Zurich is usually on the high of any Switzerland itinerary. As 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 show you how to plan the right three days in Zurich, from selecting the most effective issues to do, locations to see, and the place to eat. So, are you able to plan the right Zurich itinerary?
How To Spend 3 Days in Zurich
Welcome to your first day in Zurich! Today, we’re going to get acquainted with the Old Town, however we’re then going to move to the hippest a part of Zurich, Zurich West. This is the place the previous meets the brand new, and you will see the most effective of each. We extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of the Old Town to see the highest landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour after we first arrive in any metropolis, and Zurich is not 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 Old Town and Zurich West. If you’re staying in the Old Town, you possibly can stroll to all of the points of interest after which hop on public transit for a brief and straightforward 10-minute journey to Zurich West.
Note: The greatest option to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It offers limitless journey by bus, prepare, cableway, and tram, plus you possibly can take quick boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get extra particulars right here. To discover the Old Town, it’s simply finished by foot as there are numerous pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Old Town
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 below new administration) in the Old Town, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was straightforward to make our option to see the most effective landmarks in Old Town.
1. Rechberg GardensÂ
Located immediately beside Hotel Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are one of the vital scenic spots in Zurich. They are immediately behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other standard landmark in Zurich. Dating again to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It is taken into account a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque type Rechberg Gardens is a peaceable option to begin the day.
2. University of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your option to probably the greatest viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) on the University of Zurich provides panoramic views of the Old Town, Limmat River, and so they metropolis’s church steeples. We walked as much as the panorama terrace, however you too can take the Polybahn to keep away from strolling up the hill. It is likely one of the most iconic modes of transportation in the town and is included with the Zurich Card. This historic funicular began working in 1889 so if you happen to get the prospect, hop on. Albeit, it’s a simple stroll to the highest as nicely.
3. Get Lost in the Alleyways of Altstadt
Once you have got neglected Zurich from the University, it’s a good and straightforward stroll downhill by means of the Old Town of Zurich (Altstadt). Part of the appeal of visiting Zurich is to buy in the boutiques in the Old Town, seek for its many fountains, and discover the right espresso store to sit down on a patio for prime people-watching. Other issues to see in the Old Town: see the birthplace of Dadaism at Cafe Voltaire, go into the Belleview Apotheke courting again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an out of doors cafe on the pedestrian-only avenue of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
Before you permit the West Bank of the Limmat River, don’t miss visiting probably the most iconic constructing in Zurich. Grossmünster (Great Minster) Cathedral. Legend has it that when Charlemagne found the graves of the town’s patrons, he constructed a church upon them.
If you go into the crypt in 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 also can go as much as the highest of the tower for probably the greatest views in Zurich. It prices 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of the town.
5. Cross the Münsterbrücke
Most of the Old Town’s major points of interest crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no journey to Zurich can be full with out crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmünster throughout the Limmat River on to Fraumünster. Make certain to cease and take in the views. It provides an unobstructed view of a few of the most stunning locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Old city Hall) as you make your means from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Lady) 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
Once you have got seen a few of the greatest sights in the previous city it’s time to see Zurich’s hippest neighborhood, Zurich West. This is an excellent 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 Garden) for Lunch
Grab a late lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Garden). This out of doors occasion area is a backyard neighborhood with eateries, bars, and the right place to seize a beer. The funky ambiance units the tone on your afternoon in Zurich West.  Visit the web site for opening occasions, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
One of probably the most recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. You might know the title, Freitag, the fashionable luggage are produced from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is positioned in Zurich West and you may’t miss its 19 stacked delivery containers reaching 26 meters (85 ft) into the air.
Urban Surf
Right subsequent door is likely one of the most original issues to do in Zurich. Urban Surf is a implausible spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Beach umbrellas line a deck surrounding a large wave pool. You can hop in to catch a wave or just loosen up in the solar as you take pleasure in a cocktail. Visit Urban Surf web site for classes, costs and opening hours.
Go Art Hunting
After you’ve loved slightly enjoyable in 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 Hotel Zurich-West, or you possibly can go into Maag Hall to see the most recent shows (at the moment LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the most recent reveals.
Shop alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your option to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard lengthy avenue is actually a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This previous railway viaduct comprises boutique retailers and eating places positioned inside 36 arches below the viaduct. You also can stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some implausible views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
Once you have got had your fill of purchasing, make your option to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is implausible, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There is indoor and out of doors seating. Visit their web site for reservations. Truth be instructed, Zurich provides many eating places, particularly round standard areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with quite a lot of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
If you continue to have power, keep out after darkish in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in Prime Tower. Prime Tower is the very best tower in Zurich (second highest in Switzerland). Clouds is on the thirty fifth flooring and provides a terrific view of Zurich being the very best bar in Zurich. You can have dinner there if you wish to splurge as nicely.
It’s been a full day, so get on the tram along 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
As 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. Start your night in the fashionable Kreis 5 district, a scorching spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Here, you possibly can dance the evening away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the fashionable Bar 8001, or take pleasure in a relaxed night on the cozy Café des Amis.
For reside music lovers, Moods Club is a should. This place hosts an incredible 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 Event or Concert
Zurich’s occasion calendar is stuffed with enjoyable stuff all 12 months spherical. Whether you want movie, music, or meals, there’s at all times one thing to stay up for. The Zurich Film Festival is a spotlight, attracting movie buffs from everywhere in the world with its nice program of screenings and occasions. Music lovers will benefit from the Zurich Jazz Festival; foodies can indulge on the Street Food Festival and check out meals from everywhere in the world.
In the summer season, the Zurich Openair Festival is a should, with reside music, meals, and drinks in a phenomenal out of doors setting. In winter, you will get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive presents, and a heat and comfortable ambiance.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich
Today is all about taking in the views, experiencing the 2 totally different waterfronts of Zurich, indulging in some decadent Swiss Chocolate, and visiting the Lindt Factory for a tour and chocolate tasting.
Sunrise at Lindenhof
Today is an early begin as you make your option to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman citadel is now a stunning park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the previous metropolis partitions. It is a phenomenal place for dawn with views of the solar rising over the Limmat River, the Old Town, and Grossmünster cathedral. Seeing it at dawn is the right 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 direction of St. Peter’s Church the place largest church clock in Europe resides. Dating again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside however you possibly can go into see it and it’s free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Since you awoke at dawn, it’s rather a lot to stroll again to the lodge for breakfast, so as a substitute, make your option to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a stunning place for a cappuccino and pastry to start out your day. You at the moment are able to have an incredible day exploring actions exterior of the Old Town. It’s time to see Lake Zurich.
Bürkliplatz Pier
Bürkliplatz Pier is a sq. on Lake Zurich and the place to catch a ship on your journey across the lake. It has pretty scenic views of the mountain, the pier and the shores of Lake Zurich. By the way in which, there’s a vegetable market right here twice per week and a Sunday farmer’s market. So there’s a lot happening at this gathering place. There’s additionally a implausible strolling path the place you may make your means round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. But as we speak, as a substitute 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 is crammed with artists . One attention-grabbing undeniable fact that we realized about Wollishofen is that when massive builders make investments in property and improvement in Zurich, a share of their funding should go to the artwork neighborhood. Wollishofen has many festivals and occasions and there are many locations to eat as nicely.
Cassiopeia Boardwalk
As you proceed your stroll alongside Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this stunning boardwalk on Lake Zurich is an excellent place for a stroll. Another attention-grabbing reality we realized is that waterfront property is not being bought alongside Lake Zurich. The metropolis now makes certain that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that had been already owned earlier than the legislation got here into place, the town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal houses. This means, folks 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 loads of 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 previous harbour. Grab a recent salad with some truffle fries and benefit from the views of the Swiss Alps standing proud over Lake Zurich in the gap. Don’t eat an excessive amount of, since you at the moment are going to probably the most scrumptious cease in your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt Home of Chocolate
You can catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on in the afternoon. Lindt Home of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. If you want chocolate, you will love this interactive multimedia expertise. The cutting-edge 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 be taught 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 eventually finish in a room with vats of Lindor candies prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
When you’re completed up on the chocolate museum, make your means again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s most costly purchasing streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You can take the tram again to downtown utilizing your Zurich card and start the window purchasing as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly avenue. There are streetcars and site visitors, however the sidewalks are vast as you try the common high-end purchasing from Gucci to Rolex, and Chanel to Burberry. Once you’ve had your fill of gawking in the home windows it’s time for supper.
Niederdorfstrasse
Make your option to Paradeplatz to seek for a chew to eat. We selected an out of doors seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was constructed in 1487 and is extraordinarily standard. The service was glorious and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the right place to seize a chew in Zurich.
Head to Quaibrücke for Sunset
Depending on the time of 12 months, you’ll most likely be consuming earlier than sundown. In the peak of summer season with sundown late in the night, you’ll wish to eat first as we found the laborious means that restaurant’s kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrücke, the final bridge between Zurich Old Town and Lake Zurich. This is the traditional spot for images the place you possibly can see the entire Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It is a full of life spot at sundown, so make sure that to go throughout the road to see how The Alps mild up over Lake Zurich as nicely.
It is 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. If you have got your coronary heart set on a nightcap some recommendations for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Old 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 closing day in your Zurich itinerary and as we speak is all in regards to the outside. The folks of Zurich love the lake so make your option to the waterfront. Walk alongside the waterfront in direction of the Arboretum the place folks sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a nice stroll as you make your option 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 the town. But one of the best ways to expertise it’s to hire a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You can take the boards by means of the marina after which onto the Schanzengraben Canal. This picturesque canal is to not be missed!
Relax at Seebad Enge
Once you’re finished paddleboarding, you’re free to go for a swim, loosen up on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You also can replenish your water bottle right here earlier than shifting on. Check for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge web site.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we stated you possibly can eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we suggest making your means again to the previous city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full and not using a fondue, so that is your likelihood. Swiss Chuchi is positioned in the center of the Old Town. You at the moment are only a quick 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 Old Town, so this might be your complete afternoon. But it’s value it. Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 ft) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the prepare that goes practically to the highest. Once you arrive by prepare, it’s a few 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unbelievable lookout.
There is a tower which you can climb for 2CHF and it’s undoubtedly value 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 the town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. If you have got time, you possibly can go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automobile down from Felsenegg.
Sunset Over Lake Zurich
For your final evening in Zurich, seize a beer and make your means all the way down to the Lake to look at the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Located on the east facet of Lake Zurich is a public park on the lakeshore the place locals hang around in the night. This is a full of life spot and provides stunning views. It is positioned simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the gorgeous Zurich Opera House. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is likely one of the largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
Once the solar goes down, make your means throughout the bridge to the West Bank of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Located below the shade of huge chestnut timber, that is additionally a great place for a beer in the afternoon solar. But on your closing evening in Zurich, it’s a great conventional spot to have a beer and revel in a pint of native brew.
How to Get Around Zurich
The greatest option 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 provides free or discounted admissions to museums. Make certain to validate your ticket earlier than you’re taking your first journey on transit. Once it’s validated, you don’t want to point out it until requested in the course of your ticket. Zurich Cards vary from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get extra particulars right here.
Select shops additionally supply reductions to Zurich Card holders to ensure to ask.
Some of the most effective museums to see in Zurich with the Zurich Card are are:
Kunsthaus Zürich
Museum Rietberg
Museum Haus Konstruktiv
FIFA World Football Museum
Landesmuseum
How to Get to Zurich
International flights arrive each day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the biggest airport in Switzerland. Trains run commonly from Zurich Airport to the principle Zurich Main Train Station, Hauptbahnhof. You can use your Swiss Travel Pass to take the prepare. Did you understand that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest prepare station in Europe? You can then use your Zurich Pass to hop on a tram to your lodge, which could be very straightforward when touring in Zurich. This additionally comes in useful in case you are seeking to do a day journey from Zurich.
When you buy a Swiss Travel Pass, it consists of:
Unlimited journey by prepare, bus, and boatPublic transportation in greater than 90 cities and townsFree admission to greater than 500 museums all through SwitzerlandTwo free informative apps to assist plan your Switzerland journey are: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Travel Guide app
Where to Stay in Zurich
When searching for lodging in Zurich, staying in the Old Town is a good suggestion as it’s straightforward to get round. We stayed at Hotel Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of all over the place. It additionally has parking when you’ve got a automobile rental, a implausible restaurant, very good breakfasts included, and there are many historic regalia, together with an previous ceramic wooden range and an previous radio in the sitting room. Update: Unfortunately, this lodge was closed in July 2022 however is about to re-open in 2025 below 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. If you’re planning a visit to Switzerland, make sure that to spend three days in Zurich to actually expertise the entire wonderful issues to do in the town.
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