What crosses your mind when you think of tourist attractions in Zurich? Situated on the tip of Lake Zurich in the foothills of the Bernese Oberland lies the largest city in Switzerland, Zurich. Known as the financial capital of Switzerland, Zurich is a cosmopolitan city that is a mix of modern infrastructure combined with a medieval old-world charm. With its cobbled alleyways and historic churches, the beautiful city of Zurich seems straight from a fairytale. But if you look closer, by booking a Switzerland travel package, you’ll see a vibrant and modern city whose various districts are abuzz with modern architecture and creativity.
Amble through the historic old town of Zurich, take a boat ride on the Zurich Lake or visit the mountains of Zurich for some fresh Alpine air. For travellers who are less pressed for time, exploring Zurich’s tourist places, such as contemporary art galleries, Dolderbahn mountain railway, and Bahnhofstrasse boutiques, are not to be missed. And, of course, no trip to Zurich is complete without visiting and tasting delicious chocolate at the Lindt House of Chocolate, located just outside of city limits. For adventure enthusiasts, Zurich is home to some of the best adventure activities ranging from Mount Titlis and Mount Pilatus cable car rides to Grindelwald and Jungfraujoch day trips. To help you plan a trip to Zurich, we have made a list of the ten best things to do in Zurich for a perfect vacation.
(Swiss Visa) Zurich
Yes, Indian citizens travelling need a valid visa, specifically a Schengen visa, to travel to Switzerland for short stays like tourism, business, family visits, or other approved activities for up to 90 days within 180 days. Switzerland does not offer a visa-on-arrival or visa-free for Indian citizens.
Top ten places to visit in Zurich
- Lake Zurich
- Gerold Cuchi Umbrella
- Uetliberg Mountain
- Zurich’s Museum of Art
- Zurich Zoo
- Rhine Falls
- Grossmünster Church
- Mount Rigi
- Mount Titlis
- Lindt Chocolate Factory
1. Lake Zurich
Visiting Lake Zurich is an absolute must when you’re in Zurich. The crescent-shaped lake forms the scenic backdrop of Zurich and offers endless sightseeing opportunities for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers as well. Lake Zurich is surrounded by extensive lush green gardens and a lakeside promenade, making the place even more beautiful. Visitors can take a boat cruise on Lake Zurich to enjoy the expansive lake view and scenic snow-capped mountains in the background. If you don’t feel like taking a cruise or boat ride, the best thing to do in Zurich on Lake Zurich for free is have a picnic on the promenade while enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake Zurich.
Why Visit - A stunning lakeside escape perfect for leisurely walks, boat rides, and scenic views of the Alps.
2. Gerold Cuchi Umbrella
Hidden on the streets of Geroldstrasee is Zurich’s popular social media friendly picturesque spot called the Gerold Cuchi. Apart from the delectable food, what attracts tourists and locals alike are numerous colourful and uniquely designed umbrellas hanging in the alley of Gerold Cuchi. After clicking pictures under the colourful umbrellas, you can head to some of the most popular cafes and restaurants in Gerold Cuchi, which serve mouthwatering food, Gerold Borger and pasta being the most popular. Other tourist places near Zurich’s Gerold Cuchi include Prime Tower (Switzerland’s largest tower), Löwenbräu region for artworks and Maag Areal music arena for good music.
Why Visit - A quirky and Instagram-worthy spot nestled under colourful umbrellas in a charming urban garden setting.
3. Uetliberg Mountain
When you visit Zurich and look up from the city’s skyline, you will see the mighty Uetliberg Mountain, which is an absolute delight to visit when frequenting Zurich. To reach the top of the Uetliberg mountain, there are several options, such as hiking, biking etc. Conversely, booking a direct train from Hauptbahnhof station will take you to the Uetliberg mountain, which is preferred by most tourists coming to Zurich. If you’re an adventure junkie, several activities at the top of the Uetliberg mountain include paragliding, sledging etc.
Why Visit - Zurich’s very own mountain offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, lake, and Alps
4. Zurich’s Museum of Art
Situated in Zurich’s old town is the Zurich Museum of Art, which is locally known as Kunsthaus Zürich. The Museum of Art is Zurich’s most important and oldest museum, where you will find artworks by some of the most famous artists like Alberto Giacometti. Upon exploring the museum, you will see famous artworks by other popular artists, such as Monet, Vincent Van Gogh and Marc Chagall. Zurich’s Museum of Art is home to an impressive collection of artworks from different eras and styles, ranging from the middle ages to modern times. Add the Museum of Art to your travel itinerary when embarking on some of the top things to do in Zurich.
Why Visit - Home to one of Switzerland’s finest art collections, spanning centuries of European masterpieces.
5. Zurich Zoo
If you want to take a break from sightseeing options in Zurich, then you must add Zoo Zurich to your travel itinerary. Located in the east of Zurichberg, Zurich Zoo is the third oldest zoo in entire Switzerland, which opened its gates back in 1929. The zoo is home to over 380 animal species, including Koalas, Galapagos Turtles, Zebras, and recently discovered Goodman’s Mouse Lemur. You can wander around different ecosystems inside the zoo and discover how the animals live in their habitat. Right from baby Orangutans swinging from one branch to another to Asian Elephants taking a swim, the Zurich Zoo is the best thing to do when in Zurich. Additionally, when in Zurich Zoo, don’t miss out on watching the penguin parade, which is the zoo's highlight.
Why Visit - A world-class zoo that houses over 380 species in thoughtfully designed natural habitats.
6. Rhine Falls
Visiting the Rhine Falls in Zurich is one of the most beautiful sightseeing experiences you can bounce into. The Rhine Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in Europe, located on the Rhine River. The Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in Europe by volume and is a popular tourist attraction in Zurich mainly for its scenic vistas and natural beauty. Reaching the Rhine Falls is quite easy by train or car. Tourists travelling to the Rhine Falls must note that the Falls can be very crowded during peak tourist season (summer), so it is advisable to plan their visit accordingly.
Why Visit - Europe’s largest waterfall, offering a thunderous and awe-inspiring natural spectacle like no other.
7. Grossmünster Church
The Grossmünster Church is one of the important landmarks in Zurich and one of the city's four major churches. The church’s twin tower forms the city’s skyline, which looks very prominent. As a bonus, you can climb up the east tower of the Grossmünster Church for a fee, one of the best things to do while in Zurich. Upon reaching the tower's top, you will see the breathtaking view of Zurich city. Besides appreciating the Church’s architecture, other highlights of the Grossmünster Church include the stained glass window made by a renowned German artist, Sigmar Polke and the Reformation museum.
Why Visit - A striking Romanesque cathedral that has defined Zurich’s skyline and history for centuries.
8. Mount Rigi
Another great way to explore Zurich from a higher vantage point is by taking the historic Mount Rigi. The tourist attraction in Zurich at Mount Rigi is completely surrounded by water, and one can take a stroll around the forests and valleys, listening to the jingling of cowbells across the meadows. One can explore the mountain by hopping on to an aerial cable car, which is Europe’s first-ever mountain railway. While riding on the cable car to Mount Rigi, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Alpine panorama. You can even visit the quaint little town of Lucerne and take a relaxing boat ride on the lake.
Why Visit - Known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” offering stunning Alpine views accessible by a scenic cogwheel railway.
9. Mount Titlis
No trip is complete without exploring Zurich’s top tourist attraction, Mount Titlis. If you are in Zurich and looking for that quintessential Alpine experience, Mount Titlis is your place to be. You can head to Engelberg and take a revolving Rotair Cable car to reach the summit of Mount Titlis. Once you reach the tip of the mountain, you can indulge in numerous adventure activities, such as mountain biking, skiing etc., some of the top things to do in Zurich. If you do not want to seek adventure, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Alpine range from the panoramic terrace. You can even venture on the Cliff Walk, which is Europe’s highest suspension bridge.
Why Visit - A year-round snow-capped Alpine peak featuring Europe’s first revolving cable car and glacier experiences.
10. Lindt Chocolate Factory
Last but not least, Switzerland is renowned for its Swiss chocolate, which is world-famous, and you cannot miss it on your trip to Zurich. You’ve probably tasted the world-famous Swiss chocolate Lindt, but what if we told you that you could taste the delicious chocolate from its factory itself? Established in 1899, visiting the Lindt Chocolate Factory is one of the best things to do in Zurich. Popularly known as Switzerland’s chocolate museum, the chocolate factory in Zurich will make your visit to Zurich more memorable. While in Lindt Chocolate Factory, you can learn the journey of chocolate from a cocoa bean to the shop shelves. You can even buy chocolates from the chocolate factory to gift to your friends and family as souvenirs.
Why Visit - because it is a paradise for chocolate lovers, offering factory tours, tastings, and the world’s largest Lindt shop.
From the incredible views after climbing Mount Titlis to appreciating the world-famous artwork at the Zurich Museum of Art and tasting the most delectable Swiss chocolates, the list of things to do in Zurich just gets better and better. Every part of the vibrant city of Zurich has something for everyone, and there’s always the chance to create lasting memories while in the largest city of Switzerland, Zurich.
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Recommended Itinerary
For a 3-Day Trip
- Day 1: Zurich City - Visit Grossmünster Church, explore the Museum of Art, stroll along Lake Zurich, and end the day at the quirky Gerold Cuchi Umbrella spot.
- Day 2: Mountain Adventure - Head up Uetliberg Mountain for stunning panoramic views, then explore the lakeside promenade in the evening.
- Day 3: Rhine Falls - Witness the spectacular Rhine Falls and visit Zurich Zoo before departure.
For a 5-Day Trip
- Day 1: Zurich City - Explore Grossmünster Church, Museum of Art, and Lake Zurich.
- Day 2: Uetliberg and Gerold Cuchi - Hike Uetliberg Mountain and visit Gerold Cuchi Umbrella.
- Day 3: Rhine Falls and Zurich Zoo - Day trip to Rhine Falls and explore Zurich Zoo.
- Day 4: Mount Rigi - Ride the cogwheel railway and enjoy breathtaking Alpine views.
- Day 5: Mount Titlis and Lindt Factory - Experience Mount Titlis glacier and end with a sweet visit to the Lindt Chocolate Factory.
Useful Information You Must Know
- ATMs are widely available across Zurich, but Switzerland is an expensive destination, so always carry sufficient Swiss Francs as some smaller establishments may not accept cards.
- Local SIM cards from providers like Sunrise, Salt, and Swisscom are easily available at airports and convenience stores, offering reliable coverage across the country.
- Always carry your valid passport and Schengen visa for identification purposes.
- Zurich experiences cold winters and mild summers. Pack layers, a warm jacket, and waterproof clothing, especially if planning to visit mountain destinations like Mount Titlis or Mount Rigi.
- Swiss culture values punctuality, cleanliness, and quiet public behaviour. Always follow instructions when visiting churches or religious sites.
- Zurich is one of the world’s safest cities, but always keep your belongings secure in crowded tourist areas.
FAQs
Q1. Is Zurich worth visiting?
Yes, Zurich perfectly blends urban sophistication with stunning natural beauty. From snow-capped mountains and scenic lakesides to world-class museums and chocolate experiences, it offers something truly memorable for every traveller.
Q2. How many days are enough for Zurich?
A minimum of 5 to 7 days is ideal for comfortably exploring Zurich and its surrounding attractions.
Q3. Is Zurich safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Zurich is one of the safest cities in the world for solo travellers. It has excellent public transport, well-maintained streets, and a generally welcoming atmosphere, making it easy and comfortable to explore independently.
Q4. What is Zurich famous for?
Zurich is famous for its stunning Lake Zurich, the majestic Rhine Falls, snow-covered peaks like Mount Titlis and Mount Rigi, the iconic Grossmünster Church, world-class art, and of course, its legendary Lindt chocolate.
Q5. When should I avoid visiting?
It is best to avoid visiting during the peak winter months of January and February if you are not a fan of extreme cold. Summer weekends can also get quite crowded and expensive, particularly around Zurich’s main attractions and mountain destinations.
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