Top 3 Itineraries in Zurich

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Zurich.

If you only have a few days, Zurich weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Zurich offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Zurich are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Zurich’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Zurich offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Switzerland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Zurich truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Zurich belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Zurich are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Zurich and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Zurich itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Zurich for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Zurich without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Zurich!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Bern, Basel, Neuhausen, Zürich, and Kloten is one of the best ways to experience Switzerland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Zurich can easily be combined with other top destinations in Switzerland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Bern, Basel, Neuhausen, Zürich, and Kloten by public transport, renting a car in Switzerland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Bern

• Arrival city: Bern
• Accommodation: hotel in Bern, e.g., Valley Hostel
• Sightseeing: Kornhausbrücke

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Bern. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Bern

• Destinations: Bern
• Driving distance: 5.18 km, approx. 38 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bern, e.g., Valley Hostel
• Sightseeing: Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum, Rosengarten Bern, Bear Pit, and Museum of Communication
• Recommended tour: Bern Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour with a Local

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum, Rosengarten Bern, Bear Pit, and Museum of Communication. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Bern, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Bern

• Destinations: Bern
• Driving distance: 15.17 km, approx. 1 hour and 14 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Zurich, e.g., Motel One Zürich
• Sightseeing: Elfenau, Zytglogge, UNESCO - Bern Old Town, Kirche St. Peter und Paul, and Zentrum Paul Klee
• Recommended tour: Top of Europe Adventure: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch From Zurich, Switzerland

Spend the day exploring Elfenau, Zytglogge, UNESCO - Bern Old Town, Kirche St. Peter und Paul, and Zentrum Paul Klee. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Luzern

• Destinations: Luzern
• Driving distance: 168.18 km, approx. 2 hours and 42 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Zurich, e.g., Motel One Zürich
• Sightseeing: Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Swiss Museum of Transport, Hofkirche St. Leodegar, and Spreuerbrücke
• Recommended tour: Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride

Continue your journey through Luzern, where you can explore Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Swiss Museum of Transport, Hofkirche St. Leodegar, and Spreuerbrücke. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Zurich.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Zürich

• Destinations: Zürich
• Driving distance: 3.51 km, approx. 47 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: Swiss National Museum, Lindenhof, Kunsthaus Zürich, and Grossmünster
• Recommended tour: Chamonix and Mont Blanc Shared Day Trip from Geneva

Drive through Zürich, stopping to visit Swiss National Museum, Lindenhof, Kunsthaus Zürich, and Grossmünster. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Zürich

• Destinations: Zürich
• Driving distance: 14.22 km, approx. 57 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: Zürich Opera House, Zürichhorn, Botanical Garden, Zoo Zürich, and Chinagarten Zürich
• Recommended tour: Gruyères Tour from Geneva With Train, Chocolate and Cheese

Spend time discovering Zürich Opera House, Zürichhorn, Botanical Garden, Zoo Zürich, and Chinagarten Zürich, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Neuhausen, Kloten, Sellenbüren, and Winterthur

• Destinations: Neuhausen, Kloten, Sellenbüren, and Winterthur
• Driving distance: 202.53 km, approx. 3 hours and 25 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: Rhine Falls, Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top of Zurich, Swiss Science Center Technorama, Observation Deck B, and Uetliberg
• Recommended tour: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Full Day Guided Tour

Explore Rhine Falls, Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top of Zurich, Swiss Science Center Technorama, Observation Deck B, and Uetliberg at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Geneva.

Day 8: Explore Basel

• Destinations: Basel
• Driving distance: 3.36 km, approx. 43 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: Fine Arts Museum Basel, Tinguely Fountain, Zoo Basel, and Basler Münster
• Recommended tour: Chamonix and Mont Blanc Day Trip from Geneva

Continue your road trip through Basel, enjoying the flexibility to explore Fine Arts Museum Basel, Tinguely Fountain, Zoo Basel, and Basler Münster and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Basel, Gruyères, and Pringy

• Destinations: Basel, Gruyères, and Pringy
• Driving distance: 228.87 km, approx. 3 hours and 25 seconds
• Accommodation: hotel in Bern, e.g., Valley Hostel
• Sightseeing: Château de Gruyères, Mittlere Brücke, La Maison du Gruyère, and HR Giger Museum
• Recommended tour: Guided Walking Tour in Bern

Visit Château de Gruyères, Mittlere Brücke, La Maison du Gruyère, and HR Giger Museum as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Bern.

Day 10: Uncover Bern

• Destinations: Bern
• Driving distance: 1.41 km, approx. 18 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Zurich, e.g., Motel One Zürich
• Sightseeing: Bundesplatz
• Recommended tour: Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Tour from Zurich

Continue your exploration of Bundesplatz, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Zurich.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Bern

• Departure city: Bern
• Driving distance: 1.41 km, approx. 18 minutes
• Sightseeing: Bundesplatz

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Bern. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1855 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Zurich.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Zurich for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Zurich with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Zurich without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Zurich

Arrive in Zurich and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Lindenhof.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Restaurant Differente is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Zurich's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Zurich by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Paradeplatz, Zoo Zürich, Fraumünster Church, and Grossmünster.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Zurich. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Zurich in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Zurich

Use this day to discover more of Zurich’s top sights. We recommend visiting Zürichhorn, Botanical Garden, Swiss National Museum, Chinagarten Zürich, and Kunsthaus Zürich.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Zurich in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Zurich's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Zurich’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Zurich

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Zürich Opera House, Arboretum Zürich, FIFA Museum, Rieterpark, and Kronenhalle are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Zurich.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Zurich. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Switzerland!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Zurich

Spend your last few hours in Zurich soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Zurich in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Zurich, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Zurich travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Zurich offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Zurich itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Zurich weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Zurich

Arrive in Zurich around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Lindenhof, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
• Tip: Book an airport transfer to Zurich in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Zurich by night.

Day 2 - Discover Zurich’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Zurich with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Paradeplatz early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Fraumünster Church, stopping by Zoo Zürich for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Zurich and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Zurich

No itinerary in Zurich is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Zürichhorn.
• Afternoon: Explore Botanical Garden and Swiss National Museum, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Zurich and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Switzerland.

Day 5 - Depart from Zurich

Make the most of your last few hours in Zurich before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Zurich in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Zurich.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Zurich. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Zurich itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Zurich, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Zurich for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Zurich. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Zurich in a way that feels truly unforgettable!