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The Perfect 3 Days in Zurich, Switzerland (Updated 2024)

The Perfect 3 Days in Zurich, Switzerland (Updated 2024)

Zurich is commonly on the high of any Switzerland itinerary. Because the monetary capital of the nation, the most important 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 proper three days in Zurich, from selecting the perfect issues to do, locations to see, and the place to eat. So, are you able to plan the proper Zurich itinerary?

How To Spend 3 Days in Zurich

Three Days in Zurich

Welcome to your first day in Zurich! Right this moment, we’re going to get acquainted with the Outdated City, however we’re then going to move to the hippest a part of Zurich, Zurich West. That is the place the previous meets the brand new, and you’ll see the perfect of each. We extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of the Outdated City to see the highest landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour after we first arrive in any metropolis, and Zurich isn’t 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

Zurich Itinerary Day 1Zurich Itinerary Day 1

Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Outdated City and Zurich West. In case you are staying within the Outdated City, you’ll be able to stroll to all of the points of interest after which hop on public transit for a brief and straightforward 10-minute trip to Zurich West.

Word: One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It gives limitless journey by bus, practice, cableway, and tram, plus you’ll be able to take quick boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get extra particulars right here. To discover the Outdated City, it’s simply accomplished by foot as there are various pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.

Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Outdated City

After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 underneath new administration) within the Outdated City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was simple to make our solution to see the perfect landmarks in Outdated City.

1. Rechberg Gardens 

Rechberg Gardens ZurichRechberg Gardens Zurich

Positioned immediately beside Resort Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are probably the most scenic spots in Zurich. They’re immediately behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other widespread landmark in Zurich. Relationship again to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It’s thought of a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque fashion Rechberg Gardens is a peaceable solution to begin the day.

2. College of Zurich View

University of Zurich ViewUniversity of Zurich View

As you proceed your morning stroll, make your solution to top-of-the-line viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Expertise (ETH) on the College of Zurich gives panoramic views of the Outdated City, Limmat River, and so they metropolis’s church steeples. We walked as much as the panorama terrace, however it’s also possible to take the Polybahn to keep away from strolling up the hill. It is without doubt one of the most iconic modes of transportation within the metropolis and is included with the Zurich Card. This historic funicular began working in 1889 so in case you get the possibility, hop on. Albeit, it’s a simple stroll to the highest as properly.

3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt

Alleyways of Altstadt in ZurichAlleyways of Altstadt in Zurich

After getting neglected Zurich from the College, it’s a good and straightforward stroll downhill via the Outdated City of Zurich (Altstadt). A part of the attraction of visiting Zurich is to buy within the boutiques within the Outdated City, seek for its many fountains, and discover the proper espresso store to take a seat on a patio for prime people-watching. Different issues to see within the Outdated City: see the birthplace of Dadaism at Cafe Voltaire, go into the Belleview Apotheke courting again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an outside cafe on the pedestrian-only road of Niederdorfstrasse.

4. Grossmünster

Grossmunster in ZurichGrossmunster in Zurich

Earlier than you allow the West Financial institution of the Limmat River, don’t miss visiting probably the most iconic constructing in Zurich. Grossmünster (Nice Minster) Cathedral. Legend has it that when Charlemagne found the graves of the town’s patrons, he constructed a church upon them.

Should you go into the crypt within the cellar and also you’ll see a big sculpture of Charlemagne himself. Grossmünster additionally performs an vital half in Swiss historical past because it was the birthplace of the Reformation of the church in Switzerland. You may as well go as much as the highest of the tower for top-of-the-line views in Zurich. It prices 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of the town.

5. Cross the Münsterbrücke

Munsterbrucke in ZurichMunsterbrucke in Zurich

Many of the Outdated City’s important 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. Be sure to cease and take within the views. It gives an unobstructed view of a few of the most stunning locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Outdated city Corridor) as you make your means from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..

6. Fraumünster Church

Fraumunster Church in ZurichFraumunster Church in Zurich

Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Woman) 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

Exploring Zurich WestExploring Zurich West

After getting seen a few of the greatest sights within the previous city it’s time to see Zurich’s hippest neighborhood, Zurich West. It is a tremendous 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 Backyard) for Lunch

Frau Gerolds Garten for lunchFrau Gerolds Garten for lunch

Seize a late lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Backyard). This out of doors occasion house is a backyard neighborhood with eateries, bars, and the proper place to seize a beer. The funky environment units the tone on your afternoon in Zurich West.  Go to the web site for opening instances, menu and reservations.

Freitag Tower

Freitag Tower in West ZurichFreitag Tower in West Zurich

Probably the most recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. You might know the title, Freitag, the trendy baggage are created from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is positioned in Zurich West and you’ll’t miss its 19 stacked transport containers reaching 26 meters (85 toes) into the air.

City Surf

Urban Surf in West ZurichUrban Surf in West Zurich

Proper subsequent door is without doubt one of the most unusual issues to do in Zurich. City Surf is a implausible spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Seaside umbrellas line a deck surrounding a large wave pool. You may hop in to catch a wave or just chill out within the solar as you get pleasure from a cocktail. Go to City Surf web site for classes, costs and opening hours.

Go Artwork Looking

Art Hunting at Pulse 5 in Zurich WestArt Hunting at Pulse 5 in Zurich West

After you’ve loved a bit of enjoyable within 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 Resort Zurich-West, or you’ll be able to go into Maag Corridor to see the newest shows (at present LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the newest displays.

Store alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt

Zurich Viadukt at nightZurich Viadukt at night

It’s then time to make your solution to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard lengthy road is actually a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This previous railway viaduct comprises boutique outlets and eating places positioned inside 36 arches underneath the viaduct. You may as well stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some implausible views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.

Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant

Viadukt Restaurant in West ZurichViadukt Restaurant in West Zurich

After getting had your fill of procuring, make your solution to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is implausible, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There may be indoor and out of doors seating. Go to their web site for reservations. Reality be advised, Zurich gives many eating places, particularly round widespread areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with a wide range of eating choices.

Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower

Clouds in Prime Tower ZurichClouds in Prime Tower Zurich

Should you nonetheless have vitality, 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 gives an awesome view of Zurich being the very best bar in Zurich. You may have dinner there if you wish to splurge as properly.

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

Because the solar goes down, Zurich turns into a playground for night time owls. The nightlife is as different as it’s enjoyable and caters to all tastes. Begin your night within the stylish Kreis 5 district, a scorching spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Right here, you’ll be able to dance the night time away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the fashionable Bar 8001, or get pleasure from a relaxed night on the cozy Café des Amis.

For reside music lovers, Moods Membership is a should. This place hosts an incredible mixture of performances, from jazz and blues to rock and pop, so there’s all the time 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 Occasion or Live performance

Zurich’s occasion calendar is filled with enjoyable stuff all yr spherical. Whether or not you want movie, music, or meals, there’s all the time one thing to stay up for. The Zurich Movie Competition is a spotlight, attracting movie buffs from all around the world with its nice program of screenings and occasions. Music lovers will benefit from the Zurich Jazz Competition; foodies can indulge on the Avenue Meals Competition and check out meals from all around the world.

In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Competition is a should, with reside music, meals, and drinks in a stupendous 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 comfy environment.

Zurich Itinerary Day 2

Zurich Itinerary Day 2Zurich Itinerary Day 2

Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich

Right this moment is all about taking within the views, experiencing the 2 completely different waterfronts of Zurich, indulging in some decadent Swiss Chocolate, and visiting the Lindt Manufacturing facility for a tour and chocolate tasting.

Dawn at Lindenhof

Sunrise at Lindenhof in ZurichSunrise at Lindenhof in Zurich

Right this moment is an early begin as you make your solution to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman citadel is now a beautiful park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the previous metropolis partitions. It’s a stunning place for dawn with views of the solar rising over the Limmat River, the Outdated City, and Grossmünster cathedral. Seeing it at dawn is the proper time of day to beat the crowds and benefit from the peaceable solitude of the view.

St. Peter’s Church

St Peters Church clocktower ZurichSt Peters Church clocktower Zurich

From Lindenhof Hill, it’s now time to walk alongside the Limmat River in the direction of St. Peter’s Church the place largest church clock in Europe resides. Relationship again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside however you’ll be able to go into see it and it’s free to enter.

Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz

Cafe Milchbar in ZurichCafe Milchbar in Zurich

Because you awoke at dawn, it’s lots to stroll again to the lodge for breakfast, so as a substitute, make your solution to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a beautiful 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 Outdated City. It’s time to see Lake Zurich.

Bürkliplatz Pier

Burkliplatz Pier ZurichBurkliplatz Pier Zurich

Bürkliplatz Pier is a sq. on Lake Zurich and the place to catch a ship on your journey across the lake. It has beautiful 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 every 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. However as we speak, as a substitute of strolling, you’ll use your Zurich Card to hop on the ferry to Wollishofen.

Boat to Wollishofen

Wollishofen neighborhood ZurichWollishofen neighborhood Zurich

Wolishofen is an artists neighborhood that was a former industrial space. It’s stuffed with artists . One attention-grabbing indisputable fact that we discovered about Wollishofen is that when massive builders put money into property and growth 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 properly.

Cassiopeia Boardwalk

Cassiopeia Boardwalk on Lake ZurichCassiopeia Boardwalk on Lake Zurich

As you proceed your stroll alongside Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this stunning boardwalk on Lake Zurich is a superb place for a stroll. One other attention-grabbing truth we discovered is that waterfront property is not being offered alongside Lake Zurich. Town now makes positive that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that have been already owned earlier than the legislation got here into place, the town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal properties. This fashion, folks can proceed to stroll round Lake Zurich unobstructed.

Lunch at Mönchhof am See on Lake Zurich

Monchhof on Lake ZurichMonchhof on Lake Zurich

The morning of your second day is coming to an finish it’s time for lunch. There are many 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. Seize a recent salad with some truffle fries and benefit from the views of the Swiss Alps standing proud over Lake Zurich within the distance. 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 Dwelling of Chocolate

Lindt Home of Chocolate in ZurichLindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich

You may catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt Dwelling of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. Should you like chocolate, you’ll 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 study 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 at last finish in a room with vats of Lindor goodies prepared so that you can eat!

Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse in ZurichBahnhofstrasse in Zurich

When you find yourself completed up on the chocolate museum, make your means again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s costliest procuring streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You may take the tram again to downtown utilizing your Zurich card and start the window procuring as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly road. There are streetcars and site visitors, however the sidewalks are vast as you take a look at the common high-end procuring from Gucci to Rolex, and Chanel to Burberry. When you’ve had your fill of gawking within the home windows it’s meal time.

Niederdorfstrasse

Niederdorfstrasse in ZurichNiederdorfstrasse in Zurich

Make your solution to Paradeplatz to seek for a chew to eat. We selected an outside seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was inbuilt 1487 and is extraordinarily widespread. The service was glorious and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the proper place to seize a chew in Zurich.

Head to Quaibrücke for Sundown

Quaibrucke for Sunset in ZurichQuaibrucke for Sunset in Zurich

Relying on the time of yr, you’ll most likely be consuming earlier than sundown. Within the peak of summer season with sundown late within 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 Outdated City and Lake Zurich. That is the basic spot for images the place you’ll be able to see all the Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a vigorous spot at sundown, so be certain that to go throughout the road to see how The Alps gentle up over Lake Zurich as properly.

It’s now time for relaxation as you’ve been up since dawn, so make it an early night time. The second day of your Zurich itinerary has come to an finish. In case you have your coronary heart set on a nightcap some strategies for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Outdated 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

Zurich Itinerary Day 3Zurich Itinerary Day 3

It’s your remaining day in your Zurich itinerary and as we speak is all concerning the open air. The folks of Zurich love the lake so make your solution to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in the direction of the Arboretum the place folks sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a pleasing stroll as you make your solution to Badi Enge the place it’s time for our favourite exercise in Zurich.

SUP on Lake Zurich

SUP on Lake ZurichSUP 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. However the easiest way to expertise it’s to hire a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You may take the boards via the marina after which onto the Schanzengraben Canal. This picturesque canal is to not be missed!

Chill out at Seebad Enge

Seebad Enge on Lake ZurichSeebad Enge on Lake Zurich

As soon as you might be accomplished paddleboarding, you might be free to go for a swim, chill out on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You may as well refill your water bottle right here earlier than shifting on. Verify for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge web site.

Lunch at Swiss Chuchi

Lunch at Swiss CuchiLunch at Swiss Cuchi

I do know that we stated you’ll be able to 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 probability. Swiss Chuchi is positioned within the coronary heart of the Outdated City. You at the moment are only a quick stroll to your subsequent cease.

Go as much as Uetliberg

View over Zurich from UetlibergView over Zurich from Uetliberg

After lunch, it’s time to hop on the tram to catch the practice to Uetliberg. It takes about an hour to get to by public transport from the Outdated City, so this might be your whole afternoon. However it’s price it. Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 toes) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the practice that goes almost to the highest. When you arrive by practice, it’s a few 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unbelievable lookout.

There’s a tower that you would be able to climb for 2CHF and it’s undoubtedly price it. We nearly 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. In case you have time, you’ll be able to go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automobile down from Felsenegg.

Sundown Over Lake Zurich

Sunset over Lake ZurichSunset over Lake Zurich

In your final night time in Zurich, seize a beer and make your means right down to the Lake to look at the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Positioned on the east aspect of Lake Zurich is a public park on the lakeshore the place locals hand around in the night. It is a vigorous spot and gives stunning views. It’s positioned simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the gorgeous Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is without doubt one of the largest squares in Switzerland.

Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli

BierGarten Bauschaunzli in ZurichBierGarten Bauschaunzli in Zurich

As soon as the solar goes down, make your means throughout the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Positioned underneath the shade of enormous chestnut bushes, that is additionally an excellent place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However on your remaining night time in Zurich, it’s an excellent conventional spot to have a beer and luxuriate in a pint of native brew.

Tips on how to Get Round Zurich

How to get around ZurichHow to get around Zurich

One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card offers entry to trains, trams, cable vehicles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally gives free or discounted admissions to museums. Be sure to validate your ticket earlier than you’re taking your first journey on transit. As soon as it’s validated, you don’t want to point out it until requested throughout your ticket. Zurich Playing cards vary from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get extra particulars right here.

Choose shops additionally supply reductions to Zurich Card holders to verify to ask.

Among the greatest museums to see in Zurich with the Zurich Card are are:

Kunsthaus Zürich
Museum Rietberg
Museum Haus Konstruktiv
FIFA World Soccer Museum
Landesmuseum

Tips on how to Get to Zurich

How to get to ZurichHow to get to Zurich

Worldwide flights arrive every day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the most important airport in Switzerland. Trains run frequently from Zurich Airport to the primary Zurich Fundamental Practice Station, Hauptbahnhof. You need to use your Swiss Journey Go to take the practice. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest practice station in Europe? You may then use your Zurich Go to hop on a tram to your lodge, which may be very simple when touring in Zurich. This additionally turns out to be useful in case you are trying to do a day journey from Zurich.

While you buy a Swiss Journey Go, it contains:

Limitless journey by practice, bus, and boatPublic transportation in additional 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 Practice Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Journey Information app

The place to Keep in Zurich

Where to stay in Zurich Hotel FlorhofWhere to stay in Zurich Hotel Florhof

When on the lookout for lodging in Zurich, staying within the Outdated City is a good suggestion as it’s simple to get round. We stayed at Resort Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of in all places. It additionally has parking you probably have 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 within the sitting room. Replace: Sadly, this lodge was closed in July 2022 however is about to re-open in 2025 underneath new administration.

Zurich will steal your coronary heart. We had all the time dreamed of visiting Zurich, and after three visits to Switzerland, we lastly managed to discover this thrilling cosmopolitan metropolis. In case you are planning a visit to Switzerland, be certain that to spend three days in Zurich to really expertise all the superb issues to do within the metropolis.

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