Things To Do in Zurich: 9 Top Highlights to See on Your City Break

Famed for its pristine streets, efficient transport and global banks, Switzerland's largest city is a surprisingly down-to-earth place. Straddling the River Limmat, Zurich charms with elegant boulevards and cobbled alleys full of local life. Stroll along Lake Zurich, soak in the views from Uetliberg or marvel at Marc Chagall’s stained glass in Fraumünster. With world-class museums, legendary chocolate, lively nightlife and a cutting-edge arts scene, there's something for every kind of traveller.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, these nine things to do in Zurich offer a perfect introduction to the city's elegance, history, creativity and rhythm.

With its twin towers dominating the city skyline, the Grossmünster is both iconic and historic. According to legend, the 12th-century Romanesque church was built on the graves of two Christian martyrs, Felix and Regula (now the city’s patron saints), whose burial site was discovered by Charlemagne. An image of the saints holding their severed heads appears on Zurich's official seal, while an imposing statue of the emperor himself gazes out over the Limmat from one of the church towers.

Inside, history reverberates from every stone. It was here that preacher Huldrych Zwingli (1484-1531) began speaking out against the Catholic church, leading to the Swiss Reformation, which reshaped not only Zurich but European religious life. You can also admire stained glass by Swiss sculptor, painter and graphic artist Augusto Giacometti.

Climbing the 187 steps to the viewing platform of the Karlsturm tower is well worth the effort: the Old Town’s red roofs stretch out below, the river winds through the city and the Alps rise in the distance. It’s one of the city's best panoramas – and an experience that should be high on your list of things to do in Zurich.

Did you know: French writer Albert Camus once joked that the church’s two mismatched towers, which are missing their spires, resembled salt and pepper shakers.

• Zwingliplatz 7, 8001 Zurich
• The Karlsturm tower is open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm/4pm, Sun 12:30–5pm/4pm (1 March-31 October/1 November-28 February).
• Free to enter the church; climbing the Karlsturm tower costs adults CH5 (€5.40), students CHF2 (€2.15)
• From Zurich's main station it's 5 minutes by tram (line 4) or a 15-minute walk. The Lake Zurich ferry has stops nearby.

Just across the river from the Grossmünster stands Fraumünster, Zurich’s other ecclesiastical star. Originally founded in the 9th century as an abbey for female nobility, the landmark church, with its tall green steeple, has seen more than a millennium of Swiss history unfold.

Step inside and the real highlight awaits: the breathtaking stained-glass windows by Russian-French artist Marc Chagall. Installed in the 1970s, his five choir windows bathe the interior in jewel-like blues, greens and reds, each one depicting biblical scenes in his poetic, dreamlike style. The rose window in the northern transept, created by Augusto Giacometti in 1945, adds another layer of colour and artistry. Standing before the windows as the light shifts throughout the day is an unforgettable thing to do in Zurich – a perfect example of how Zurich not only preserves its history, but continues to enrich it.

• Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zurich
• Open daily 10am-6pm/5pm (1 March–31 October/1 November–28 February). Church services are held on Sundays at 10am.
• Admission is CHF5 (€5.40) for adults, free for young people under 16; includes a multilingual audioguide
• Take tram 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 13 to Paradeplatz or tram 15 and 4 to Helmhaus.

Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s most famous boulevard and one of the most exclusive shopping streets in Europe. It runs for about 1.4 km from Zurich’s main train station down to Bürkliplatz on the shores of Lake Zurich. Built in 1865 on the site of the old city moat, the mostly pedestrian avenue is lined with luxury boutiques, prestigious watchmakers, elegant department stores, chocolatiers and chic cafés. Brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior and famous Swiss names such as Bucherer and Confiserie Sprüngli all have a presence here. But you don’t need to spend anything to enjoy it – many visitors come simply to people-watch, admire the window displays or soak up the sophisticated vibe.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Beyer Watch Museum and the bustling Paradeplatz square, the symbolic heart of Switzerland’s banking industry, while little side streets reveal historic buildings full of old-world charm. Whether you love shopping, architecture or just exploring on foot, a stroll down Bahnhofstrasse is one of the classic things to do in Zurich

• The street runs 1.5 km south from Bahnhofplatz to Bürkliplatz near Lake Zurich, west of the Limmat River.
• Tram lines 4, 6, 7, 11, 13 and 17 (during rush hour) run between Paradeplatz and Bahnhofplatz.

Few places capture the city's easy-going charm better than Lake Zurich. When the weather is warm, locals flock to the lakeside promenades, grassy swimming areas, outdoor pools and small beaches that dot the shore. It's here that the city's high quality of life becomes apparent and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it:

• Take a lake cruise: Hop on one of the lake boats and cruise past vineyards, historic estates and tiny lakeside villages. ZSG offers one-way and round trips lasting from one to 4.5 hours.
• Rent a paddleboard: Rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard and join the flotilla of locals drifting along in the sunshine.
• Cool off at a badi: Spread out a towel at one of Zurich’s open-air swimming baths at the lakeside resorts of Mythenquai, Enge, Utoquai, Wollishofen and Tiefenbrunnen.
• Go island-hopping: Take a water taxi to visit the lake's four islands: Ufenau, Lützelau, Saffa Island and Schönenwerd.
• Lindt Home of Chocolate: Take a ferry to the lakeside village of Kilchberg, where chocolate-lovers can explore the museum or visit the largest Lindt shop in the world. Advance booking recommended.

Even in winter, the lake has a quiet, reflective allure, with crisp air, low mist and snow-touched mountains peeking over the horizon. No matter the season, time on Lake Zurich is time well spent and you'll find plenty of things to do.

Uetliberg is Zurich’s own mountain, rising 870 m above sea level just southwest of the city centre and easily accessible year-round from Zurich's main station. In summer, the mountain is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners, with paths that wind through forests and open ridges, while the observation tower provides panoramic views over Zurich, Lake Zurich and even the Alps on clear days. Adventure seekers can follow the two-hour Planet Trail to learn about the solar system, or try paragliding from the summit.

In winter, Uetliberg transforms into a magical wonderland with candlelit walking trails and sledding runs. Whether you’re chasing a sunrise, enjoying a picnic or simply stretching your legs between sightseeing stops, Uetliberg is one of the best nature-based things to do in Zurich.

• 5 km southwest of the Old Town
• Observation tower CHF 2 (€2.15), open 24 hours
• No access by road. Take the S-Bahn (line 10; also known as the Uetlibergbahn) from Zurich main station to the Uetliberg terminus. The journey takes 20-30 minutes, and the summit is a 10-minute walk.

Elegant, intimate and beautifully curated, the Zurich Opera House is one of Switzerland's most prestigious cultural institutions. Despite its modest size, it punches far above its weight, consistently winning international awards and attracting major talent from around the world.

The Aktientheater, which once stood on this site, burned down in 1890 and was replaced by a new building designed by the Viennese architects Fellner and Helmer in 1891. The repertoire is refreshingly varied, with world-class opera, contemporary productions, ballet, classical concerts and programming for younger audiences. Even if you’re not planning to attend a performance, it’s worth a visit for the architecture alone – the marble staircases, gilded ornamentation and soft velvet seats make stepping inside feel like entering another era.

• Falkenstrasse 1, 8001 Zurich
• Get a 10% discount (up to CHF 100, €107) on tickets with the Zurich Card
• Take tram 2 or 4 to Opernhaus; tram 11 or 15 to Stadelhofen; or tram 5, 8, or 9 to Bellevue. You can also take the S-Bahn from the main station or airport to the Stadelhofen stadium. If you're driving, you can park in the Opéra car park.

Perched on a small hill above Zurich’s Old Town, Lindenhof Park is one of the top things to do in Zurich for anyone seeking history, views and a peaceful escape within the city. Its elevated position provides panoramic views over the Limmat River, the rooftops of the Old Town, the Grossmünster and the University of Zurich, making it a perfect place to pause with a coffee or picnic.

The site has a rich history stretching back to Roman times, when it served as a fortress. In the Middle Ages, it became a medieval stronghold and later a royal residence. Lindenhof also played a role in local legends and historic events, including the story of Hedwig von Bürgelen’s all-female troop defending the city in 1292 and the swearing of the oath to the Helvetic Constitution in 1798. Today, the park is a calm oasis amidst the city’s bustle. Shaded by mature lime trees, it’s a popular spot for office workers, students and chess enthusiasts who gather at its outdoor chess tables.

• Lindenhof, 8001 Zurich
• It's a pleasant 10-minute walk from Zurich main station, following the Limmat south towards Lake Zurich. Or take tram lines 4 or 15 to Rudolf-Brun-Brücke or lines 6, 7, 11 and 13 to Rennweg.

On the east side of the Limmat, Niederdorf is one of the most atmospheric parts of Zurich’s Old Town (Aldstadt) and a great addition to any list of things to do in Zurich. Known locally as the Dörfli, this pedestrian-friendly quarter is a maze of cobbled lanes lined with cafés, boutiques, medieval façades and lively little squares that buzz from early morning until late into the night. Walking through Niederdorf really brings the past to life. Lenin lived here during his exile in 1916 and 1917, and Swiss writer Gottfried Keller also once called this part of the city home.

By day, it’s perfect for browsing artisan shops, sampling Swiss chocolate and wandering between churches, courtyards and historic alleyways. At night, the neighbourhood transforms, with wine bars, traditional pubs and intimate restaurants spilling out onto the streets. On the last weekend in August, the Dörflifäscht festival brings the area to life with market stalls, street food and open-air stages with DJs. In December, Niederdorf is the picturesque backdrop for Zurich’s oldest Christmas market.

• Niederdorf, 8001 Zurich
• Several tram lines run through the Old Town with stops at Paradeplatz and Neumarkt.

Shaped like a fairytale castle, Zurich's National Museum sits just behind the main station and is an ideal place to learn about Switzerland’s story. Built in 1898, the historic building is packed with medieval artefacts, traditional costumes, intricate craft pieces, Gothic art and immersive modern exhibitions. Unlike some national museums that can feel overwhelming, this one is thoughtfully curated and surprisingly intimate. Don’t miss the free permanent exhibition Simply Zurich (Einfach Zürich), with playful exhibits exploring the city’s past.

A contemporary extension includes a modern wing with sleek galleries. A central courtyard, bistro-restaurant and museum shop connect the old and new buildings. For anyone interested in the city's heritage it's one of the first things you should do in Zurich, providing context for the rest of your visit.

• Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zurich
• Open Tue-Wed and Fri-Sun 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-7pm
• Adults CHF 13 (€14), concessions CHF 10 (€11), free for under 16s
• The museum is right next to Zurich's main station. Take a tram or bus to the Bahnhofquai/HB (lines 4, 6, 11, 13, 14 and 46) or Bahnhofplatz (lines 3, 10, 14, 31).

Zurich’s public transport system is clean, fast and highly efficient, with an integrated network of trams, buses, local trains (S-Bahn), boats and funiculars all coordinated under the ZVV system. At the heart of it all is Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB), the city’s main train station and one of the busiest in Europe. One ticket works across all modes of transport, making it easy to move around the city without a car.

Within walking distance of the best things to do in Zurich, ibis Styles Zurich City Center has a playful design with optical illusions by artist M.C. Escher. Just north of the centre, 25hours Hotel Zurich West offers colourful, art-filled rooms full of creative flair. If you're visiting in winter, why not use the city as a base for a ski adventure near Zurich?

Zurich may be compact, but it delivers an unforgettable blend of culture, nature and effortless charm. If you’re anything like most visitors, you’ll leave already planning your return – because Zurich has a way of staying with you, long after the last chocolate has been eaten.