Places / Europe / Switzerland
Zurich
Visited in October 2014
At a glance
- Country
- Switzerland
- Region
- Zurich District
- Population
- 452,421
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Zurich (ZRH)
- Coordinates
- 47.39°N, 8.54°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, a financial centre wrapped around the top of Lake Zurich, where the Limmat river flows out. Its compact Old Town of church spires and guild houses sits on both banks.
Beyond the banks, it is a lively, creative place with a big art scene and excellent public transport. In summer the whole city takes to the water in its river and lake baths.
Things to see
-
Photo: Roland zh, CC BY-SA 3.0 Grossmünster
The twin-towered Romanesque church where the Reformation took hold in Switzerland; climb a tower for views.
-
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0 Fraumünster
Known for its five stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Roland zh, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kunsthaus Zürich
One of Switzerland's leading art museums, with works by Giacometti, Munch and the Impressionists.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Matt Joseph, CC BY-SA 4.0 Swiss National Museum
A castle-like building beside the station, telling the story of Switzerland from prehistory onward.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY 4.0 Lindenhof
A tree-shaded hilltop square in the Old Town with views over the Limmat.
Things to do
-
Photo: Paebi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Swim in a river bath
Locals swim in the Limmat and the lake at wooden bathing houses from June to August.
-
Photo: roland zh, CC BY-SA 3.0 Hike up Uetliberg
Take the train up Zurich's local mountain for a ridge walk and views of the Alps.
-
Photo: Roland zh, CC BY-SA 3.0 Lake cruise
Boats run along Lake Zurich, calling at lakeside villages and the rose town of Rapperswil.
Find tours -
Photo: Kabelleger / David Gubler, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to the Rhine Falls
Europe's most powerful waterfall is under an hour away by train.
Where to stay
Altstadt
The Old Town, central and historic, close to the lake and shops.
Hotels in AltstadtZurich West
Former industrial district with bars, restaurants and design hotels.
Hotels in Zurich WestSeefeld
Calm and residential, by the lake on the eastern shore.
Hotels in SeefeldLangstrasse
Gritty but lively, with nightlife and more affordable hotels.
Hotels in Langstrasse
Getting around
Trams, buses, trains and lake boats share one ticket system, and the centre is easily walkable.
Trains from the airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof take about 10 minutes and run very frequently.
When to go
May to September is warm and the lakeside is full of life. December brings Christmas markets, and winter is cold but makes a good base for the ski resorts.
Plan your trip to Zurich
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.