Zürich travel guide

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Introduction to Zürich

Zürich is a destination known for attractions like Lindenhof, Grossmünster, and Swiss National Museum. Travelers who visit this capital of the canton of Zürich, Switzerland are often fascinated by the rich history and interesting culture it offers. We recommend taking the time to explore this city in Switzerland on foot and walk alongside the over 436.3 thousand locals who live in Zürich. You’ll quickly discover you’re surrounded by endless numbers of things to see and do.

Easily accessible from Zürich airport, Zürich is the perfect base for a memorable and unique vacation in Switzerland any time of the year.

You'll learn more fascinating facts about Zürich as you explore this spectacular city.

Traveling to Zürich is especially rewarding for anyone eager to connect with locals and learn more about their unique culture and traditions.

Get ready to explore and learn more about the city of Zürich below!

History of Zurich

Zurich, nestled in the heart of Switzerland, has a rich and fascinating history. The city's roots date back to the Roman era, when it was known as 'Turicum'. In the Middle Ages, Zurich gained prominence as a member of the Holy Roman Empire and blossomed into a bustling hub of commerce and culture.

In the 16th century, Zurich became a focal point of the Protestant Reformation under the influence of reformer Huldrych Zwingli. This period reshaped the city's religious and socio-political landscape. The 19th century marked Zurich's rapid industrial growth, transforming it into Switzerland's economic engine. Today, Zurich is a cosmopolitan city, renowned for its banking sector and high quality of life.

Every corner of Zurich tells a story of its captivating past, from its well-preserved medieval Old Town to its grand churches and modern architectural marvels. This blend of history and modernity makes Zurich a must-visit destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.

Top services in Zürich

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Zürich, Switzerland. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 395 airlines that fly to Switzerland. Browse the 310 top-rated tours available to you in Zürich. Compare the rates and services of the 6 types of places to stay in Zürich and the 5 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Zürich.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Zürich, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Zürich on your vacation in Switzerland.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Zürich from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Zürich!

Best time to visit Zurich

The best time to explore Zurich is typically during the spring and summer months from April to October. This period offers warm, pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring, from April to June, is particularly beautiful as the city blooms with flowers, and the temperatures range between 9-20°C. Summer, from July to October, brings longer daylight hours and temperatures from 15-25°C. This is also the peak tourist season, with higher crowd levels. Zurich's Street Parade, a massive techno party, takes place in August, attracting visitors from around the world. For those who prefer a quieter time, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons: early spring or late fall. These off-peak times provide a less crowded experience and slightly cooler weather. However, if you're a fan of winter sports, December to March is your ideal time, when the nearby ski resorts are in full swing. Whenever you choose to visit, Zurich offers a wealth of experiences to its visitors.

Weather in Zurich

Zurich experiences a temperate climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. From June to August, the city enjoys mild weather with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. These months are generally sunny, with occasional thunderstorms. However, the weather can change rapidly, so it's advisable to carry a light jacket and umbrella.

The winter months, from December to February, are typically cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is common, transforming the city into a picturesque winter wonderland. Despite the cold, the crisp, clear winter air and the stunning snow-covered landscapes make this a magical time to visit.

Spring and autumn are transition seasons, with moderate temperatures and occasional rainfall. The city is beautiful during these periods, with blossoming flowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. In conclusion, while Zurich's weather can be unpredictable, it is generally pleasant and the city's natural beauty shines through in all seasons.

Local tip for visiting Zurich

One insider tip for enhancing your travel experience in Zurich is to explore the city's neighborhoods on foot, particularly the areas of Langstrasse and Niederdorf. These neighborhoods, often overlooked by tourists, offer a more authentic experience of Zurich. Langstrasse, once notorious as Zurich's red-light district, has transformed into a vibrant cultural hotspot brimming with funky bars, eclectic boutiques, and mouthwatering international cuisine. Niederdorf, on the other hand, is a charming historic district filled with medieval buildings, cozy cafes, and narrow, winding streets. Strolling through these neighborhoods not only gives you a break from the bustling city center but also offers an insight into the local life. So, lace up your walking shoes and discover a side of Zurich that isn't featured in most guidebooks.

Learn more about Switzerland

There are many reasons to visit the city of Zürich, but a trip to Switzerland needs no explanation.

Exploring Switzerland, which spans 41,285 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. Switzerland offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular Lindenhof, Grossmünster, and the Swiss National Museum, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in Switzerland.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about Switzerland.

What to see in Zürich

Photo of beautiful view of historic city center of Zurich with famous Fraumunster Church.

Zürich has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of Zürich.

Top attractions in Zürich

Home to plenty of top attractions, Zürich is more than just a wonderful city in Switzerland. Zürich is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Switzerland.

One fascinating sight in Zürich is the unforgettable Lindenhof. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Zürich.

Lindenhof is open for visitors at any time of the day and is located at Lindenhof, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Switzerland, check out our list of top attractions in Zürich below. Discover the best places to visit in Zürich, including the fascinating Lindenhof, Grossmünster, Swiss National Museum, Kunsthaus Zürich, and Zürich Opera House.

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Zürich.

Things to do in Zürich

Photo of mountain village near zurich ,switzerland.

Enrich your travel experience in Zürich by joining tours and activities. Zürich offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.

Discover the most popular experiences in Zürich below.

Most popular experiences in Zürich

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Zürich.

Zürich offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Historical Tours, Bus Tours, and Guided Day Trips are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Switzerland.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Zürich by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Top tours & tickets starting in Zürich

Travelers in Zürich can choose from 21 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Tours by vehicle is the answer.

The most popular tour in Zürich is the fantastic Glacier Paradise Mount Titlis Guided Tour from Zurich Including Lucerne. By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Zürich one of the best travel destinations in Switzerland.

Zürich also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Zurich Self-Guided Audio Tour is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Jewish Tour. This experience costs around 5 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Zürich. This Jewish Tour is available in 9 languages: German, Portuguese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese. Around 6 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 2 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Zürich and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Zürich below.

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Discover the best things to do in Zürich. Choose from 310 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Zürich. Click the green button to view your options.

What to eat in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland's culinary capital, offers a diverse gastronomic experience. From the bustling street food scene around Langstrasse to the high-end restaurants in the Altstadt district, you'll never run out of best places to eat in Zurich. The city is known for its traditional Swiss dishes, such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (creamy sliced veal) and Rösti (Swiss-style grated and fried potatoes), which you can enjoy in historical establishments like the Kronenhalle or Zeughauskeller. For a taste of local street food, try the mouth-watering bratwurst from the stands along Bahnhofstrasse. For a more refined dining experience, visit the Dolder Grand or Pavillon, both Michelin-starred restaurants offering innovative interpretations of Swiss cuisine. To enhance your dining experience, book in advance for high-end restaurants, and don't hesitate to explore the local food markets and small eateries tucked away in the city's narrow streets. From traditional fare to innovative culinary creations, Zurich's food scene is sure to delight your palate.

Best Shopping in Zurich

Zurich, the vibrant heart of Switzerland, is a shopping paradise. The Bahnhofstrasse, often hailed as the best place to go shopping in Zurich, is a world-renowned shopping boulevard. Here, you'll find high-end international fashion brands, Swiss watch boutiques, and exquisite jewelry shops. For a more eclectic shopping experience, head to the bustling Niederdorf district with its charming narrow lanes filled with independent boutiques showcasing local craftsmanship.

Langstrasse, Zurich's most colorful district, boasts a unique mix of vintage stores, urban fashion, and design shops. Don't miss the Viadukt, a repurposed railway viaduct housing a variety of shops and markets offering organic produce, artisanal cheeses, and local crafts.

As for souvenirs, the traditional Swiss Army Knives, Swiss-made watches, and world-famous Swiss chocolate are must-buys. Remember, most shops in Zurich close by 8 PM and are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping spree accordingly. With its combination of luxury brands, local craftsmanship, and distinctive fashion, Zurich offers an unforgettable shopping experience.

Best Free Things to Do in Zurich

Uncover Zurich's vibrant spirit without spending a dime! Start your journey with one of the best free things to do in Zurich - a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Immerse yourself in the city's history while marvelling at the picturesque medieval houses, churches, and town halls. Don't forget to visit Grossmünster, an iconic twin-towered church offering panoramic city views. Next, explore the bustling Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets - window-shopping won't cost you a penny! For nature lovers, the lush Lindenhof Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, is perfect for relaxation and offers stunning vistas of the Limmat River. Finally, no trip to Zurich would be complete without a visit to Lake Zurich. Lined with promenades and parks, this calming lake is perfect for picnics, walks, and even a refreshing swim during summer. From cultural explorations to natural retreats, Zurich offers a wealth of experiences that won't strain your wallet.

Vacation packages in Zürich

Photo of Limmat River, Zurich.

The best and easiest way to visit Zürich is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in Switzerland.

Booking a vacation package to Zürich means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Zürich to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Zürich is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find 208 unique vacation packages to Zürich, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of Zürich.

Popular types of vacations in Zürich

The most popular way to experience Zürich is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Switzerland. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Zürich on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Switzerland, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Switzerland, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Zürich, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Zürich below.

Top vacation packages in Zürich

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Switzerland. In fact, you can choose from as many as 208 different top-rated vacation packages to take you to Zürich, and even more if you expand your search to include a bigger area of Switzerland.

To help narrow your choices down, here are some of the best vacation packages for exploring the city of Zürich.

For an epic vacation, discover Zürich and other top destinations in Switzerland on a top-rated holiday like the 10-Day Road Trip to Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. This vacation package provides travelers with tons of opportunities to experience not only the most popular attractions in Zürich, but also in other top places to visit in Switzerland. If Lindenhof, Zürich Opera House, Zoo Zürich, Kunsthaus Zürich, and Grossmünster are on your bucket list, this is the perfect vacation package for you.

If you would like to go on a budget vacation in Zürich, book the popular Cheap 3-Day Switzerland City Break in Zurich and spend as little as 408 EUR. This vacation will take you on a journey to experience some of the most incredible attractions and sights in Zürich, including the fantastic Lindenhof, Zürich Opera House, Zoo Zürich, Swiss National Museum, and Grossmünster.

Get more Zürich vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Switzerland that match your needs and budget.

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Find vacation packages in Zürich

Discover and compare 208 vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Zürich.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Zürich get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Switzerland. Your customized holiday package to Zürich is only a few clicks away!

How to get to Zürich

To get to the city of Zürich the fastest way possible, travelers from outside Switzerland can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Zürich by booking flights with any of the 130 airlines that offer direct flights to Zürich airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Zürich airport are United Airlines, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Delta Air Lines, and Swiss International Air Lines. Go to this page to compare all flights to Zürich.

To reach the city of Zürich, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at Zürich airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Zürich, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Zürich airport and Zürich below.

Find cheap flights to Zürich

Photo of Rheinfall, Switzerland panoramic aerial view, bridge and border between the cantons Schaffhausen and Zürich.

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Zürich, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Switzerland. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Zürich, Switzerland, in May.

The cheapest one-way flight to Zürich costs around 19 EUR and is offered by the airline Vueling.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Zürich cost approximately 552 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on June 7 and the return flight is scheduled on June 18. The flight time is around 6 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by Bern.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Switzerland and the city of Zürich from your city of departure.

Popular flights to Zürich

Travelers visiting Zürich in Switzerland can fly to Zürich airport directly from 2220 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Zürich airport and the city of Zürich in Switzerland depart from Zürich airport in Zürich, Switzerland, Albany airport in Albany, Australia, and Santa Rosa airport in Santa Rosa, Argentina.

Travelers can fly to Switzerland by choosing from from 3 weekly flight(s) from Zürich; from 1 weekly flight(s) from Albany; and from 1 weekly flight(s) from Santa Rosa.

The airline that operates most flights to Switzerland is Emirates. Emirates offers 448 scheduled flight routes to Switzerland.

Discover the most popular flights to Zürich below. Click to view flights to Zürich, Switzerland from destinations all across the globe.

Where to stay in Zürich

Photo of beautiful view of the historic city center of Zurich.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Zürich is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Zürich usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Zürich offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Zürich and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Zürich planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Zürich, you'll find 6 different types of places to stay catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Switzerland can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Zürich. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Zürich.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Zürich in the next sections.

Popular types of accommodation in Zürich

A trip to the fascinating Zürich, Switzerland, means opportunities to relax at any of the 6 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 243 hotels, 129 vacation rental apartments, 1 cottage, 1 bed & breakfast, 1 hostel and 1 guesthouse. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Zürich provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, H+ Hotel Zürich is one of the top picks of travelers in Zürich.

The hotel is located at Badenerstrasse 537 and boasts many great utilities, including Air conditioning, Bar, and Gym.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Zürich. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Zürich, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Budget Youth Hostel. For approximately 44 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Unknown at this popular hostel.

Below is a list of all 6 different types of places to stay in Zürich. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Top hotels in Zürich

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Zürich for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 376 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Zürich provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Zürich are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Zürich.

Renaissance Zürich Tower Hotel offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Zürich. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out H+ Hotel Zürich, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Zürich, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Bristol Hotel, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Zürich. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

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Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Zürich on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Zürich that match the information provided.

Car rental in Zürich

Photo of  tourist girl enjoying her travel in Zurich, Switzerland.

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Zürich. Zürich has 5 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Zürich start from 45.02 EUR per day or 315.17 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Seat Leon.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in Zürich, starting from 39.51 EUR per day or 276.55 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Peugeot 208.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Zürich, Switzerland, below.

Popular types of car rental in Zürich

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Zürich to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Zürich can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Switzerland at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Zürich is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Zürich is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Zürich.

Check out all options available in Zürich and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Switzerland below.

Search for car rental in Zürich

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Zürich. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Zürich, Switzerland, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Popular destinations to visit after Zürich

Photo of beautiful small square with fountain in the old town of Zurich city in Switzerland.

The city of Zürich is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Switzerland. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Switzerland has it all.

Switzerland is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Switzerland that are as magical as the city of Zürich. The most popular travel destinations in Switzerland are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in Switzerland

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Switzerland. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Zürich

Photo of downtown of Zurich at sunny day.

A taste of Switzerland through a visit to Zürich can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Zürich to another remarkable destination in Switzerland.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of Zürich to other spectacular locations in Switzerland, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

Popular domestic flights from Zürich

Travelers in Switzerland can catch flights to domestic airports in Geneva, Basel, Thal, and Bern. Domestic flights in Switzerland are operated by 13 airlines: British Airways, Air Europa, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Swiss International Air Lines. There are around 21 scheduled flight routes operating to Zürich on a weekly basis.

From Zürich, travelers can book scheduled flights to 4 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from Zürich depart to many top-rated destinations in Switzerland and are offered by British Airways, Air Europa, and LOT Polish Airlines.

Search domestic flights from Zürich

Traveling to another city or region in Switzerland? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Zürich to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Switzerland on the selected dates.

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