Things to do in  Zurich

Fed by clear glacial waters that flow down the Swiss Alps, the crescent-shaped Lake Zurich (Zurichsee) forms the scenic backdrop to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, which spreads along the western tip of the lake. Measuring 25 miles (40 kilometers) in length and 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) in width, this alpine lake offers an easily accessible escape to nature for those based in the city, with plenty of swimming spots, hiking routes, tranquil islands, and picturesque mountain scenery.

With its striking 19th-century buildings and winding cobblestone lanes stretching along both sides of River Limmat, Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is the most atmospheric part of the city and home to many principal tourist attractions.

At Rhine Falls (Rheinfall), sheets of white water tumble from a height of 75 feet (23 meters) across a 492-foot-wide (150-meter-wide) rock ledge. Created by the movement of the Earth’s crust about 15,000 years ago, this natural wonder is among Europe’s biggest waterfalls. The riverbanks near it are laced with walking and biking trails.

One of the most expensive strips of retail space in Europe, Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse is known for its many luxury shops selling designer fashion, jewelry, perfume, chocolate, and, of course, watches. While many visitors only go to window shop, the street is one of the city’s main commercial areas, frequented by both locals and travelers.

Reaching 10,626 feet (3,239 meters) above sea level, Mt. Titlis is Central Switzerland’s highest peak and probably its finest vantage point. The mountain has a cutting-edge transportation system—including, most famously, a revolving cable car that turns 360 degrees during the ride to the top station at 9,908 feet (3,020 meters). Those lucky enough to be inside the car are graced with stunning panoramic views of Alpine peaks, sheer rock faces, and an icy crevasse-cracked glacier.

Switzerland is famous for many things, including mountains, clocks, and, of course, chocolate. Legendary Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprungli has been churning out smooth, delicious confections since 1845. Today, visiting the company’s factory shop, located just outside of Zurich, is a must for any chocolate lover.

The picturesque Swiss town marks the spot where the Rhine River meets Lake Constance. Overlooked by the towering Hohenklingen Castle, the town draws sightseers with its medieval abbey, traditional architecture, and convenient transport links, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Winterthur, Zurich, and beyond.

This Romanesque church remains one of Zurich Old Town’s most iconic landmarks, thanks to its blend of medieval architecture and modern features. The south tower’s observation deck offers sweeping city vistas, while an 11th-century crypt and small museum reveal more about the site’s rich history as the birthplace of the Swiss Reformation.

One of Zurich’s most distinctive and popular sights, Fraumünster Church is the green copper-spired building that is easily visible in Zurich’s skyline. The church itself dates back to the 9th century, but the building’s famous stained-glass windows are 20th-century additions.

This Old Town district is thought to be where Zurich began as a Roman fort in the second century. For years, its hilltop location played an important role in defending and governing the city. Today, its main square is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike, known for its open-air chess boards, leafy avenues, and panoramic city views.

Nicknamed the “Queen of the Mountains,” Mount Rigi has long captured the hearts of writers like Mark Twain and painters like JMW Turner. Encircled by a trio of lakes—Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz—and adjacent to the neighboring peaks of Mount Pilatus and Brunnistock, Mount Rigi is the enduring postcard star of Central Switzerland.

The home of Swiss banking at the heart of Zurich’s luxury shopping street, Paradeplatz is one of the most powerful financial centers in Europe. The former 17th-century pig market is now a major transit interchange and home to the headquarters of UBS and Credit Suisse, as well as the flagship Confiserie Sprüngli chocolate store.

At an altitude of 2,600 feet (800 meters, this scenic lookout on the Albis chain is one of Zurich’s most popular recreational spots. Its many hiking routes attract active sightseers from across the region, while its restaurant and outdoor terraces provide a perfect spot to soak up views of Lake Zurich and the snow-capped mountains beyond.

The National Museum Zurich (Landesmuseum Zürich) is the go-to museum in Zurich for Swiss history and culture. The museum holds the country’s largest collection of artifacts from ancient Switzerland through the Middle Ages to the present day. One of Zurich’s most popular tourist destinations, the museum has collections so vast, you could easily spend a full day exploring them.

This picturesque village in the valley of Sitter is the capital of Switzerland’s smallest canton, Appenzell Innerrhoden. In addition to its heritage-listed landmarks, including its parish church, 16th-century town hall, and castle ruins, the settlement is known for its strong sense of tradition and observation of age-old ceremonial events.