Zurich is usually on the high of any Switzerland itinerary. Because the monetary capital of the nation, the most important 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 make it easier to plan the right three days in Zurich, from selecting the most effective 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! At this time, we’re going to get acquainted with the Outdated City, however we’re then going to go to the hippest a part of Zurich, Zurich West. That is the place the previous meets the brand new, and you will see the most effective of each. We extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of the Outdated City to see the highest landmarks of Zurich. We love taking a tour once 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 sights in a short while.
Zurich Itinerary Day 1
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you thru a strolling tour of the Outdated City and Zurich West. In case you are staying within the Outdated City, you may stroll to all of the sights after which hop on public transit for a brief and straightforward 10-minute journey to Zurich West.
Word: One of the simplest ways to get round Zurich is to buy a Zurich Card. It supplies limitless journey by bus, prepare, cableway, and tram, plus you may take brief boat journeys and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get extra particulars right here. To discover the Outdated City, it’s simply achieved by foot as there are numerous pedestrian-friendly streets and again alleys to discover.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Outdated City
After a scrumptious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 beneath new administration) within the Outdated City, our metropolis information, Barbara, met us at our lodging. From right here, it was straightforward to make our approach to see the most effective landmarks in Outdated City.
1. Rechberg Gardens
Positioned instantly beside Lodge Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are probably the most scenic spots in Zurich. They’re instantly behind Rechberg Mansion which is one other fashionable landmark in Zurich. Courting again to 1759, the mansion was renovated in 2014. It’s thought-about a cultural asset of nationwide significance and is open to the general public. The Baroque fashion Rechberg Gardens is a peaceable approach to begin the day.
2. College of Zurich View
As you proceed your morning stroll, make your approach to among the best viewpoints in Zurich. The Federal Institute of Expertise (ETH) on the College of Zurich gives panoramic views of the Outdated City, Limmat River, and so they metropolis’s church steeples. We walked as much as the panorama terrace, however you can too take the Polybahn to keep away from strolling up the hill. It is likely one of 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 straightforward stroll to the highest as properly.
3. Get Misplaced within the Alleyways of Altstadt
Upon getting missed Zurich from the College, it’s a good and straightforward stroll downhill via the Outdated City of Zurich (Altstadt). A part of the appeal of visiting Zurich is to buy within the boutiques within the Outdated City, seek for its many fountains, and discover the right espresso store to sit down on a patio for prime people-watching. Different issues to see within the Outdated City: see the birthplace of Dadaism at Cafe Voltaire, go into the Belleview Apotheke courting again to 1887, or have an Aperol Spritz at an out of doors cafe on the pedestrian-only road of Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
Earlier than you permit 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.
In case you go into the crypt within the cellar and also you’ll see a big sculpture of Charlemagne himself. Grossmünster additionally performs an necessary half in Swiss historical past because it was the birthplace of the Reformation of the church in Switzerland. You may as well go as much as the highest of the tower for among the best 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 Outdated City’s primary sights crisscross alongside the banks of the Limmat River, and no journey to Zurich can be full with out crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge. This bridge takes you from Grossmünster throughout the Limmat River on to Fraumünster. Be sure that to cease and take within the views. It gives an unobstructed view of a number of the most stunning locations on the water. Marvel on the Rathaus (Zurich’s Outdated city Corridor) as you make your method from Grossmünster to Fraumünster..
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster. Church (Church of Our Girl) is a must-visit in Zurich courting 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
Upon getting seen a number of the finest sights within the previous 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 neighborhood with eateries, bars, and the right place to seize a beer. The funky ambiance units the tone on your afternoon in Zurich West. Go to the web site for opening instances, menu and reservations.
Freitag Tower
One of the recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower. You might know the title, Freitag, the trendy baggage are comprised of recycled truck tarps and airbags. Their flagship retailer is situated in Zurich West and you may’t miss its 19 stacked delivery containers reaching 26 meters (85 ft) into the air.
City Surf
Proper subsequent door is likely one of the most unusual 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 loosen up within the solar as you get pleasure from a cocktail. Go to City Surf web site for classes, costs and opening hours.
Go Artwork Searching
After you’ve loved a 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 may go into Maag Corridor to see the newest shows (presently LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to take a look at the newest displays.
Store alongside the Zurich Im Viadukt
It’s then time to make your approach to the Zurich Im Viadukt. The 550 yard lengthy road is actually a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. This previous railway viaduct comprises boutique retailers and eating places situated inside 36 arches beneath the viaduct. You may as well stroll alongside the highest of the Viaduct for some improbable views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
Upon getting had your fill of buying, make your approach to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The meals is improbable, and it has some nice views of Zurich. There may be indoor and out of doors seating. Go to their web site for reservations. Fact be instructed, Zurich gives many eating places, particularly round fashionable areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse, offering you with quite a lot of eating choices.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
In case you 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 a terrific 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 method 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 night time owls. The nightlife is as diversified as it’s enjoyable and caters to all tastes. Begin your night within the fashionable Kreis 5 district, a scorching spot for bars, golf equipment, and lounges. Right here, you may dance the night time 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 dwell music lovers, Moods Membership is a should. This place hosts a tremendous mixture of performances, from jazz and blues to rock and pop, so there’s at all times 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 stuffed with enjoyable stuff all yr spherical. Whether or not you want movie, music, or meals, there’s at all times one thing to sit up for. The Zurich Movie Competition is a spotlight, attracting movie buffs from everywhere in the world with its nice program of screenings and occasions. Music lovers will benefit from the Zurich Jazz Competition; foodies can indulge on the Road Meals Competition and check out meals from everywhere in the world.
In the summertime, the Zurich Openair Competition is a should, with dwell music, meals, and drinks in an attractive out of doors setting. In winter, you may get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets, with conventional meals, distinctive presents, and a heat and comfortable ambiance.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich
At this time 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 facility for a tour and chocolate tasting.
Dawn at Lindenhof
At this time is an early begin as you make your approach to Lindenhof for dawn. This former Roman fort is now a beautiful park sitting excessive on a hill on the stays of the previous metropolis partitions. It’s a stunning place for dawn with views of the solar rising over the Limmat River, the Outdated 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. Courting again to the ninth century, it’s the oldest church in Zurich. We didn’t go inside however you may go into see it and it’s free to enter.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Because you awakened at dawn, it’s loads to stroll again to the resort for breakfast, so as an alternative, make your approach to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz. This quiet courtyard is a beautiful place for a cappuccino and pastry to begin your day. You are actually able to have a tremendous day exploring actions exterior of the Outdated 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 every 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 method round to locations like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered alongside the lake. However in the present day, as an alternative of strolling, you will use your Zurich Card to hop on the ferry to Wollishofen.
Boat to Wollishofen
Wolishofen is an artists neighborhood that was a former industrial space. It’s crammed with artists . One attention-grabbing incontrovertible fact that we discovered about Wollishofen is that when massive builders put money into property and improvement in Zurich, a share of their funding should go to the artwork neighborhood. 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 attention-grabbing truth we discovered is that waterfront property is now not being bought alongside Lake Zurich. Town now makes positive that everybody can expertise the waterfront. For waterfront properties that have been already owned earlier than the regulation got here into place, the town has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the personal properties. This manner, individuals 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 situated on the water and overlooks an previous 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 Residence of Chocolate
You may catch the bus or stroll off your lunch as you proceed on within the afternoon. Lindt Residence of Chocolate is a should cease on any Zurich itinerary. In case you like chocolate, you will love this interactive multimedia expertise. The cutting-edge constructing homes a testing plant the place chocolatiers develop new recipes and methods 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 be taught 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 sweets prepared so that you can eat!
Bahnhofstrasse
If you end up completed up on the chocolate museum, make your method again to downtown Zurich to discover one of many world’s most costly buying 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 buying as you stroll alongside this pedestrian-friendly road. There are streetcars and site visitors, however the sidewalks are extensive as you try the common high-end buying from Gucci to Rolex, and Chanel to Burberry. When you’ve had your fill of gawking within the home windows it’s time for supper.
Niederdorfstrasse
Make your approach 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 fashionable. 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 yr, you’ll in all probability be consuming earlier than sundown. Within the peak of summer time with sundown late within the night, you’ll wish to eat first as we found the exhausting method that restaurant’s kitchens shut early. So after dinner, head to Quaibrücke, the final bridge between Zurich Outdated City and Lake Zurich. That is the basic spot for images the place you may see the entire Limmat River and Zurich’s 4 main church buildings. It’s a vigorous spot at sundown, so make sure that to go throughout the road to see how The Alps mild up over Lake Zurich as properly.
It’s now time for relaxation as you’ve been up since dawn, so make it an early night time. The second day of your Zurich itinerary has come to an finish. When you have your coronary heart set on a nightcap some solutions for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view, Outdated 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 in the present day is all concerning the outdoor. The individuals of Zurich love the lake so make your approach to the waterfront. Stroll alongside the waterfront in the direction of the Arboretum the place individuals sunbathe on the water’s edge. It’s a nice stroll as you make your approach 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 best ways to expertise it’s to lease a paddleboard to do discover the waterfront. You may take the boards via 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 might be achieved paddleboarding, you might be free to go for a swim, loosen up on the swimming platforms or seize some lunch. You may as well replenish your water bottle right here earlier than shifting on. Examine for costs or make a reservation for SUP on the Seebad Enge web site.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
I do know that we mentioned you may eat lunch at Seebad Enge however we suggest making your method again to the previous city for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi. No journey to Switzerland is full and not using a fondue, so that is your likelihood. Swiss Chuchi is situated within the coronary heart of the Outdated City. You are actually only a brief 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 Outdated City, so this shall 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 practically to the highest. When you arrive by prepare, it’s a few 10 to 15-minute stroll to an unbelievable lookout.
There’s a tower you can climb for 2CHF and it’s positively 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 may go for a two-hour hike to take the cable automotive down from Felsenegg.
Sundown Over Lake Zurich
On your final night time in Zurich, seize a beer and make your method all the way down to the Lake to look at the sundown in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz. Positioned 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 situated simply in entrance of Sechseläutenplatz which homes the attractive Zurich Opera Home. At 16000 sq. meters, Sechseläutenplatz is likely one of the largest squares in Switzerland.
Dinner BierGarten Bauschänzli
As soon as the solar goes down, make your method throughout the bridge to the West Financial institution of the Limmat River for a correct Beergarden expertise at Bauschänzli. Positioned beneath the shade of enormous chestnut timber, that is additionally a great place for a beer within the afternoon solar. However on your remaining night time in Zurich, it’s a great 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 automobiles, and boats round Zurich. It additionally gives free or discounted admissions to museums. Be sure 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 point out it until requested at some stage in your ticket. Zurich Playing cards vary from 24 to 72 hours. Zurich Playing cards begin at 29 CHF for twenty-four hours. Get extra particulars right here.
Choose shops additionally provide reductions to Zurich Card holders to ensure to ask.
Among the finest 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 each day at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the most important airport in Switzerland. Trains run commonly from Zurich Airport to the principle Zurich Foremost Prepare Station, Hauptbahnhof. You should use your Swiss Journey Go to take the prepare. Do you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest prepare station in Europe? You may then use your Zurich Go to hop on a tram to your resort, which may be very straightforward when touring in Zurich. This additionally is useful in case you are trying to do a day journey from Zurich.
If you buy a Swiss Journey Go, it consists of:
Limitless journey by prepare, bus, and boatPublic transportation in additional than 90 cities and townsFree admission to greater than 500 museums all through SwitzerlandTwo free informative apps to assist plan your Switzerland journey are: Grand Prepare Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Journey Information app
The place to Keep in Zurich
When searching for lodging in Zurich, staying within the Outdated City is a good suggestion as it’s straightforward to get round. We stayed at Lodge Florhof, which was inside strolling distance of in all places. It additionally has parking in case you have a automotive rental, a improbable restaurant, excellent breakfasts included, and there are many historic regalia, together with an previous ceramic wooden range and an previous radio within the sitting room. Replace: Sadly, this resort was closed in July 2022 however is ready to re-open in 2025 beneath new administration.
Zurich will steal your coronary heart. We had at all times 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, make sure that to spend three days in Zurich to really expertise the entire superb issues to do within the metropolis.
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