In this world only a handful of destinations available to backpackers that combine with a mix beautiful city journey and natural beauties. In the same way today we extend another most epic and mesmering city in Europe often known for its brilliant natural beauty along with modern urban cultures, at one place.
Yes, that is none other than Zurich. Zurich is one of the most visited and demanding destinations not only in Switzerland, but also on earth. Despite just a high quality life and order, Zurich is the most recommended city to enjoy cosmopolitan flair along with some brilliant things and activities to enjoy for every enthusiastic backpacker.
Compared to other European cities like Innsbruck of Austria or Canada’s Vancouver, Zurich is the safest and perfect place to enjoy natural hiking and lake swimming. However, the city blends one of the relaxed landmarks in Europe and is less hectic than Paris or London.
Ok, after understanding its tiny introductions, it is crucial to know what are the epic things to do in Zurich? And activities visitor can expect while entering this city. Because there are a lot of things you can enjoy, and make sure that what activities or things you’re going to enjoy here could be the most unique and memorable one compared to the rest of the world’s best destinations. Don’t miss to read.
11 Epic Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland
1. Start Your Day from Visiting Iconic Old Town
The Old Town of Zurich is the perfect gateway to start your Zurich city expedition. Often called “Altstadt”, while you start your journey here in this old town surely you’re much blessed to find city’s (sometimes country’s) most epic cobblestone lanes, mediaeval period buildings, galleries and churches like Grossmünster and Fraumünster.
Zurich Old Town has interesting historical significance, and the town dates back to Roman times. During those periods Romans chose this city primarily for customs posts (they called the city as “Turicum”) and later city slowly turned into a major commercial and trade centre during the early middle ages. At the end of the 16th century the city transformed into religious and political centres where a number of churches and institutions were raised.
While you start walking its cobblestone streets firstly you have to head on to its churches, like we discussed before, a city home to the country’s (even Europe’s) best churches like;
Grossmünster– Built between the 11th and 13th century, today the church is well known for its twin towers, 189 narrow steps for its Larlstrum tower and Patron saints graveyards.
Fraumünster– Built in 853, one of the ancient churches today stands as the one of the perfect symbols of Zurich’s political past. Visitors can see stained glass windows and some modern religious art collections.
St. Peter’s Church– Its largest clock face is the most attractive one and recognised as the oldest parish church in Zurich city.
Despite its vast churches and religious centres, old streets are a perfect place to catch up century old boutique buildings, art galleries, cozy cafes and some traditional Swiss restaurants. Take a stop if you find street performances or spend leisure time at the east bank of the Limmat River.
2. Stroll along Bahnofastrasse
Your primary reason of plan things to do in Zurich is to explore luxury stuff, stores or high end boutiques shops, then it is much recommended to stroll along Bahnofastrasse. Even today Bahnofastrasse is one of the World’s epic shopping streets, filled with luxury stores, vast collections of Swiss watches, luxury attires stalls, and vibrant cafe stops. However, if you haven’t done your window shopping, maybe this point is ideal to do.
Since it is a long pedestrian walking street where visitors are even more fortunate to see some historic evidence beside just luxury shops. The street follows the city’s old moats and historic figures like the Ganymede fountain. Lindenhof hill staircase and Paradeplatz are another top historic attraction which is available along your stroll. If you are ready to extend your walking journey, there are more chances to see the region’s best lakes like Lake Zurich and Bürkliplatz at the end of this street.
The street is a paradise for food lovers, its long walking friendly street offers modern cafe stops and restaurants. Take a stop at Vicafe, Bahnofastrasse 10 and Confiserie Sprüngli to drink premier Swiss coffees. Bahnofastrasse 39 and Bahnofastrasse 31 are renowned restaurants to try salad, fresh pastries and brie and walnut rolls at its rooftops.
This high end shopping point established in 1864, contains a total 1.4 kilometers long luxury avenues, but today street stand as a cultural heritage and lively urban atmospheres of Swiss. If you plan to visit at the end of this year (1-30 December), you’re probably lucky to see Christmas vibes with thousands of LED light instalments under chill weather.
3. Enjoy Epic View from Uetliberg
Uetliberg is a great place to enjoy the most epic beauty of surrounding Zurich city including attractions like Lake Zurich and Alps. But to reach its top visitors have to make some short hike or take a short train. Uetliberg is a local mountain with an elevation of 871m, but the interesting thing is it can be reached through multiple options.
Choose the S10 railway line that runs from Zurich central station to its Uetliberg terminus (it won’t take more than 20 minutes to reach this summit). Beside the railway line, even a number of hiking and mountain biking trails are open to backpackers, especially during winter. If you’d like hiking, then we recommend hiking amidst its epic open leaf canopy shades. What you can expect at its Top of Uetliberg
Uetilerg Tower– A 30 meter height observation tower allows every visitor to see the most brilliant views of the surrounding areas.
Surrounding Views– From its top easily you can enjoy Lake Zurich and even far away views of Germany and the border of Austria.
Beautiful Cafes– On top of this Uetliberg there are a good number of restaurants and cafes that cater Swiss meals and coffee, visitors can drink along with enjoying perfect surrounding views.
If you’d like adventure activities like Paragliding, don’t miss it and is the most recommended activity here. Paragliding helps visitors to see a bird’s eye view of the Zurich city (including Swiss Alps) from a roaring height of 2,850 feet from ground level.
Since it is a peak point where evening lot of visitors are simply coming to see extraordinary sunset views, you’d like photography please spend your time until evening to see and capture perfect sunset views which passing over Swiss Alps.
4. Visit Art Musuem of Kunsthaus Zurich
Switzerland’s premier art museum Kunsthaus today stands as the country’s best place to spot top medieval art collections and some modern works by local Swiss artists. Once you start entering this epic art museum you’ll realise the museum is not just limited to art collections, in fact it is home to a vast amount of paintings, sculptures, photographs and videos/digital works too.
Opened in 1905, Kunsathaus Zurich is a perfect place to see art work by renowned artist Alberto Giacometti and paintings by Edvard Munch. Interestingly, the Kunsthaus even holds the world’s largest collections of objects dated back during Dada movements. Dada artists such as Tzara, Man Ray and Hans Arp are the most popular artists who gave more opportunities to expand museums art collections.
Currently the museum contains 4,000 sorts of paintings and sculptures and close to 1,00,000 printing, drawing and some photographic works. Out of these 2 sections, most of them fall from the period of Post Impressionism and Classical Modernism, equivalent to Van Gogh and Picasso period. Try to visit during Wednesday if you want do your things to do in Zurich for free of cost.
During your Kunsthaus discovery we request you to attend series like “ReCollect” which offer contemporary artists opportunity to explore. Whilst, museums are great places for kids not just to see unique collections, but also to celebrate birthday party, spend time in study rooms. After 2021 the museum made a pioneer step to extend its limit from art collections to major private loans features.
5. Enjoy your Time at Boat Cruise on Lake Zurich
If your entire idea about things to do in Zurich is to relax and expect too much leisure activity, we recommend you don’t miss out on a boat ride on Lake Zurich. Offers both short and long relaxing cruise journeys on the city’s most epic lake that exhibits incredible mountain views and an easy way to see lakeside towns.
Key stopping point to remember before starting your boat ride in Zurich. Start your ride from Burkli Platz to Rapperswil, journey may cover 2 hours of time. Take a stop at;
Bahnhofstrasse and Financial District– Place where popular boutique shops, century old churches, Swiss gold market and some of the stained glass window architectures are available to see.
City’s popular Skylines– During your boat ride it is an easy way to see more epic views of the iconic towers of the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, which are raised above city limits.
Ufnau Island– a natural island (Switzerland’s largest island) where a 12th century old historic chapel and Ancient St. Peter and Paul church exists.
FIFA Museum– Opens every Tuesday to Sunday (10 am to 6 pm), if you’re a big fan of football and want to see national team jerseys from all 211 members and 1,000 pieces of football memorabilia, this museum is for you.
If you’re a first timer to Zurich or wish to know briefer introduction about places you’re heading on at boat ride, then choose a 1 hour audio guide cruise. It helps you to explain more effectively about the city’s history, lakeside villas and surrounding landscapes.
But looking to make budget conscious backpacker or complete your Zurich tour within your limited period of time, but not ready to compromise for place to see, then we recommend choosing 1.5 to 4.5 hours of round trip. It tries to present the epic side of the Swiss Alps, rolling green hills and historic churches. Choose a valid Boat Cruise for a better experience.
6. Book your Scenic Day Train Trip from Zurichsee Promenade to Rapperswil
Have you heard about the most iconic train journey in the world, yes Bernina Express is one of the most epic train journeys you can do in Europe itself. Don’t worry Zurich has a same level train journey which is most likely to help backpackers to travel amidst most scenic spots like Bernina Express. Choose train Trip from Zurichsee Promenade to Rapperswil.
Despite just a bridge between 2 cities, this train journey exhibits one of the fastest ways (within 45 minutes) to cover city’s (even surrounding) attractions. Journey help you to see
Rapperswil Castle– 13th century fortress nestled on the top of a rocky hill of Lake Zurich. Located in “Town of Roses”, the castle is known for its unique architectural designs and surrounding rose color leaf gardens.
Lake Zurich Views– When rail stops at Kilchberg or passing at the eastern shoreline, don’t miss to see more epic water views of the lake.
Wooden Pedestrian Bridge– Available near Rapperswil, 842 meter bridge passing along the train track primarily built to connect Rapperswil to Hurden.
The Seedamm Crossings– While you are traveling in this route, probably out of its total travel distances, 1 km covers this Seedanmm crossing. It is an artificial causeway built to connect from Schwyz to Rapperswil.
Once you enter Rapperswil, there are more than 15,000 blooming rose bushes spread across the city (especially from June to October). That’s why even today the city is often cited as “Town of Roses”, including town’s public gardens and parks.
7. Swim at City’s Lakes
Swimming is the easiest way to enjoy leisure feelings and indulge in epic Zurich atmospheres. Currently backpackers can swim in the city’s 2 major lakes, Lake Zurich and Limmat River. If you’d make a plan to visit Zurich this summer, do not miss this activity, especially when you plan to visit Zurich with family.
Naturally swimming in Lake Zurich is done by Zurich’s 3 most popular and premium lakeside swimming points. Usually these lake side swimming spots are called Badis, visitors openly choose either Seedbad Enge or Strandbad Mythenquai to swim.
Seebad Enge– The most visited lidos (Badis) in Zurich located on Mythenquai, where visitors could swim, along with he/she can see an epic view of Alpine beauty, sleep at floating wooden decks and enjoy leisure ambiances. However, Seebad Enge has 2 different sections containing both men and women separately (1 is for both). Both swimming sections contain plenty of things to do like yoga classes, massages, sauna facilities and even some lakeside bars.
Strandbad Mythenquai- Zurich’s renowned open air pool or lidos features contains 250 meters long sandy beach and sunbathing friendly atmospheres. Currently this Badi has family friendly shallow water spaces with upto 5 meters capacity diving platforms. If you come with your kids then choose to swim at Strandbad Mythenquai, and don’t try to skip stand up paddleboarding and play beach volleyball with your kids. Place surrounded by plenty of food sections which often serve both vegan and non-vegan.
Seebad Utoqui- The most favourite spot among many visitors to Zurich city. Its historic wooden bathing platform is really impressive, which helps to swim in Lake Zurich through jumping, diving and easily step into water without any distractions. Seebad shrewd visitors over 120 years, from then this Seebad Utoqui is called as “Bathing Palace”, thanks to its ornate domed towers. Even today its 2 crazy platforms often serve sunbath lovers to simply lay down and enjoy relaxing atmospheres.
Limmat River is also an alternative or additional swim option in Zurich city. Due to popularity and limited services, visitors simply switch to Lake Zurich Lidos. If you wish to swim calmly, freely and without too many distractions, choose Limmat River Lettens.
Lettens is simply a riverside area bifurcated in Upper and Lower Lettens. Choose Flussbad Oberer, Werdinsel or Flussbad Unterer Letten for better experience to do swimming, diving or floating.
8. Discover Inside of Swiss National Museum
Switzerland is a country like Italy, Greece or the United Kingdom which has deep historical backgrounds and cultural richness. Over a period of time visitors have been witnessing the country’s rich history and diversities through visiting its churches, architecture and attending festivals. Since you’re wandering around Zurich city, it is a very good idea to visit the Swiss National Museum for study little deeper about Swiss native history, heritage and legacies.
Located at Zurich Hauptbahnhof, Swiss National Museum is the perfect spot to see the largest collections of Swiss mediaeval old religious frescoes, war weapons, traditional costumes and century old Swiss furnitures and flags. Most of the museum’s things fall from the 4th century to 20th century, running from war weapons/flags to ancient goldsmith or silversmith crafts.
“West Wing” is the most recommended place to visit inside of this Swiss National Museum. It is a place where visitors can appreciate its vast collections of Swiss arts over 1,000 years. Out of that, Stuben popular one. It is a traditional front room, founded in 1898 as a private room. But today it holds most Renaissance and Baroque period art works, sculptures, weapons, antiques and religious frescoes.
However, museums even home to see impressive collections of jewellery at its glass displays. Displays show vast jewellery and ring collections from different time periods and clearly arranged according to size, shape, style and materials. If you’re more curious about past history, especially historical stuff then we are recommending you to visit the Swiss National Museum to see different pieces of historic and cultural evidence.
9. Attend Night Life’s at Langstrasse and Zurich West
If you seek to add nightlife or club activities in your “Things to do in Zurich city” and it could be highly effective through attending any one of the city’s vibrant night life’s. The city is often the hub of most fun-filled nightclubs, especially places like Langstrasse and Zurich West.
Langstrassee
Langstrassee is often called an entertainment quarter of Zurich where nightlife lovers could encounter a mix of bars, clubs, late night cafes and live music venues under its multiple restaurants,and strip clubs. Even today the place welcomes visitors to indulge its energetic street life, friendly sidewalks and budget friendly opportunities.
However, night life here is more fun and joyfull, you can make a new friend or partner and dance under indie, electronic, punk, and hip hop songs. If you are looking for easy access to Zurich city or convenient bar hopping culture or music venues, we recommend you to attend nightlife at Langstrassee. Most visitors simply choose Langstrassee for lively atmospheres instead of the diversity.
Zurich West
Nightlife in Zurich West is full of modern, stylish and somewhat more upscale ones. Zurich West is the city’s former industrial area today fully turned into one of the most visited places for nightlife lovers.
This trendy neighbourhood offers elegant bars, restaurants, galleries and cultural space which is a perfectly great spot for us to enjoy lovely nightlife. Compared to Langstrassee, Zurich is a trendier, more vibe and fully design focused one, where visitors could expect fashionable lounges, cocktail bars and large clubs.
The area combines nightlife with art spaces, pop up events, craft breweries, and a mix of dancing and dining cultures making it one of the most costly nightlife events in Zurich city. But we need to appreciate its seasonal outdoor terraces and food markets, which welcomes large visitors for those with a cosmopolitan trendy vibe.
If you’re more concerned about too much trendy styles, major weekend events or DJ nights, choose Zurich West than others.
10. Experience Vibrant Swiss Food Culture
Zurich is a great city to try most of the Swiss dishes and most of the dishes are heavily influenced by cultures of nearby countries like Italy, France and Germany. Try Swiss Specialities like;
Fondue– Made through melted cheese and white wine, usually served in a warm ceramic pot.
Raclette– Most demanding cuisine in Switzerland which is usually provided during dinner time. It contains both cheese and convival, made through a moderated melting process of cheese and potatoes. Sometimes Raclette, even served with Charcuterie, includes dried beef and salami contents.
Rösti– Dish combined with pan friend potatoes, and crispy cake, and it is a favourite dish for local Bern farmers. They even try to add some fried eggs and meleted cheese on it for better experience.
Swiss Chocolates– Don’t miss to buy or taste world famous Swiss chocolate. Try to purchase Lindt, Toblerone or Cailler as souvenirs to your family or kids and surely they’ll appreciate its creamy textures, and its legacies.
11. Stroll at Local Markets of Zurich
Finish your list of 11 epic things to do in Zurich city in order to take an easy stroll amidst local markets like Bürkliplatz or Lindenhof.
Bürkliplatz- Is an open air market located at the end of the Bahnhofstrasse, close to Lake Zurich. The Bürkliplatz market often displays stuff like vegetables, regional fresh fruits, herbs and cheese. Along with market help you to buy items like fresh bread, bakery and confectionary items and some organic products like mushrooms and berries.
Kanzlei Flea Market- Located in Kanzleistrasse, Langstrasse district. If you’re a big fan of second hand products or local artistic or antiques to buy, then you’ll surely need to land on this market. Every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM more than 400 vendors are intensively selling paintings, jewellery, books and fine Chinese arts to the public. Market is an ideal place to buy or see electronic equipment and leather related bags, shoes and attires.
Best Time to Visit to Zurich
Try to visit Zurich during spring or autumn season to enjoy the lake, hiking or any other outdoor activities. Winter is an ideal season to enjoy Alpine skiing, but if you’re budget conscious and looking to enjoy the city without any hustle and bustle, visit during shoulder season.
Read more about Switzerland
1. Things to do in Swiss Alps.
2. 7 Best Things to do in Switzerland for Newbies.
4. Explore the Natural Beauty of Lauterbrunnen of Switzerland.
For Additional References;
1. Where to Stay in Zurich City (Best Areas+Hotels).
2. Best Places to Eat in Zurich.
