Zurich, Switzerland Destination Guide
Section 1: Intro to the Destination
One of Europe’s most intriguing capitals, there is something for everyone in Zürich. From getting lost in its picturesque Old Town to cruising along Lake Zürich or River Limmat, there are so many attractions that draw tourists here, including the fact that the city is perfectly arranged for exploring on foot.
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination? (You can select more than one)
Quiet & Relaxing, Outdoorsy, Historic
What’s the Destination Known For?
World-famous architecture, the Alps, Swiss chocolate
Getting There
Zürich Airports:
(ZRH) Zürich International Airport
Located just 8 miles north of central Zürich, this is the largest international airport in Switzerland.
Other popular ways to arrive:
For those coming from another part of Europe…
Located in the heart of Europe, a train is a great way to get to Zürich, as the main station is located right in town.
Taking a bus is another easy and convenient way to arrive in Zürich.
Local Etiquette
No tipping is needed for waitstaff, tour guides or drivers.
Stretching, chewing gum, slouching, shouting or littering in public is considered rude.
When hiking, greet fellow hikers on the trail with a friendly hello: Grüezi.
Shake hands when first meeting and when saying goodbye. Friends kiss on the cheek three times - right, left, then right again.
Weather
Temperatures
Spring:
High: 68F / 20C
Low: 34F / 1C
Summer:
High: 75F / 24C
Low: 52F / 11C
Fall:
High: 68F / 20C
Low: 36F / 2C
Winter:
High: 43F / 6C
Low: 28F / -2C
July - August is summer high season and September is the best time for outdoor activities. January - February is winter high season but December is a good time if you want to visit Christmas markets.
1339 ft / 408 m
Getting Around
In City Transportation…
Public Transport - As the cheapest way to get from one side of town to the other, the public transport vehicles, trams, buses and trains are a great option for getting around. The Zurich card is the way to go, including unrestricted travel on public transportation as well as transfer between Zurich Airport and Zurich city. Cost is $27 ($19 for children) for 24 hours and $53 ($37 for children) for 72 hours.
Walking - The cheapest way to get around Zürich is on foot combined with public transport.
Uber - Although Lyft doesn’t exist here, Uber is a quick way to get around town and a rideshare will save you some $$$.
Taxi - These can be pretty expensive in Zürich, especially if it’s just for one person. If you have a group of four people and want to get somewhere quick though, it might be worth it. “In most taxis you pay a basic tax of about $6 and an additional $3.80 for every kilometer driven.”
Bike - Discover Zürich from a different perspective on two wheels. You can hire a bike for free with Züri rollt or use popular bike sharing companies, LimeBike or Züri Velo.
Boat - A boat trip on Lake Zürich and the River Limmat is a perfect way to explore the city and surrounding area. Both the Short Round Trip on Lake Zürich and the River Limmat Cruise are free with the Zürich Card.
Section 2: What to See, Do, and Eat
Breakfast
$-tier
Manora
Swiss Traditional
Dress is casual
This cafeteria style restaurant gives you plenty of options for a yummy but cheap breakfast.
$$-tier
Franzos
French Cafe
Dress is casual
This cozy charming restaurant is a great spot for a light breakfast.
$$$-tier
Hide & Seek
European Cuisine
Dress is casual
“Each dish incorporates salty, sweet, bitter, sour, spicy and tart components in harmonious unison, tantalising your taste buds and nourishing your body. Local herbs and invigorating spices ensure that our meal is easily digested, while the different flavours and textures offer a rich sensual experience.”
Brunch
$-tier
Juicery 21
Cold Pressed Juice
Dress is casual
If you’re in the mood for a light brunch, like an Acai bowl or quinoa bowl, this hidden gem in the middle of Zürich is your spot!
$$-tier
The Artisan - Kitchen and Urban Garden
Type of food (BBQ, French cuisine, Thai, etc.)
Dress is casual
A down to earth dining experience with a great outside garden area.
$$$-tier
Clouds
Type of food (BBQ, French cuisine, Thai, etc.)
Dress is casual
This restaurant has an amazing view and a reasonably priced brunch.
Lunch
$-tier
Thach Restaurant
Thai
Dress is casual
They have a great variety at their lunch buffet and very reasonable prices.
$$-tier
Pizzeria Azzurro
Italian
Dress is casual
Their pizzas are known for being thin and soft with a little crisp and fresh, diverse toppings.
$$$-tier
Restaurant La Soupiere
Swiss
Dress is casual
Open Monday - Friday 11:30AM to 2PM for lunch. Currently serving tatar specialties - prepared directly at your table.
Dinner
$-tier
Za’atar
Lebanese Food
Dress is casual
This affordable authentic food will send you straight to the Middle East.
$$-tier
My Kitchen
Malaysian
Franklinstrasse 6, Bahnhof Oerlikon, Zürich 8050, Switzerland
Dress is casual
This restaurant has Malaysian hospitality at its best!
$$$-tier
Ecco
European Fine Dining
Dress is casual
“The Ecco restaurants have a reputation for unique culinary virtuosity blended with a purist approach to taste - and both have two Michelin star to prove it.”
Other (Food Trucks, Late Night Bites, Ice Cream Shops, etc.)
Food Trucks
Dr. Dog
Hot Dog Food Truck
Dress is casual
For amazing hot dogs in Zürich, look no further!
401 Dishes
Swiss Food Truck
Dress is casual
Fresh Swiss street food!
Top things to See and Do
Grossmünster
This iconic twin-towered Romanesque-style Cathedral is one of the four major churches in the city.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open Monday to Saturday 10AM-6PM (just til 5PM November - February) and on Sundays after the service
Entry to the church is free
For a small fee, you can climb the 180+ steps to the top of one of the towers.
Fraumünster
This elegant church’s delicate, copper-topped spire can be spotted from afar. The stunning stained glass windows alone make it worth a visit.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
March to October open daily 10AM-6PM
November to February open daily 10AM-5PM
Admission is $5 for visitors
Admission is free for children up to 16 years of age and students
The use of cameras and mobile phones is not permitted on Church premises
Uetliberg
Small mountain with hiking trails and panoramas over Zürich, its lake & the Alps
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Short uphill hike to the top isn’t too hard is suitable for the whole family
Food is expensive once you get up here. Grab some sandwiches from the supermarket and enjoy a nice picnic to save some money.
There is a lookout tower at the top that only costs $2 - make sure to take coins for this.
Take a train from Zürich station to Uetilberg station - takes about 20-30 minutes
Lake Zürich
In the summer, Lake Zurich is a popular destination for swimming, sailing or even just enjoying a picnic. During the winter, the lake is still worth a visit to show off your ice-skating skills.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Water sports such as wakeboarding, swimming or surfing are available on Lake Zürich.
Take a cruise on Lake Zürich!
Bahnhofstrasse
This is Zürich’s main downtown street and quite possibly the most expensive street for retail property in Europe.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
It only takes 20 minutes to walk from one end of this street to the other.
You can expect all kinds of shops here, from restaurants and department stores to watch shops and jewelers.
Swiss National Museum
“The Swiss National Museum is the largest and most important depository of cultural and historical items in Switzerland.”
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Closed on Mondays. Open Friday - Sunday and Tuesday - Wednesday 10AM-5PM. Open Thursday 10AM-7PM.
Admission is $10 for adults and free for children.
Admission is included in the Swiss Museum Pass and the Zürich Card.
Skiing
Switzerland is known as being the best country for skiing in the world. Conquer the slopes of the Alps while you’re in town!
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
December - April is skiing season
Zürich Zoologischer Garten
Also known as Zoo Zürich, this is a great spot for kids and adults alike! “One of its popular events is the penguin parade, which is performed daily afternoon if the outside temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius.”
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open daily 9AM-6PM
Tickets are $13 children age 6-15, $21 for 15-20 year olds and $26 for adults.
On Mondays, students and seniors get a special price of $21.
St. Peter Church
As the oldest church in Zürich, the original 9th century foundation walls of St. Peter’s can still be seen today. It has an impressive clock tower which is the largest in all of Europe. The clock tower was used as a fire watch post until 1911.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open Monday-Friday 8AM-6PM & Saturday 9AM-4PM
Free admission
Kunsthaus Zürich
An amazing art collection in a beautiful building!
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open Tuesday, Friday Saturday & Sunday 10AM-6PM as well as Wednesday & Thursday 10AM-8PM
Anyone 16 and under can enter free of charge.
Admission for adults depends on the time of year and what exhibition they have but up-to-date prices can be found on their website.
Festivals/Parades
“13 stages and over 40 current theater productions from all over the world in 18 days - the “Zürcher Spektakel” is a highlight in Zurich’s cultural calendar.”
This month long open-air cinema takes places on the shore of Lake Zürich, drawing over 50,000 movie fans every summer.
During the largest techno parade in the world, “hundreds of thousands of electronic and techno music fans dance around Zürich’s lake basin.”
On August 1, thousands of people attend festivities in the largest cities in celebration of the start of the Swiss Confederation. Experience these festivities, including fireworks, barbeques and parades, with the locals.
Nightlife
Where to go and hang once the sun sets – bars, nightclubs, etc. Try and find BOTH places where the locals hang AND places where the tourists hang. For each location, record the name, address, website, and anything interesting it might be known for (e.g. live Tango demonstration by professional dancers every Thursday night at 9PM.)
Odeon
Limmatquai 2, Zürich 8001, Switzerland
“It can’t get much more historic than this legendary bar, which opened its doors in 1911. Everybody is welcome and though it might look a bit posh from the outside, you can never be too quirky to fit in here.”
Niederdorf
Right bank of Limmat river, Zurich, Switzerland
Part of Zürich’s Old Town, this area has plenty of bars and pubs and offers great shopping.
George
Sihlstrasse 50, 9001 Zürich, Zürich 8001, Switzerland
“A recent newcomer on the block, with a converted penthouse setting placed right over a casino, George has become the default setting for Zurich’s upmarket party people and local celebrity scene.”
Raygrodski Bar
Sihlfeldstrasse 49, 8003 Zürich, Switzerland
Chill atmosphere and retro music
Hidden Gems
The Chinese Garden
“If unusual gardens are your thing, pay a visit to Zürich’s Cactus Collection for a prickly adventure.”
Frau Gerolds Garten
Locals like to meet at this urban garden and art gallery for a beer or Sunday brunch. The garden includes an outdoor bar and grill with patios, tents and a rooftop bar.
Milchbar
This hole-in-the-wall coffee shop is tucked in a gorgeous little square off of Bahnofstrasse. They have the best almond croissants in Zürich!
