Flights from Perth (PER) to Zurich (ZRH)

About Zurich

Discover Zurich

Why visit Zurich?
Zurich blends a lakeside setting, historic old town, and a strong design and arts scene into a compact and welcoming city. You can wander cobbled lanes, relax by the water, and discover galleries and boutiques within a short walk of each other.

What to expect
The city is centred around Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, with the medieval Altstadt on either bank and elegant shopping streets just above. Well-tended parks, efficient public transport, and spotless streets create a calm atmosphere, while nearby hills and viewpoints keep the Alps in sight.

Plan your trip
Zurich works equally well as a city break or as a starting point for exploring wider Switzerland. From here you can connect easily to mountain resorts, scenic rail journeys, and other lakeside towns, making it a practical base for onward adventures in every season.

Top sights in Zurich

Lake Zurich promenade

Stroll along the lakefront promenades for wide water views, boat activity, and a relaxed way to see the city against a backdrop of distant peaks.

Altstadt (Old Town)

Explore winding lanes, colourful townhouses, and small squares, where cafes, galleries, and independent shops fill centuries-old buildings.

Bahnhofstrasse

Walk this famous shopping street from the main station down to the lake, lined with department stores, boutiques, and historic facades.

Uetliberg mountain

Take the train to Zurich's local peak for panoramic views over the city, lake, and on clear days, a broad sweep of the Alps.

Kunsthaus Zurich

Visit one of Switzerland's leading art museums, home to an extensive collection ranging from European masters to contemporary works.

Lindenhof hill

Pause on this leafy hilltop terrace in the Old Town for quiet views over the river, churches, and tiled rooftops below.

Zurich West district

Discover a former industrial area transformed into a creative quarter with modern architecture, design shops, and cultural venues.

Limmat River cruises

See Zurich from the water on a short cruise or riverboat, gliding under low bridges and past the city's waterfront landmarks.

Experience Zurich's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Zurich's trams, buses, and S-Bahn trains are the easiest way to move between the lake, Old Town, and outer neighbourhoods. For a scenic change, take a lake ferry or riverboat. Compact streets make walking ideal for the final stretch between sights and your hotel.

Local life & culture
You will find a relaxed pace in cafes along the Limmat, design-forward spaces in Zurich West, and a more traditional feel in the steep lanes of Niederdorf. Cultural life spans classical concerts, contemporary galleries, and small theatres, giving you plenty of options after a day by the lake.

Where to unwind
City parks such as Platzspitz and the lakeside green spaces offer shady paths and lawns close to the centre. In warmer months, lakeside and river bathing areas become popular places to unwind. Early mornings and evenings are especially peaceful, with soft light over the water and surrounding hills.

A taste of Zurich

Street food & local specialties
You can try classic Swiss dishes, warming stews, and lake fish in casual eateries across the Old Town and around the lake. In summer, outdoor food stalls and relaxed spots along the water invite you to linger over simple, hearty plates.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around Bahnhofstrasse, Europaallee, and Zurich West, you will find contemporary restaurants, brasseries, and food halls serving international flavours. Menus often feature sharing plates and modest portions, so you can sample several dishes in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals with a view, choose a restaurant overlooking Lake Zurich, the river, or one of the hilltop vantage points around the city. Many venues pair carefully presented menus with large windows or terraces, turning dinner into an unhurried way to soak in the skyline.

Retail therapy in Zurich

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Bahnhofstrasse and the surrounding streets host department stores, international brands, and Swiss labels in elegant arcades. Nearby, modern developments such as Europaallee combine shops, cafes, and services into convenient lifestyle hubs close to the main station.

Markets & local crafts
In the Old Town and along streets like Niederdorfstrasse and Schipfe, you can browse smaller boutiques for design pieces, homeware, and gifts. Regular markets around the city showcase regional produce and handmade items, giving you a sense of Zurich's creative side.

Evening retail scene
After dusk, central shopping streets remain pleasantly lit, with window displays and late-opening stores inviting an evening stroll. Select night or seasonal markets create a lively atmosphere at certain times of year, and the excellent public transport network makes it easy to reach these areas and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Zurich

Sommer (summer, June to August, peak season)
Summer in Zurich brings average temperatures of around 18–27°C (64–81°F), long daylight hours, and lively lakefront life. Outdoor pools, open-air events, and boat trips are in full swing, making it an appealing time for relaxed city and lakeside stays. This is the peak season.

Frühling und Herbst (spring and autumn, March to May and September to November, shoulder season)
These seasons are mild, with typical temperatures between 8–20°C (46–68°F). Trees along the lake and in city parks change colour, and streets feel a little calmer while remaining active. It is a comfortable shoulder season for walking the city and exploring nearby hills.

Winter (December to February, low season)
Winter temperatures usually range from -1–7°C (30–45°F), with crisp air and occasional snow in the city. Festive lights, seasonal markets, and easy rail links to mountain resorts give Zurich a cosy, atmospheric feel. This low season is ideal if you enjoy cooler weather and quieter streets.

Frequently Asked Questions