Zurich is commonly on the high of any Switzerland itinerary. Because the monetary capital of the nation, the biggest metropolis in Switzerland, and a picturesque setting on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, there are many issues to maintain you busy. Three days in Zurich is simply sufficient time to expertise all of it. This itinerary will provide help to plan the right three days in Zurich, from selecting the perfect issues to do, locations to see, and the place to eat. So, are you able to plan the right Zurich itinerary?
How To Spend 3 Days in Zurich
Welcome to your first day in Zurich! As we speak, we’re going to get acquainted with the Previous 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 That is the place the outdated meets the brand new, and you’ll see the perfect of each. We extremely advocate reserving a strolling tour of the Previous City to see the top landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour after we first arrive in any metropolis, and Zurich is not any exception. It helps us plan out the remainder of our journey and lets us see the highest points of interest in a short while.
Zurich Itinerary Day 1
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Previous City and Zurich West. In case you are staying within the Previous City, you’ll be able to stroll to all of the points of interest after which hop on public transit for a brief and simple 10-minute journey to Zurich West.
Word: One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It offers limitless journey by bus, prepare, cableway, and tram, plus you’ll be able to take quick boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get more details here. To discover the Previous City, it’s simply completed by foot as there are numerous pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Previous City
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 underneath new administration) within the Previous City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was straightforward to make our strategy to see the perfect landmarks in Previous City.
1. Rechberg GardensÂ
Situated immediately beside Lodge Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are one of the scenic spots in Zurich. They’re immediately behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other common landmark in Zurich. Relationship again to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It’s thought of a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque type Rechberg Gardens is a peaceable strategy to begin the day.
2. College of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your strategy to probably the greatest viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Know-how (ETH) on the College of Zurich gives panoramic views of the Previous City, Limmat River, they usually metropolis’s church steeples. We walked as much as the panorama terrace, however you may also take the Polybahn to keep away from strolling up the hill. It is among the most iconic modes of transportation within the metropolis and is included with the Zurich Card. This historic funicular began working in 1889 so in case you get the prospect, hop on. Albeit, it’s a simple stroll to the highest as properly.
3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt
After getting neglected Zurich from the College, it’s a good and simple stroll downhill by the Previous City of Zurich (Altstadt). A part of the allure of visiting Zurich is to buy within the boutiques within the Previous City, seek for its many fountains, and discover the right espresso store to take a seat on a patio for prime people-watching. Different issues to see within the Previous City: see the birthplace of Dadaism at Cafe Voltaire, go into the Belleview Apotheke relationship again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an out of doors cafe on the pedestrian-only avenue of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
Earlier than you allow the West Financial institution of the Limmat River, don’t miss visiting probably the most iconic constructing in Zurich. Grossmünster (Nice Minster) Cathedral. Legend has it that when Charlemagne found the graves of the town’s patrons, he constructed a church upon them.
For those who go into the crypt within the cellar and also you’ll see a big sculpture of Charlemagne himself. Grossmünster additionally performs an essential half in Swiss historical past because it was the birthplace of the Reformation of the church in Switzerland. It’s also possible to go as much as the highest of the tower for probably the greatest views in Zurich. It prices 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of the town.
5. Cross the Münsterbrücke
A lot of the Previous City’s essential points of interest crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no journey to Zurich could be full with out crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmünster throughout the Limmat River on to Fraumünster. Ensure that to cease and take within the views. It gives an unobstructed view of among the most stunning locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Previous city Corridor) as you make your manner from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Woman) is a must-visit in Zurich relationship again to 835. It attracts guests to view its stained glass home windows designed by Marc Chagall. It prices CHF 5 to enter Fraumünster.
Spend the Afternoon in Zurich West
After getting seen among the greatest sights within the outdated city it’s time to see Zurich’s hippest neighborhood, Zurich West. It is a tremendous place to spend the afternoon into the night. Hop on the streetcar and prepare to spend the afternoon in Zurich West, spending time having fun with the native tradition and experiences.
Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Backyard) for Lunch
Seize a late lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Backyard). This out of doors occasion area is a backyard group with eateries, bars, and the right place to seize a beer. The funky environment units the tone on your afternoon in Zurich West.  Visit the website for opening instances, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
One of the recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. You could know the title, Freitag, the trendy baggage are created from recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is positioned in Zurich West and you may’t miss its 19 stacked transport containers reaching 26 meters (85 ft) into the air.
City Surf
Proper subsequent door is among the most original issues to do in Zurich. City Surf is a improbable spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Seaside umbrellas line a deck surrounding an enormous wave pool. You may hop in to catch a wave or just chill out within the solar as you get pleasure from a cocktail. Visit Urban Surf website for classes, costs and opening hours.
Go Artwork Looking
After you’ve loved a little bit enjoyable within the solar, it’s time to seek for the distinctive artwork that’s scattered all through Zurich West. From Towers at Escher-Wyss-Platz, Anne Sophie in entrance of 25hours Lodge Zurich-West, or you’ll be able to go into Maag Corridor to see the newest shows (at the moment LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the newest reveals.
Store alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your strategy to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard lengthy avenue is actually a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This outdated railway viaduct incorporates boutique outlets and eating places positioned inside 36 arches underneath the viaduct. It’s also possible to stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some improbable views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
After getting had your fill of procuring, make your strategy to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is improbable, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There’s indoor and out of doors seating. Visit their website for reservations. Fact be instructed, Zurich gives many eating places, particularly round common areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with quite a lot of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
For those who nonetheless have vitality, keep out after darkish in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in Prime Tower. Prime Tower is the best tower in Zurich (second highest in Switzerland). Clouds is on the thirty fifth flooring and gives an excellent view of Zurich being the best bar in Zurich. You may have dinner there if you wish to splurge as properly.
It’s been a full day, so get on the tram along with your Zurich Card and make your manner again to your resort as a result of your Zurich itinerary nonetheless has much more on the agenda.
Nightlife in Zurich
Because the solar goes down, Zurich turns into a playground for evening owls. The nightlife is as diversified as it’s enjoyable and caters to all tastes. Begin your night within the stylish Kreis 5 district, a sizzling spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Right here, you’ll be able to dance the evening away on the well-known Kaufleuten membership, sip cocktails on the trendy Bar 8001, or get pleasure from a relaxed night on the cozy Café des Amis.
For reside music lovers, Moods Membership is a should. This place hosts an incredible mixture of performances, from jazz and blues to rock and pop, so there’s all the time one thing to maneuver to. If theater is your factor, the Theater am Neumarkt has a variety of performs, musicals, and dance performances, a cultural feast for the senses.
Attend an Occasion or Live performance
Zurich’s occasion calendar is filled with enjoyable stuff all 12 months spherical. Whether or not you want movie, music, or meals, there’s all the time one thing to stay up for. The Zurich Movie Pageant is a spotlight, attracting movie buffs from all around the world with its nice program of screenings and occasions. Music lovers will benefit from the Zurich Jazz Pageant; foodies can indulge on the Avenue Meals Pageant and take a look at meals from all around the world.
In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Pageant is a should, with reside music, meals, and drinks in a wonderful out of doors setting. In winter, you will get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive presents, and a heat and comfortable environment.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich
As we speak is all about taking within the views, experiencing the 2 totally different waterfronts of Zurich, indulging in some decadent Swiss Chocolate, and visiting the Lindt Manufacturing unit for a tour and chocolate tasting.
Dawn at Lindenhof
As we speak is an early begin as you make your strategy to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman fortress is now a stunning park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the outdated metropolis partitions. It’s a stunning place for dawn with views of the solar rising over the Limmat River, the Previous City, and Grossmünster cathedral. Seeing it at dawn is the right time of day to beat the crowds and benefit from the peaceable solitude of the view.
St. Peter’s Church
From Lindenhof Hill, it’s now time to walk alongside the Limmat River in the direction of St. Peter’s Church the place largest church clock in Europe resides. Relationship again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside however you’ll be able to go into see it and it’s free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Because you awakened at dawn, it’s so much to stroll again to the resort for breakfast, so as an alternative, make your strategy to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a stunning place for a cappuccino and pastry to begin your day. You are actually able to have an incredible day exploring actions outdoors of the Previous City. It’s time to see Lake Zurich.
Bürkliplatz Pier
Bürkliplatz Pier is a sq. on Lake Zurich and the place to catch a ship on your journey across the lake. It has pretty scenic views of the mountain, the pier and the shores of Lake Zurich. By the best way, there’s a vegetable market right here twice per week and a Sunday farmer’s market. So there’s a lot occurring at this gathering place. There’s additionally a improbable strolling path the place you can also make your manner round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However immediately, as an alternative 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 space. It’s crammed with artists . One fascinating proven fact that we discovered about Wollishofen is that when giant builders spend money on property and growth in Zurich, a proportion of their funding should go to the artwork group. Wollishofen has many festivals and occasions and there are many locations to eat as properly.
Cassiopeia Boardwalk
As you proceed your stroll alongside Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this stunning boardwalk on Lake Zurich is an excellent place for a stroll. One other fascinating truth we discovered is that waterfront property is now not being offered alongside Lake Zurich. The town now makes positive that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that had been already owned earlier than the regulation got here into place, the town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal houses. This fashion, folks can proceed to stroll round Lake Zurich unobstructed.
Lunch at Mönchhof am See on Lake Zurich
The morning of your second day is coming to an finish it’s time for lunch. There are many locations for lunch alongside Lake Zurich and we loved lunch at Mönchhof am See. It’s beer backyard is positioned on the water and overlooks an outdated harbour. Seize a contemporary salad with some truffle fries and benefit from the views of the Swiss Alps standing proud over Lake Zurich within the distance. Don’t eat an excessive amount of, since you are actually going to probably the most scrumptious cease in your Zurich itinerary.
Lindt Dwelling of Chocolate
You may catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt Dwelling of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. For those who like chocolate, you’ll love this interactive multimedia expertise. The cutting-edge constructing homes a testing plant the place chocolatiers develop new recipes and strategies letting you peek into the artwork of chocolate making.
There are a number of experiences to select from however merely occurring the chocolate tour is superior as you study of the historical past of chocolate earlier than attending to style liquid chocolate from an array of chocolate fountains to chunks of chocolate to check your style buds and eventually finish in a room with vats of Lindor goodies prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
When you’re completed up on the chocolate museum, make your manner again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s costliest procuring streets. Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station. You may take the tram again to downtown utilizing your Zurich card and start the window procuring as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly avenue. There are streetcars and site visitors, however the sidewalks are large as you try the common high-end procuring from Gucci to Rolex, and Chanel to Burberry. When you’ve had your fill of gawking within the home windows it’s meal time.
Niederdorfstrasse
Make your strategy to Paradeplatz to seek for a chew to eat. We selected an out of doors seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller. This busy place was in-built 1487 and is extraordinarily common. The service was glorious and it serves typical Swiss delicacies, making for the right place to seize a chew in Zurich.
Head to Quaibrücke for Sundown
Relying on the time of 12 months, you’ll most likely be consuming earlier than sundown. Within the peak of summer season with sundown late within the night, you’ll need to eat first as we found the arduous manner that restaurant’s kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrücke, the final bridge between Zurich Previous City and Lake Zurich. That is the basic spot for pictures the place you’ll be able to see all the Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a vigorous spot at sundown, so ensure to go throughout the road to see how The Alps gentle up over Lake Zurich as properly.
It’s now time for relaxation as you’ve been up since dawn, so make it an early evening. The second day of your Zurich itinerary has come to an finish. When you have your coronary heart set on a nightcap some recommendations for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Previous Crow for cocktails, or have a glass of champagne at Cafe Odeon the primary place the place champagne by the glass was ever served!
Zurich Day 3
It’s your remaining day in your Zurich itinerary and immediately is all in regards to the open air. The folks of Zurich love the lake so make your strategy to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in the direction of the Arboretum the place folks sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a nice stroll as you make your strategy to Badi Enge the place it’s time for our favourite exercise in Zurich.
SUP on Lake Zurich
Badi Enge is a public swimming space on Lake Zurich with solar decks, swimming lanes, a restaurant, and a sauna. It has stunning views of the Alps, Lake Zurich, and the town. However one of the simplest ways to expertise it’s to hire a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You may 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 soon as you’re completed paddleboarding, you’re free to go for a swim, chill out on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. It’s also possible to replenish your water bottle right here earlier than transferring on. Test for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge website.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we mentioned you’ll be able to eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we advocate making your manner again to the outdated city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full with no fondue, so that is your likelihood. Swiss Chuchi is positioned within the coronary heart of the Previous City. You are actually only a quick stroll to your subsequent cease.
Go as much as Uetliberg
After lunch, it’s time to hop on the tram to catch the prepare to Uetliberg. It takes about an hour to get to by public transport from the Previous City, so this will probably be your whole afternoon. However it’s price it. Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 ft) above Zurich. Public transport takes you to the prepare that goes almost to the highest. When you arrive by prepare, it’s a couple of 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unbelievable lookout.
There’s a tower that you would be able to climb for 2CHF and it’s undoubtedly price it. We virtually didn’t put this on our Zurich itinerary and I’m so glad we made time for it. There are beautiful views of the town, the mountains, and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley. When you have time, you’ll be able to go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automobile down from Felsenegg.
Sundown Over Lake Zurich
To your final evening in Zurich, seize a beer and make your manner right down to the Lake to look at the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Situated on the east aspect of Lake Zurich is a public park on the lakeshore the place locals hand around in the night. It is a vigorous spot and gives stunning views. It’s positioned simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the gorgeous Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is among the largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
As soon as the solar goes down, make your manner throughout the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Situated underneath the shade of enormous chestnut timber, that is additionally an excellent place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However on your remaining evening in Zurich, it’s an excellent conventional spot to have a beer and luxuriate in a pint of native brew.
Methods to Get Round Zurich
One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich card. The Zurich Card offers entry to trains, trams, cable vehicles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally gives free or discounted admissions to museums. Ensure that to validate your ticket earlier than you’re taking your first journey on transit. As soon as it’s validated, you don’t want to indicate it until requested throughout your ticket. Zurich Playing cards vary from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get more details here.
Choose shops additionally supply reductions to Zurich Card holders to ensure to ask.
- A few of the greatest museums to see in Zurich with the Zurich Card are are:
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Museum Rietberg
- Museum Haus Konstruktiv
- FIFA World Soccer Museum
- Landesmuseum
Methods to Get to Zurich
Worldwide flights arrive day by day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the biggest airport in Switzerland. Trains run repeatedly from Zurich Airport to the principle Zurich Fundamental Prepare Station, Hauptbahnhof. You should utilize your Swiss Journey Cross to take the prepare. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest prepare station in Europe? You may then use your Zurich Cross to hop on a tram to your resort, which could be very straightforward when touring in Zurich. This additionally is useful in case you are trying to do a day journey from Zurich.
While you buy a Swiss Journey Cross, it contains:
Limitless journey by prepare, bus, and boat
Public transportation in additional than 90 cities and cities
Free admission to greater than 500 museums all through Switzerland
Two free informative apps to assist plan your Switzerland journey are: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Travel Guide app
The place to Keep in Zurich
When in search of lodging in Zurich, staying within the Previous City is a good suggestion as it’s straightforward to get round. We stayed at Lodge Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of in every single place. It additionally has parking in case you have a automobile rental, a improbable restaurant, excellent breakfasts included, and there are many historic regalia, together with an outdated ceramic wooden range and an outdated radio within the sitting room. Replace: Sadly, this resort was closed in July 2022 however is ready to re-open in 2025 underneath new administration.
Zurich will steal your coronary heart. We had all the time dreamed of visiting Zurich, and after three visits to Switzerland, we lastly managed to discover this thrilling cosmopolitan metropolis. In case you are planning a visit to Switzerland, ensure to spend three days in Zurich to really expertise all the superb issues to do within the metropolis.
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