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With many destinations competing for a place on your Europe itinerary, Zurich is a non-negotiable with its incomparable blend of history, culture and beauty, all within sight of the Swiss Alps.
Zurich’s Old Town brims with historical sites and fascinating discoveries but its new developments are equally attractive. This cosmopolitan city is all about quality of life. Surrounded by a river and lake, there’s a great dining scene where rooftop bars are especially popular in the warmer months. It’s well worth dedicating at least a week to discovering everything the city has to offer, especially if you want to include some day trips to the likes of Rhine Falls, the Alps or local historic towns.
Read on for all the reasons Zurich is a must for your next Europe trip.
1. It’s beautiful year-round
In spring, Zurich’s 70 leafy public parks, lush botanical gardens and green spaces offer peaceful, picturesque picnic spots, walking trails, pretty blossoms and extensive plant collections. In summer it’s warm, so bring a swimsuit and join the locals for a dip in one of the lakeside swimming baths or book a cruise on Lake Zurich. Peruse the live music calendar and line up your trip with one of the excellent outdoor performances.
As the leaves change colour and autumn rolls in, the regions around Zurich become a beacon for wine lovers, hiking trips are popular and there are plenty of cultural events like the Zurich Film Festival.
In winter, be enchanted by the Christmas markets and join in wonderful traditions like gathering around the singing Christmas Tree at Werdmühleplatz.
2. It’s the gateway to the Alps
Zurich is an ideal city base for those who love to ski and snowboard. An excellent public transport system enables visitors quick access to ski resorts like Flumserberg, Engelberg, or Rigi. Even if visitors are only in Zurich for a short time, we highly recommend a guided day trip to discover the landscapes and produce of the region.
Of course, these alpine towns are even more beautiful in spring and summer where horseriding, hiking and mountain biking amongst wildflower meadows with endless mountain views in the distance promotes wellbeing in every way. Eat cheese and chocolate on a tour of Appenzell, ride the funiculars, or organise a private tour for unforgettable day trips to Jungfraujoch, Titlis, Rigi, or Pilatus where, year-round, breathtaking panoramic views of snow-tipped mountain peaks await.
3. Its medieval Old Town will capture your heart
A wander through Zurich´s historic Old Town, Altstadt, on a walking tour offers riveting insights into the city´s colourful history. Guild houses where artisans and merchants once met to socialise and conduct business sit alongside Renaissance buildings, ornate churches and charming bridges. At each stop on the journey you’ll hear anecdotes about the people who once occupied these historic landmarks. The Old Town spans both sides of the Limmat River with the Romanesque cathedral Grossmünster on one side and Fraumünster on the opposite bank.
4. Spring is an entire season of celebration
Spring in Zurich isn’t only about sunshine and cherry blossoms, although it has both. This beloved European city regularly showcases its living traditions. Culture and history combine at the end of April, when visitors can celebrate the start of the season with the traditional spring festival Sechseläuten and see the city’s historic guilds parade through the streets in traditional dress before symbolically sending winter away in flames.
5. It’s easy to get around
The Zürich Card gives visitors unlimited access to public transport, including rides on the iconic red Central Polybahn funicular andcan also be upgraded to include an e-bike pass. The pass offers entry to museums, discounts in certain stores and for certain tours, and special restaurant and cafe deals. Check the website for discounts for lake tours, a day trip to Mt Titlis, e-tuk tuk city tours and more.
6. It has a great restaurant and bar scene
While Swiss cuisine has a starring role in Zurich’s restaurant scene (you’re sure to find fondue, rösti and racelette), you’ll find pretty much any cuisine you can dream of in this diverse international city, from casual cafes like Babu’s to Michelin-starred fine dining at Widder. Other unmissable foodie finds include the charming Vohdin, a bakery which dates all the way back to 1626, the farmers’ markets (head to Market Hall under the viaduct arches for cheeses and pasta), and chocolate shops (Sprüngli is perhaps the most famous).
From rooftops to riversides, Zurich is a city that knows how and when to raise a glass. Picture yourself sipping inventive cocktails with pretty lake views from La Réserve Eden or polishing off a pear schnapps at a stylish hidden bar in an iconic alley, a cosy cocktail lounge or an historic pub. Head to the 35th-floor Clouds Bar, Zurich’s highest, for views over the city and the Alps.
7. It’s naturally beautiful and an adventurer’s playground
Switzerland is renowned for its beauty and Zurich has both urban charm and natural splendour. Those with a thirst for adventure love the proximity to the mountains and rivers, perfect for long rambling walks and boating days when the weather is fine. With the lake right at your doorstep, every step around town leads you somewhere stunning and the banks of Lake Zurich are dotted with parks and gardens. This is an idyllic destination to try kayaking and stand up paddleboarding and thrill-seekers can go paragliding over the lake from Uetliberg, Zurich’s mountain.
8. It’s the epicentre of Swiss arts and culture
Cosmopolitan life here is deeply influenced by artists and those who immerse themselves in the cultural aspects of society, so Zurich is home to many treasures, from classical to contemporary. Discerning travellers will adore the acoustics at the Zurich Opera House, the extensive collections on display at the Swiss National Museum and the artworks held at the Museum Rietburg. Visit the Kunsthaus Zürich where you can see the work of Van Gogh, Monet and Chagall.
9. Its café culture encourages you to savour the moment
From cosy, homely cafes to quiet oases tucked away in a green inner city courtyard, the cafe and brunch scene is strong in Zurich. Try Babu’s Bakery for pancakes, tarts and excellent coffee or one of Zurich’s oldest cafes, Milchbar, located under decorative arcade arches. Here you’ll find Zurich’s finest local cheese and pastries from the Café & Conditorei 1842. Other popular brunch spots are Bank, Bohemia, Kafi Dihei and Kafi für Dich.
10. You can shop for everything from Swiss chocolate to artisanal gifts
Stroll along the Bahnhofstrasse, the famous shopping strip that extends between the city’s train station and Lake Zurich. Shop at luxury boutiques and pamper yourself with an eternally stylish Swiss watch and fine chocolates from the likes of Schwarzenbach, Honold and Sprüngli. The city’s shopping scene invites you to explore and find a special piece of Zurich to take home whether you want international fashion labels or quirky artisanal products. As a 21st century city, Zurich’s young movers and shakers are also committed to sustainability. If you’re looking for ethically sourced, organic or upcycled products, you’ll find them here.
Discover Zurich
Feature image: Mattias Nutt / Zürich Tourismus.
