We explore the most popular areas to live in Zurich for expats looking to make the move to Switzerland’s vibrant financial capital
By Graham Turner
you will have the tricky task of deciding exactly where to live
each of the city’s districts has its own distinct character
and where you decide to settle will largely come down to personal preference
this guide outlines everything you need to know about living in Zurich
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From a social point of view, it’s also ideal for sampling the best of Swiss cuisine and the local drinking culture
combined with the city’s insanely low crime rate and gleaming streets
make it a very appealing place to settle for expats
Zurich boasts a frankly preposterous number of drinking fountains – and hydration is very important
One of the best things about living in Zurich is the warm and welcoming culture
Despite being the largest city in Switzerland
its population (within the ZMA anyway) of only 400,000 means that there is still a sense of familiarity and intimacy that you wouldn’t normally associate with a financial metropolis
In terms of social etiquette
there is a real sense of community throughout the city
you can expect friendly waves and hellos from neighbors and locals
that the Swiss are fairly private when it comes to personal and financial affairs
That said, it’s also wise to remember the cultural nuances of the city, as it is rather unique within the European zeitgeist. For instance, the drinking culture is somewhat more restrained
and you can expect social events to end at a reasonable time
this might actually be considered a good thing when you get to leave a party with a healthy buzz as opposed to crawling for a taxi
When it comes to choosing where to live in Zurich
a broad spectrum of needs and budgets can also be accommodated
Like in most financial hubs, the closer you live to the center, the more expensive things can get across the board. This applies especially to property, which can be slightly tricky to navigate for expats. However, our guide to housing in Switzerland will help you with that
Zurich is a family-friendly city with a variety of options for expats
While there is no particular area of the city specifically for families
many internationals settle near the two main schools on either side of the lake: Kusnacht and Zumikon on the right side (known as the Gold Coast)
and Kilchberg and Thawil on the left (the Silver Coast)
Your best friend for getting off the ground in finding somewhere to live in Zurich is going to be the internet, whether you’d like to rent or buy property
You will want to begin this process as early as possible before you move as it can take a while to get everything sorted
Here are some handy websites you can use to find somewhere to live in Zurich:
It can be difficult to find homes with gardens in Zurich
Ground floor apartments in Zurich will often have small patios and some apartments have shared garden or barbecue areas
Houses with gardens are available outside of the city and generally cost more than apartments in Zurich
The average size of apartments in Zurich is between 90–100 sqm
large homes with five or six bedrooms are very scarce
no matter where you live and Switzerland is certainly no exception
Typical houses in Zurich city boast a 1920s design with very modern interiors
Such buildings are mostly in Districts 1 (the old town)
Many modern buildings are popping up across the city
Renting is expensive in Switzerland
and even more so in big cities like Zurich
Some buildings are under historical monumental protection and therefore have very high rents
Housing in the industrial Districts 3 and 4 is a bit more affordable
and 12 (about 15 minutes from Zurich Hauptbahnhof)
All of these areas are easily accessible to the city center with public transport
If you’re looking to save some money and don’t have any qualms, then flat-sharing is a popular option. There are even dedicated sites for connecting people for this very purpose. You can try WGZimmer or Craigslist
Just be sure what you’re getting into before committing or
paying money before you know what you’re in for
Renting is the norm in Switzerland. To those considering buying a home in Switzerland
Buying a home is relatively simple but selling one is a different challenge
Most people in Zurich are looking to rent apartments so there are very few buyers in the marketplace
It could take a year or more to sell a property
banks welcome investors and are very supportive of home buyers if clients are credit-worthy and have good records
Now that you know how to find housing in Zurich
Zurich has 12 districts (known as Stadtkreise) in its entirety
with the main areas briefly summarized below
Below is a further breakdown of these areas and what they have to offer expats planning on living in Zurich
If you’re looking for a relatively easy commute
then you can’t go wrong with living in the Zurich Metropolitan Area (ZMA)
this makes up the metropolitan hub that surrounds the city center
all of these areas have at least four trains that leave every hour
getting you to downtown Zurich (Zurich HB Main Station as the train stop is known) in half an hour at most (and even less in some areas)
This means that you won’t have to crawl out of bed at 06:00 to drag yourself to work – which is always nice
Just bear in mind when looking for a place to stay in the ZMA
that landlords are incredibly thorough with background checks
so get the ball rolling as early as possible
as the ZMA is a great place to live in Zurich
Here is a breakdown of the different towns
and villages within the ZMA and what they have to offer expats looking to live there
You would be forgiven for forgetting that you live in a financial capital if you choose to settle in Aarau
idyllic village looks akin to an impressionist painting come to life
The people are famously friendly and the surroundings are incredibly scenic
making it one of the most laid-back areas in the city while still having great access to the center
Furthermore, Aarau is home to the amazing Freibad Schachen (open-air swimming pool)
A number of great historical sites and architectural wonders also make this a fascinating place to explore
which hosts numerous gigs and stand-up comedy nights
Compared to other relatively central locations in the city
Aarau is on the lower end of the scale in terms of price
There’s a good mix of apartments – from functional to fancy – as well as townhouses and bungalows
A three-bedroom apartment that’s ‘pragmatic’ with its space can be found for CHF 250,000
with spacious designer apartments ranging from between CHF 750,000 and CHF 1,000,000
If you’ve got your heart set on a house
you could find a detached bungalow (with around five bedrooms) starting at CHF 1,250,000
then you’re looking at closer to CHF 3,000,000
apartments are the way forward in Aarau and you’ll rarely see a house up for rent
If you’re looking for something a bit bigger
there’s always a good selection of three-bedroom apartments that range from around CHF 1,300 to CHF 1,700
Aarua is very much a Swiss-German town and many of the businesses have a real local flavor. Most of the expats living here are commuters heading to other parts of the city, so if you want to work here, you will ideally have to have a strong grasp of the language
Expats with a love of the great outdoors and community who still want to be in touch or have to work in the city center
It’s also great for families with plenty of outdoor activities and a neighborhood where you can relax with young kids about
Winterthur is one of the largest cities within the canton of Zurich and has a population of more than 110,000
The medieval heart of Zurich is bustling with plenty of markets
yet still offers a sense of old-town charm
Considering how close Winterthur is to the city center of Zurich
property prices are considerably higher than in other areas
then you’ll likely need to settle for an apartment
Prices on the outskirts of the region can see you land a three-bedroom apartment in the region of CHF 900 to CHF 1,100,000
If you’re looking to live in or around the center of Winterthur
the prices can start climbing closer to CHF 2,000,000 to CHF 2,500,000 for anything between a three and five-bedroom apartment (usually with decent-sized living areas)
Renting in Winterthur follows a similar trend
You can find a three-bedroom apartment to rent on the fringes for around CHF 1,500 per month with prices climbing to CHF 2,500 for something similar closer to the center of the canton
Winterthur is home to some large companies as well as plenty of banks
One of the largest companies is industrial engineering and manufacturing firm
The Union Bank of Switzerland and insurance group AXA Winterthur also have a large workforce in the canton
With nearly a quarter of the population being non-Swiss
It sports the city’s largest train station
so getting around Zurich (and beyond) is no problem
there is also plenty to do in terms of sight-seeing
Found on the Riviera on the upper half of Lake Zurich
Rapperswil-Jona lives up to its name as the Town of Roses
from the 16,000 roses that bloom in the gardens of the Capuchin Friary and on the Schanz; a rose garden designed for the blind
The town has a reasonable price range depending on how much you are willing to sacrifice on space
airy three-bedroom apartment for around CHF 1,200,000 or you could get the same number of bedrooms
but with slightly cozier environs for a fairly affordable (for Zurich
houses are rare to come by in this small town
they’re usually lovely and luxurious
with a hefty price tag of anything upwards of CHF 3,000,000
Renting in Rapperswil-Jona definitely edges towards the higher end of the spectrum
a standard three-bedroom property will cost you around CHF 1,500 per month
there is a decent selection of smaller places on offer
with two-bedroom flats costing closer to CHF 1,200 and studios setting you back around CHF 1,000 per month
Although it’s a fairly small town (with a population of around 25,000)
Rapperswil-Jona is a really popular weekend destination for visitors from other parts of the city and out-of-town tourists
there is an availability of jobs that cater to this market
This idyllic little medieval town is ideal for couples moving to Zurich
It’s a joy to explore with a partner
has great restaurants to accommodate the weekend tourist crowd
and is within commuting distance from Zurich city center
this small town lies just 20 minutes from Zurich city center
This means that you get to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle that comes with living in a small town while still being close to all the action
Being one of the most sought-after locations in all of Switzerland comes at a price – literally
two-bedroom apartment here will cost you around CHF 1,000,000
The more luxurious options can go as high as your imagination can fathom
Houses are rarer than unicorns on the market here
will usually involve you having to request the price
there are plenty of studios and single-bedroom apartments up for grabs
furnished studio will cost around CHF 2,000 to CHF 3,000 per month
Three and four-bedroom properties – which are generally exquisite – can range from between CHF 4,000 and CHF 6,000
There are options on the lower end of the scale
you’ll have to request the price for anything bigger and/or better
being the richest canton (and the one with the lowest taxation) in Zurich means that there are opportunities to work with some huge local and international companies located in the city; namely Siemens Building Technologies
This is honestly one of the best places to live in all of Zurich
combined with a plethora of great restaurants and things to do
makes it an extremely desirable place to live for any expat
being the smallest canton in Zurich and having the lowest taxation also means that getting in is hard and expensive
These two areas of Zurich’s District 2 stand out as choice locations within the broad ‘Zurich city center’ terminology
This is because they are considerably more liveable than say Altstadt in District 1
which is better suited to visitors rather than residents
Despite being so close to the heart of Zurich
despite it being basically in the middle of Zurich
is dominated by its incredible promenade that runs along Lake Zurich
This is a great place to unwind and even take a dip in one of the many designated swimming spots
For great music and a welcoming atmosphere, be sure to check out Bar Enge. This area is also home to a couple of fantastic museums by way of the Rietberg and the FIFA World Football Museum
As for Seefeld, you should become intimately familiar with the beautiful promenade, known as the Zürichhorn
You can also watch street artists gather crowds around their Trompe-l’œil chalk drawings and pick up some handmade jewelry at the local street stalls
Enge is located a mere five-minute train ride away from Zurich HB Main Station
cycling is also a popular way to get to and from the city
Since the train station is located right in the middle of Seefeld
the journey to Zurich HB Main Station takes between 14 and 18 minutes depending on what train you get
if you live in the northern tip of the district
then cycling or walking is just as viable an option if you’re looking to head to the center
apartments reign supreme in Enge and Seefeld – and they aren’t particularly cheap
the city center is only realistically suitable for single expats or those with older children
you could realistically rent a three-bedroom property from around CHF 3,200 to CHF 4,500 per month
with space being the telling factor in the price swing
Enge is very much on the ‘price on request’ scale
places do pop up with actual asking prices
These can range from the occasional CHF 500,000 studio to CHF 2,000,000 three-bedroom apartments
this isn’t really surprising given how desirable a place it is to live
the cheapest you are likely to find would be a two-bedroom property for around CHF 2,000 per month
this can easily climb to closer to CHF 4,000 a month for more space and better views
Enge is a great place to live if you are looking for a job as numerous recruitment agencies are based here
Other notable companies come by the way of large insurance firms such as Qatar Reinsurance Company and the Swiss Reinsurance Company
Seefeld feels much more residential in nature
big businesses aren’t as abundant as they are in Enge
there are plenty of recruiters to help you land a job
The Porsche Center also calls Seefeld home if that’s your game
Enge really does offer something for everyone
And that’s not even taking into account how central it is
Seefeld also has fantastic traits and remains a decidedly laid-back district
it is notable for its great shopping scene which offers numerous grocery stores
These make it a great place to be during the summer
it’s an area that is hard not to recommend to anyone if you can find a suitable place to live
then Fluntern in District 7 offers easy access to the city center
be aware that properties here come at a premium
they are really close to the zoo and you can’t really put a price on that
Fluntern is one of the quietest suburbs you will find anywhere within a reasonable distance from Zurich city center. This is in no small part due to the fact that much of the district is taken up by Zoo Zürich
meaning that there is a huge amount of nature to be explored
wouldn’t be complete without checking out one of the best zoos in Europe by way of Zoo Zürich
This place is absolutely massive and takes up most of the district
it requires multiple visits to experience all of its indoor and outdoor enclosures
Trains from Fluntern will get you to Zurich HB Main Station in around 25 minutes
Because of its desirable location and top-shelf liveability
This is another district where houses for rent on the market are about as common as unicorns
you could rent for around CHF 2,000 a month on the lower end of the scale
This can easily climb to CHF 3,000 for more spacious places
There are always a few listings for houses floating around in Fluntern
which are almost always on the insane level
you will have to request the eye-watering asking prices for the six or seven-bedroom luxury homes here
Buying an apartment is slightly more achievable
with cute two-bedroom properties starting at around CHF 900,000
With Zoo Zürich taking up most of the real estate in this district
it’s not exactly a booming business zone
there are three hospitals in the area: Privatklinik Bethanien
and Children’s Hospital Zurich – Eleonore Foundation
which can be great sources of work if that’s your field
With great access to one of the best parks and zoos in Europe
as well as plenty of options for eating and drinking
Fluntern is undoubtedly one of the best places to be for young families in Zurich
then Zurich has no shortage of really cool areas
or Kreis 5 (or Industriequartier) in Zurich West stands tall among the city’s trendiest areas
It is also within touching distance of the city center
being only an eight-minute train journey to Zurich HB Main Station
Kreis 5 essentially offers everything you would expect from a place of this name
Abandoned warehouses from the city’s industrial heyday have been renovated
and others torn down to make way for design-savvy spaces housing a ludicrous number of galleries
There is also a good selection of cool thrift stores where you can
which features an amazing outdoor swimming spot on the River Limmat
and a great red wine selection make this the hallmark of inescapable coziness
With frequent trains running to and from the city center in just eight minutes
Kreis 5 is the ideal spot for expats wanting to enjoy the best of both worlds
there is always a big demand (and price tag) for living in the district
Apartments here can range from economical studios to sprawling loft spaces
Furnished studios tend to start from CHF 1,200 and quickly get more expensive from there
three-bedroom properties start from around CHF 3,600
if you want to be that mythical Gatsby figure
that big open loft you’ve always dreamed of is only around CHF 9,000 a month
If you know your way around a cocktail shaker
then you could easily carve yourself out a nice career in one of the canton’s many bars
Kreis 5 is best suited to young singles looking to make an impact on Zurich’s dynamic social scene
it’s not off-limits to those outside this demographic
It just caters more to sociable types who really like to get out and about – networking
The old industrial area of Affoltern in District 11 is popular among Zurich’s younger residents
it’s handy for the city center with trains taking between 18 and 32 minutes to get to Zurich HB Main Station
such as Lake Katzensee – which lies between Affoltern and neighboring Altburg – also make it an all-year-round hotspot for bird- and nature-watching
Because it is so close to Lake Katzensee and offers a lot of green space
Affoltern strikes a unique balance between the edgy industrial chic that other parts of Zurich are famed for
it is the ideal location for nature lovers who enjoy a laid-back life
a transportive trattoria located right in the heart of Affoltern
Trains take between 18 and 32 minutes to get to Zürich Hauptbahnhof
making this a good option for both commuters and expats wanting to live within a reasonable distance from the city center
Affoltern is definitely one of the more reasonably priced areas of Zurich
cooly decked-out two-bedroom apartment for around CHF 1,500
Three-bedroom places usually float around the CHF 2,000 mark
Affoltern isn’t exactly a Fortune 500 hub and is very much a residential and leisure district
a glance through job listings will present you with lots of opportunities with local financial
plenty to occupy nature and nightlife lovers
and a slightly more reasonable price tag than some of its ultra-gentrified neighbors
Afoltern is a great middle-of-the-road option that offers something for everyone
the banks of Lake Zurich are split into two neighborhoods – the Gold and Silver coasts (you can guess which one gets the sun)
which lies on the western bank of Lake Zurich
is particularly popular among expats due to the abundance of international schools
You’ll also notice that the pubs and restaurants tend to cater to English-speaking residents
Popular locations on the Silver Coast include Kilchberg
The Silver Coast encompasses a huge area with many towns
although they share many environmental similarities; namely incredible views of the lake and the Alps which dominate the surroundings
which offers boat tours as well wakeboarding and windsurfing
The Gold Coast takes in the lower eastern shore (right bank) of Lake Zurich
It is generally more expensive than its silver sister
as a result of getting more sun throughout the year
you’ll likely be relying on a housing allowance
or you’ll need to compromise on space as it’s a competitive area
If you’re happy to be in close proximity to the lake without having a great view of it
Villages along the Gold Coast ridge enjoy the benefits of good schools and access to the city center
there are some much better property deals to be found
Then direct your search to the Pfannenstiel region on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a beautifully gentrified part of Zurich
the lake is what makes the environment so unique
This is the beating heart of the Gold Coast and makes any town you choose around it a dynamic
walking along the Gold Coast is a real treat
There is nothing better than going from Zurich Burkliplatz to Tiefenbrunne on a Sunday afternoon for people watching and exploring the China Garden and the fun stepping stones hidden behind the trees.
Just like the Silver Coast, there are countless great places to eat and drink. These are scattered across the four choice towns along the Coast. In Zollikon, head to Trube for some of the best Swiss fare going. Drinx Bar lives up to its truly terrible name by having a great selection of whiskies
This one is a little tricky to answer as the Coasts run a long way
if you’re at the north end of the Silver Coast
then you can expect it to take around 10 minutes to get to Zurich HB Main Station
but always towards the pricier end of the scale
The closer you are to Zurich city center – Kilchberg in the Silver Coast or Zollikon on the Gold Coast – the more expensive it will be
It is certainly pricier than down in the southern areas like Erlenbach
Being so tightly squeezed along a long vertical stretch
both coasts are mainly made up of residential areas and businesses that largely cater to the locals
Business and trade largely center on catering to the sizeable residential population and tourists that flock to the Coasts in summer
hospitality might be your best bet if you’re looking to kick-start your working life here
Although the Silver and Gold Coasts cover a large area
you can generally presume that there will be a thriving expat community as they are incredibly popular neighborhoods for out-of-towners to settle
the other thing it’s great for is boasting about having the best views in Zurich
There is an incredible range of beautiful areas to live in within the canton of Zurich
many of which offer benefits that you won’t get in the ZMA
such as the Zürcher Oberland and the Weinland
or are looking for a fully-integrated experience
then you’ll get to experience some stunning vistas
If you’re looking for somewhere that is outside the ZMA
but still fairly intuitive to an English speaker
Zürcher Unterland is an area around the airport that has seen a burgeoning expat community flourish in recent years
the main benefit here is finding more reasonable housing costs while still being within commuting distance of the city
Swiss real estate: buying a house in Switzerland
If Kreis 5 leans too much into hipster territory for you
One of its main benefits is that it’s far enough away from the center to make it more affordable while maintaining good transport links
If you’re willing to commute to the city
then there is another lake in the canton of Zurich by the name of Greifensee
While it’s not as handy as Lake Zurich
it is set among a nature reserve with resplendent
There’s a solid expat community in some of the larger towns around the lake
With great international schools and reasonable housing prices
any barrier of entry isn’t crime-related but purely cultural
That’s not to say that any area of Zurich is hostile to expats – quite the opposite
and other areas on the periphery of the city proper) are largely Swiss-German speaking
These are great for immersing yourself in the Swiss experience but might make integration a bit harder if you don’t speak the language
On the off-chance that you do run into trouble, though, you can head to the Kantonspolizei Zürich website, which can help you out. It’s also wise to keep a list of emergency numbers handy in case you need assistance
He’s worked as a Digital Editor for lifestyle publication i-on Magazine in Edinburgh and Editor for Time Out in Hong Kong
his career highlights have included covering hard-hitting topics such as cat fashion parades and breathable mesh pants – yes
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The Planet D
Switzerland
Zurich is often at the top of any Switzerland itinerary. As the financial capital of the country, the largest city in Switzerland
and a picturesque setting on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River
there are plenty of things to keep you busy
Three days in Zurich is just enough time to experience it all
This itinerary will help you plan the perfect three days in Zurich
are you ready to plan the perfect Zurich itinerary
It helps us plan out the rest of our trip and lets us see the top attractions in a short time
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you through a walking tour of the Old Town and Zurich West
you can walk to all the attractions and then hop on public transit for a short and easy 10-minute ride to Zurich West
Note: The best way to get around Zurich is to purchase a Zurich Card. It provides unlimited travel by bus, train, cableway, and tram, plus you can take short boat trips and a Limmat River cruise. Zurich Cards start at 29 CHF for 24 hours. Get more details here. To explore the Old Town
it is easily done by foot as there are many pedestrian-friendly streets and back alleys to explore
After a delicious breakfast at Villa Florhof (set to re-open in 2025 under new management) in the Old Town
it was easy to make our way to see the best landmarks in Old Town
Rechberg Gardens are one of the most scenic spots in Zurich
They are directly behind Rechberg Mansion which is another popular landmark in Zurich
It is considered a cultural asset of national importance and is open to the public
The Baroque style Rechberg Gardens is a peaceful way to start the day
make your way to one of the best viewpoints in Zurich
The Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) at the University of Zurich offers panoramic views of the Old Town
but you can also take the Polybahn to avoid walking up the hill
It is one of the most iconic modes of transportation in the city and is included with the Zurich Card
This historic funicular started operating in 1889 so if you get the chance
Once you have overlooked Zurich from the University
it is a nice and easy stroll downhill through the Old Town of Zurich (Altstadt)
Part of the charm of visiting Zurich is to shop in the boutiques in the Old Town
and find the perfect coffee shop to sit on a patio for prime people-watching
Other things to see in the Old Town: see the birthplace of Dadaism at Cafe Voltaire
go into the Belleview Apotheke dating back to 1887
or have an Aperol Spritz at an outdoor cafe on the pedestrian-only street of Niederdorfstrasse
Before you leave the West Bank of the Limmat River
don’t miss visiting the most iconic building in Zurich
Grossmünster (Great Minster) Cathedral
Legend has it that when Charlemagne discovered the graves of the city’s patrons
If you go into the crypt in the cellar and you’ll see a large sculpture of Charlemagne himself. Grossmünster also plays an important part in Swiss history as it was the birthplace of the Reformation of the church in Switzerland
You can also go up to the top of the tower for one of the best views in Zurich
It costs 5CHF to climb up the 187 steps for a birds-eye view of the city
Most of the Old Town’s main attractions crisscross along the banks of the Limmat River
and no trip to Zurich would be complete without crossing the Münsterbrücke footbridge
This bridge takes you from Grossmünster across the Limmat River directly to Fraumünster
It offers an unobstructed view of some of the most beautiful places on the water
Marvel at the Rathaus (Zurich’s Old town Hall) as you make your way from Grossmünster to Fraumünster.
Church (Church of Our Lady) is a must-visit in Zurich dating back to 835
It attracts visitors to view its stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall
Once you have seen some of the best sights in the old town it is time to see Zurich’s hippest neighborhood
This is a super place to spend the afternoon into the evening
Hop on the streetcar and get ready to spend the afternoon in Zurich West
spending time enjoying the local culture and experiences
Grab a late lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Garden). This outdoor event space is a garden community with eateries, bars, and the perfect place to grab a beer. The funky atmosphere sets the tone for your afternoon in Zurich West. Visit the website for opening times
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Zurich West is the Freitag Tower
the stylish bags are made from recycled truck tarps and airbags
Their flagship store is located in Zurich West and you can’t miss its 19 stacked shipping containers reaching 26 meters (85 feet) into the air
Right next door is one of the most unique things to do in Zurich. Urban Surf is a fantastic spot to be transported to the Caribbean. Beach umbrellas line a deck surrounding a giant wave pool. You can hop in to catch a wave or simply relax in the sun as you enjoy a cocktail. Visit Urban Surf website for lessons
After you’ve enjoyed a little fun in the sun
it’s time to search for the unique art that is scattered throughout Zurich West
Anne Sophie in front of 25hours Hotel Zurich-West
or you can go into Maag Hall to see the latest displays (currently LEONARDO DA VINCI – UOMO UNIVERSALE) or go to Puls 5 to check out the latest exhibits
It’s then time to make your way to the Zurich Im Viadukt
The 550 yard long street is truly a one-of-a-kind destination
This old railway viaduct contains boutique shops and restaurants located inside 36 arches under the viaduct
You can also walk along the top of the Viaduct for some fantastic views of the Josefwiese park and Zurich West
Once you have had your fill of shopping, make your way to the Viadukt Restaurant for dinner. The food is fantastic, and it has some great views of Zurich. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Visit their website for reservations
especially around popular areas like Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse
providing you with a variety of dining options
stay out after dark in Zurich West for a cocktail at Clouds in Prime Tower
Prime Tower is the highest tower in Zurich (second highest in Switzerland)
Clouds is on the 35th floor and offers a great view of Zurich being the highest bar in Zurich
You can have dinner there if you want to splurge as well
so get on the tram with your Zurich Card and make your way back to your hotel because your Zurich itinerary still has a lot more on the agenda
Zurich becomes a playground for night owls
The nightlife is as varied as it is fun and caters to all tastes
Start your evening in the trendy Kreis 5 district
you can dance the night away at the famous Kaufleuten club
or enjoy a relaxed evening at the cozy Café des Amis
This place hosts an amazing mix of performances
so there’s always something to move to
the Theater am Neumarkt has a wide range of plays
Zurich’s event calendar is full of fun stuff all year round
there’s always something to look forward to
attracting film buffs from all over the world with its great program of screenings and events
Music lovers will enjoy the Zurich Jazz Festival; foodies can indulge at the Street Food Festival and try food from all over the world
you can get into the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas markets
experiencing the two different waterfronts of Zurich
indulging in some decadent Swiss Chocolate
and visiting the Lindt Factory for a tour and chocolate tasting
Today is an early start as you make your way to Lindenhof for sunrise
This former Roman castle is now a lovely park sitting high on a hill on the remains of the old city walls
It is a beautiful place for sunrise with views of the sun rising over the Limmat River
Seeing it at sunrise is the perfect time of day to beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful solitude of the view
it is now time to stroll along the Limmat River towards St
Peter’s Church where largest church clock in Europe resides
We didn’t go inside but you can go into see it and it is free to enter
it’s a lot to walk back to the hotel for breakfast
make your way to Cafe Milchbar at Paradeplatz
This quiet courtyard is a lovely place for a cappuccino and pastry to start your day
You are now ready to have an amazing day exploring activities outside of the Old Town
Bürkliplatz Pier is a square on Lake Zurich and the place to catch a boat for your trip around the lake
It has lovely scenic views of the mountain
there is a vegetable market here twice a week and a Sunday farmer’s market
So there is a lot going on at this gathering place
There’s also a fantastic walking path where you can make your way around to places like Arboretum Park and the swim platforms scattered along the lake
you are going to use your Zurich Card to hop on the ferry to Wollishofen
Wolishofen is an artists community that was a former industrial area
One interesting fact that we learned about Wollishofen is that when large developers invest in property and development in Zurich
a percentage of their investment must go to the art community
Wollishofen has many festivals and events and there are plenty of places to eat as well
As you continue your walk along Lake Zurich from Wollishofen this beautiful boardwalk on Lake Zurich is a wonderful place for a stroll
Another interesting fact we learned is that waterfront property is no longer being sold along Lake Zurich
The city now makes sure that everyone can experience the waterfront
For waterfront properties that were already owned before the law came into place
the city has developed a boardwalk out on the lake bypassing the private homes
people can continue to walk around Lake Zurich unobstructed
The morning of your second day is coming to an end it’s time for lunch. There are plenty of places for lunch along Lake Zurich and we enjoyed lunch at Mönchhof am See. It’s beer garden is located on the water and overlooks an old harbour. Grab a fresh salad with some truffle fries and enjoy the views of the Swiss Alps standing proud over Lake Zurich in the distance
because you are now going to the most delicious stop on your Zurich itinerary
You can catch the bus or walk off your lunch as you continue on in the afternoon
Lindt Home of Chocolate is a must stop on any Zurich itinerary
you are going to love this interactive multimedia experience
The state of the art building houses a testing plant where chocolatiers develop new recipes and techniques letting you peek into the art of chocolate making
There are several experiences to choose from but simply going on the chocolate tour is awesome as you learn of the history of chocolate before getting to taste liquid chocolate from an array of chocolate fountains to chunks of chocolate to test your taste buds and finally end in a room with vats of Lindor chocolates ready for you to eat
When you are finished up at the chocolate museum
make your way back to downtown Zurich to explore one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets
Bahnhofstrasse stretches from Lake Zurich to Hauptbahnhof station
You can take the tram back to downtown using your Zurich card and begin the window shopping as you walk along this pedestrian-friendly street
but the sidewalks are wide as you check out the regular high-end shopping from Gucci to Rolex
Once you’ve had your fill of gawking in the windows it’s time for dinner
Make your way to Paradeplatz to search for a bite to eat
We chose an outdoor seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller
This busy place was built in 1487 and is extremely popular
The service was excellent and it serves typical Swiss cuisine
making for the perfect place to grab a bite in Zurich
In the height of summer with sunset late in the evening
you’ll want to eat first as we discovered the hard way that restaurant’s kitchens close early
the last bridge between Zurich Old Town and Lake Zurich
This is the classic spot for photographs where you can see all of the Limmat River and Zurich’s four major churches
so make sure to go across the street to see how The Alps light up over Lake Zurich as well
It is now time for rest as you’ve been up since sunrise
The second day of your Zurich itinerary has come to an end
If you have your heart set on a nightcap some suggestions for bars are Jules Verne Panoramabar for the view
or have a glass of champagne at Cafe Odeon the first place where champagne by the glass was ever served
It’s your final day on your Zurich itinerary and today is all about the outdoors
The people of Zurich love the lake so make your way to the waterfront
Walk along the waterfront towards the Arboretum where people sunbathe on the water’s edge
It’s a pleasant stroll as you make your way to Badi Enge where it’s time for our favorite activity in Zurich
Badi Enge is a public swimming area on Lake Zurich with sun decks
But the best way to experience it is to rent a paddleboard to do explore the waterfront
You can take the boards through the marina and then onto the Schanzengraben Canal
This picturesque canal is not to be missed
Once you are done paddleboarding, you are free to go for a swim, relax on the swimming platforms or grab some lunch. You can also fill up your water bottle here before moving on. Check for prices or make a reservation for SUP at the Seebad Enge website.
I know that we said you can eat lunch at Seebad Enge but we recommend making your way back to the old town for lunch to have a Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi
No trip to Switzerland is complete without a fondue
Swiss Chuchi is located in the heart of the Old Town
You are now just a short walk to your next stop
it is time to hop on the tram to catch the train to Uetliberg
It takes about an hour to get to by public transport from the Old Town
Uetliberg is a mountain standing 869 meters (2850 feet) above Zurich
Public transport takes you to the train that goes nearly to the top
it is about a 10 to 15-minute walk to an incredible lookout
There is a tower that you can climb for 2CHF and it is definitely worth it
We almost didn’t put this on our Zurich itinerary and I am so glad we made time for it
and the lake plus the rolling hills of the Limmat Valley
you can go for a two-hour hike to take the cable car down from Felsenegg
grab a beer and make your way down to the Lake to watch the sunset in front of Sechseläutenplatz
Located on the east side of Lake Zurich is a public park on the lakeshore where locals hang out in the evening
This is a lively spot and offers beautiful views
It is located just in front of Sechseläutenplatz which houses the beautiful Zurich Opera House
Sechseläutenplatz is one of the largest squares in Switzerland
make your way across the bridge to the West Bank of the Limmat River for a proper Beergarden experience at Bauschänzli
Located under the shade of large chestnut trees
this is also a good place for a beer in the afternoon sun
it’s a good traditional spot to have a beer and enjoy a pint of local brew
Select stores also offer discounts to Zurich Card holders to make sure to ask
International flights arrive daily at Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Trains run regularly from Zurich Airport to the main Zurich Main Train Station
You can use your Swiss Travel Pass to take the train
Did you know that Hauptbahnhof is the busiest train station in Europe
You can then use your Zurich Pass to hop on a tram to your hotel
which is very easy when traveling in Zurich
This also comes in handy if you are looking to do a day trip from Zurich
staying in the Old Town is a good idea as it is easy to get around
which was within walking distance of everywhere
It also has parking if you have a car rental
including an old ceramic wood stove and an old radio in the sitting room
this hotel was closed in July 2022 but is set to re-open in 2025 under new management
we finally managed to explore this exciting cosmopolitan city
make sure to spend three days in Zurich to truly experience all of the amazing things to do in the city
Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly
Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals
Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.
Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO
Learn a Language: We recommend and love both Rosetta Stone and Babbel
Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it
Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.
Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling
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It’s great to have a well-rounded itinerary for a short trip
The tips on must-see spots and local experiences are really helpful
Do you have any recommendations for dining or hidden gems that might not be in the usual travel guides?”
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While we didn’t follow the itin to the letter
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