Zurich is continuously on the most sensible of any Switzerland itinerary. Because the monetary capital of the rustic, the biggest town in Switzerland, and a picturesque atmosphere on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, there are many issues to stay you busy. 3 days in Zurich is solely sufficient time to revel in all of it. This itinerary will permit you to plan the easiest 3 days in Zurich, from opting for the most productive issues to do, puts to peer, and the place to consume. So, are you in a position to plot the easiest Zurich itinerary?
How To Spend 3 Days in Zurich
Welcome in your first day in Zurich! These days, we’re going to get conversant in the Previous The 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 That is the place the outdated meets the brand new, and you’ll see the most productive of each. We extremely counsel reserving a strolling excursion of the Previous The city to peer the highest landmarks of Zurich. We adore taking a excursion once we first arrive in any town, and Zurich is not any exception. It is helping us plan out the remainder of our travel and we could us see the highest points of interest in a little while.
Zurich Itinerary Day 1
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you via a strolling excursion of the Previous The city and Zurich West. In case you are staying within the Previous The city, you’ll stroll to the entire points of interest after which hop on public transit for a brief and simple 10-minute experience to Zurich West.
Observe: One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It supplies limitless trip by means of bus, teach, cableway, and tram, plus you’ll take quick boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Playing cards get started at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get more details here. To discover the Previous The city, it’s simply finished by means of foot as there are lots of pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Previous The city
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 underneath new control) within the Previous The city, our town information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was once simple to make our approach to see the most productive landmarks in Previous The city.
1. Rechberg Gardens
Situated immediately beside Lodge Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are some of the scenic spots in Zurich. They’re immediately in the back of Rechberg Mansion which is every other fashionable landmark in Zurich. Courting again to 1759, the mansion was once renovated in 2014. It is thought of as a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque taste Rechberg Gardens is a relaxed approach to get started the day.
2. College of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning walk, make your approach to probably the most best possible viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Generation (ETH) on the College of Zurich gives panoramic perspectives of the Previous The city, Limmat River, they usually town’s church steeples. We walked as much as the landscape terrace, however you’ll additionally take the Polybahn to steer clear of strolling up the hill. It is without doubt one of the maximum iconic modes of transportation within the town and is integrated with the Zurich Card. This ancient funicular began running in 1889 so if you happen to get the risk, hop on. Albeit, it is a straightforward stroll to the highest as neatly.
3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt
Upon getting lost sight of Zurich from the College, this can be a great and simple walk downhill throughout the Previous The city of Zurich (Altstadt). A part of the allure of visiting Zurich is to buy within the boutiques within the Previous The city, seek for its many fountains, and in finding the easiest espresso store to take a seat on a patio for high people-watching. Different issues to peer within the Previous The city: see the birthplace of Dadaism at Cafe Voltaire, move into the Belleview Apotheke relationship again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an outside cafe at the pedestrian-only side road of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
Earlier than you allow the West Financial institution of the Limmat River, don’t omit visiting probably the most iconic construction in Zurich. Grossmünster (Nice Minster) Cathedral. Legend has it that after Charlemagne found out the graves of the town’s consumers, he constructed a church upon them.
In case you move into the crypt within the cellar and also you’ll see a big sculpture of Charlemagne himself. Grossmünster additionally performs the most important section in Swiss historical past because it was once the birthplace of the Reformation of the church in Switzerland. You’ll be able to additionally move as much as the highest of the tower for probably the most best possible perspectives in Zurich. It prices 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of the town.
5. Pass the Münsterbrücke
Many of the Previous The city’s primary points of interest crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no travel to Zurich can be whole with out crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmünster around the Limmat River immediately to Fraumünster. You’ll want to prevent and take within the perspectives. It gives an unobstructed view of one of the most most lovely puts at the water. Wonder on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Previous the town Corridor) as you are making your method from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Woman) is a must-visit in Zurich relationship again to 835. It draws guests to view its stained glass home windows designed by means of Marc Chagall. It prices CHF 5 to go into Fraumünster.
Spend the Afternoon in Zurich West
Upon getting noticed one of the most best possible attractions within the outdated the town it’s time to see Zurich’s hippest community, Zurich West. It is a tremendous position to spend the afternoon into the night. Hop at the streetcar and get in a position to spend the afternoon in Zurich West, spending time taking part in the native tradition and stories.
Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Lawn) for Lunch
Clutch a overdue lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Lawn). This outside tournament house is a lawn group with eateries, bars, and the easiest position to clutch a lager. The funky setting units the tone to your afternoon in Zurich West. Visit the website for opening occasions, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
Some 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 positioned in Zurich West and you’ll’t omit its 19 stacked transport packing containers attaining 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 an improbable spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Seaside umbrellas line a deck surrounding an enormous wave pool. You’ll be able to hop in to catch a wave or just calm down within the solar as you revel in a cocktail. Visit Urban Surf website for courses, costs and opening hours.
Pass Artwork Searching
After you’ve loved a little bit amusing within the solar, it’s time to seek for the original artwork this is scattered right through Zurich West. From Towers at Escher-Wyss-Platz, Anne Sophie in entrance of 25hours Lodge Zurich-West, or you’ll move into Maag Corridor to peer the most recent shows (lately LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or move to Puls 5 to take a look at the most recent shows.
Store alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your approach to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 backyard lengthy side road is in reality a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This outdated railway viaduct accommodates boutique stores and eating places positioned inside of 36 arches underneath the viaduct. You’ll be able to additionally stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some incredible perspectives of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Eating place
Upon getting had your fill of buying groceries, make your approach to the Viadukt Eating place for dinner. The meals is incredible, and it has some nice perspectives of Zurich. There’s indoor and outside seating. Visit their website for reservations. Fact be informed, Zurich gives many eating places, particularly round fashionable spaces like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, giving you various eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds High Tower
In case you nonetheless have power, keep out after darkish in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in High Tower. High Tower is the best possible tower in Zurich (2d best possible in Switzerland). Clouds is at the thirty fifth flooring and provides an ideal view of Zurich being the best possible bar in Zurich. You’ll be able to have dinner there if you wish to splurge as neatly.
It’s been a complete day, so get at the tram along with your Zurich Card and make your as far back as your lodge as a result of your Zurich itinerary nonetheless has much more at the schedule.
Nightlife in Zurich
Because the solar is going down, Zurich turns into a playground for night time owls. The nightlife is as numerous as it’s amusing and caters to all tastes. Get started your night within the fashionable Kreis 5 district, a sizzling spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Right here, you’ll dance the night time away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the trendy Bar 8001, or revel in a at ease night on the comfy Café des Amis.
For are living song enthusiasts, Moods Membership is a should. This position hosts an incredible mixture of performances, from jazz and blues to rock and dad, so there’s at all times one thing to transport to. If theater is your factor, the Theater am Neumarkt has quite a lot of performs, musicals, and dance performances, a cultural banquet for the senses.
Attend an Tournament or Live performance
Zurich’s tournament calendar is stuffed with amusing stuff all yr spherical. Whether or not you favor movie, song, or meals, there’s at all times one thing to stay up for. The Zurich Movie Pageant is a spotlight, attracting movie buffs from all over the place the sector with its nice program of screenings and occasions. Tune enthusiasts will benefit from the Zurich Jazz Pageant; foodies can indulge on the Boulevard Meals Pageant and check out meals from all over the place the sector.
In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Pageant is a should, with are living song, meals, and beverages in a lovely outside atmosphere. In wintry weather, you’ll get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive items, and a heat and comfortable setting.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 at the Water and Lake Zurich
These days is all about taking within the perspectives, experiencing the 2 other waterfronts of Zurich, indulging in some decadent Swiss Chocolate, and visiting the Lindt Manufacturing facility for a excursion and chocolate tasting.
Daybreak at Lindenhof
These days is an early get started as you are making your approach to Lindenhof for daybreak. This former Roman citadel is now a stupendous park sitting excessive on a hill at the stays of the outdated town partitions. This is a gorgeous position for daybreak with perspectives of the solar emerging over the Limmat River, the Previous The city, and Grossmünster cathedral. Seeing it at daybreak is the easiest time of day to overcome the crowds and benefit from the non violent solitude of the view.
St. Peter’s Church
From Lindenhof Hill, it’s now time to walk alongside the Limmat River in opposition to St. Peter’s Church the place greatest church clock in Europe is living. Courting again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t move inside of however you’ll move into see it and it’s loose to go into.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Because you aroused from sleep at daybreak, it’s so much 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 stupendous position for a cappuccino and pastry to begin your day. You at the moment are in a position to have an incredible day exploring actions outdoor of the Previous The city. It’s time to peer Lake Zurich.
Bürkliplatz Pier
Bürkliplatz Pier is a sq. on Lake Zurich and where to catch a ship to your travel across the lake. It has pretty scenic perspectives of the mountain, the pier and the shores of Lake Zurich. By way of the best way, there’s a vegetable marketplace right here two times per week and a Sunday farmer’s marketplace. So there’s a lot happening at this collecting position. There’s additionally an improbable strolling trail the place you’ll make your method round to puts like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However nowadays, as a substitute of strolling, you’ll use your Zurich Card to hop at the ferry to Wollishofen.
Boat to Wollishofen
Wolishofen is an artists group that was once a former commercial house. It is stuffed with artists . One attention-grabbing undeniable fact that we discovered about Wollishofen is that after huge builders put money into assets and building in Zurich, a share in their funding should move to the artwork group. Wollishofen has many gala’s and occasions and there are many puts to consume as neatly.
Cassiopeia Boardwalk
As you proceed your stroll alongside Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this gorgeous boardwalk on Lake Zurich is a superb position for a walk. Any other attention-grabbing truth we discovered is that waterfront assets is now not being offered alongside Lake Zurich. The town now makes positive that everybody can revel in the waterfront. For waterfront homes that have been already owned sooner than the regulation got here into position, the town has advanced a boardwalk out at the lake bypassing the non-public houses. This manner, humans can proceed to stroll round Lake Zurich unobstructed.
Lunch at Mönchhof am See on Lake Zurich
The morning of your 2d day is coming to an finish it’s time for lunch. There are many puts for lunch alongside Lake Zurich and we loved lunch at Mönchhof am See. It’s beer lawn is positioned at the water and overlooks an outdated harbour. Clutch a contemporary salad with some truffle fries and benefit from the perspectives of the Swiss Alps status proud over Lake Zurich within the distance. Don’t consume an excessive amount of, since you at the moment are going to probably the most scrumptious prevent to your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt House of Chocolate
You’ll be able to catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt House of Chocolate is a should prevent on any Zurich itinerary. In case you like chocolate, you’ll love this interactive multimedia revel in. The state-of-the-art construction properties a trying out plant the place chocolatiers broaden new recipes and strategies letting you peek into the artwork of chocolate making.
There are a number of stories to make a choice from however merely going at the chocolate excursion is superior as you be informed of the historical past of chocolate sooner than attending to style liquid chocolate from an array of chocolate fountains to chunks of chocolate to check your style buds and in the end lead to a room with vats of Lindor sweets in a position so that you can consume!
Bahnhofstrasse
If you end up completed up on the chocolate museum, make your as far back as downtown Zurich to discover probably the most international’s most costly buying groceries streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You’ll be able to take the tram again to downtown the usage of your Zurich card and start the window buying groceries as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly side road. There are streetcars and site visitors, however the sidewalks are broad as you take a look at the common high-end buying groceries from Gucci to Rolex, and Chanel to Burberry. When you’ve had your fill of gawking within the home windows it’s supper time.
Niederdorfstrasse
Make your approach to Paradeplatz to seek for a chunk to consume. We selected an outside seat at Eating place Zeughauskeller. This busy position was once in-built 1487 and is highly regarded. The carrier was once very good and it serves conventional Swiss delicacies, making for the easiest position to clutch a chunk in Zurich.
Head to Quaibrücke for Sundown
Relying at the time of yr, you’ll most probably be consuming sooner than sundown. Within the peak of summer time with sundown overdue within the night, you’ll wish to consume first as we found out the onerous method that eating place’s kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrücke, the final bridge between Zurich Previous The city and Lake Zurich. That is the vintage spot for pictures the place you’ll see the entire Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 primary church buildings. It’s a full of life spot at sundown, so remember to move around the side road to peer how The Alps illuminate over Lake Zurich as neatly.
It’s now time for relaxation as you’ve been up since daybreak, so make it an early night time. The second one day of your Zurich itinerary has come to an finish. You probably have your center set on a nightcap some ideas for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Previous Crow for cocktails, or have a pitcher of champagne at Cafe Odeon the primary position the place champagne by means of the glass was once ever served!
Zurich Day 3
It’s your ultimate day to your Zurich itinerary and nowadays is all in regards to the outside. The folks of Zurich love the lake so make your approach to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in opposition to the Arboretum the place humans sunbathe at the water’s edge. It’s a nice walk as you are making your approach to Badi Enge the place it’s time for our favourite task in Zurich.
SUP on Lake Zurich
Badi Enge is a public swimming house on Lake Zurich with solar decks, swimming lanes, a cafe, and a sauna. It has gorgeous perspectives of the Alps, Lake Zurich, and the town. However the easiest way to revel in it’s to hire a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You’ll be able to take the forums throughout the marina after which onto the Schanzengraben Canal. This picturesque canal isn’t to be neglected!
Chill out at Seebad Enge
As soon as you might be finished paddleboarding, you might be loose to move for a swim, calm down at the swimming platforms or clutch some lunch. You’ll be able to additionally refill your water bottle right here sooner than transferring on. Take a look at for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge website.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we stated you’ll consume lunch at Seebad Enge however we advise making your as far back as the outdated the town for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No travel to Switzerland is whole and not using a fondue, so that is your probability. Swiss Chuchi is positioned within the center of the Previous The city. You at the moment are only a quick stroll in your subsequent prevent.
Pass as much as Uetliberg
After lunch, it’s time to hop at the tram to catch the teach to Uetliberg. It takes about an hour to get to by means of public shipping from the Previous The city, so this will likely be your whole afternoon. However it’s value it. Uetliberg is a mountain status 869 meters (2850 ft) above Zurich. Public shipping takes you to the teach that is going just about to the highest. When you arrive by means of teach, it’s a couple of 10 to 15-minute stroll to an implausible lookout.
There’s a tower that you’ll climb for 2CHF and it’s surely value it. We nearly didn’t put this on our Zurich itinerary and I’m so happy we made time for it. There are beautiful perspectives of the town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. You probably have time, you’ll opt for a two-hour hike to take the cable automobile down from Felsenegg.
Sundown Over Lake Zurich
On your final night time in Zurich, clutch a lager and make your method right down to the Lake to look at the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Situated at the east facet of Lake Zurich is a public park at the lakeshore the place locals hand around in the night. That is a full of life spot and provides gorgeous perspectives. It’s positioned simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which properties the pretty Zurich Opera Space. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is without doubt one of the greatest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
As soon as the solar is going down, make your method around the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden revel in at Bauschänzli. Situated underneath the colour of enormous chestnut timber, this may be a excellent position for a lager within the afternoon solar. However to your ultimate night time in Zurich, it’s a excellent conventional spot to have a lager and revel in a pint of native brew.
The best way to Get Round Zurich
One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card provides get right of entry to to trains, trams, cable automobiles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally gives loose or discounted admissions to museums. You’ll want to validate your price tag sooner than you are taking your first travel on transit. As soon as it’s validated, you don’t want to display it until requested throughout your price tag. Zurich Playing cards vary from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Playing cards get started at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get more details here.
Choose retail outlets additionally be offering reductions to Zurich Card holders to remember to ask.
One of the crucial best possible museums to peer in Zurich with the Zurich Card are are:
Kunsthaus Zürich
Museum Rietberg
Museum Haus Konstruktiv
FIFA Global Soccer Museum
Landesmuseum
The best way to Get to Zurich
Global flights arrive day by day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the biggest airport in Switzerland. Trains run incessantly from Zurich Airport to the primary Zurich Major Educate Station, Hauptbahnhof. You’ll be able to use your Swiss Commute Move to take the teach. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest teach station in Europe? You’ll be able to then use your Zurich Move to hop on a tram in your lodge, which is so easy when touring in Zurich. This additionally turns out to be useful in case you are taking a look to do an afternoon travel from Zurich.
While you acquire a Swiss Commute Move, it comprises:
Limitless trip by means of teach, bus, and boatPublic transportation in additional than 90 towns and townsFree admission to greater than 500 museums right through SwitzerlandTwo loose informative apps to assist plan your Switzerland adventure are: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Travel Guide app
The place to Keep in Zurich
When searching for lodging in Zurich, staying within the Previous The city is a good suggestion as it’s simple to get round. We stayed at Lodge Florhof, which was once inside strolling distance of in every single place. It additionally has parking in case you have a automobile condo, an improbable eating place, very good breakfasts integrated, and there are many ancient regalia, together with an outdated ceramic picket range and an outdated radio within the sitting room. Replace: Sadly, this lodge was once closed in July 2022 however is ready to re-open in 2025 underneath new control.
Zurich will scouse borrow your center. We had at all times dreamed of visiting Zurich, and after 3 visits to Switzerland, we in the end controlled to discover this thrilling cosmopolitan town. In case you are making plans a travel to Switzerland, remember to spend 3 days in Zurich to in reality revel in the entire wonderful issues to do within the town.
Observe:
