Location: Zurich
Top Things to do in Zurich
Top 10 Free Things to do in Zurich, Canton of Zurich
The largest city in Switzerland is a major contemporary art and shopping destination. Important artworks are displayed in the Kunsthaus and the Rietberg Museum, while those who consider shopping an art can hone their skills along Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf. Chagall's stained glass windows in the Fraumunster amaze and Zurich's 500 clubs and bars, including several in swimming pools, pulse with life 'til the early hours. This city on Lake Zurich has excellent public transit and a free bike rental system.
Restaurants in Zurich
1. Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,130 reviews
Zürich's historic section features cobblestone streets, a variety of small stores and restaurants and many of the city's most significant religious landmarks.
Reviewed By blajevaina - London, United Kingdom
It’s like walking back in time but even better like a perfect movie set where every building is perfectly positioned and specially preserved, where every street is clean and well maintained, where every tree and street lights are in tune with the buildings and overall everything around is in pristine condition ????❤️???? You can walk around everywhere it is very well organised and easy to navigate. The traditional Trams are very charming and worth the ride . The bicycles are good solutions is you in a hurry. Google map works perfectly they are many hot spots and free wi-fi zones too. Plenty to see from medieval Cathedrals to Alpine masterpieces and Renaissance, museums and galleries,shops and cafe and tavern style restaurants all with charm and character. Very easy on the eye and inviting streets and small piazzas with water futures and corners . Yes the water on the streets is drinkable and very delicious straight from the Alps ! Zürich has the cleanest and most well organised Old town in Europe and you can see it easily. The high Swiss ????????standards are not in the price but in what you get for it and the Old town is up to the highest standards in Europe???????????? Zurich has the cleanest air for European capital city and you’ll feel it referring ! Must see , must explore and must experience the Old Town by walking without rushing. Take time to enjoy, to sit for coffee and admire the atmosphere around you . Don’t rush in a 24 hours you can not see everything . Pick top 3 places of interest for the day and leave few hours to explore without planning and to enjoy! For the romantics that’s the perfect place and there is the bridge where you can put your lock of Love ???? ???? discover it ! ???????? For the historical places tickets online to skip the Q are better options. For shopping, boutique style of Local and High Fashion. For souvenirs few special shops only but no street junks . (No fast food , no any junks on the streets at all ) For picture perfect views of the Old Town- the University terrace, the high Square and the Cathedral Tower! It’s photographers place - no billboards on the buildings or streets no advertising no posters no commercial junk at all ! Beautiful clean well preserved architecture only! One practical advice - Comfy but smart wear it’s a must ! Swiss are very well smart dressed but understated and discreet (no flushing fashion and labels, no fashion statements) Don’t forget the phone chargers, battery extenders and converts if you planing on photos all day (the weird non EU - Swiss sockets need convertor). Most coffee shops and restaurants have where to plug in and recharge but Swiss style only! They usually have free wi-fi too but you need to ask for the password. One of the weird difference from other European capital City’s is that Speaking in high voice and making a noise is considered very rude and impolite! Do keep your voice down NO shouting and screaming in public places (it’s offensive)! Other than that keep it clean and be kind and you’ll be welcome everywhere ! Swiss in generally are very polite and welcoming for tourists ???? Go enjoy,make happy memories and share with the World ????????????????????????????????
2. Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Affiliated with the University of Zürich, these large gardens feature a huge variety of plants from around the world.
Reviewed By sugerglider - London, United Kingdom
Not too far from the city centre this medium sized botanic garden is worth repeat visits as the seasons change. Peaceful park-like atmosphere plus 3 large glasshouses containing plants and trees from different climate zones. And 3 small but interesting fish tanks!
3. Niederdorf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 577 reviews
Reviewed By bob2bkk - Bangkok, Thailand
The Niederhof is an area on the east side of the Limmat River and part of old historic Zurich. Both sides of he river have old town areas, but I am partial to this side. The Niederhof has beautiful cobbelstone alley ways and streets. It is full of restaurants, bars, cafes, small shops with one of a kind objects and of course souvenir shops. Many places offer outside dining and seating weather permitting. It is a great place for absorbing the historical side of Zurich and some wonderful architecture. Wheelchair accessible with assistance or motorized.
4. Lake Zurich
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,034 reviews
Reviewed By GrahamB67 - Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
The 85 minute short cruise from Bürkliplatz to Thalwil is a relaxing way to see both sides of the lake. Excellent price for the trip, and food and drink on board was sensibly priced, too. Quite busy in the low season, as less boats are operating, so there were few spare seats
5. Hauptbahnhof
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,033 reviews
Reviewed By ECExpatLife - Zurich, Switzerland
Need to shop on a Sunday when all of the other stores are closed? Not to worry, they are open here... groceries, clothing, electronics... It is easy to get to the station via train or tram. In addition, during the Christmas season there is a wonderful market inside the station with food, gifts, and a beautiful Christmas tree.
6. Schanzengraben Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By yns_10 - Sydney, Australia
We crossed this lovely canal many times as our hotel was on the other side of the canal from the main part of Zurich. Quiet, peaceful and picturesque.
7. Lake Zurich, Eastern Bank
8. Zoological Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By annabK9562IK - Zurich, Switzerland
A wonderful place to keep amazed about nature as it used to be some million years ago till our times in the area of Zurich. Hands on experience. You are immediately joining the show, and learn a lot in a creative and playful way.
9. Parkanlage Zuerihorn
10. Lindenhofplatz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,564 reviews
Lindenhofplatz is a nice quiet park, overlooking the city; where Rietberg Museum is located.
Reviewed By TheSwissNomad - Lugano, Switzerland
Whenever we happen to be in town we always head straight to this park, from which you have a wonderful view on the city. The park itself is also nice, with a playground for kids and a beautiful fountain you can use to refill your bottles. It is also scattered with benches, so you can easily sit down and watch people play chess. Overall a wonderful park and attraction.
