Zurich is usually 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 allow you to plan the right three days in Zurich, from selecting one of the best 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! Immediately, we’re going to get acquainted with the Outdated City, however we’re then going to move to the hippest a part of Zurich, Zurich West. That is the place the outdated meets the brand new, and you’ll see one of the best of each. We extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of the Outdated City to see the high landmarks of Zurich.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 sights in a short while.
Zurich Itinerary Day 1
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Outdated City and Zurich West. If you’re staying within the Outdated City, you may stroll to all of the sights after which hop on public transit for a brief and straightforward 10-minute experience to Zurich West.
Be aware: The easiest way to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It offers limitless journey by bus, prepare, cableway, and tram, plus you may 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 To discover the Outdated City, it’s simply completed by foot as there are lots of pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Outdated City
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 underneath new administration) within the Outdated City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was simple to make our approach to see one of the best landmarks in Outdated City.
1. Rechberg GardensÂ
Positioned immediately beside Lodge Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are one of the vital scenic spots in Zurich. They’re immediately behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other well-liked 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 approach to begin the day.
2. College of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your approach to among the best viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Know-how (ETH) on the College of Zurich provides panoramic views of the Outdated City, Limmat River, and so they metropolis’s church steeples. We walked as much as the panorama terrace, however you may as well take the Polybahn to keep away from strolling up the hill. It is among 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 the event you get the possibility, hop on. Albeit, it’s a simple stroll to the highest as effectively.
3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt
Upon getting missed Zurich from the College, it’s a good and straightforward stroll downhill via the Outdated City of Zurich (Altstadt). A part of the appeal of visiting Zurich is to buy within the boutiques within the Outdated City, seek for its many fountains, and discover the right espresso store to sit down 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 relationship again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an outside cafe on the pedestrian-only avenue of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
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 town’s patrons, he constructed a church upon them.
For those who 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 can even go as much as the highest of the tower for among the best views in Zurich. It prices 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of town.
5. Cross the Münsterbrücke
Many of the Outdated City’s important sights crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no journey to Zurich could be full with out crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmünster throughout the Limmat River on to Fraumünster. Ensure that to cease and take within the views. It provides an unobstructed view of a number of the most lovely locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Outdated city Corridor) as you make your manner from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Girl) is a must-visit in Zurich relationship 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
Upon getting seen a number of the finest sights within the outdated 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
Seize a late lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Backyard). This outside occasion area is a backyard group with eateries, bars, and the right place to seize a beer. The funky environment units the tone to your afternoon in Zurich West.  Go to the web site for opening instances, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
One of the recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. It’s possible you’ll know the identify, Freitag, the trendy luggage are created from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is situated in Zurich West and you’ll’t miss its 19 stacked delivery containers reaching 26 meters (85 toes) into the air.
City Surf
Proper subsequent door is among the most original 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 take pleasure in a cocktail. Go to City Surf web site for classes, costs and opening hours.
Go Artwork Looking
After you’ve loved a little bit 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 Lodge Zurich-West, or you may 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 reveals.
Store alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your approach to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard lengthy avenue is really a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This outdated railway viaduct comprises boutique outlets and eating places situated inside 36 arches underneath the viaduct. You can even stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some implausible views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
Upon getting had your fill of buying, make your approach to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is implausible, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There may be indoor and outside seating. Go to their web site for reservations. Reality be advised, Zurich provides many eating places, particularly round well-liked areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with quite a lot of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
For those who nonetheless have power, keep out after darkish in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in Prime Tower. Prime Tower is the best tower in Zurich (second highest in Switzerland). Clouds is on the thirty fifth ground and provides an amazing view of Zurich being the best bar in Zurich. You may have dinner there if you wish to splurge as effectively.
It’s been a full day, so get on the tram along with your Zurich Card and make your manner 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 various as it’s enjoyable and caters to all tastes. Begin your night within the fashionable Kreis 5 district, a scorching spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Right here, you may dance the night time away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the trendy Bar 8001, or take pleasure in a relaxed night on the cozy Café des Amis.
For reside music lovers, Moods Membership is a should. This place hosts a tremendous 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 look ahead to. The Zurich Movie Competition 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 Competition; foodies can indulge on the Avenue Meals Competition and check out meals from everywhere in the world.
In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Competition is a should, with reside music, meals, and drinks in an exquisite outside setting. In winter, you will get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive items, and a heat and comfy environment.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich
Immediately 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 unit for a tour and chocolate tasting.
Dawn at Lindenhof
Immediately is an early begin as you make your approach to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman fort is now a stunning park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the outdated metropolis partitions. It’s a lovely 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 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. Relationship again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside however you may go into see it and it’s free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Because you awakened at dawn, it’s lots to stroll again to the lodge for breakfast, so as a substitute, make your approach to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a stunning place for a cappuccino and pastry to start out your day. You are actually able to have a tremendous day exploring actions outdoors of the Outdated City. It’s time to see Lake Zurich.
Bürkliplatz Pier
Bürkliplatz Pier is a sq. on Lake Zurich and the place to catch a ship to your journey across the lake. It has beautiful scenic views of the mountain, the pier and the shores of Lake Zurich. By the best way, 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 can also make your manner round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However immediately, as a substitute of strolling, you’ll use your Zurich Card to hop on the ferry to Wollishofen.
Boat to Wollishofen
Wolishofen is an artists group that was a former industrial space. It’s stuffed with artists . One attention-grabbing proven fact that we discovered about Wollishofen is that when giant builders spend money on property and growth in Zurich, a proportion of their funding should go to the artwork group. Wollishofen has many festivals and occasions and there are many locations to eat as effectively.
Cassiopeia Boardwalk
As you proceed your stroll alongside Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this lovely boardwalk on Lake Zurich is an excellent place for a stroll. One other attention-grabbing truth we discovered is that waterfront property is now not being bought alongside Lake Zurich. The town now makes certain that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that had been already owned earlier than the regulation got here into place, 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
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 situated on the water and overlooks an outdated 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 are actually going to probably the most scrumptious cease in your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt Residence of Chocolate
You may catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt Residence of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. For those who like chocolate, you’ll love this interactive multimedia expertise. The state-of-the-art constructing homes a testing plant the place chocolatiers develop new recipes and strategies 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 sweets prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
If you find yourself completed up on the chocolate museum, make your manner again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s costliest buying 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 buying as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly avenue. There are streetcars and site visitors, however the sidewalks are huge as you take a look at the common high-end buying 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
Make your approach to Paradeplatz to seek for a chunk to eat. We selected an outside seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was inbuilt 1487 and is extraordinarily well-liked. The service was glorious and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the right place to seize a chunk in Zurich.
Head to Quaibrücke for Sundown
Relying on the time of yr, you’ll most likely be consuming earlier than sundown. Within the peak of summer time with sundown late within the night, you’ll need to eat first as we found the onerous manner 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 traditional spot for pictures the place you may see the entire Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a vigorous spot at sundown, so make certain to go throughout the road to see how The Alps gentle up over Lake Zurich as effectively.
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 solutions 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
It’s your remaining day in your Zurich itinerary and immediately is all in regards to the outdoor. The folks of Zurich love the lake so make your approach to the waterfront. Stroll 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 approach 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 lovely views of the Alps, Lake Zurich, and town. However one of the best ways 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!
Calm down at Seebad Enge
As soon as you might be completed paddleboarding, you might be free to go for a swim, chill out on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You can even refill your water bottle right here earlier than transferring on. Test for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge web site.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we mentioned you may eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we suggest making your manner again to the outdated city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full with out a fondue, so that is your probability. Swiss Chuchi is situated within the coronary heart of the Outdated City. You are actually 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 Outdated City, so this will likely be your complete afternoon. However it’s value it. Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 toes) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the prepare that goes almost to the highest. When you arrive by prepare, it’s a couple of 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unimaginable lookout.
There’s a tower you could climb for 2CHF and it’s undoubtedly value 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 town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. In case you have time, you may go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automotive down from Felsenegg.
Sundown Over Lake Zurich
On your final night time in Zurich, seize a beer and make your manner right down to the Lake to look at the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Positioned on the east facet of Lake Zurich is a public park on the lakeshore the place locals hand around in the night. It is a vigorous spot and provides lovely views. It’s situated simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the attractive Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is among the largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
As soon as the solar goes down, make your manner 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 timber, that is additionally a very good place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However to your remaining night time in Zurich, it’s a very good conventional spot to have a beer and luxuriate in a pint of native brew.
Tips on how to Get Round Zurich
The easiest way to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card provides entry to trains, trams, cable automobiles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally provides free or discounted admissions to museums. Ensure that to validate your ticket earlier than you are taking your first journey on transit. As soon as it’s validated, you don’t want to indicate it except requested in the course of 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.
- A few of the finest 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
Worldwide flights arrive every day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the most important airport in Switzerland. Trains run often from Zurich Airport to the principle Zurich Fundamental Practice Station, Hauptbahnhof. You should utilize your Swiss Journey Go to take the prepare. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest prepare 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 is useful in case you are trying to do a day journey from Zurich.
Whenever you buy a Swiss Journey Go, it consists of:
Limitless journey by prepare, bus, and boat
Public transportation in additional than 90 cities and cities
Free admission to greater than 500 museums all through Switzerland
Two 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
When searching for lodging in Zurich, staying within the Outdated City is a good suggestion as it’s simple to get round. We stayed at Lodge Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of in all places. It additionally has parking in case you have a automotive rental, a implausible restaurant, excellent breakfasts included, and there are many historic regalia, together with an outdated ceramic wooden range and an outdated 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. If you’re planning a visit to Switzerland, make certain to spend three days in Zurich to really expertise the entire superb issues to do within the metropolis.
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