I still remember my first glimpse of Lake Zurich, the water sparkling like diamonds under the sun while those elegant swans glided past. But you know what really got me? Sitting on the steps of the Grossmünster cathedral at sunset, watching the city’s spires turn golden against the Alps. That view alone was worth the climb to the top.
From the jaw-dropping art at Kunsthaus (seriously, their Monet collection blew my mind) to the vibrant waterfront at Limmatquai, where I spent hours people watching, these are the most beautiful places in Zurich that make this city unforgettable. Everyone knows about Swiss banking and chocolate, but let me show you the Zurich that made me fall in love with this gorgeous city.
Best Things to Do in Zurich
Visiting Zurich? Relax in the greenery of Irchelpark, wander through the historic streets of The Old Town, or take in the scenic views at Lake Zurich. Enjoy a peaceful retreat at Lindenhof Hill, or explore the medieval charm of Rapperswil Castle. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or lakeside beauty, Zurich has plenty to offer!
1. Irchelpark
Irchelpark is honestly one of Zurich’s best kept secrets, and I can’t believe more people don’t talk about it. This 32-hectare green oasis sits just 15 minutes from downtown, but it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere. The park combines open meadows with wooded areas around this gorgeous pond that’s full of wildlife – I spent way too much time watching the ducks and swans here.
What’s really cool is that it’s connected to the University of Zurich’s Botanical Garden, which is free and open daily from March to September (7am-7pm) and October to February (8am-6pm). The botanical garden has these amazing tropical domes that are perfect when it’s freezing outside. I loved the variety – you can literally go from desert plants to rainforest species in minutes.
The park is super popular with locals for barbecues and picnics, especially near the botanical garden area. There are great jogging paths if you’re into fitness, and the playgrounds are perfect for families. Take tram 9 to “Botanischer Garten” stop – it’s the easiest way to get there. Pro tip: visit in late spring when everything’s blooming and you’ll get some incredible photos without the crowds.
2. The Old Town
Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is absolutely magical, and the Niederdorf district on the east side is where you want to spend most of your time. These car-free pedestrian lanes are packed with boutiques, cafes, and hidden courtyards that most tourists completely miss. I got so lost wandering around here, but in the best possible way.
The Grossmünster cathedral with its twin towers is the main attraction – definitely climb those 187 steps for the view, even though it’s a workout. But honestly, I enjoyed just sitting in the squares around Fraumünster Church watching people go by. The Chagall windows inside are stunning, especially in the morning when the light hits them just right.
Don’t sleep on Augustinergasse – it’s probably the most photogenic street in Zurich with all those colorful houses and bay windows. Street art tours have become really popular here lately, and there’s actually some pretty cool graffiti tucked away in the alleys. The Schipfe area by the water feels medieval and has some great little workshops where you can still see traditional crafts being made.
Best time to explore is early morning before the tour groups arrive, or evening when the bars and restaurants really come alive. The whole area is walkable from Central tram stop.
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3. Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is ridiculously beautiful, and swimming here in summer is an absolute must-do. The water quality is actually amazing – I was shocked how clean it is for being in the middle of a major city. The public baths (called “badis”) like Utoquai and Mythenquai are where locals go, and they’re way better than any hotel pool.
Boat cruises are totally worth it, and honestly cheaper than I expected. A short 90-minute round trip costs just CHF 8.80 for adults (free with the Zürich Card), and you can hop on and off at different stops. The boats run every 30 minutes from Bürkliplatz during summer season (May-September). I did the cruise to Kilchberg and combined it with visiting the Lindt Home of Chocolate – perfect combo.
The promenade from Bellevue to Tiefenbrunnen is gorgeous for walking or biking, especially at sunset when the Alps light up in the background. You’ll see tons of swans and people having picnics on the grass. The Zürichhorn park area has BBQ spots and is super popular with families on weekends.
Swimming season runs from about May through September, but I saw brave locals swimming as late as October. The water gets surprisingly warm in summer – around 20-23°C.
4. Lindenhof Hill
Lindenhof Hill is where I go when I need to escape the city chaos without actually leaving Zurich. This elevated square sits on the original Roman settlement site, and you can still see some ancient stones scattered around. The giant chess games happening here are intense – locals take this stuff seriously and matches can go on for hours.
The view from the eastern edge is perfect for photographing the Grossmünster towers across the Limmat River. I’ve taken probably 100 photos from this exact spot and they never get old. Early morning and golden hour are the best times for photography, but honestly any time of day works.
The story about the women of Zurich disguising themselves as soldiers in 1292 to defend the city is pretty badass – there’s a stone marker commemorating it. The old linden trees provide great shade in summer, and it’s one of the few places in the old town where you can actually sit on grass.
Getting there is easy from Rennweg or you can take the narrow medieval steps up from Schipfe by the waterfront. It’s free, always open, and never really crowded despite being right in the middle of everything. Perfect spot for a break between museum visits.
5. Rapperswil Castle
Rapperswil Castle is hands down one of the most romantic spots around Lake Zurich, and it’s only 40 minutes from the city by train or boat. This 13th-century fortress sitting on a promontory looks like something out of a fairy tale, especially when you approach by boat and see it rising up from the water.
The rose garden here is absolutely incredible – over 15,000 plants with 600+ varieties that bloom from June through October. I visited in late June and the smell was amazing. The castle houses the Polish National Museum which is actually really interesting if you’re into history, but most people come for the views and photos.
The medieval Old Town below the castle is car-free and perfect for wandering. There are tons of cafes and restaurants with lake views, and the harbor area is super picturesque. You can see the famous wooden footbridge that stretches nearly a mile across the lake – it’s a great walk if you have time.
Take the train to Rapperswil station (about 40 minutes from Zurich HB) or do the long boat cruise (4+ hours round trip) if you want the full scenic experience. The boat ride costs CHF 27 in 2nd class, but it’s free with the Swiss Travel Pass. Castle entry is CHF 6 for adults.
6. Uetliberg Viewpoint
Uetliberg is Zurich’s house mountain, and the views from the top are absolutely worth the 30-minute train ride. Take the S10 train directly from Hauptbahnhof to Uetliberg station – it’s included in your regular Zurich transport ticket and runs every 30 minutes.
The observation tower gives you 360-degree views on clear days, and you can see over 30 Alpine peaks stretching all the way to the Bernese Oberland. The “sea of fog” phenomenon in autumn is incredible – basically the whole city disappears under a blanket of clouds while you’re standing in sunshine above it all. I’ve never seen anything like it.
The Planet Trail is this cool scale model of the solar system that stretches 6 miles to Felsenegg – it’s educational and the hike is beautiful. Takes about 2-3 hours if you do the whole thing. There are also shorter hiking trails if you don’t have all day.
Best times to visit are early morning for sunrise (if you’re hardcore) or late afternoon for sunset views over the lake. Autumn mornings around 7-8am are perfect for the fog phenomenon. There’s a restaurant at the top if you want to make it a longer visit. Winter can be magical with snow, but bring warm clothes – it’s always cooler up there.
7. Swiss National Museum
The Swiss National Museum looks like a castle from the outside, and inside it’s packed with 700+ years of Swiss history that’s actually way more interesting than it sounds. The building itself is gorgeous – this neo-Gothic structure right next to the main train station that was built specifically to house the collection.
What I loved most was the medieval section with religious artifacts that date back over 1,000 years. The armory collection is mind-blowing – all these weapons and armor that tell the story of Switzerland’s military past. The recent modern extension creates this cool contrast between old and new architecture that really works.
The exhibitions change regularly, but they always do a great job of explaining Swiss culture and how the country developed its unique identity. It’s not just dates and artifacts – they make the history feel relevant to understanding modern Switzerland.
Entry is CHF 10 for adults, CHF 8 for students, and free for kids under 16. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm (closed Mondays except holidays). The museum shop has some really unique Swiss souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else. Allow 2-3 hours to see everything properly. It’s right across from Zurich HB so super easy to reach by any public transport.
8. The Chagall Windows
The Chagall windows at Fraumünster Church are absolutely stunning, and photos definitely don’t do them justice. These five stained glass panels that Marc Chagall created in the 1970s transform the whole church into this kaleidoscope of blues, reds, and golds. The way the light changes throughout the day makes each visit feel different.
Mid-morning around 10-11am is the best time to visit – that’s when the sunlight hits the choir just right and the colors are most vibrant. The biblical themes are depicted in Chagall’s signature dreamlike style, and even if you’re not religious, the artistry is incredible. I spent way longer here than I planned just watching the light change.
The church itself dates back to 853 AD and has this interesting history as a former abbey. Don’t miss the Augusto Giacometti windows in the transept either – they’re different but equally beautiful. The church is free to enter, but they ask for a small donation (CHF 5 suggested) to help with maintenance.
Located right on Münsterhofplatz in the heart of the old town, just 5 minutes walk from Paradeplatz tram stop. The church is usually open daily from 10am-6pm (shorter hours in winter). Try to avoid peak tour group times around 2-3pm if you want a more peaceful experience. The acoustics are amazing if you catch one of the organ concerts.
9. Türlersee
Türlersee is this hidden gem that feels like a secret even though it’s only 15km from Zurich. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming – way cleaner and quieter than any of the public pools in the city. It’s surrounded by rolling hills and forest, so you really feel like you’ve escaped civilization.
The 3.5km trail around the lake is easy hiking with constant water views. I did it in about an hour, but you’ll want to take your time because the scenery is incredible. Early morning is magical when there’s mist hovering over the water – super atmospheric for photos. The lake sits at about 650 meters elevation, so it’s often a few degrees cooler than Zurich, which is perfect on hot summer days.
Getting there takes a bit of planning – take bus 444 from Zurich to Hausen, then it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk through meadows and forest to reach the lake. The bus runs every 30 minutes during the day. There’s no development around the lake, so bring snacks and drinks if you’re planning to spend the day.
Swimming is allowed and the water quality is excellent, but there are no lifeguards or facilities. It’s popular with locals for picnics and hiking, but you’ll never find it crowded like Lake Zurich. Perfect for when you need a digital detox and some peace and quiet.
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10. Twin Towers of Grossmünster
The twin towers of Grossmünster are probably Zurich’s most iconic landmark, and climbing the southern tower is absolutely worth the 187 steps. The views from the top are incredible – you can see the whole old town, Lake Zurich, and the Alps in the distance on clear days. It’s a workout, but not too bad if you take your time.
The church itself is gorgeous Romanesque architecture from the 12th century, built where legend says Charlemagne discovered Zurich’s patron saints. Inside, check out the ancient crypt and Sigmar Polke’s contemporary stained glass windows – they’re completely different from Chagall’s but equally impressive.
This is where Huldrych Zwingli started the Swiss Reformation in the 16th century, so there’s tons of history here. The church is free to enter, but climbing the tower costs CHF 5 for adults, CHF 3 for students. It’s open daily except during services.
Located right on Grossmünsterplatz, easily reached from Helmhaus tram stop. The tower climb can get crowded during peak tourist season (July-August), so go early morning or late afternoon if possible. The bells ring every 15 minutes, which is cool to experience from up close but can be loud. Great photo ops from both inside and outside the church.
11. St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church has the largest church clock face in Europe – seriously, this thing is massive at 8.7 meters diameter with a minute hand nearly 4 meters long. It’s kind of surreal seeing it up close, and locals actually use it to check their watches since it’s so accurate and visible from blocks away.
The church dates back to the 9th century, making it Zurich’s oldest parish church. The baroque interior is beautiful and the acoustics are perfect – they host regular classical concerts that are really worth attending if you can catch one. The peaceful square outside is a great spot to sit and people-watch while admiring the architecture.
What I love about St. Peter’s is how it feels like a neighborhood church despite being in the middle of the tourist zone. You’ll see locals stopping by for quick prayers and the atmosphere is much more authentic than some of the other churches. The tower rises from medieval foundations while the nave showcases beautiful baroque elements.
Located on St. Peterhofstatt, about 200 meters west of Bahnhofstrasse. Closest tram stops are Paradeplatz and Rennweg. The church is free to enter and usually open daily. If you’re doing a walking tour of the old town, this is a perfect stop between Lindenhof and the shopping areas. The clock is illuminated at night and looks pretty dramatic against the dark sky.
12. Zurich Zoo
Zurich Zoo is way better than I expected – it’s not just another city zoo, but a world-class conservation facility with some incredible exhibits. The Masoala Rainforest Hall is the absolute highlight – this massive tropical environment where lemurs and birds roam free around you. It feels like you’ve been transported to Madagascar.
The zoo covers 34 acres with really thoughtfully designed habitats that prioritize animal welfare. Despite being Switzerland’s most-visited cultural attraction, the layout is smart enough that you can still have intimate wildlife encounters without fighting crowds. The elephant park is impressive, and feeding times are always popular with kids.
Getting there is easy – take tram 6 directly to Zoo stop, or for something special, take the Dolderbahn rack railway for a scenic approach through the wooded hills. The zoo is built on the slopes of Zurichberg, so there are some great views over the city from various points.
Entry is CHF 26 for adults, CHF 13 for kids (6-15), and free for children under 6. Open daily year-round from 9am-6pm (winter) or 9am-7pm (summer). The Masoala Hall stays warm year-round, so it’s perfect for winter visits when the weather sucks. Allow at least half a day to see everything properly. The restaurant inside has decent food and views over the exhibits.
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