Overview
Zurich combines an old town and lakefront with a lively nightlife scene. It also serves as a gateway for onward trips into the Swiss Alps.
Lake · Transit Hub · Architecture · Museums · Nightlife
Did you know?
- Creamy veal with rösti is a signature local dish.
- The Polybahn adds a funicular ride to the city's transport mix.
- The Letten river baths turn an urban waterway into a swimming spot.
Why go?
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and a global financial hub, offering a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a high standard of living. Despite high prices, it's clean, efficient, and serves as a gateway to the Swiss Alps. The old town, lakefront, and vibrant nightlife make it worth exploring beyond transit.
Getting in
Zurich Airport is Switzerland's largest and most important, with flights worldwide. The main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is the heart of the Swiss rail network, connecting to all major cities. Intercity buses (Flixbus, BlaBlaCar) arrive at the Sihlquai bus station, two blocks from the main station.
Getting around
Zurich has an efficient public transport system including trams, buses, and S-Bahn trains. Tickets are valid for zones; a day pass covers all inner-city travel. Bicycling is possible but requires caution due to tram tracks and frequent public transport. Night buses ('N' routes) run only on weekends, roughly once per hour.
When to go
Zurich has four seasons: winters around freezing with snow, summers warm (20s-30s °C). Major events include Street Parade (2nd Saturday of August), Sechseläuten (3rd Monday of April), and Swiss National Day (1 August). The nearby mountains are cooler year-round.
Where to stay
Accommodation is expensive, focusing on 4- and 5-star hotels. Budget options include the Youth Hostel (dorm from Fr. 42), Hotel Marta (clean shared facilities), and Otter (themed rooms from Fr. 115). Couchsurfing is also popular. Consider staying in surrounding areas for lower rates.
Food and drink
Local specialties include Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in cream sauce with rösti), bratwurst from street stands (around Fr. 6), and fondue. Supermarkets like Migros and Coop offer affordable meals. Tap water is safe and free. For breakfast, try muesli at Sprüngli or fresh bread from bakeries.
Things to do
Explore the old town with landmarks like Grossmünster (tower Fr. 4) and Fraumünster (Fr. 5). Visit museums: Landesmuseum (Fr. 13), Kunsthaus (free on Wed), and FIFA Museum (Fr. 24). Enjoy free activities: Lindenhof viewpoint, Lake Promenade, and river baths at Oberer/Unterer Letten. Take the Polybahn funicular (Fr. 1.20) or a steamboat on Lake Zurich.
Safety
Zurich is relatively safe, but beware of pickpockets around the main train station. Avoid confrontations with drunk youth along the lakefront. Public transport is very safe. Cyclists must watch for tram tracks and buses.
Connectivity
As of Sept 2021, Zurich has 5G from all Swiss carriers. WiFi is widely available in public places.
Budget
Zurich is expensive: dorm beds from Fr. 42, street food meals around Fr. 6-10, sit-down mains from Fr. 20+. Daily budget for backpackers: Fr. 80-120 excluding accommodation. Use supermarket meals and free attractions to save.
Day trips
Popular day trips from Zurich include Lucerne (chapel bridge, transport museum), Rhine Falls (Europe's largest waterfall), Rapperswil (picturesque town by boat), Baden (thermal baths), and Winterthur (museums). Further afield: Appenzell (cheese factory), Bellinzona (castles), and Chur (hub for Graubünden).
Etiquette
English is widely spoken, but learning a few German phrases is appreciated. Shops are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly. Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill is common. Swiss punctuality is a virtue.
Go next
From Zurich, onward travel is easy via train to all Swiss cities. Key destinations: Berne (capital), Basel (museums), Geneva (UN), and the Alpine resorts. The extensive rail network makes day trips to many regions possible.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Drink
4. Akt
Teens and tweens love this place.
Drink
Acid
Hip café and bar.
Drink
Aya Bar
A roof lounge on top the Cinemax complex. Older crowd, very expensive, but stylish.
Buy
Bahnhofstrasse
Runs from the Zürich Train Main station "Hauptbahnhof" right down to the lake. Bahnhofsstrasse is famous for being one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping streets in the world. Here you can get anything from diamond rings to chocolate to fur coats. Globus and Jelmoli are two fiercely competitive department stores, both of which carry items from many high-end brands.
Drink
Bar & Lounge 42
New York in the middle of Zurich. Exclusive whiskey, unique cocktails, premium liquors, snacks, a homemade gin and an elegant smoker's lounge with a broad selection of cigars.
Drink
Barfussbar
During the day this is a public bath for women only. But at night (after 20:00) men are also allowed. It is a beautiful place to spend a warm summer night with a great view of Zurich.
Drink
Barfüsser
Once Europe's oldest gay bar, it has now been converted into a fancy and large lounge and sushi place. Has a relaxed atmosphere and mixed crowd.
Drink
Bierhalle Wolf
A lively beer hall often with live music. In addition to the beer selection, they serve great local food.
Before you go
Accommodation
Accommodation is expensive. Budget options exist: youth hostel, budget hotels, couchsurfing.
Connectivity
5G from all Swiss carriers. Free WiFi in many public places.
Culture
Shops are closed on Sundays. Swiss people are reserved but helpful. Tipping is not expected but rounding up is appreciated.
Food
Local dishes: Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, bratwurst, fondue. Supermarkets offer affordable meals.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink. For emergencies, dial 144. The university hospital has a 24/7 emergency ward.
Language
Swiss German dialect, but Standard German and English widely spoken.
Local transport
The ZVV network is efficient and punctual. Night buses ('N' lines) only run on weekends; on weeknights, last service is around 00:30.
Money
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). ATMs widely available. Euros accepted at some larger stores with poor exchange rates.
Safety
Relatively safe, but pickpockets operate around main train station. Avoid drunk youth near lakefront.
Transport
Public transport is efficient: trams, buses, S-Bahn. Night buses only on weekends. Bicycling requires caution.
Water
Tap water is safe and high quality. Bring a reusable bottle.