Zurich is a modern city and one of the main financial centers of Europe, with interesting historic sights and attractions, churches, world-class museums, international banks, and luxury stores.
In this article, you will discover the 8 Top Free Things to Do in Zurich to enjoy your stay inexpensively.
Free Things to Do in Zurich
1. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)
Photo Credit: Henrique Ferreira
Zurich’s old town is charming, with its inviting narrow streets, medieval houses, and Renaissance buildings.
The area is home to excellent options for restaurants, cafés, shops, and some of the city’s main tourist attractions.
Exploring the old town and getting lost in its streets is, without a doubt, unmissable and free.
2. Walk along Bahnhofstrasse
Photo Credit: Tomek Baginski
The Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most expensive streets in Europe, it starts at the train station and ends at Lake Zurich (Zürichsee).
The street houses brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, the department store Grieder Zurich, and the famous café Confiserie Sprüngli.
3. Enjoy the View from Lindenhof Hill
Photo Credit: Louis Droege
Lindenhof Hill, a small hill in the historic center, is a must-stop for enjoying the view from the top of some of the city’s main sights and getting beautiful photos.
The area is wooded and has benches and a fountain.
4. Stroll Along the Limmatquai
Photo Credit: Ruth Georgiev
The Limmatquai is a street beside the Limmat River, known for housing old houses, restaurants, stores, and the city hall building (Zürich Rathaus).
Along the river, you will find some steps, where you can sit and relax.
5. Admire the View of the Lake and the Alps
Photo Credit: Louis Droege
The scenery of the Zürichsee and the Alps is simply spectacular, and all this beauty can be admired from various points in the city.
6. Visit the exhibition “Simple Zurich” at the Landesmuseum
Photo Credit: Domenico Loia
The Landesmuseum is one of Zurich’s main museums, and the permanent exhibition “Simple Zurich” is free. The exhibition presents the long and troubled history of the city.
The exhibition ticket must be picked up at the museum’s “Welcome Desk“.
7. Participate in a Free Walking Tour
Photo Credit: Ruth Georgiev
Participating in a Free Walking Tour is a great way to discover the history and meet new people.
On the Freewalk.ch website, you will find some free tour options such as “Downtown Zurich Tour“, “Street Art Tour“, “Bank Tour“, and others.
8. Have a Picnic
Photo Credit: Evangeline Silina
Relaxing in a park and having a picnic is a great way to save on food.
Take the opportunity to stop at a supermarket and buy some Swiss goodies like chocolates and cheese.
- Where to Buy Chocolate in Zurich: 10 Suggestions for Stores and Supermarkets
- 10 Swiss Chocolate Brands
- Swiss Cheese: Main Types and Where to Buy in Zurich
List of Top Attractions and Free Things to Do in Zurich
- Zurich Old Town
- Bahnhofstrasse
- Lindenhof Hill
- Limmatquai
- Simple Zurich” exhibition at the Landesmuseum
- Walking Tour
Zurich Card: Great Option to Save +
With the Zurich Card, you save time and money. The card guarantees unlimited travel (in Zurich) on public transport, free or reduced admission to museums, discounts in stores, and more.
Top Paid Tours from Zurich
- From Zurich: 1-Day Excursion to Grindelwald and Interlaken
- Zurich: Tour Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls
- From Zurich: Grindelwald First 1-Day Mountain Adventure
- From Zurich: Private Guided Tour on the Glacier Express
- From Zurich: 1-Day Trip to Lucerne w/ Optional Cruise
- Zurich: Jungfraujoch Tour – Top of Europe
- Excursion to Mount Titlis from Zurich
- Bern: Small Group Tour departing from Zurich
Photo Highlighted by Thimo Pedersen
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation and Flight
Book your hotel and flight with Booking.com to find competitive rates and a wide range of options.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is a travel search engine, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.
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