Location: Zurich
Top Things to do in Zurich
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Zurich That You Shouldn't Miss
The largest city in Switzerland is a major contemporary art and shopping destination. Important artworks are displayed in the Kunsthaus and the Rietberg Museum, while those who consider shopping an art can hone their skills along Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf. Chagall's stained glass windows in the Fraumunster amaze and Zurich's 500 clubs and bars, including several in swimming pools, pulse with life 'til the early hours. This city on Lake Zurich has excellent public transit and a free bike rental system.
Restaurants in Zurich
1. Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,130 reviews
Zürich's historic section features cobblestone streets, a variety of small stores and restaurants and many of the city's most significant religious landmarks.
Reviewed By blajevaina - London, United Kingdom
It’s like walking back in time but even better like a perfect movie set where every building is perfectly positioned and specially preserved, where every street is clean and well maintained, where every tree and street lights are in tune with the buildings and overall everything around is in pristine condition ????❤️???? You can walk around everywhere it is very well organised and easy to navigate. The traditional Trams are very charming and worth the ride . The bicycles are good solutions is you in a hurry. Google map works perfectly they are many hot spots and free wi-fi zones too. Plenty to see from medieval Cathedrals to Alpine masterpieces and Renaissance, museums and galleries,shops and cafe and tavern style restaurants all with charm and character. Very easy on the eye and inviting streets and small piazzas with water futures and corners . Yes the water on the streets is drinkable and very delicious straight from the Alps ! Zürich has the cleanest and most well organised Old town in Europe and you can see it easily. The high Swiss ????????standards are not in the price but in what you get for it and the Old town is up to the highest standards in Europe???????????? Zurich has the cleanest air for European capital city and you’ll feel it referring ! Must see , must explore and must experience the Old Town by walking without rushing. Take time to enjoy, to sit for coffee and admire the atmosphere around you . Don’t rush in a 24 hours you can not see everything . Pick top 3 places of interest for the day and leave few hours to explore without planning and to enjoy! For the romantics that’s the perfect place and there is the bridge where you can put your lock of Love ???? ???? discover it ! ???????? For the historical places tickets online to skip the Q are better options. For shopping, boutique style of Local and High Fashion. For souvenirs few special shops only but no street junks . (No fast food , no any junks on the streets at all ) For picture perfect views of the Old Town- the University terrace, the high Square and the Cathedral Tower! It’s photographers place - no billboards on the buildings or streets no advertising no posters no commercial junk at all ! Beautiful clean well preserved architecture only! One practical advice - Comfy but smart wear it’s a must ! Swiss are very well smart dressed but understated and discreet (no flushing fashion and labels, no fashion statements) Don’t forget the phone chargers, battery extenders and converts if you planing on photos all day (the weird non EU - Swiss sockets need convertor). Most coffee shops and restaurants have where to plug in and recharge but Swiss style only! They usually have free wi-fi too but you need to ask for the password. One of the weird difference from other European capital City’s is that Speaking in high voice and making a noise is considered very rude and impolite! Do keep your voice down NO shouting and screaming in public places (it’s offensive)! Other than that keep it clean and be kind and you’ll be welcome everywhere ! Swiss in generally are very polite and welcoming for tourists ???? Go enjoy,make happy memories and share with the World ????????????????????????????????
2. Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,862 reviews
This fantastic art museum displays Western works since the 1600s and has an especially impressive selection of modern art.
Reviewed By SadieMT - Missoula, United States
We spent about 3 hours here and enjoyed both the museum itself and the artwork. We spent most of our time in the 19th century and forward collections and had the opportunity to see some fine Chagall paintings and a stunning Van Gogh work painted the last year of his life. Many sculptures by Giacometti and a current exhibit on Matisse sculptures.
3. Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Affiliated with the University of Zürich, these large gardens feature a huge variety of plants from around the world.
Reviewed By sugerglider - London, United Kingdom
Not too far from the city centre this medium sized botanic garden is worth repeat visits as the seasons change. Peaceful park-like atmosphere plus 3 large glasshouses containing plants and trees from different climate zones. And 3 small but interesting fish tanks!
4. Beyer Clock and Watch Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
The Beyer Clock and Watch Museum is housed in Zurich's most prestigious shopping district, situated in the very heart of the city, in the premises of the Beyer watch store. The exhibition comprises some 270 pieces from all fields of chronology, which are examined in technical and scientific terms as well as from an art-history point of view. The museum is home to one of the most important horological collections in the world. It recounts the complete history of timekeeping from 1400 BC to the present day.
Reviewed By aharonr - Haifa, Israel
The museum is located at Beyer watch and jewelry shop at the lower level . The collection of time pieces displayed there is one of its kind and you can have detailed information on every item through an iPad that you are given at the entrance. There is a guide there that his name is Jean Pierre that had a vast knowledge on watches and is very friendly and he gave us the special twist to our visit there. The collection is priceless.
5. Museum Rietberg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 441 reviews
This art museum is the only art museum in Switzerland that focuses on non-European art, and has a substantial collection from Asia, America, Africa and Oceania. It's also located in one of Zürich's most beautiful parks.
Reviewed By finman2016 - Dublin, Ireland
This is one of Europe's hidden gems. Hidden, it has to be said, partly through its own fault. I talked to people who live in Zurich who did not even know about it and it is not well advertised or signposted. But it is really worth finding. The collection of early Chinese ceramics alone is stunning -- most of the pieces would be in any national museum that could get hold of them. But there are also fabulous collections of Japanese, pre-Columbian, Indian and African art. The displays are excellent, with labels in English as well as German and the design of the buildings (linking a new extension with a 19th century villa) is very pleasant to move around. The scale overall is ideal -- a good morning or afternoon with lunch in the cafe is perfect.
6. Niederdorf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 577 reviews
Reviewed By bob2bkk - Bangkok, Thailand
The Niederhof is an area on the east side of the Limmat River and part of old historic Zurich. Both sides of he river have old town areas, but I am partial to this side. The Niederhof has beautiful cobbelstone alley ways and streets. It is full of restaurants, bars, cafes, small shops with one of a kind objects and of course souvenir shops. Many places offer outside dining and seating weather permitting. It is a great place for absorbing the historical side of Zurich and some wonderful architecture. Wheelchair accessible with assistance or motorized.
7. Zoo Zurich
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,934 reviews
«People who know animals will protect them.» Up above the city of Zurich, spanning a surface of approximately 27 hectares, is Switzerland’s largest and most frequently visited cultural and educational institution: Zoo Zurich. The popular nationwide excursion destination wants to get people interested in animals and encourage them to play an active role in nature conservation and the protection of species.
Reviewed By Meike_Ka_9 - Zurich, Switzerland
I really like the Zoo Zurich it has a nice and not too big selection of animals including some very lovely koalas. Most of the enclosure seems spacious to me and my impression is that animals are in good condition as well. Every now and then they have volunteers explaining details about the animals and even on a rainy day there are enough houses to spend time inside
8. Lake Zurich
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,034 reviews
Reviewed By GrahamB67 - Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
The 85 minute short cruise from Bürkliplatz to Thalwil is a relaxing way to see both sides of the lake. Excellent price for the trip, and food and drink on board was sensibly priced, too. Quite busy in the low season, as less boats are operating, so there were few spare seats
9. Hauptbahnhof
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,033 reviews
Reviewed By ECExpatLife - Zurich, Switzerland
Need to shop on a Sunday when all of the other stores are closed? Not to worry, they are open here... groceries, clothing, electronics... It is easy to get to the station via train or tram. In addition, during the Christmas season there is a wonderful market inside the station with food, gifts, and a beautiful Christmas tree.
10. Seilbahn Rigiblick
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Claude676 - Mosta, Malta
Just a short bus trip from the centre of Zurich, this funicular takes you to a quite and relaxing area where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the lake and the mountains.
