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 provide help 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! At present, 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 That is the place the outdated meets the brand new, and you will see the very best of each. We extremely suggest 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 isn’t 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. In case you are staying within the Previous City, you’ll be able to stroll to all of the points of interest after which hop on public transit for a brief and straightforward 10-minute trip to Zurich West.
Be aware: The easiest way to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It offers limitless journey by bus, prepare, cableway, and tram, plus you’ll be able to 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 carried out by foot as there are various 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 beneath new administration) within the Previous City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was simple to make our strategy to see the very 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 common 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 type Rechberg Gardens is a peaceable strategy to begin the day.
2. College of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your strategy to among the finest viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Expertise (ETH) on the College of Zurich gives panoramic views of the Previous City, Limmat River, and so they 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 among 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 simple 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 means of 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 proper 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 road of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
Earlier than you allow 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.
If you happen to 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 also 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 town.
5. Cross the Münsterbrücke
Many of the Previous City’s important points of interest 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 sure 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 Previous 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
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 outside occasion house is a backyard neighborhood with eateries, bars, and the proper place to seize a beer. The funky environment units the tone in your afternoon in Zurich West.  Go to the web site for opening instances, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
Probably the most recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. Chances are you’ll know the identify, Freitag, the trendy luggage are made out of 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 among the most original issues to do in Zurich. City Surf is a incredible spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Seashore umbrellas line a deck surrounding a large wave pool. You may 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 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’ll be able to go into Maag Corridor to see the newest shows (at present 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 strategy to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard lengthy road is actually a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This outdated railway viaduct accommodates boutique outlets and eating places positioned inside 36 arches beneath the viaduct. You may also stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some incredible views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
Upon getting had your fill of procuring, make your strategy to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is incredible, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There may be indoor and outside seating. Go to their web site for reservations. Reality be advised, Zurich gives many eating places, particularly round common areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with a wide range of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
If you happen to 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 important view of Zurich being the best bar in Zurich. You may 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 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 fashionable Kreis 5 district, a sizzling spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Right here, you’ll be able to 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 stay 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 at all times 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 stuffed with enjoyable stuff all yr spherical. Whether or not you want movie, music, or meals, there’s at all times one thing to sit up for. The Zurich Movie Pageant is a spotlight, attracting movie buffs from all around 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 all around the world.
In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Pageant is a should, with stay music, meals, and drinks in a fantastic 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
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 unit for a tour and chocolate tasting.
Dawn at Lindenhof
At present is an early begin as you make your strategy to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman fort 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 Previous 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’ll be able to go into see it and it’s free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Because you wakened at dawn, it’s lots to stroll again to the lodge for breakfast, so as an alternative, make your strategy to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a beautiful place for a cappuccino and pastry to begin your day. You are actually 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 in 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 incredible strolling path the place you may make your means round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However at this time, as an alternative of strolling, you will 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 attention-grabbing proven fact that we realized about Wollishofen is that when massive builders spend money on property and growth 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 a superb place for a stroll. One other attention-grabbing reality we realized is that waterfront property is 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 legislation got here into place, 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 positioned 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 are actually going to essentially the most scrumptious cease in your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt Residence of Chocolate
You may catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt Residence of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. If you happen to like chocolate, you will love this interactive multimedia expertise. The state-of-the-art constructing homes a testing plant the place chocolatiers develop new recipes and methods 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 at last finish in a room with vats of Lindor goodies 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 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 site visitors, however the sidewalks are huge 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 supper time.
Niederdorfstrasse
Make your strategy 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 common. 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 yr, you’ll in all probability be consuming earlier than sundown. Within the top of summer time with sundown late within the night, you’ll wish to eat first as we found the exhausting 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 traditional spot for pictures the place you’ll be able to see all the Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a energetic spot at sundown, so ensure 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. In case you have your coronary heart set on a nightcap some ideas 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 remaining day in your Zurich itinerary and at this time is all in regards to the outside. The individuals of Zurich love the lake so make your strategy 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 nice stroll as you make your strategy 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 may take the boards by means of 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 carried out 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. Test 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’ll be able to eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we suggest 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 no fondue, so that is your probability. Swiss Chuchi is positioned within the coronary heart of the Previous City. You are actually 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 prepare to Uetliberg. It takes about an hour to get to by public transport from the Previous City, so this might 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 prepare that goes almost to the highest. When you arrive by prepare, it’s a few 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unbelievable lookout.
There’s a tower which you can climb for 2CHF and it’s positively price it. We virtually didn’t put this on our Zurich itinerary and I’m so glad we made time for it. There are attractive views of town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. In case you have time, you’ll be able to go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automobile down from Felsenegg.
Sundown Over Lake Zurich
On your final evening 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 stunning views. It’s positioned simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the attractive Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is among 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 huge chestnut bushes, that is additionally an excellent place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However in your remaining evening in Zurich, it’s an excellent conventional spot to have a beer and revel in a pint of native brew.
Tips on how to Get Round Zurich
The easiest way 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. Be sure 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 except requested at some point of 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.
- 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
Tips on how to Get to Zurich
Worldwide flights arrive each day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the biggest airport in Switzerland. Trains run usually from Zurich Airport to the primary Zurich Foremost Practice Station, Hauptbahnhof. You need to use your Swiss Journey Go to take the prepare. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest prepare station in Europe? You may then use your Zurich Go to hop on a tram to your lodge, which could be very simple when touring in Zurich. This additionally is useful if you’re trying to do a day journey from Zurich.
Whenever you buy a Swiss Journey Go, it consists of:
Limitless journey by prepare, 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 searching for 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 all over the place. It additionally has parking if in case you have a automobile rental, a incredible 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 lodge was closed in July 2022 however is ready to re-open in 2025 beneath new administration.
Zurich will steal your coronary heart. We had at all times dreamed of visiting Zurich, and after three visits to Switzerland, we lastly managed to discover this thrilling cosmopolitan metropolis. In case you are planning a visit to Switzerland, ensure that to spend three days in Zurich to actually expertise all the wonderful issues to do within the metropolis.
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