Zurich - Discovering Switzerland

Travelling to Zurich

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Zurich, a pretty good destination in Switzerland (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Zurich and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Zurich, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Switzerland, here's everything to know about Zurich for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Zurich

Zurich is a city located in the north-central part of Switzerland. It is the largest city in Switzerland and is known for its beautiful old town, stunning lakefront promenade, and as a global financial center. Zurich has a population of approximately 400,000 and is home to many museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, including the famous Fraumünster church, Grossmünster church, and Bahnhofstrasse shopping street. The city is also known for hosting the annual Street Parade and Zurich Film Festival. Zurich is easily accessible by plane, train, and car, making it a convenient and popular destination for travelers from around the world.

What to visit in Zurich

Here are some popular tourist attractions in Zurich and some information about each: 1. Zurich Old Town: This is the historic heart of Zurich with narrow streets, old buildings, and the iconic Grossmunster Cathedral. It's a popular area for tourists to wander around and take in the charming architecture and atmosphere.
2. Lake Zurich: This is a beautiful lake that is great for swimming, boating, or simply strolling around the shoreline. There are also many restaurants and cafes to enjoy while taking in the view.
3. Bahnhofstrasse: This is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, with high-end boutiques, department stores, and luxury shops lining the street.
4. Swiss National Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving the cultural history of Switzerland and features many exhibits on Swiss art, history, and culture.
5. Kunsthaus Zurich: This is one of the largest and most important art museums in Switzerland, featuring an impressive collection of artwork from many different time periods and styles.
6. Uetliberg: This is a mountain located just outside of Zurich that offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the top or take a train for a more leisurely journey.
7. Fraumunster Church: This is a historic church in Zurich that is famous for its stunning stained glass windows designed by artist Marc Chagall.
8. Zoo Zurich: This is a large and modern zoo that is home to over 4,000 animals from all around the world. It's a great attraction for families with children.
9. Lindenhof: This is a beautiful park located on a hill in the center of Zurich with great views of the city. It's a popular spot for picnicking and relaxing.
10. Zurich Opera House: This is one of the most important cultural institutions in Zurich, featuring world-class performances by renowned artists from around the world.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Switzerland, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Zurich.

When to go on holiday to Zurich

The best time to visit Zurich is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 23°C. This is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer cooler weather and want to avoid the crowds, you can visit Zurich during the shoulder season which is from April to May or September to October, when the weather is mild and prices are lower. However, if you want to experience winter activities like skiing or snowboarding, then the winter season from December to February is the best time to visit Zurich. During this time, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered streets and numerous winter sports activities.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Zurich

There are several ways to get to Zurich, Switzerland: 1. By plane: Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest airport in Switzerland and serves as a hub for both Swiss International Airlines and Edelweiss Air. It is well-connected to most major cities around the world via direct flights.
2. By train: Switzerland has an extensive rail network with frequent connections to Zurich from all over the country and neighboring countries. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website and app are great resources for planning and purchasing train tickets.
3. By car: Zurich is well-connected by road, with major highways leading to the city. However, be aware that Switzerland has a vignette system for using its highways which requires purchasing a sticker and displaying it in your car's windshield.
4. By bus: Many international bus companies, such as Flixbus, have routes to Zurich from various European cities.
Once you arrive in Zurich, there are several options for getting around the city, including public transportation, taxis, and bike rentals.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Zurich, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Zurich

Here are some typical foods of Zurich with a short description: 1. Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: This is a traditional Swiss dish made with strips of veal cooked in cream sauce with mushrooms and onions, typically served with Rösti potato pancakes.
2. Zürcher Eintopf: A hearty stew made with beef, potatoes, leeks, carrots, and celery in a beef broth. Often served with crusty bread.
3. Tirggel: These are thin, crunchy, gingerbread-like biscuits made with honey, spices, and flour. They are usually cut into decorative shapes and served during the Christmas season.
4. Zopf: A traditional braided bread made with flour, milk, butter, yeast, and eggs. It is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack with butter and jam.
5. Fondue: While not specific to Zurich, fondue is a popular Swiss dish made with melted cheese, white wine, and garlic. Diners dip pieces of bread into the warm mixture.
6. Luxemburgerli: Small, delicate macaron-like cookies filled with buttercream or ganache, often sold at the famous Swiss chocolate shop, Sprüngli.
7. Basler Läckerli: A spiced, honey-based biscuit made with nuts and candied fruits. It is popular throughout Switzerland, but originally hails from Basel.
You can find general info about typical foods in Switzerland here.

Is Zurich an expensive destination for tourists?

Yes, Zurich is generally considered to be an expensive destination for tourists. It is known as one of the world's most expensive cities, with high costs for accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. However, there are ways to save money, such as staying in budget hotels or hostels, finding local eateries instead of expensive restaurants, and using public transportation instead of taxis. Overall, it's important to budget carefully and be prepared for higher costs when planning a trip to Zurich.

Where to find accomodation in Zurich

Zurich is a relatively small city, so there are a few different areas to consider for accommodation depending on what you're looking for: 1. Old Town: This is the heart of Zurich and a great option if you want to be right in the middle of everything. It's also where you'll find most of the historic sites and landmarks.
2. City Center: The City Center is the area surrounding Old Town and is a good choice if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
3. Langstrasse: Located just outside the City Center, Langstrasse is known for its vibrant nightlife, multicultural scene, and street art.
4. Lake Zurich: If you're looking for a more peaceful atmosphere, consider staying near Lake Zurich. This area is quieter than the city center but still easily accessible by public transportation.
5. West Zurich: This area is a bit further away from the city center, but it's a great option if you want to be close to the trendy cafes and bars of Zurich West. It's also where you'll find the Technopark and the Swiss National Museum.
You can check hotel prices at Zurich here:
Booking.com

Is Zurich a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Zurich is generally a very safe place for tourists. Switzerland has a low crime rate and Zurich is no exception. Petty theft and pickpocketing can happen, especially in crowded tourist areas, but violent crime is rare. That being said, it's always important to take necessary precautions such as not leaving your belongings unattended and being aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Additionally, make sure to follow local laws and regulations, respect the culture and customs of the country, and use common sense to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Switzerland here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Zurich.

What type of travelers will enjoy Zurich the most?

Zurich is a versatile destination, suitable for a variety of travelers. Couples seeking a romantic getaway will enjoy the stunning views of the Alps, charming old town, and high-end shopping and dining options.
Young people looking for fun will appreciate the lively nightlife, street festivals, and numerous outdoor sports and recreational activities.
Families can enjoy the many museums, parks, and kid-friendly attractions, such as the Zurich Zoo and the Swiss Science Center Technorama.
Overall, Zurich offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages and interests.

How to get around Zurich

The most popular modes of transportation for getting around Zurich are: 1. Trams 2. Buses 3. Trains 4. Taxis 5. Bicycles (bike rentals are available)

What to see around Zurich

Yes, of course. Here are some great places to visit in a day trip from Zurich: 1. Lucerne: This historic city is just an hour away from Zurich, located on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Here you can explore the stunning Old Town with its medieval architecture, visit the Swiss Transport Museum, and take a stroll along the lakefront promenade.
2. Rhine Falls: The largest waterfall in Europe is less than an hour from Zurich. You can take a boat ride to get up close to the falls, or visit the nearby castle Schloss Laufen for stunning views.
3. Mount Pilatus: Only a short train ride from Lucerne, you can take a cable car up to the top of Mount Pilatus for breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
4. Appenzell: This charming village is located in the heart of Switzerland and is known for its traditional architecture, artisanal cheese, and picturesque landscapes.
5. Bern: The Swiss capital city is just over an hour from Zurich and features a variety of historical buildings, museums, and markets to explore. Be sure to visit the famous Bern Bear Park.
6. Interlaken: This stunning alpine town is located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes. You can take a scenic train ride or a cable car up to the mountains for spectacular views.
For every travel information about Switzerland you can click here.

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