What to see in Switzerland

Zurich

The largest city in Switzerland and an important centre of global finance, Zurich is a cosmopolitan city, combining urban life with a spectacular natural setting on the north shore of Lake Zurich. A trip to Zurich is sure to be a highlight of any Switzerland tour and it is consistently ranked among the top cities in the world thanks to its high quality of life.

A creative city, Zurich is the home of the art movement Dadaism and the birthplace of the globally recognised Helvetica typeface whilst Zurich University of the Arts ensures a never-ending calendar of art shows and creative fairs. 

Shoppers will love Bahnhofstrasse street, lined with luxury shops, whilst foodies are well catered for with more Michelin-star restaurants per inhabitant than anywhere else in the world and plenty of trendy pop-up eateries and frequent street food festivals. 

The Old Town oozes fairytale charm, on the banks of the Limmat River, whilst Zurich-West is home to the city’s most innovative companies, architecture, parks and modern art galleries. Truly the best of both worlds travel to Zurich to experience a vibrant, innovative city with a youthful atmosphere and deep respect for the natural environment.

Zurich is a year-round travel destination. In winter you can escape to the nearby mountains for wintersports or cosy up in one of the local pubs with a delicious Swiss hot chocolate. In the summer, life unfolds around Lake Zurich, where a number of public lidos are the local’s choice for cooling off on hot summer days. 

Things to see in Zurich

Any tour of Zurich should begin in its charming Aldstadt, or 'Old Town’. Officially known as District 1, the Aldstadt straddles both sides of the Limmat River. Its medieval streets exude European charm, filled with chocolate shops, restaurants and boutiques. Be sure to see the Romanesque Grossmunster Church, the iconic copper spire of Fraumunster, the impressive collection of European Art inside the Kunsthaus and the elegant facade of the Opera House, sat on the spacious Sechseläutenplatz. Soak up the old-world atmosphere of Niederdorf street, lined with pastel-coloured buildings and enjoy the views from Lindenhof, the site of a former Roman fort and today a popular spot for local chess tournaments. 

One of the best things to do in Zurich is to stroll along the Lakeside Promenade where you can take in the spectacular views of glistening Lake Zurich, one of Switzerland’s most enchanting bodies of water. Starting from the Opera House, you can stroll for around three kilometres along the east shore of Lake Zurich, watching the boats go by and admiring the spectacular landscapes. For an even more memorable experience, you can even hire a paddleboard or a small rowing boat and get out on the lake yourself. 

A trip to Switzerland is all about breathtaking scenery and if you travel to Zurich there’s no shortage of fantastic viewpoints from which to admire both the natural beauty and the urban environment. Polyterrasse is one of the best places to visit in Zurich. Take the 19th-century Polybahn funicular up to the Polyterrasse, home to excellent views of the city and situated in front of the Federal Institute of Technology. Another viewpoint to visit on a trip to Zurich is Uetliberg. Towering above the city this viewing tower is a short hike from the city and on a clear day, you can see the snow-capped Alps from its observation deck!