Flights from Brisbane (BNE) to Zurich (ZRH)

About Zurich

Discover Zurich

Why visit Zurich?
Zurich combines lakeside calm, mountain views, and a compact historic centre into an easy and inviting city break. You will find a blend of traditional architecture, contemporary design, and a strong café culture that makes it simple to settle into the city at your own pace.

What to expect
The Old Town, or Altstadt, lines both sides of the Limmat River with cobbled lanes and centuries-old buildings, while the west of the city showcases converted warehouses, galleries, and creative spaces. Efficient public transport, well-marked walking paths, and a clean urban environment make exploring straightforward.

Plan your trip
Zurich is an ideal starting point for journeys through Switzerland, with fast rail links to alpine resorts, lakeside towns, and other major cities. Whether you stay a few days or use it as a gateway to the wider region, you can move easily between city streets, mountain scenery, and tranquil lakeshores.

Top sights in Zurich

Lake Zurich promenade

Stroll or cycle along the lakeside paths for clear views of the water and distant alpine peaks.

Bahnhofstrasse

Walk this famous boulevard from the main station to the lake, lined with flagship stores and elegant cafés.

Old Town (Altstadt)

Explore narrow lanes, historic façades, and small squares that reveal Zurich’s mediaeval character.

Uetliberg mountain

Take the train up Zurich’s local mountain for panoramic views over the city, lake, and surrounding Alps.

Kunsthaus Zurich

Visit one of Switzerland’s leading art museums, with works from local and international artists across centuries.

Zurich West district

Discover a former industrial quarter transformed into a hub for design, galleries, and contemporary dining spots.

Limmat riverfront

Follow the riverside paths for relaxed walks, city viewpoints, and access to small green spaces along the water.

Polyterrasse viewpoint

Ride the Polybahn funicular up to a terrace overlooking the city’s rooftops and the curve of the river below.

Experience Zurich’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Trams, buses, and local trains form an integrated network that makes moving around Zurich simple. A short ferry ride on Lake Zurich offers a different perspective on the city skyline, while walking is often the easiest way to cover the compact centre and riverside paths.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Zurich is shaped by time outdoors, whether that means lake swims in summer or brisk walks in cooler months. Neighbourhood cafés and bakeries are busy from morning to late afternoon, and cultural venues host a steady calendar of exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year.

Where to unwind
Parks along the lake and river provide quiet spaces to pause between sightseeing, with benches and lawns that invite you to sit and watch the city go by. In warmer months, lakeside bathing areas become popular meeting spots, while viewpoints like Uetliberg are particularly rewarding around sunset.

A taste of Zurich

Street food & local specialties
Traditional Swiss dishes are easy to find in cosy city-centre eateries and neighbourhood spots, often served alongside seasonal produce from the region. Around the Old Town and near the lake you will also come across casual stands and small venues offering quick, comforting bites.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Converted industrial areas and central districts house relaxed bistros, international kitchens, and contemporary cafés. Food halls and mixed-use complexes bring multiple options under one roof, so you can share plates, try different flavours, and tailor meals to your pace of exploring.

Signature & scenic dining
For something memorable, look for dining rooms with views over Lake Zurich, rooftop terraces, or hilltop restaurants with city and mountain panoramas. These settings pair carefully prepared menus with changing light over the water and skyline, creating a standout evening in the city.

Retail therapy in Zurich

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central shopping centres near the main station and along major tram routes combine international fashion, Swiss brands, and lifestyle stores. Many include supermarkets, cafés, and services, making them convenient stops between sightseeing or before returning to your hotel.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and neighbourhoods offer boutiques with Swiss-made goods, design objects, and artisan products. Districts along the river and in Zurich West are good places to look for independent labels, while seasonal markets appear across the city at various times of the year.

Evening retail scene
In the evenings, key shopping streets remain pleasantly lively, with illuminated window displays and late-opening stores on selected days. Combined with cafés and restaurants nearby, these areas are easy to enjoy after dark, and public transport makes returning to your accommodation straightforward.

Best time to visit Zurich

Sommer (summer, June to August, peak season)
Summer in Zurich brings warm days around 20–26°C (68–79°F), long evenings, and busy lakefront paths. It is an excellent time for swimming, outdoor events, and boat trips on Lake Zurich. The city feels lively, with many cafés and restaurants setting out terraces in the sun.

Herbst and Frühling (autumn and spring, March to May and September to November, shoulder season)
During spring and autumn, temperatures usually range between 10–18°C (50–64°F), with crisp mornings and mild afternoons. Trees along the lake and in parks change colour, and walking the Old Town streets feels calm and relaxed. These seasons are well suited to museums, galleries, and scenic day trips.

Winter (December to February, low season)
Winters in Zurich are cool, with temperatures often between -1–6°C (30–43°F), clear air, and the possibility of frost. The city takes on a cosy atmosphere with lights and decorations, and it is a convenient base for reaching nearby mountain areas for snow-filled excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions