Welcome to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a vibrant hub of culture, history, and natural beauty. With only 2 days to explore and discover what to do in Zurich, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Zurich’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and iconic landmarks make it a must-visit destination. In this compact guide, we’ll help you make the most of your visit, highlighting both Zurich’s city center and nearby attractions.
Zurich City Center
- Grossmünster: Start your journey at the Grossmünster, a magnificent twin-towered church that’s a symbol of Zurich’s history and a great vantage point for city views.
- Altstadt (Old Town): Stroll through the charming Altstadt, where medieval streets reveal architectural treasures like St. Peter’s Church and its giant clock.
- Lindenhof: Lindenhof is a hilltop park situated at the site of a Roman fortification, right in Altstadt on the banks of the Limmat. Explore this historic site and enjoy scenic views.
- Bahnhofstrasse: Indulge in some retail therapy on Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s premier shopping streets, home to luxury boutiques and department stores.
- Zurich Opera House: Admire the architectural elegance of the Zurich Opera House, a cultural landmark known for its outstanding performances.
- Rennweg Street: Wander along Rennweg Street, famed for its historic buildings and vibrant atmosphere. Pause for a meal at a local restaurant to savor Swiss cuisine.
- Museums: Explore Zurich’s rich cultural scene with visits to renowned museums like the Kunsthaus Zurich (Art Museum) and Swiss National Museum, where history and art come to life.
- FIFA Museum: For football enthusiasts, the FIFA World Football Museum is a must-visit, offering a fascinating insight into the history of the sport.
- Uetliberg: take a short train ride to Uetliberg, a local mountain that offers panoramic views of Zurich and the Swiss Alps. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.
- Lindt Chocolate Factory: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Factory, where you can indulge in delectable Swiss chocolate treats. (19 minutes from Zurich trains station)
While you can wonderfully explore Zurich in just one day, reserving the second day for a delightful adventure in its surroundings is a fantastic choice. On your second day, you have the freedom to choose from our carefully curated selection of “Nearby Gems,” allowing you to experience a taste of Switzerland’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re drawn to the majestic Swiss Alps, picturesque lakeside towns, or natural wonders like the Rhine Falls, Zurich’s proximity to these attractions guarantees that you will fill your visit with diverse and unforgettable experiences. Certainly, you can seamlessly combine the best of both worlds – one day exploring the vibrant city and the other immersing yourself in the breathtaking natural landscapes of Switzerland.
Nearby Gems:
- Pilatus Mountain: Head to Pilatus Mountain for breathtaking Alpine views. Cable cars and hiking trails offer access to its summit, where you can soak in the panorama.
- Flumserberg: Just a short drive away, Flumserberg beckons with outdoor adventures. Whether you hike in summer or ski in winter, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery.
- Santis Mountain: Extend your mountain exploration to Santis, the highest peak in the Alpstein massif. The vistas are worth the journey.
- Boat Ride: Experience the beauty of Lake Zurich through a leisurely boat ride. The highlight is a visit to Rapperswil, a charming medieval town located at the opposite end of the lake. We highly recommend exploring Rapperswil’s historical old town, discovering Rapperswil Castle, and savoring a delightful lakeside meal as the perfect way to enjoy this excursion.
- Rhine Falls: Venture to the majestic Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, to witness the awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Unique experience
If you is seeking something even more special and grandiose beyond our suggested “Nearby Gems” we have a unique experience with the perfect combination to offer.
Picture yourself exploring the iconic Swiss Alps on a 10-hour private car tour that will take you to the most breathtaking lakes and picturesque villages in the region.
We recognize that the train journey might become taxing due to the considerable distance. That’s why, at Swiss Xplorer, we offer a private guided tour. This tour covers the most beautiful lakes and villages of the Swiss Alps, often considered the highlight of any trip. In one full day trip, we’ll take you on a mesmerizing adventure that showcases the best of the Swiss Alps.
To catch a glimpse of the extraordinary places you can explore, please take a look at the photos below. If this unique experience piques your interest, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be thrilled to assist you in creating an unforgettable journey.
Below, you’ll discover fascinating insights about Zurich, along with valuable tips to enhance your experience.
- Cleanliness: Zurich is renowned for its cleanliness. The streets are so spotless that you can even drink tap water from public fountains throughout the city.
- High Quality of Life: Zurich consistently ranks high in global quality of life surveys. Its excellent healthcare, education, and overall standard of living are well-known.
- Chocolate Paradise: Switzerland is synonymous with chocolate, and Zurich is no exception. Chocolatiers dot the city, offering some of the finest Swiss chocolate. Don’t miss the chance to visit renowned chocolate shops like Teuscher, Läderach, and Lindt Sprüngli. There, you can indulge in exquisite Swiss chocolate creations and even bring some home as delicious souvenirs.
- Diverse Languages and International Flavor: While Swiss German is the official language, Zurich is a true melting pot of languages, with a significant international population. Approximately 32% of Zurich’s residents are foreigners, contributing to the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere. You’ll hear English, French, Italian, and even a bit of Romansh spoken here, reflecting the city’s diverse and multicultural nature.
- Public Transport Punctuality: Punctuality in Zurich’s public transportation system is well-known. Trains, trams, and buses are remarkably efficient, making it easy to get around the city. The SBB online portal for trains and public transport: see here
- Cultural Hub: Despite its small size, Zurich is a cultural powerhouse. The city hosts numerous art galleries, theaters, and music festivals throughout the year. To make your cultural exploration even better, we’ll provide a link of a website that consolidates all event information in the country. Moreover, this resource allows you to easily search for events using filters for date and city, ensuring you don’t miss out on the cultural delights during your visit to Switzerland.. Click Here!