Zurich is commonly on the high of any Switzerland itinerary. Because 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 provide help to plan the right three days in Zurich, from selecting the very 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! Right this moment, we’re going to get acquainted with the Outdated City, however we’re then going to move to the hippest a part of Zurich, Zurich West.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’re going to see the very best 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 We extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of the Outdated City to see the highest landmarks of Zurich.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 once 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Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Outdated City and Zurich West. If you’re staying within the Outdated City, you may stroll to all of the points of interest after which hop on public transit for a brief and simple 10-minute experience to Zurich West.
Observe: The easiest way to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It gives limitless journey by bus, practice, cableway, and tram, plus you may take brief 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 To discover the Outdated City, it’s simply achieved by foot as there are lots of pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Outdated City
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 beneath new administration) within the Outdated City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was straightforward to make our technique to see the very best landmarks in Outdated City.
1. Rechberg Gardens
Situated instantly beside Resort Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are one of the crucial scenic spots in Zurich. They’re instantly behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other in style landmark in Zurich. Courting again to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It’s thought-about a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque type Rechberg Gardens is a peaceable technique to begin the day.
2. College of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your technique to among the finest viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Know-how (ETH) on the College of Zurich affords 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 too can 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 if you happen to get the prospect, hop on. Albeit, it’s a straightforward stroll to the highest as nicely.
3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt
After getting ignored Zurich from the College, it’s a good and simple stroll downhill by means of 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 courting again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an out of doors 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 essentially 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.
If you happen to go into the crypt within 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 can too go as much as the highest of the tower for among the finest 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 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 within the views. It affords an unobstructed view of among the most lovely locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Outdated city Corridor) as you make your method from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
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
After getting seen among the finest 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
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 right place to seize a beer. The funky ambiance units the tone on your afternoon in Zurich West. Go to the web site for opening occasions, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
Some of the recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. You could know the title, Freitag, the fashionable luggage are constructed from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is positioned in Zurich West and you may’t miss its 19 stacked transport containers reaching 26 meters (85 ft) into the air.
City Surf
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. Seashore umbrellas line a deck surrounding an enormous wave pool. You’ll be able to hop in to catch a wave or just loosen up 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
After you’ve loved just a little 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 may go into Maag Corridor to see the most recent shows (presently LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the most recent reveals.
Store alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your technique 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 outlets and eating places positioned inside 36 arches beneath the viaduct. You can too stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some implausible views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
After getting had your fill of procuring, make your technique 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 informed, Zurich affords many eating places, particularly round in style areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with quite a lot of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
If you happen to nonetheless 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 ground and affords a fantastic view of Zurich being the very best bar in Zurich. You’ll be able to have dinner there if you wish to splurge as nicely.
It’s been a full day, so get on the tram together with your Zurich Card and make your method again to your resort 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 may dance the night time away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the trendy Bar 8001, or get pleasure from a relaxed night on the cozy Café des Amis.
For stay 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 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 Occasion or Live performance
Zurich’s occasion calendar is stuffed with enjoyable stuff all 12 months spherical. Whether or not you want movie, music, or meals, there’s at all times one thing to sit 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 Road Meals Competition and take a look at meals from all around the world.
In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Competition is a should, with stay music, meals, and drinks in a ravishing out of doors setting. In winter, you may get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive items, and a heat and comfy ambiance.
Zurich 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 totally 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
Right this moment is an early begin as you make your technique 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 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 the direction of St. Peter’s Church the place largest church clock in Europe resides. Courting 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 wakened at dawn, it’s rather a lot to stroll again to the resort for breakfast, so as a substitute, make your technique to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a beautiful place for a cappuccino and pastry to start out your day. You are actually able to have a tremendous day exploring actions exterior 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 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 per week and a Sunday farmer’s market. So there’s a lot occurring at this gathering place. There’s additionally a implausible strolling path the place you can also make your method round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However immediately, as a substitute of strolling, you’re going to 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’s full of artists . One attention-grabbing proven fact that we discovered about Wollishofen is that when giant builders put money into 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 lovely boardwalk on Lake Zurich is a superb place for a stroll. One other attention-grabbing truth we discovered is that waterfront property is now 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, town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal houses. This fashion, individuals 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 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 are actually going to essentially the most scrumptious cease in your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt Dwelling of Chocolate
You’ll be able to 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. If you happen to like chocolate, you’re going to 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 occurring 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 sweets prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
When you find yourself completed up on the chocolate museum, make your method again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s costliest procuring streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You’ll be able to take the tram again to downtown utilizing your Zurich card and start the window procuring as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly avenue. There are streetcars and visitors, however the sidewalks are huge 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
Make your technique to Paradeplatz to seek for a chew to eat. We selected an out of doors seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was inbuilt 1487 and is extraordinarily in style. The service was wonderful and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the right place to seize a chew in Zurich.
Head to Quaibrücke for Sundown
Relying on the time of 12 months, 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 arduous method 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 may see the entire Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a full of life spot at sundown, so ensure to go throughout the road to see how The Alps mild up over Lake Zurich as nicely.
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. You probably have your coronary heart set on a nightcap some options 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 closing day in your Zurich itinerary and immediately is all concerning the outside. The individuals of Zurich love the lake so make your technique to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in the direction of the Arboretum the place individuals sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a nice stroll as you make your technique 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 the easiest way to expertise it’s to lease a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You’ll be able to take the boards by means of 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 achieved paddleboarding, you might be free to go for a swim, loosen up on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You can too replenish 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
I do know that we mentioned you may eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we suggest making your method again to the previous city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full with no fondue, so that is your probability. Swiss Chuchi is positioned within the coronary heart of the Outdated City. You are actually only a brief stroll to your subsequent cease.
Go as much as 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 ft) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the practice that goes practically to the highest. When you arrive by practice, it’s a couple of 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unbelievable lookout.
There’s a tower you can climb for 2CHF and it’s positively price it. We nearly didn’t put this on our Zurich itinerary and I’m so glad we made time for it. There are beautiful views of town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. You probably have time, you may go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automotive down from Felsenegg.
Sundown Over Lake Zurich
In your final night time in Zurich, seize a beer and make your method all the way down to the Lake to look at the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Situated 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 full of life spot and affords lovely views. It’s positioned simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the attractive Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is without doubt one of the largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
As soon as the solar goes down, make your method throughout the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Situated beneath the shade of huge chestnut timber, that is additionally a very good place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However on your closing 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 affords free or discounted admissions to museums. Make certain 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 point out it until requested all through 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 provide reductions to Zurich Card holders to ensure 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 day by day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the biggest airport in Switzerland. Trains run frequently from Zurich Airport to the principle Zurich Foremost Practice Station, Hauptbahnhof. You should utilize your Swiss Journey Cross to take the practice. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest practice station in Europe? You’ll be able to then use your Zurich Cross to hop on a tram to your resort, which may be very straightforward when touring in Zurich. This additionally is useful if you’re trying to do a day journey from Zurich.
If you buy a Swiss Journey Cross, 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
When on the lookout for lodging in Zurich, staying within the Outdated City is a good suggestion as it’s straightforward to get round. We stayed at Resort Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of in every single place. It additionally has parking when you have a automotive 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 resort was closed in July 2022 however is about to re-open in 2025 beneath 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, ensure to spend three days in Zurich to really expertise the entire wonderful issues to do within the metropolis.
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