30 Zurich Attractions You Should See

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, located on the shores of the sparkling lake of the same name. It is an influential financial center with the highest quality of life in the world. By train from Zurich's main railway station, you can reach mountain peaks in just a few minutes and enjoy the fresh, clear air.

The Old Town (Altstadt) is home to Zurich's main attractions, high-end brand shops, and trendy nightclubs. Altstadt is the historical center of the city, divided in half by the Limmat River, which flows out of Lake Zurich.

The long, crescent-shaped lake stretches from the wooded peaks of Pfannenstiel to the Alpine chain. There are many ways to get closer to the lake.

For those who love leisurely walks, the Seefeld neighborhood along the picturesque eastern shore offers a delightful stroll. Looking towards Uetliberg mountain, you can watch hundreds of yachts and other boats sailing on the lake in summer.

A three-kilometer walk begins at Bellevue Street and ends in the Tiefenbrunnen area. This is just one of many walking routes established around the lake in the 1880s.

Address: Lake Zurich, Switzerland.

On Heimplatz Street next to the theater is a unique art museum. It houses artworks from 1200 to the 2000s. The museum takes pride in having the largest collection of works by the outstanding Swiss artist of the 20th century, Alberto Giacometti.

The museum features a significant collection of Swiss art: paintings by the symbolist Ferdinand Hodler, the romantic Heinrich Füssli (also known as Henry Fuseli), and contemporary authors such as Pipilotti Rist and Peter Fischli.

You can also find works from artists around the world, including the largest collection of Edvard Munch's paintings outside Scandinavia, selected works by Van Gogh, Monet, Marc Chagall, Picasso, and Max Beckmann, as well as renowned masters such as Rembrandt and Domenichino.

Address: Kunsthaus Zürich, Heimplatz, Zurich, Switzerland.

The historical center of Zurich is located on both sides of the Limmat River and occupies the entire district number 1. The medieval and modern streets of Altstadt are where the entire cultural and nightlife of the city, as well as shops and shopping centers, are concentrated.

It is one of those places where you want to wander through the quarters forever, stumbling upon cafes, quirky shops, and various historical monuments, including four medieval churches and the town hall from the 17th century.

On the right bank of the Limmat River along the promenade are beautiful guild houses built in the Middle Ages. They represented unions of carpenters, merchants, spice traders, and many other professions.

In the western part of Altstadt, grand defensive structures from the 17th century can be found: bastions and military fortifications along the Schanzengraben canal.

Address: Old Town, Zurich, Switzerland.

On the left bank of the Limmat, in the city center, there is a hill where a Roman fortress once stood. From this linden-planted rise, there is a view of the dense streets of the old quarters of Zurich and architectural monuments such as the Town Hall, Grossmünster Church, university, and the Limmat promenade.

Today, Lindenhof is a quiet, peaceful place, but it was once the center of city life: in the 9th century, the grandson of Charlemagne, Louis II the German, built a palace on the site of the Roman fortress. Later, in 1798, the people of Zurich took an oath of loyalty to the Swiss constitution here.

Address: Lindenhof, Zurich, Switzerland.

Old Town undoubtedly attracts the most tourists, but if you want to see the modern and unusual side of Zurich, you must visit the former industrial district in the western part of the city.

District number 5, located northwest of the railway station, was a center of heavy industry until the end of the 20th century. About ten years ago, it was a rather gloomy place, but now it has transformed significantly.

The main attraction of western Zurich is the former railway viaduct, whose brick arches are now filled with trendy bars, restaurants, and shops.

All factories and plants were demolished, and parks, cinemas, and other entertainment facilities were built in their place. Behind the Hardbrücke automotive bridge is another symbol of the rebirth of Zurich West - the Prime Tower, the second tallest skyscraper in Switzerland.

Address: Industriequartier, Zurich, Switzerland.

This building houses the largest collection of historical artifacts in Switzerland. The museum tells the story of Swiss culture and immerses visitors in the past of the country. The tour starts with prehistoric tools and pottery and ends with works from the masters of the 20th century.

Certain historical periods are given special attention, including the medieval period and its unparalleled Gothic art. In the Renaissance hall, an extensive collection of wooden icons, various altarpieces, and triptychs from churches and temples throughout the country is presented.

In the gallery, you can see various styles of artistic expression and learn about ancient weapons from Zurich. All this is housed in a lavish Renaissance castle built in 1898.

Address: Swiss National Museum, Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.

This Romanesque cathedral with two towers is rightfully considered the most outstanding landmark in Zurich. Grossmünster was originally conceived as a monastery, and its construction lasted about a hundred years: from the beginning of the 12th to the 13th century. Anyone interested in medieval architecture will be impressed by the main entrance with grotesque-style carved columns.

The oldest part of the church, the crypt, has been preserved in its original form to this day. The walls of the church are adorned with ancient faded frescoes by Hans Leu the Elder, created in the 1400s.

In the 16th century, Grossmünster became the center of the Reformation movement organized by Ulrich Zwingli, and in 1523, the cathedral separated from papal authority. There is a museum in Grossmünster dedicated to these historical events. The stained glass windows of the church were created by contemporary artists. The chancel windows were made by Swiss painter Alberto Giacometti and German postmodernist Sigmar Polke.

Address: Grossmünster, Grossmünsterplatz, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.

Zurich Zoo adheres to principles of ethical treatment of animals and meets the highest standards. A lot of attention is paid to the design of enclosures: they represent entire ecosystems, providing animals with ample space to move around.

Indian elephants in the Kanchanaburi park live in surroundings closely resembling their natural habitat. The park has underwater viewing areas where you can watch the elephants swim.

In total, the zoo showcases 4,000 animals from 340 species, ranging from emperor penguins to farm animals in the petting zoo.

Address: Zoo Zürich, Zurichbergstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.

Uetliberg is a mountain located southwest of Zurich. Since 1875, trains have been running from the city center to its peak. The S10 train from SZU will take you from the main station to the summit in just 25 minutes. From the Uetliberg station, it is easy to walk to the very top.

From the summit, there is a breathtaking view of Zurich, the rivers, and the lake against the backdrop of the snowy Alps. There is also a restaurant and hotel on the mountaintop, and hiking day trips are conducted in the forest area.

In winter, the peak of Uetliberg rises above the fog that envelops the entire city, leaving only the tops of the tallest buildings visible.

If you have the energy left, you can hike down the mountain, or take the cable car linking Felsenegg and Adliswil.

Address: Uetliberg, 8143 Zurich, Switzerland.

Next to Grossmünster on the right bank of the Limmat River lies the young and interesting Niederdorf district, or Dörfli as locals call it. Its closely spaced cobblestone alleys are car-free, creating a unique cozy atmosphere.

During the day, you can stroll through trendy boutiques and brand stores, and at night, you can enjoy yourself in the nightclubs. Don't miss trying the Swiss-style meat dish-pieces of veal in wine and white sauce.

Particular attention should be given to the traditional café-confectionery Péclard with its vintage interior, and the Cabaret Voltaire nightclub, where the avant-garde Dada movement was born.

Address: Niederdorfstrasse, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.

Among luxurious villas and modern buildings in Rieterpark lies the Rietberg Museum. It features exhibitions of art and archaeology from around the world. The museum holds liturgical objects from the South Seas, ancient Egyptian statues, Buddhist art from East Asia, sculptures from African nations, as well as exquisite carved masks from Switzerland itself.

The museum's extensive storage contains many materials for temporary and thematic exhibitions in other cities worldwide. In summer, you can purchase a food basket at the museum café and enjoy a bite in Rieterpark.

Address: Museum Rietberg, Gablerstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.

Zurich's main shopping street is one of the most expensive shopping destinations in the world. It hosts the glossy storefronts of most global luxury brands such as Prada, Chanel, Burberry, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Bahnhofstrasse showcases the wealth of Zurich: the street looks especially luxurious in December when decorated for Christmas.

There is no vehicular traffic here, only trams occasionally pass by. The most prestigious stores are located on the southern side around Paradeplatz. On Paradeplatz, you can visit the legendary café-confectionery Sprüngli, where wealthy patrons have come since the 19th century for coffee and pastries.

Address: Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.

Beneath the Beyer watch and jewelry store on Bahnhofstrasse lies an intriguing museum that tells the history of horology and clockmaking. There is no sign outside indicating that there is a museum here, but that does not affect its popularity.

Upon entry, you'll receive a tablet containing information about all the horological pieces in the museum. The history of the oldest clock dates back 3,400 years. Here you can see navigation instruments, pendulum clocks, sophisticated clock mechanisms from the 16th-17th centuries, delicate pocket watches, and a prototype of the first quartz watch from 1960.

Address: Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich, Bahnhofstrasse 31, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.

This church was founded by Louis II the German, the grandson of Charlemagne, in the 9th century, while most of the historic buildings in the city were built from the 12th to the 15th century. In 2016, stone masonry from the 800s was uncovered in the church crypt, hidden from view for more than a hundred years.

The stained glass window for Fraumünster, just like for Grossmünster, was crafted by Giacometti and is located in the church's northern aisle. In 1970, Marc Chagall was commissioned to create five stained glass windows for the choir, named "Prophets," "Jacob," "Christ," "Jerusalem," and "God's Law."

Address: Fraumünster, Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.

If you don't know what else to see in Zurich, visit the new modern FIFA Football Museum. It opened in 2016 and is located in the Enge district. This large-scale project with a unique layout occupies three floors. Regardless of your opinion of the main football organization, if you love the beautiful game, you must visit this museum.

The museum's exhibition tells the story of football from its origins and documents all the World Cups since 1930. The museum showcases fascinating artifacts from each FIFA championship, including the real World Cup trophy. It is equipped with the latest technology and interactive halls.

Multimedia materials take center stage at the exhibit: the museum's collection includes over 500 videos. While adults are engrossed in exploring the exhibitions, children can play on soccer video game machines.

Address: FIFA World Football Museum, Seestrasse 27, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland.

Like other churches in the Old Town, St. Peter's Cathedral is an ancient building built in the 8th century. The modern structure dates from the 12th to the 18th centuries, although a portion of the foundation dated to the 9th century remains under the altar. Interestingly, the tower of St. Peter belongs to the city, while the nave of the church is owned by the canton of Zurich.

One reason for this division is that in the past, the tower was often used as an observation post for fire watching. The tower features enormous clocks with a dial measuring approximately 87 meters in diameter.

These are the largest clocks in Europe, visible from virtually any point in the city. On the tower wall is a 14th-century tombstone informing that Rudolf Brun, Zurich's first independent mayor, is buried in the church.

Address: Pfarrei St. Peter und Paul, Werdstrasse 63, 8004 Zurich, Switzerland.

This museum is the last work of Le Corbusier, an influential figure in 20th-century architecture. The Le Corbusier Pavilion is located on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich in Seefeld. The pavilion embodies the concept of "gesamtkunstwerk" - a total work of art, similar to the Dali Theatre-Museum in Spain.

The pavilion was the last major project of Le Corbusier: its construction was completed in 1967, two years after the author's death. The design of the museum differs from the architect's traditional style. Instead of traditional concrete, it features steel and vibrant colored panels.

Inside are Le Corbusier's paintings, sketches of innovative projects, drawings, sculptures, written documentation, and many unique pieces of furniture he created.

Address: Pavillon Le Corbusier, Höschgasse 8, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.

The magnificent opera house building in neoclassical style was constructed in the 1890s by Vienna architects Fellner and Helmer. It is located on Sechseläutenplatz, Zurich's largest square.

On the facade of the theater are busts of renowned cultural figures, including Mozart, Wagner, Schiller, Goethe, Shakespeare, and Weber. Productions at Zurich Opera House are immensely popular with audiences.

In 2014, the theater received the award for "Best Opera Company" at the International Opera Awards. Guided tours are also regularly offered here, showcasing the luxurious interior of the building designed in the neorococo style. However, the best way to experience the magical world of the theater is to attend one of the 250 annual operatic performances featuring world-renowned conductors and opera stars.

Address: Zürich Opera House, Falkenstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.

It is well known that Zurich is a very expensive city, and the Botanical Garden in Seefeld is one of the few places where entry is free. More than 8,000 plants are showcased in exhibition halls and outdoors. The botanical garden is recognizable by its three dome-shaped greenhouses built in the 1970s. Each greenhouse maintains its unique microclimate.

The largest building contains tropical plants, while the two smaller houses grow subtropical species and savanna plants. Outside, there is an arboretum, a Mediterranean garden, and thematic gardens with historical significance, which cultivate plants for dye-making and medicinal purposes.

If after your stroll you feel like enjoying a snack or a cup of coffee, the university cafeteria is open to all.

Address: Botanical Garden, Zollikerstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.

In the western part of the Old Town lies an old canal - the former city moat. It began construction in 1642 during the Thirty Years' War and was completed only in 1678. Now, there are almost no traces left along the canal of its former purpose as a city defense. However, gliding along this long, zigzagging waterway past former bastions, one cannot help but marvel at the grandeur of the structure.

In the 1880s, Schanzengraben was repurposed for tourist strolls. To reach the lake, you must descend a staircase from the canal, two meters lower than the city streets. Where the bastion Katz once stood, there is a small botanical garden spanning two hectares, with flowerbeds and labeled trees.

Address: Schanzengraben, Zurich, Switzerland.

The Zoological Museum is another city attraction with free entry, located within walking distance from the city center. It features exhibits from the university's paleontological museum, including skeletons and taxidermied specimens from thousands of different animals, both living and extinct.

Recently, the museum improved conditions for family outings, adding an immersive experience: now sounds from 280 species of birds can be heard, and you can view the most peculiar parts of insects under a microscope. Some taxidermy specimens can be touched to learn what the fur of a wild boar or a deer feels like. To capture children's attention, various quizzes are also conducted.

Address: Zoological Museum, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland.

At Romerhof station, east of the city center, you can ride an unusual one-car train that goes to a recreational area with a hotel. This recreational zone is located at the lower level of the Adlisberg mountain, one of the highest peaks surrounding Zurich. The line has been open since 1895 and transformed from a funicular to a cog railway in the 1970s.

A trip on the Dolderbahn railway provides unforgettable and thrilling impressions, as the maximum incline during the ascent reaches 20 degrees. The ride is included in the price of the travel pass for the ZürichCARD, and at the final station, the breathtaking panorama of the city surrounded by the lake awaits as a reward.

Address: Dolderbahn, Römerhofplatz, Zurich, Switzerland.

The vast collection of Bellerive impressively makes it the main museum of decorative and applied arts in Switzerland. The diverse exhibitions of artistic creativity revolve around various themes and showcase works of art and design from different periods in history.

The Bellerive Museum houses the most significant works made from artistic materials from the Art Nouveau period, including particularly valuable ceramic items. Other pieces of art include sewing items, modern ceramics, and handmade dolls created by 20th-century artists. The museum's collection also comprises 200 historical musical instruments.

Address: Museum Bellerive, Höschgasse 3, Zurich, Switzerland.

The Sprüngli House opened in 1856, and today the café-confectionery on Paradeplatz is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Just a glance at the displays makes it impossible to resist the temptation to step inside.

Here you'll find delightful fresh truffles, candies, pastries, and their signature macarons known as "Luxemburgerli." The retail store is on the first floor, and the café on the second floor is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or enjoying a sweet dessert in an elegant setting.

Address: Confiserie Sprüngli, Paradeplatz, Bahnhofstrasse 21, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.

Zurich houses one of the largest collections of succulents in the world: over 4500 plants from 78 species. In the succulent garden, there are seven greenhouses, an outdoor rock garden, as well as cacti, agaves, aloes, and various forms and sizes of shield-leaf plants. You can see the stunning succulent collection completely free of charge.

Address: Sukkulenten-Sammlung, Mythenquai 88, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland.

This educational and scientific museum introduces visitors to the natural riches of the planet, explaining why volcanoes erupt, where precious stones come from, and what fossils tell about the origin of life. Additionally, the museum features an earthquake simulator.

Address: FocusTerra, Sonneggstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.

This park in atmospheric western Zurich is situated in the shade of tall smokestacks and a railway viaduct. The green spaces of this family park feature a fountain where children can splash around, and nearby there's a Josefwiese kiosk offering food and drinks.

Address: Josefswiese, Josefstrasse 197, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland.

Schiffbau symbolizes the renaissance of industrial western Zurich. Once, a large factory for producing lake steamers was housed in the building, and until 1992, parts for gas turbine engines were manufactured there. Afterward, this enormous structure was transformed into a large theater with three stages. Schiffbau also features a trendy restaurant, and upstairs there is a bar and jazz club Moods.

Address: Schauspielhaus Zürich: Schiffbau, Schiffbaustrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.

The garden was gifted to Zurich by its sister city Kunming in 1993. It is dedicated to the three "winter friends": pine, bamboo, and winter cherry. The park holds a prestigious position next to Lake Zurich and is considered one of the best Chinese gardens outside of China.

Address: Chinagarten Zürich, Bellerivestrasse 138, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.

Zurich is the center of Swiss banking and one of the most expensive cities. In 2017, it ranked fourth in wealth globally, making it the perfect place to explore the history of money. The Money Museum also showcases private collections featuring many unique antique coins, one-of-a-kind coins.

Address: Money Museum, Hadlaubstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.