🇨🇭Switzerland · Places to discover
What to see in Zurich?
23 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Zurich operates by its own rules: a city of banks and design, it has managed to transform its former factories in the Langstrasse district into a dense cultural hub without ever abandoning its relationship with water and punctuality. The Limmat runs through the centre with almost Swiss precision, connecting the old town to the lake shores where residents swim on weekdays as others might take the metro. This relaxed pragmatism, far from the cold image often attached to it, defines the city better than any façade on the Bahnhofstrasse.
September and October offer a rare balance between golden light on the lake and terraces still open, without the summer crowds. Two days suffice to understand the city, three if you plan a day at the Kunsthaus, recently enlarged, which truly deserves a visit. The tram remains the best way to get around: reliable and covering the entire centre. Avoid concentrating your stay on the Bahnhofstrasse, the shopping showcase that reveals little of what Zurich has genuinely to offer.
Landmarks & heritage
7 places
1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Bahnhofstrasse
One of the world's most expensive shopping streets, worth visiting for its architecture and atmosphere. Walk it down to the lake and finish on the waterfront promenade.
2Wikimedia CommonsLandmark
Cabaret Voltaire
The historic birthplace of the Dada movement in 1916, today an active cultural venue with exhibitions and events. A unique artistic memorial site worldwide.
3Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Landmark
Grossmünster
A 12th-century Romanesque cathedral and symbol of Zurich's Protestant Reformation led by Zwingli. Climb the towers for breathtaking views of the old town and the lake.
4Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Landmark
Fraumünster
A 9th-century abbey whose stained-glass windows created by Marc Chagall in 1970 are absolutely breathtaking. A place of rare tranquility in the heart of the old town.
5Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Lindenhof
Medieval square perched on a hill, former Roman and Carolingian site. Panoramic views over the Limmat and Grossmünster, cherished by locals for a quiet break.
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Landmark
Landmark
Predigerkirche
Former Dominican church from the 13th century integrated into Zurich's central library. One of the best-preserved medieval spaces in the city, often overlooked by tourists.
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Landmark
Landmark
Zürich Hauptbahnhof
Zurich's central railway station is a monument in itself – Europe's busiest station. Its grand hall houses a suspended artistic installation by Niki de Saint Phalle.
Museums
1 place
8Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Museum
Rietberg Museum
Museum of non-European art nestled in a park with two historic villas. Collections from Asia, Africa and pre-Columbian America of rare richness in Switzerland.
Nature
3 places
9Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Nature
Sihlfeld Cemetery
Zurich's largest cemetery, a genuine landscaped park with remarkable graves and early 20th-century funerary architecture. A peaceful walking destination for locals.
10Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Nature
Zürichsee Quais (Utoquai)
The lakeside promenade on the right bank, with lawns, public bathing areas and views of the Alps on clear days. Where Zurich locals come to sunbathe and swim in summer.
11Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Nature
University of Zurich Botanical Garden
University botanical garden with over 9,000 species and beautiful tropical greenhouses. Free entry, ideal for a quiet and verdant pause.
Parks & gardens
1 place
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Park
Park
Zürichhorn Park
Verdant park on the left bank of the lake, featuring open-air sculptures including a work by Le Corbusier. Less crowded than the central quays, perfect for strolling.
Viewpoints
3 places
13Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Viewpoint
Polybahn and Polyterrasse viewpoint
Historic funicular leading to ETH Zurich's terrace, with exceptional panoramic views across the old town and lake. The student's favourite vantage point.
14Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Viewpoint
Uetliberg
The local summit at 871m, reachable in 30 minutes by train from the city centre. A 360° view of Zurich, the lake and the Alps – the essential spot for locals on weekends.
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Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Lindenhügel Viewpoint
Wooded hill overlooking the old town with clear views across Zurich's rooftops and the lake. Locals come here to picnic far from the tourist crowds.
Activities
4 places
16Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Activity
Kunsthaus Zürich
Switzerland's largest art museum, recently expanded, with a collection spanning from Munch to Giacometti and Impressionism. Essential for anyone interested in modern art.
17Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0Activity
Zürich West – Im Viadukt
Market and local shops installed beneath the arches of a 19th-century railway viaduct. Artisanal crafts, fine groceries, restaurants – Zurich's urban renewal at its best.
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Activity
Activity
Flohmarkt Kanzlei
Saturday morning flea market in district 3, frequented by Zurichers hunting for vinyl records, vintage clothing and curiosities. Relaxed, local atmosphere.
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Activity
Activity
Thermalbad & Spa Zürich
Thermal baths installed in a 19th-century former brewery ingeniously converted. The rooftop pool with views across Zurich's rooftops is an unforgettable experience.
Beaches
1 place
20Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Beach
Seebad Utoquai
Historic public baths on the lake, segregated by gender following tradition, with a platform and water jump. The quintessential Zurich bathing experience in summer.
More to discover
3 places
21Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Place
Langstrasse
Zurich's most vibrant and multicultural thoroughfare, lined with restaurants from around the world, alternative bars and authentic nightlife. Real Zurich life.
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Place
Place
Niederdorf
The bohemian quarter of the old town, with its cobbled lanes, wine bars, galleries and neighbourhood restaurants. Authentic Zurich away from organised tours.
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Place
Place
Letzigrund Stadium (Altstetten neighbourhood)
Less the stadium itself than the Altstetten neighbourhood around it, with its neighbourhood markets and world groceries. The popular, authentic Zurich few visitors discover.
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