Zurich blends lakeside calm with a refined city feel, where historic streets meet contemporary design and culture. You can enjoy museums, galleries, and nature, all within easy reach.
Discover Zurich
Discover Zurich
Why visit Zurich?
What to expect
Expect a clean, walkable city wrapped around a clear blue lake, with efficient trams, well-kept parks, and a charming Old Town. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished, with a strong café and arts scene.
Plan your trip
Zurich works well as both a city break and a starting point for exploring the Swiss Alps and lakes. Fast rail links connect you to resorts and other Swiss cities, making it easy to add day trips or a wider tour.
Top sights in Zurich
Lake Zurich promenade
Stroll or cycle along the lakeside paths for views of the water, distant mountains, and elegant villas, with plenty of benches and piers to pause and unwind.
Altstadt (Old Town)
Wander cobbled lanes lined with colourful townhouses, hidden courtyards, and boutiques, and climb to viewpoints for sweeping city and river views.
Bahnhofstrasse
Walk this famous boulevard from the main station to the lake, passing flagship stores, cafés, and department stores in grand historic buildings.
Uetliberg mountain
Ride the train up Zurich’s local mountain for panoramic views over the city, lake, and Alps, with walking trails along the ridge.
Kunsthaus Zurich
Explore one of Switzerland’s leading art museums, home to important collections ranging from medieval works to modern and contemporary pieces.
Swiss National Museum
Discover the story of Switzerland through historical artefacts, models, and interactive exhibits inside a fairy tale–style building beside the main station.
Lindenhof hill
Climb this quiet hilltop square in the Old Town for a peaceful green space and classic views over the river, churches, and rooftops.
Experience Zurich’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Zurich’s trams, buses, and S-Bahn trains for fast, reliable travel across the city and region, with boats offering a scenic way to see the lake. For last-mile journeys, walking and short taxi or rideshare trips work well in the compact centre.
Local life & culture
Life in Zurich moves at a calm but purposeful pace, with locals gathering in cafés, along the river, and in neighbourhood squares. Districts like Zurich West showcase converted industrial spaces, galleries, and creative hubs that highlight the city’s modern side.
Where to unwind
Relax by the lake at one of the public bathing areas, or find a quiet bench in parks such as Platzspitz and the Arboretum. Evenings are ideal for a gentle riverside walk when the city lights reflect on the water and the streets are calmer.
A taste of Zurich
Street food & local specialties
Try Swiss classics such as cheese-focused dishes, grilled sausages, and sweet treats in areas around the Old Town, the main station, and at seasonal food markets by the lake.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to Zurich West and the areas near the main station for casual bistros, food halls, and contemporary restaurants offering everything from Swiss comfort food to Asian, Mediterranean, and plant-based options, with portions that make sharing and sampling easy.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, book a restaurant overlooking Lake Zurich or one of the city’s rooftop venues with skyline and mountain views, ideal for long lunches or sunset dinners.
Retail therapy in Zurich
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Explore central shopping streets and nearby centres for international fashion, Swiss watchmakers, and lifestyle brands, often combined with cafés and casual dining for relaxed breaks.
Markets & local crafts
Browse neighbourhood markets and streets around the Old Town, Zurich West, and near the main station for design objects, local labels, and handmade gifts from small studios.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, main shopping streets and selected markets glow with soft lighting, especially during festive seasons, creating a pleasant atmosphere for window-shopping before dinner, with trams and trains keeping these areas easy to reach.
Best time to visit Zurich
Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season, with temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F) and blooming parks, ideal for sightseeing and lake walks. Summer (July to August) is peak season, with warm days averaging 18–28°C (64–82°F), lively lakeside areas, and more outdoor events. Autumn and winter (October to March) are a mix of shoulder and low season, with temperatures from about -1–10°C (30–50°F), quieter streets, atmospheric foggy days, and access to nearby winter sports in the colder months.