Zurich is often on the prime of any Switzerland itinerary. As a result of the financial capital of the nation, a very powerful metropolis in Switzerland, and a picturesque setting on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, there are numerous points to keep up you busy. Three days in Zurich is just ample time to experience all of it. This itinerary will allow you intend the fitting three days in Zurich, from deciding on the perfect points to do, areas to see, and the place to eat. So, can you plan the fitting Zurich itinerary?
How To Spend 3 Days in Zurich
Welcome to your first day in Zurich! As we converse, we’ll get acquainted with the Outdated Metropolis, nonetheless we’re then going to go to the hippest part of Zurich, Zurich West. That’s the place the outdated meets the model new, and you will note the perfect of every. We extraordinarily recommend reserving a strolling tour of the Outdated Metropolis to see the very best landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour as soon as we first arrive in any metropolis, and Zurich is not any exception. It helps us plan out the rest of our journey and lets us see the very best factors of curiosity in a short time.
Zurich Itinerary Day 1
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you via a strolling tour of the Outdated Metropolis and Zurich West. In the event you’re staying inside the Outdated Metropolis, you can stroll to all the factors of curiosity after which hop on public transit for a quick and simple 10-minute journey to Zurich West.
Bear in mind: The best technique to get spherical Zurich is to purchase a Zurich Card. It gives limitless journey by bus, put together, cableway, and tram, plus you can take fast boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Enjoying playing cards start at 29 CHF for 24 hours. Get additional particulars proper right here. To find the Outdated Metropolis, it is merely carried out by foot as there are numerous pedestrian-friendly streets and once more alleys to find.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Outdated Metropolis
After a delicious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 under new administration) inside the Outdated Metropolis, our metropolis info, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From proper right here, it was easy to make our approach to see the perfect landmarks in Outdated Metropolis.
1. Rechberg Gardens
Positioned immediately beside Resort Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are most likely probably the most scenic spots in Zurich. They’re immediately behind Rechberg Mansion which is one different in model landmark in Zurich. Courting once more to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It is considered a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to most of the people. The Baroque mannequin Rechberg Gardens is a peaceful approach to start the day.
2. School of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your approach to most likely the best viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Experience (ETH) on the School of Zurich presents panoramic views of the Outdated Metropolis, Limmat River, and they also metropolis’s church steeples. We walked as a lot because the panorama terrace, nonetheless it is also potential to take the Polybahn to stay away from strolling up the hill. It’s no doubt one of the crucial iconic modes of transportation inside the metropolis and is included with the Zurich Card. This historic funicular started working in 1889 so in case you get the prospect, hop on. Albeit, it is a easy stroll to the very best as successfully.
3. Get Misplaced inside the Alleyways of Altstadt
After you’ve uncared for Zurich from the School, it is a good and simple stroll downhill by the Outdated Metropolis of Zurich (Altstadt). Part of the attract of visiting Zurich is to purchase inside the boutiques inside the Outdated Metropolis, look for its many fountains, and uncover the fitting espresso retailer to sit down down on a patio for prime people-watching. Totally different points to see inside the Outdated Metropolis: see the birthplace of Dadaism at Cafe Voltaire, go into the Belleview Apotheke courting once more to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an outdoor cafe on the pedestrian-only highway of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
Sooner than you permit the West Monetary establishment of the Limmat River, don’t miss visiting most likely probably the most iconic establishing in Zurich. Grossmünster (Good Minster) Cathedral. Legend has it that when Charlemagne discovered the graves of city’s patrons, he constructed a church upon them.
In the event you occur to enter the crypt inside the cellar and likewise you’ll see an enormous sculpture of Charlemagne himself. Grossmünster moreover performs an very important half in Swiss historic previous as a result of it was the birthplace of the Reformation of the church in Switzerland. You might as properly go as a lot as the very best of the tower for most likely the best views in Zurich. It costs 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of city.
5. Cross the Münsterbrücke
Most of the Outdated Metropolis’s most essential factors of curiosity crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no journey to Zurich will be full with out crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmünster all through the Limmat River on to Fraumünster. Be sure you stop and take inside the views. It presents an unobstructed view of some of probably the most beautiful areas on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Outdated metropolis Hall) as you make your technique from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Girl) is a must-visit in Zurich courting once more to 835. It attracts friends to view its stained glass house home windows designed by Marc Chagall. It costs CHF 5 to enter Fraumünster.
Spend the Afternoon in Zurich West
After you’ve seen just a few of the best sights inside the outdated metropolis it is time to see Zurich’s hippest neighborhood, Zurich West. This could be a great place to spend the afternoon into the evening. Hop on the streetcar and put together to spend the afternoon in Zurich West, spending time having enjoyable with the native custom and experiences.
Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Yard) for Lunch
Seize a late lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Yard). This outdoors event home is a yard group with eateries, bars, and the fitting place to grab a beer. The funky setting items the tone in your afternoon in Zurich West. Go to the website for opening situations, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
One of many essential recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. Chances are high you will know the title, Freitag, the fashionable baggage are comprised of recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is located in Zurich West and you may’t miss its 19 stacked supply containers reaching 26 meters (85 toes) into the air.
Metropolis Surf
Correct subsequent door is no doubt one of the crucial uncommon points to do in Zurich. Metropolis Surf is a implausible spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Seaside umbrellas line a deck surrounding a big wave pool. You might hop in to catch a wave or simply loosen up inside the photo voltaic as you have the benefit of a cocktail. Go to Metropolis Surf website for courses, prices and opening hours.
Go Art work Looking out
After you’ve beloved a little bit of pleasurable inside the photo voltaic, it’s time to hunt for the distinctive art work that is scattered all by Zurich West. From Towers at Escher-Wyss-Platz, Anne Sophie in entrance of 25hours Resort Zurich-West, or you can go into Maag Hall to see the latest exhibits (presently LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to try the latest shows.
Retailer alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your approach to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard prolonged highway is mostly a one-of-a-kind trip spot. This outdated railway viaduct incorporates boutique retailers and consuming locations located inside 36 arches under the viaduct. You might as properly stroll alongside the very best of the Viaduct for some implausible views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
After you’ve had your fill of shopping for, make your approach to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is implausible, and it has some good views of Zurich. There’s indoor and out of doors seating. Go to their website for reservations. Reality be told, Zurich presents many consuming locations, significantly spherical in model areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, providing you with various consuming decisions.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
In the event you occur to nonetheless have vitality, maintain out after darkish in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in Prime Tower. Prime Tower is the perfect tower in Zurich (second highest in Switzerland). Clouds is on the thirty fifth flooring and presents an incredible view of Zurich being the perfect bar in Zurich. You could have dinner there when you want to splurge as successfully.
It’s been a full day, so get on the tram alongside together with your Zurich Card and make your technique once more to your lodge on account of your Zurich itinerary nonetheless has way more on the agenda.
Nightlife in Zurich
As a result of the photo voltaic goes down, Zurich turns right into a playground for evening time owls. The nightlife is as various because it’s pleasurable and caters to all tastes. Start your evening inside the modern Kreis 5 district, a scorching spot for bars, golf gear, and lounges. Proper right here, you can dance the evening time away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the fashionable Bar 8001, or have the benefit of a relaxed evening on the comfy Café des Amis.
For keep music lovers, Moods Membership is a ought to. This place hosts an unimaginable combination of performances, from jazz and blues to rock and pop, so there’s on a regular basis one factor to maneuver to. If theater is your issue, the Theater am Neumarkt has quite a lot of performs, musicals, and dance performances, a cultural feast for the senses.
Attend an Event or Dwell efficiency
Zurich’s event calendar is filled with pleasurable stuff all 12 months spherical. Whether or not or not you need film, music, or meals, there’s on a regular basis one factor to sit up for. The Zurich Film Pageant is a highlight, attracting film buffs from all all over the world with its good program of screenings and events. Music lovers will profit from the Zurich Jazz Pageant; foodies can indulge on the Avenue Meals Pageant and take a look at meals from all all over the world.
Within the summertime, the Zurich Openair Pageant is a ought to, with keep music, meals, and drinks in an exquisite outdoors setting. In winter, you’re going to get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with typical meals, distinctive gadgets, and a warmth and comfortable setting.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich
As we converse is all about taking inside the views, experiencing the two fully completely different waterfronts of Zurich, indulging in some decadent Swiss Chocolate, and visiting the Lindt Manufacturing facility for a tour and chocolate tasting.
Daybreak at Lindenhof
As we converse is an early start as you make your approach to Lindenhof for daybreak. This former Roman fort is now a ravishing park sitting extreme on a hill on the stays of the outdated metropolis partitions. It is a beautiful place for daybreak with views of the photo voltaic rising over the Limmat River, the Outdated Metropolis, and Grossmünster cathedral. Seeing it at daybreak is the fitting time of day to beat the crowds and profit from the peaceful solitude of the view.
St. Peter’s Church
From Lindenhof Hill, it is now time to stroll alongside the Limmat River in route of St. Peter’s Church the place largest church clock in Europe resides. Courting once more to the ninth century, it is the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside nonetheless you can go into see it and it is free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Since you wakened at daybreak, it’s reasonably rather a lot to walk once more to the lodge for breakfast, so instead, make your approach to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a ravishing place for a cappuccino and pastry to begin out your day. You’re really in a position to have an unimaginable day exploring actions exterior of the Outdated Metropolis. It’s time to see Lake Zurich.
Bürkliplatz Pier
Bürkliplatz Pier is a sq. on Lake Zurich and the place to catch a ship in your journey throughout the lake. It has stunning scenic views of the mountain, the pier and the shores of Lake Zurich. By the way in which through which, there is a vegetable market proper right here twice per week and a Sunday farmer’s market. So there’s rather a lot taking place at this gathering place. There’s moreover a implausible strolling path the place you can even make your technique spherical to areas like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. Nonetheless in the mean time, instead 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 house. It is filled with artists . One fascinating proven fact that we found about Wollishofen is that when big builders put cash into property and enchancment in Zurich, a share of their funding ought to go to the art work group. Wollishofen has many festivals and events and there are numerous areas to eat as successfully.
Cassiopeia Boardwalk
As you proceed your stroll alongside Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this beautiful boardwalk on Lake Zurich is a superb place for a stroll. One different fascinating actuality we found is that waterfront property is no longer being supplied alongside Lake Zurich. The city now makes sure that everyone can experience the waterfront. For waterfront properties which were already owned sooner than the regulation bought right here into place, city has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal homes. This style, of us can proceed to walk spherical Lake Zurich unobstructed.
Lunch at Mönchhof am See on Lake Zurich
The morning of your second day is coming to an end it’s time for lunch. There are numerous areas for lunch alongside Lake Zurich and we beloved lunch at Mönchhof am See. It’s beer yard is located on the water and overlooks an outdated harbour. Seize a up to date salad with some truffle fries and profit from the views of the Swiss Alps standing proud over Lake Zurich inside the distance. Don’t eat an extreme quantity of, since you might be really going to most likely probably the most delicious stop in your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt Dwelling of Chocolate
You might catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on inside the afternoon. Lindt Dwelling of Chocolate is a ought to stop on any Zurich itinerary. In the event you occur to love chocolate, you’ll love this interactive multimedia experience. The cutting-edge establishing houses a testing plant the place chocolatiers develop new recipes and strategies letting you peek into the art work of chocolate making.
There are a selection of experiences to pick from nonetheless merely taking place the chocolate tour is superior as you research of the historic previous of chocolate sooner than attending to model liquid chocolate from an array of chocolate fountains to chunks of chocolate to verify your model buds and ultimately end in a room with vats of Lindor candies ready so as to eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
If you find yourself accomplished up on the chocolate museum, make your technique once more to downtown Zurich to find one among many world’s costliest shopping for streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You might take the tram once more to downtown using your Zurich card and begin the window shopping for as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly highway. There are streetcars and website guests, nonetheless the sidewalks are huge as you check out the widespread high-end shopping for from Gucci to Rolex, and Chanel to Burberry. If you’ve had your fill of gawking inside the house home windows it’s time for supper.
Niederdorfstrasse
Make your approach to Paradeplatz to hunt for a chew to eat. We chosen an outdoor seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was inbuilt 1487 and is awfully in model. The service was great and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the fitting place to grab a chew in Zurich.
Head to Quaibrücke for Sunset
Counting on the time of 12 months, you will perhaps be consuming sooner than sunset. Inside the peak of summer season season with sunset late inside the evening, you’ll want to eat first as we discovered the exhausting technique that restaurant’s kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrücke, the ultimate bridge between Zurich Outdated Metropolis and Lake Zurich. That’s the conventional spot for photos the place you can see all of the Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 predominant church buildings. It is a vigorous spot at sunset, so be sure that to go all through the highway to see how The Alps gentle up over Lake Zurich as successfully.
It is now time for leisure as you’ve been up since daybreak, so make it an early evening time. The second day of your Zurich itinerary has come to an end. When you’ve your coronary coronary heart set on a nightcap some suggestions for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Outdated Crow for cocktails, or have a glass of champagne at Cafe Odeon the first place the place champagne by the glass was ever served!
Zurich Day 3
It’s your final day in your Zurich itinerary and in the mean time is all regarding the outside. The oldsters of Zurich love the lake so make your approach to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in route of the Arboretum the place of us sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a delightful stroll as you make your approach to Badi Enge the place it’s time for our favorite train in Zurich.
SUP on Lake Zurich
Badi Enge is a public swimming house on Lake Zurich with photo voltaic decks, swimming lanes, a restaurant, and a sauna. It has beautiful views of the Alps, Lake Zurich, and city. Nonetheless among the best methods to experience it is to rent a paddleboard to do uncover the waterfront. You might take the boards by the marina after which onto the Schanzengraben Canal. This picturesque canal is to not be missed!
Loosen up at Seebad Enge
As quickly as you are carried out paddleboarding, you are free to go for a swim, loosen up on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You might as properly replenish your water bottle proper right here sooner than shifting on. Confirm for prices or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge website.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we acknowledged you can eat lunch at Seebad Enge nonetheless we propose making your technique once more to the outdated metropolis for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full with no fondue, so that’s your likelihood. Swiss Chuchi is located inside the coronary coronary heart of the Outdated Metropolis. You’re really solely a fast stroll to your subsequent stop.
Go as a lot as Uetliberg
After lunch, it is time to hop on the tram to catch the put together to Uetliberg. It takes about an hour to get to by public transport from the Outdated Metropolis, so this may most likely be your whole afternoon. Nonetheless it is worth it. Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 toes) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the put together that goes virtually to the very best. If you arrive by put together, it is a few 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unimaginable lookout.
There is a tower that you might climb for 2CHF and it is undoubtedly worth it. We practically didn’t put this on our Zurich itinerary and I am so glad we made time for it. There are stunning views of city, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. When you’ve time, you can go for a two-hour hike to take the cable car down from Felsenegg.
Sunset Over Lake Zurich
In your closing evening time in Zurich, seize a beer and make your technique proper right down to the Lake to look at the sunset in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Positioned on the east side of Lake Zurich is a public park on the lakeshore the place locals hang out in the evening. This could be a vigorous spot and presents beautiful views. It is located merely in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which houses the beautiful Zurich Opera Dwelling. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is no doubt one of many largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
As quickly because the photo voltaic goes down, make your technique all through the bridge to the West Monetary establishment of the Limmat River for an accurate Beergarden experience at Bauschänzli. Positioned under the shade of monumental chestnut bushes, that’s moreover an excellent place for a beer inside the afternoon photo voltaic. Nonetheless in your final evening time in Zurich, it’s an excellent typical spot to have a beer and luxuriate in a pint of native brew.
Learn to Get Spherical Zurich
The best technique to get spherical Zurich is to purchase a Zurich card. The Zurich Card offers entry to trains, trams, cable autos, and boats spherical Zurich. It moreover presents free or discounted admissions to museums. Be sure you validate your ticket sooner than you take your first journey on transit. As quickly because it’s validated, you don’t wish to level out it till requested all through your ticket. Zurich Enjoying playing cards fluctuate from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Enjoying playing cards start at 29 CHF for 24 hours. Get additional particulars proper right here.
Select outlets moreover present reductions to Zurich Card holders to make sure to ask.
- A lot of the best museums to see in Zurich with the Zurich Card are are:
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Museum Rietberg
- Museum Haus Konstruktiv
- FIFA World Soccer Museum
- Landesmuseum
Learn to Get to Zurich
Worldwide flights arrive day-after-day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), a very powerful airport in Switzerland. Trains run incessantly from Zurich Airport to the precept Zurich Predominant Put together Station, Hauptbahnhof. You could use your Swiss Journey Go to take the put together. Are you aware that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest put together station in Europe? You might then use your Zurich Go to hop on a tram to your lodge, which might be quite simple when touring in Zurich. This moreover seems to be helpful in case you are attempting to do a day journey from Zurich.
When you purchase a Swiss Journey Go, it accommodates:
Limitless journey by put together, bus, and boat
Public transportation in extra than 90 cities and cities
Free admission to higher than 500 museums all by Switzerland
Two free informative apps to help plan your Switzerland journey are: Grand Put together Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Journey Info app
The place to Preserve in Zurich
When looking out for lodging in Zurich, staying inside the Outdated Metropolis is an efficient suggestion because it’s easy to get spherical. We stayed at Resort Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of far and wide. It moreover has parking in case you’ve a car rental, a implausible restaurant, glorious breakfasts included, and there are numerous historic regalia, along with an outdated ceramic wood vary and an outdated radio inside the sitting room. Exchange: Sadly, this lodge was closed in July 2022 nonetheless is able to re-open in 2025 under new administration.
Zurich will steal your coronary coronary heart. We had on a regular basis dreamed of visiting Zurich, and after three visits to Switzerland, we lastly managed to find this thrilling cosmopolitan metropolis. In the event you’re planning a go to to Switzerland, be sure that to spend three days in Zurich to actually experience all of the great points to do inside the metropolis.
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