinerary?
How To Spend 3 Days in Zurich
Welcome to your first day in Zurich! At this time, we’re going to get acquainted with the Previous 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 That is the place the outdated meets the brand new, and you’ll see one of the best of each. We extremely advocate reserving a strolling tour of the Previous City to see the high landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour once 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 points of interest in a short while.
Zurich Itinerary Day 1
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Previous City and Zurich West. If you’re staying within the Previous City, you possibly can stroll to all of the points of interest after which hop on public transit for a brief and straightforward 10-minute journey to Zurich West.
Word: One of the best 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 brief 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 Previous City, it’s simply achieved 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 Previous City
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 below new administration) within the Previous City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was simple to make our solution to see one of the best landmarks in Previous City.
1. Rechberg GardensÂ
Situated immediately beside Resort Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are some of the scenic spots in Zurich. They’re immediately behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other fashionable 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 top-of-the-line viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Expertise (ETH) on the College of Zurich gives panoramic views of the Previous 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 in case you get the prospect, hop on. Albeit, it’s a simple stroll to the highest as effectively.
3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt
After you have ignored Zurich from the College, it’s a good and straightforward stroll downhill by the Previous City of Zurich (Altstadt). A part of the appeal of visiting Zurich is to buy within the boutiques within the Previous City, seek for its many fountains, and discover the right espresso store to sit down on a patio for prime people-watching. Different issues to see within the Previous 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 avenue 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 the town’s patrons, he constructed a church upon them.
When you go into the crypt within the cellar and also you’ll see a big sculpture of Charlemagne himself. Grossmünster additionally performs an vital half in Swiss historical past because it was the birthplace of the Reformation of the church in Switzerland. You may also go as much as the highest of the tower for top-of-the-line views in Zurich. It prices 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of the town.
5. Cross the Münsterbrücke
A lot of the Previous City’s principal points of interest 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. Ensure that to cease and take within the views. It gives an unobstructed view of among the most lovely locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Previous city Corridor) as you make your means 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
After you have seen among the finest 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 right place to seize a beer. The funky ambiance units the tone to your afternoon in Zurich West.  Go to the web site for opening instances, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
Some of the recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. It’s possible you’ll know the title, Freitag, the fashionable luggage are produced from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is situated in Zurich West and you may’t miss its 19 stacked transport containers reaching 26 meters (85 toes) into the air.
City Surf
Proper subsequent door is without doubt one of the most unusual issues to do in Zurich. City Surf is a implausible spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Seashore 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 get pleasure from a cocktail. Go to City Surf web site for classes, costs and opening hours.
Go Artwork Searching
After you’ve loved just a little 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 possibly can 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 avenue is really a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This outdated railway viaduct comprises boutique outlets and eating places situated inside 36 arches below the viaduct. You may also stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some implausible views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
After you have had your fill of purchasing, make your solution 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. Reality be informed, Zurich gives many eating places, particularly round fashionable areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with quite a lot of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
When 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 gives an incredible view of Zurich being the best bar in Zurich. You possibly can have dinner there if you wish to splurge as effectively.
It’s been a full day, so get on the tram along with your Zurich Card and make your means 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 night time 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 scorching spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Right here, you possibly can dance the night time away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the trendy Bar 8001, or get pleasure from a relaxed night on the cozy Café des Amis.
For dwell 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 yr spherical. Whether or not you want movie, music, or meals, there’s all the time one thing to stay up for. The Zurich Movie Competition 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 Competition; foodies can indulge on the Avenue Meals Competition and check out meals from everywhere in the world.
In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Competition is a should, with dwell music, meals, and drinks in a fantastic out of doors setting. In winter, you will get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive presents, and a heat and comfortable ambiance.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich
At this time 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 this time is an early begin as you make your solution to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman citadel is now a beautiful park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the outdated metropolis partitions. It’s a lovely place for dawn with views of the solar rising over the Limmat River, the Previous City, and Grossmünster cathedral. Seeing it at dawn is the right 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 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 possibly can go into see it and it’s free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Because you wakened at dawn, it’s so much to stroll again to the resort for breakfast, so as an alternative, make your solution to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a beautiful place for a cappuccino and pastry to begin your day. You at the moment are able to have a tremendous day exploring actions exterior of the Previous 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 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 every 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 means round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However as we speak, as an alternative of strolling, you’ll 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 stuffed with artists . One fascinating undeniable 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 effectively.
Cassiopeia Boardwalk
As you proceed your stroll alongside Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this lovely 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. The town now makes positive that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that had been already owned earlier than the legislation got here into place, the town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the non-public 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 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 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. When you like chocolate, you’ll 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 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 at last finish in a room with vats of Lindor candies prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
If you find yourself completed up on the chocolate museum, make your means again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s costliest purchasing 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 purchasing as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly avenue. There are streetcars and site visitors, however the sidewalks are huge as you take a look at the common high-end purchasing 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 chunk to eat. We selected an outside seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was inbuilt 1487 and is extraordinarily fashionable. The service was wonderful and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the right place to seize a chunk in Zurich.
Head to Quaibrücke for Sundown
Relying on the time of yr, you’ll in all probability 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 arduous means that restaurant’s kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrücke, the final bridge between Zurich Previous City and Lake Zurich. That is the basic spot for images the place you possibly can see the entire Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a energetic spot at sundown, so ensure to go throughout the road to see how The Alps gentle up over Lake Zurich as effectively.
It’s now time for relaxation as you’ve been up since dawn, so make it an early night time. The second day of your Zurich itinerary has come to an finish. When you’ve got your coronary heart set on a nightcap some strategies for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Previous 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 as we speak is all concerning the open air. The individuals of Zurich love the lake so make your solution to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in direction of the Arboretum the place individuals sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a nice 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 lovely views of the Alps, Lake Zurich, and the town. However the easiest way to expertise it’s to hire a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You possibly can take the boards by the marina after which onto the Schanzengraben Canal. This picturesque canal is to not be missed!
Loosen up at Seebad Enge
As soon as you might be achieved paddleboarding, you might be free to go for a swim, loosen up on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You may also refill your water bottle right here earlier than transferring on. Examine for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge web site.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we stated you possibly can eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we advocate making your means again to the outdated city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full with out a fondue, so that is your likelihood. Swiss Chuchi is situated within the coronary heart of the Previous City. You at the moment are only a brief 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 Previous City, so this will likely be your total 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 couple of 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unimaginable lookout.
There’s a tower which you could climb for 2CHF and it’s positively value it. We nearly didn’t put this on our Zurich itinerary and I’m so glad we made time for it. There are beautiful views of the 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
In your final night time in Zurich, seize a beer and make your means right 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 energetic spot and gives lovely views. It’s situated simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the gorgeous 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 means throughout the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Situated below the shade of enormous chestnut timber, that is additionally an excellent place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However to your closing night time in Zurich, it’s an excellent conventional spot to have a beer and luxuriate in a pint of native brew.
Find out how to Get Round Zurich
One of the best ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card offers entry to trains, trams, cable automobiles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally gives free or discounted admissions to museums. Ensure 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 indicate it except 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 provide reductions to Zurich Card holders to verify to ask.
- A number of the finest museums to see in Zurich with the Zurich Card are are:
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Museum Rietberg
- Museum Haus Konstruktiv
- FIFA World Soccer Museum
- Landesmuseum
Find out how to Get to Zurich
Worldwide flights arrive every day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the biggest airport in Switzerland. Trains run often from Zurich Airport to the primary Zurich Foremost Practice Station, Hauptbahnhof. You should use your Swiss Journey Go to take the practice. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest practice station in Europe? You possibly can then use your Zurich Go to hop on a tram to your resort, which could be very simple when touring in Zurich. This additionally is useful if you’re trying to do a day journey from Zurich.
Once you buy a Swiss Journey Go, it consists of:
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 Practice Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Journey Information app
The place to Keep in Zurich
When in search of lodging in Zurich, staying within the Previous City is a good suggestion as it’s simple to get round. We stayed at Resort Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of in every single place. It additionally has parking if in case you have a automotive rental, a implausible restaurant, very good 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 ready to re-open in 2025 below 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, ensure to spend three days in Zurich to really expertise the entire wonderful issues to do within the metropolis.
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