Zurich is one of those cities that is nothing like what you expected and yet everything you expected. The expected is the gorgeous medieval buildings and cute shops. The unexpected is the bustling nightlife, street art scene, and modern food scene. I left Zurich totally impressed with its’ ability to respect its’ history while embracing the modern movements.
Top Things To See in Zurich
Explore Old Town Altstadt
Walk the cobbled streets and admire the 19th-century buildings. You are transported back to simpler times and its one of the prettiest areas in Zurich. There are a ton of cute shops and the medieval buildings are very instagrammable. Don’t forget to stop by Fraumünster Church in Old Town Zurich. Five stained glass windows bathe the church in a rainbow of light.
Eat Fondue
Okay well not exactly something to see, this is something you must do! Fondue was invented in Switzerland to combat the stale bread during cold winter months. It is now one of their most famous foods. So grab your fork and dip in.
Visit Zurich West
The hippest and coolest part of Zurich is the west. Once an industrial area, warehouse have been turned into museums, boutiques, clubs, and restaurants. Here the culinary scene is exploding and has a growing street art scene. If you wanna go out the best nightlife in town is in Zurich West.
Take a Boat Tour
One of my favorite ways to see a city is by the water. Hop on a boat tour and get great views from the Limmat River or head to Lake Zurich by the sea. From the Landesmuseum station, you can get on a 51 passenger boat that will take you on a one-hour tour of Zurich along Limmat River.
Hop on a Cable Car
One of the best views of Zurich is from up high above. For the best view head to Felsenegg Lookout. You must take the aerial cable car to get there and that in its’ self is a reason to go.
Visit Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is picturesque and one of my personal favorite parts of Zurich. There are a ton of gardens and parks and cute cafes all along the lake. Grab some snacks and head down there for a picnic and to mingle with locals.
Shop at Bahnhofstrasse
Window-shop or splurge at one of the most beautiful shopping streets in the world. Lined with beautiful storefronts and insanely cute shops Bahnhofstrasse is a must when in Zurich.
Visit Kunsthaus Museum
Kunsthaus is one of the most important museums in Zurich and a must for a modern art lover. It has an impressive collection with pieces from Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, and Matisse.
Old Botanical Garden
Old Botanical Garden is a picturesque spot to people watch or explore. There are a lot of cute nooks and crannies to explore and great backdrops for some selfies.
Zurich Opera House
Built in 1891the opera house is stunning. If you’re feeling extra special grab a ticket for an opera, play or ballet. Tickets range in price but start at as lows as $30.
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47 Comments
Nicole Caudle
July 13, 2017 at 9:41 amThe greenhouse from the botanical gardens caught my eye. Zurich is not a place I’ve every considered traveling, but your photos look amazing. I will have to start researching a few places.
Lowest Price
July 6, 2017 at 7:57 amGorgeous captures all!
Gabriela
July 4, 2017 at 3:03 pmYour pictures are surreal and the story is exactly what I need, as I will go to Switzerland at the end of the year.
GiGi Eats
June 29, 2017 at 9:53 amThe last time I was in Zurich was EONS ago and I don’t really remember much except for a market we wandered through, a buffet breakfast somewhere and some elk we ordered that my mom threw a fit about for some reason! LOL! Clearly I need to go back and make other memories! 😉
D'Anna
June 29, 2017 at 9:27 amsoooo pretty! I never really had Zurich as a place to go in my mind, but now I’m adding it for sure 🙂 Thanks for the share
Leo T. Ly
June 29, 2017 at 8:16 amZurich seems like a very vibrant city. I have never been to Europe before. Your pictures seems very interesting and it makes me want to add Zurich to one of my stops if I travel to Europe one day.
Elizabeth Brico
June 28, 2017 at 2:23 pmI have heard great things about Zurich and I hope to be able to visit one day. Your photos are amazing; I love the public art piece. If I get get to go I will definitely use this guide. You sound like you know your stuff!
Rain
June 27, 2017 at 1:47 pmEverything looks so beautiful. When would you say is the best time to go for the great weather?
Jay
June 27, 2017 at 11:06 pmI personally hate the cold, so id say May- Oct. However Christmas time is beautiful in Switzerland and you could go skiing 🙂
Elizabeth O
June 27, 2017 at 8:31 amZurich is a beautiful city with nice little nooks and the occasional surprise. You did a fantastic job of showcasing some of its highlights.
Jay
June 27, 2017 at 11:05 pmWow thanks Elizabeth <3
Kelly
June 26, 2017 at 8:53 pmI can’t wait to go to Switzerland 🙂
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:09 pmKelly ya gotta go and let us know how you liked !!
Milton Goh
June 26, 2017 at 3:14 pmThis is somewhere I want to go to! Your post makes me wanna visit Zurich all the more!
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:07 pmOops sorry 😉
Laury
June 26, 2017 at 2:39 pmWow! This looks INCREDIBLE and visiting is on my bucket list!
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:07 pmThanks for the love Laury
David Elliott
June 26, 2017 at 2:00 pmAll of the stuff here looks so amazing. Zurich is definitely one of the cities on my bucket list. And now you have given me even more reasons to visit.
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:07 pmHi David thanks so much for your kind words !!
Heather Johnson
June 26, 2017 at 12:44 pmZurich looks like an amazing place to visit! I would love to check out a bunch of the historical sites myself.
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:06 pmHi Heather !! Zurich is an incredible city I know you’ll it !!
Agentszerozerosetter
June 26, 2017 at 9:11 amI went to Zurich years ago, and is truly a beautiful city! Lot to see and enjoy, loved your pictures!
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:06 pmSo glad you loved it as much as us 🙂
Jen
June 26, 2017 at 6:12 amIt is one of the few European cities I’ve never visited. I would go there for the fondue alone 😀
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:05 pmHahah Jen you gotta go !! And you gotta have that fondue 🙂
fashionmommy
June 26, 2017 at 4:58 amIt is an incredible city, I love those umbrellas, and was totally sold on the modern art scene.
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:05 pmMe too !!
sondra
June 26, 2017 at 2:11 amI love the shot with the umbrellas that was just very inspirational looking. What a great visit you must of had.
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:05 pmWe had so much fun 🙂 Thanks Sondra!!
Nancy
June 26, 2017 at 1:41 amThis is amazing! Europe tour is my bucket list I wish it happens soon
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:04 pmMake it happen Nancy !!!
Erin
June 25, 2017 at 1:02 pmYou have made Zurich look both beautiful and enticing. I have added it to my Pinterest travel board and cannot wait to visit now!
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:04 pmThank you soo much Erin, we love to hear that !!
Samantha Bye
June 25, 2017 at 12:40 pmOh my goodness, that fondue looks incredible. Great pictures, the whole city looks amazing!
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:03 pmThe fondue was amazing 🙂
ejnets
June 25, 2017 at 10:54 amThese photos and article are something. I have never been and I wanna go so so much! 🙂
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:03 pmThanks so much <3
Corinne & Kirsty
June 25, 2017 at 5:09 amI have never been to Zurich but I have heard so much about it. A friend of mine lives there and she loves it! It really looks an amazing city! Defo a must see! xx corinne
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:02 pmHi Corinne!! You must 😉
Hanna Wright
June 25, 2017 at 1:49 amI am heading to Zurich next week!! Just found your blog and i love it !!!
Jay
June 26, 2017 at 9:01 pmAwe thanks Hanna safe travels xoxoxo
Christine
June 24, 2017 at 9:49 pmWonderful list of things to see in Zurich!! I’m hoping to visit this city in the next couple years, so I’ve saved your list to help with the planning! 🙂
Jay
June 24, 2017 at 11:01 pmHi Christine !! That is great music to our ears 🙂
Laurie
June 24, 2017 at 9:23 pmWhat an awesome place to go. I would love to go there on a trip one day. Hopefully I’ll make it someday. I love the pictures you took.
Jay
June 24, 2017 at 11:01 pmHi Laurie 🙂 I hope you make it one day and when you do let us know !!
Jessica Taylor
June 24, 2017 at 8:18 pmWow I had no idea there was so much to do there! This looks like an awesome vacation spot!
Jay
June 24, 2017 at 11:00 pmI know, Zurich is a totally underrated destination. People only think of Switzerland for winter sports but it has so much more !!