Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, boasting a captivating historic center with restaurants, cafes, and shops, alongside numerous compelling historical attractions.
Explore below for comprehensive tips to craft an unforgettable trip, featuring itinerary suggestions, hotel recommendations, top dining spots, prime shopping locations, and more.
3-Day Zurich Itinerary
Day 1 in Zurich
Photo Credit: Henrique Ferreira
On the first day in Zurich, start by exploring the historic center, starting with the Grossmünster, the main church, and a city postcard. Take the opportunity to visit the tower and observe the city and lake skyline.
Crossing the Münsterbrücke bridge, head towards the Fraumünster, another famous church in Zurich.
From Fraumünster, walk through the streets of the Zurich Old Town to the charming St. Peter. Make your way to the scenic spot on Lindenhof Hill and enjoy the city from above from a different perspective.
Come back through the historic center and have a chocolate at the famous Confiserie Sprüngli on Paradeplatz, Bahnhofstrasse.
Bahnhofstrasse is home to several luxury international brand stores and some fast-fashion stores.
Follow Bahnhofstrasse to Quaibrücke take an unforgettable boat trip and enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and lake.
Just steps away from the lake, you’ll find the Zurich Opera House building.
End the day by walking along Limmatquai.
Summary of Day 1 in Zurich
- Grossmünster
- Fraumünster
- St. Peter
- Lindenhof
- Bahnhofstrasse
- Quaibrücke
- Limmatquai
Day 2 in Zurich
Photo Credit: Lindt Home of Chocolate
On the second day in Zurich, take a day trip to Kilchberg and visit the spectacular Lindt chocolate factory. It has an outlet with excellent prices.
In the afternoon, return to Zurich Central Station and visit the Schweizerisches Nationalmuseum, which has exhibitions on the history of Switzerland.
Summary of Day 2 in Zurich
- Lindt Home of Chocolate
- Schweizerisches Nationalmuseum
Day 3 in Zurich
Photo Credit: Fifa Museum
If you are a football lover, visit the modern Fifa Museum. Within walking distance of the museum, you will find another important city museum, the Rietberg Museum, which houses art exhibitions from non-European cultures.
Summary of Day 3 in Zurich
- Fifa Museum
- Rietberg Museum
+ Attractions in Zurich for you to include in your Itinerary
Below we have made a list of other attractions in Zurich that were not included in the 3-day itinerary, and you may include them in your travel itinerary according to your interests.
- Uetliberg – a hill that has a lookout that offers spectacular 360º views.
- Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich – a small museum that shows the history of watches. The museum is located on the lower floor of the Beyer watch shop on Bahnhofstrasse.
- Kunsthaus– an art museum that houses one of the most important art collections in Switzerland. The museum’s collection includes works by important artists.
- Botanical Garden – built in 1833, together with the University of Zurich. The garden has thousands of species of plants.
- Chinese Garden– a peaceful area with a lake and Chinese-style pavilions.
- Zoological Museum – University of Zurich – Natural History Museum.
- WOW Museum – Room for Illusions – a small museum with colorful photo spaces.
Tours and Day Trips from Zurich
- Rhine Falls Half-Day Trip
- Jungfraujoch Day Trip
- Grindelwald & Interlaken Day Trip
- Mount Pilatus Day Trip
- Lucerne Day Trip
- Mount Titlis Day Trip
- Bern Day Trip
Where to Stay in Zurich
1. Hotel Bristol Zurich
Photo Credit: Hotel Bristol Zurich
The Hotel Bristol Zurich is within walking distance of the Central Station and offers excellent value for money.
The rooms are comfortable and have a flat-screen TV and a work desk.
Stampfenbachstrasse 34, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
2. H+ Hotel Zürich
Photo Credit: H+ Hotel Zürich
The H+ Hotel Zürich is another excellent value-for-money hotel in Zurich. It is located 20 minutes by public transport from the historic center.
The cozy rooms have a flat-screen TV, a kettle, a coffee machine, and a work desk.
The hotel has a lobby bar.
Badenerstrasse 537, 8048 Zürich, Switzerland
3. Züri by Fassbind
Photo Credit: Züri by Fassbind
The Züri by Fassbind is a hotel with modern facilities located 20 minutes by public transport from the old town.
Rooms have a TV, a work desk, a kettle, and a minibar.
The hotel has a gym and sauna.
Heinrichstrasse 254, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland
4. Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich
Photo Credit: Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich
The Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich is within walking distance of the main attractions in the historic center of Zurich and offers great value for money.
All rooms have a TV and a work desk.
Beatenpl. 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
5. Central Plaza
Photo Credit: Central Plaza
Central Plaza is located within walking distance of Limmatquai and Central Station.
Rooms have a flat-screen TV, a kettle, a coffee maker, and a minibar.
The hotel building houses a restaurant with an exclusive atmosphere with period mirrors and paintings.
Central 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
6. Hotel City Zürich Design & Lifestyle
Photo Credit: Hotel City Zürich Design & Lifestyle
The Hotel City Zürich Design & Lifestyle has modern and stylish facilities close to attractions such as St. Peter and Bahnhofstrasse.
All rooms have a TV, a work desk, a kettle, a coffee maker, and a minibar.
The hotel has a restaurant.
Löwenstrasse 34, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
7. Neues Schloss Privat Hotel Zurich
Photo Credit: Neues Schloss Privat Hotel Zurich
The Neues Schloss Privat Hotel Zurich is a luxury Autograph Collection hotel close to the shores of Lake Zurich.
Rooms are elegantly decorated and have a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, and a minibar.
Stockerstrasse 17, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland
8. Marktgasse Hotel
Photo Credit: Marktgasse Hotel
Marktgasse Hotel is an elegant hotel located in the historic center of Zurich and offers excellent value for money.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a work desk.
Marktgasse 17, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
9. Boutique Hotel Wellenberg
Photo Credit: Boutique Hotel Wellenberg
The Boutique Hotel Wellenberg is another stylish hotel option in the historic center of Zurich.
The cozy rooms have a flat-screen TV and a work desk.
Niederdorfstrasse 10, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
10. Opera Hotel Zürich
Photo Credit: Opera Hotel Zürich
The Opera Hotel Zürich is a charming hotel close to the lakeside and the Zurich Opera House.
Rooms have a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a kettle.
Dufourstrasse 5, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
11. Hotel Adler Zürich
Photo Credit: Hotel Adler Zürich
The Hotel Adler Zürich is in the historic center of Zurich and has an excellent rating from many travelers.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a kettle, and a minibar.
The hotel houses a famous Swiss restaurant, Swiss Chuchi.
Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Where to Eat in Zurich
1. Zeughauskeller
Photo Credit: Zeughauskeller
Zeughauskeller is a Swiss restaurant located on the elegant Bahnhofstrasse in the historic center of Zurich.
The restaurant is ideal for trying typical dishes and offers a cozy, casual atmosphere.
Bahnhofstrasse 28A, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: zeughauskeller.ch
Hours of Operation: Every day from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
Price: $$
2. Confiserie Sprüngli
Photo Credit: Confiserie Sprüngli
Confiserie Sprüngli is a Swiss manufacturer of luxury confectionery. The headquarters is located at Bahnhofstrasse 21.
Anyone visiting Zurich cannot miss visiting one of Confiserie Sprüngli’s locations.
Paradeplatz, Bahnhofstrasse 21, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: spruengli.ch
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Price: $$$
3. Honold Confiserie
Photo Credit: Confiserie Honold
Confiserie Honold is a traditional coffee and confectionery shop in Zurich.
At the site, it is possible to taste several delicacies such as pretzels, canapés, snacks, salads, and soups, besides the delicious chocolates, cakes, and sweets.
Rennweg 53, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: honold.ch
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Price: $$
4. Ornellaia
Photo Credit: Ornellaia
Ornellaia is an Italian restaurant located near the Bahnhofstrasse.
The restaurant has an elegant and cozy atmosphere.
St. Annagasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: ristorante-ornellaia.ch
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
Price: $$$$
5. James Joyce
Photo Credit: James Joyce
The James Joyce is an Irish restaurant that perfectly combines historic charm with a modern atmosphere.
The restaurant has a cozy and casual atmosphere.
Pelikanstrasse 8, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: jamesjoyce.ch
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to midnight.
Price: $$
6. 1842 im Haus Conditorei Schober
Photo Credit: 1842 at Haus Conditorei Schober
The 1842 im Haus Conditorei Schober is a charming 3-story café in the old center of Zurich.
The menu offers delicious options such as snacks, soups, salads, croissants, bakery, and quiches.
Napfgasse 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: cafe1842.ch
Hours of Operation: Sunday through Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Thursday from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM, Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Price: $$
7. Bärengasse
Photo Credit: Bärengasse
Bärengasse is an Argentine restaurant located in the heart of Zurich directly on the Paradeplatz.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and offers outside tables.
Bahnhofstrasse 25, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: restaurant-baerengasse.ch
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to midnight.
Price: $$$$
8. Bodega Española
Photo Credit: Española Winery
Bodega Española is a Spanish restaurant specializing in tapas in the historic center of Zurich.
The restaurant has a cozy and casual atmosphere.
Münstergasse 15, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: bodega-espanola.ch
Hours of Operation: Every day from 10:00 AM to midnight.
Price: $$
9. Haus zum Rüden
Photo Credit: Haus zum Rüden
Haus zum Rüden is a Swiss restaurant located in the famous Limmatquai.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and offers outside tables.
Limmatquai 42, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: hauszumrueden.ch
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm and Saturday from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm.
Price: $$
10. Haus Hiltl
Photo Credit: Haus Hiltl
Haus Hiltl is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world, founded in 1898.
The dishes combine Indian, Asian, Mediterranean, and Swiss influences.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and offers outside tables.
Sihlstrasse 28, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: hiltl.ch
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm and Sunday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Price: $$
11. Haute
Photo Credit: Haute
The Haute is a restaurant that provides beautiful views of the city of Zurich with the terrace located on the 13th floor and the restaurant on the 14th floor.
The restaurant offers Swiss and European cuisine and a good wine list.
Talstrasse 65, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: haute.ch
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to midnight.
Price: $$$$
12. Cantinetta Antinori
Photo Credit: Antinori Cantinetta
The Cantinetta Antinori is a charming Italian restaurant located near the Bahnhofstrasse.
The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and outdoor tables.
Augustinergasse 25, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: cantinetta-antinori.ch
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 11:30 pm and Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Price: $$
13. Piazza Storchen
Photo Credit: Piazza Storchen
The Piazza Storchen is located in the Hotel Storchen Zürich in the historic center of Zurich.
Italian-inspired dishes and drinks are served on-site, from a creamy cappuccino and antipastos to cocktails, wines, and beers.
Weinpl. 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: storchen.ch
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to midnight, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to midnight.
Price: $$
14. Swiss Chuchi Restaurant
Photo Credit: Swiss Chuchi Restaurant
The Swiss Chuchi Restaurant is a Swiss restaurant located in the historic center of Zurich.
The menu offers Swiss cheese and meat specialties, including the famous fondue.
Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: swiss-chuchi.ch
Hours of Operation: Every day from 11:30 am to 11:15 pm.
Price: $$
15. Ristorante Bindella
Photo Credit: Ristorante Bindella
Ristorante Bindella is located in the charming historic center of Zurich.
The restaurant serves Italian cuisine and offers an excellent wine list.
In Gassen 6, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: bindella.ch
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM, Sunday from 5:30 PM to 11 PM.
Price: $$$$
16. Restaurant Bar Kronenhalle
Photo Credit: Restaurant Bar Kronenhalle
The Restaurant Bar Kronenhalle is a restaurant located near several attractions.
The Kronenhalle offers traditional dishes and seasonal dishes complement the menu.
Rämistrasse 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Website: kronenhalle.ch
Hours of Operation: Every day from 12:00 to 24:00.
Price: $$$$
Shopping in Zurich
MANOR Zürich HB – a department store with a store at Zurich Central Station. Museumstrasse, Löwenstrasse, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.manor.ch.
Europaallee – a mall within walking distance of Central Station. Europaallee, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: europaallee.ch.
Einkaufszentrum Letzipark – a mall that houses some international brand stores, department stores, and supermarkets. Baslerstrasse 50, 8048 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.letzipark.ch.
Bahnhofstrasse – Zurich’s main shopping street, home to international luxury brands, fast-fashion stores, restaurants, and cafes. Bahnhofstrasse, Zürich, Switzerland.
Teddy’s Souvenir Shop AG – a souvenir shop located very close to the Grossmünster and the banks of the Limmat. Limmatquai 34, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.teddyssouvenirshop.ch.
Swiss Shop 1291 – a souvenir shop offering diverse products including mugs, flags, t-shirts, and key chains. Bahnhofstrasse 110, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.swiss-shop-1291.ch.
Schweizer Heimatwerk – another souvenir shop with a variety of handmade products. Uraniastrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.heimatwerk.ch.
GLOBUS | Zürich Warenhaus – a premium department store. Schweizergasse 11, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. Site: www.globus.ch.
Zara – a Spanish clothing and accessories chain with stores in several cities worldwide. In Zurich, you will find 3 Zara stores. Site: www.zara.com/ch/.
- Zara Zurich Bahnhofstrasse – Bahnhofstrasse 66, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
- Zara Seidengasse – Seidengasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
- Zara Kalanderpl – Kalanderpl. 1, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland.
How is the Weather in Zurich
Zurich has a temperate climate with average minimum temperatures of -2º in winter and average maximum temperatures of 24º in summer.
December, January, February
Photo Credit: Tommy Krombacher
January and February are the coldest months in Zurich, with an average minimum temperature of -2º and an average maximum of 6º, with snow possibility.
March, April, May
Photo Credit: Vanessa Schmid
With the arrival of spring at the end of March, temperatures begin to rise, with an average minimum temperature of 5º in March and 13º in May.
June, July, August
Photo Credit: Ruth Georgiev
June, July, and August are the hottest months in Zurich, with an average maximum temperature of 21º, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, lakeside, restaurants, and cafes with terraces.
September, October, November
Photo Credit: Aho
In September the temperature begins to drop with the arrival of autumn and marks an average minimum temperature of 14º in September and 6º in November.
How to Get to Zurich
Zurich is home to Switzerland’s largest airport, ZRH Zürich Airport. The city is also easily accessible by train or bus from other cities in Europe and Switzerland.
Map of Zurich
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See also
Canton of Zurich: Largest Towns and Top Attractions
Winter in Switzerland: Things to do, Weather and Travel Info
Old Town Zurich: A Complete Travel Guide
Top 20 Destinations You Must Visit in Switzerland
Where to Buy Chocolate in Zurich: 10 Suggestions for Stores and Supermarkets