In this guide
Zurich is one of those rare cities where everything feels effortlessly balanced.
It has a lake and mountains, modern design and medieval streets, quiet corners and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re spending one day in Zurich or planning a longer trip, the city is full of places that are easy to explore on foot: charming churches, lakeside promenades, historic viewpoints, and some of the best cafés in Switzerland.
In this 2025 Zurich travel guide, I’m sharing the 7 best things to do in Zurich — from must-see sights in the Old Town to panoramic viewpoints and local spots that are perfect for photography.
These are the experiences that show you the real city: what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of your time, even if you only have one day in Zurich.
Why Visit Zurich in 2025?
Zurich has always been on my top-tier lists of cities to visit and stay. I’ve first visited Zurich in 2019. Actually my first holiday with my girlfriend. But 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years to visit.
The city is investing heavily in culture, outdoor spaces, and sustainable mobility, making it easier than ever to explore its lakeside paths, historic lanes, and modern districts on foot or by tram.
It has Old Town’s medieval atmosphere to the clean, bright modernism of Zurich West, the city brings together everything people love about Switzerland in one place: mountain views, world-class museums, calm neighborhoods, and a lakefront that feels like a natural escape in the middle of the city.
If you’re planning your Switzerland itinerary, Zurich is the kind of city that surprises you, not with big, dramatic moments, but with the small ones: quiet morning light over the lake, the sound of church bells in the Old Town, and the feeling of having an entire European city at walking distance.
The 7 Best Things to Do in Zurich
What surprised me when we first visited, Zurich is a very compact city, very walkable, easy to explore, and filled with lakeside paths, viewpoints, and cultural spots that fit naturally into a one-day or weekend trip.
These are the 10 best things to do in Zurich, a balance of iconic must-sees and local discoveries that show you what Zurich is really about.
1. Explore Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt)
The Old Town is the heart of the city, a maze of medieval lanes, stone stairways, and photogenic squares. Start in Niederdorf, wander toward the river, and climb up to Lindenhof, one of Zurich’s classic viewpoints.
Things you shouldn’t miss:
- Grossmünster towers (Zurich’s iconic church)
- Fraumünster and its Chagall windows
- Spiegelgasse for narrow-alley photography
2. Walk Along Lake Zurich and the Promenade
We fell in love with the lakeside in Zurich. It’s where locals slow down. From Bürkliplatz to Seefeld, the promenade is filled with joggers, swimmers, and people reading by the water.
It’s calm, open, and great for photography, especially in early morning or at golden hour.
3. Ride the Polybahn to the ETH Zurich Terrace Viewpoint
One of Zurich’s most fun and nostalgic rides: a bright red funicular that climbs straight from the city center to the ETH terrace.
At the top, you get sweeping city views, church towers, rooftops, and the river all visible at once.
Perfect for capturing the classic Zurich city skyline.
4. Take a Cruise on the Limmat or Lake Zurich
A quick and easy way to see the city from another angle.
You can choose between:
- Short Limmat river cruise (20–30 minutes)
- Lake Zurich mini-cruise (1–2 hours)
Both are ideal if you’re trying to fit in as many things to do in Zurich in one day as possible.
You can get your tickets at the ticket booth or by using the ZVV machines. It’s so easy since you can use your public transport tickets that you use for buses, trams and trains in Zurich as well as boat cruises!
5. Visit Kunsthaus Zürich
We always tend to squeeze a museum visit in when we go on a trip. Zurich has a beautiful art museum: Kunsthaus Zurich.
It has one of Europe’s most impressive collections. From medieval pieces to contemporary Swiss art, there’s enough here for both casual visitors and serious art lovers.
So maybe on a rainy day you can visit here!
6. Discover Zurich West’s Creative Side
Besides the classic and old town part, Zurich has a creative, modern and artsy part: The West Side. This is really “the coolest neighborhood in Zurich”.
Start at the Museum für Gestaltung, Zurich’s leading design museum.
It’s a must-see for anyone interested in:
- Swiss graphic design
- Typography & posters
- Industrial design
- Visual communication
- Architecture & photography
The exhibitions rotate frequently, and the building itself has that clean Swiss-modernist look that’s great for photography.
Or, walk over to Markthalle im Viadukt, one of the most atmospheric food markets in Zurich.
Built directly under the arches of an old railway viaduct, the space blends industrial architecture with modern food stalls, perfect for photos.
7. Hike or Train Up to Uetliberg
Uetliberg is Zurich’s local mountain. If you want to see Zurich from above without committing to a full alpine hike, this is by far one of the best things to do in Zurich.
You have two simple options depending on your energy level:
Take the Train (Fastest & Easiest)
From Zürich HB, hop on the S10 train and stay until the last stop, “Uetliberg.”
The ride takes 25 minutes, winding slowly up the mountain through forested slopes.
From the station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the main viewpoint and the lookout tower.
Perfect if you’re short on time or doing Zurich in one day.
Hike Up From Triemli (Most Scenic)
If you want something more active, take tram 14 or the S10 to Triemli and start the hike there.
It’s about 1 to 1.5 hours of steady climbing through forest trails, wooden steps, and open viewpoints.
The route is well-marked, easy to follow, and doable for most fitness levels.
Great for morning light and forest photography.
(we took the train)
Practical Tips for Visiting Zurich
Traveling in Zurich is really easy, the city is compact, organized, and designed for people who prefer walking, trams, or slow lakeside exploring. These practical tips will help you make the most of your trip without overspending or losing time navigating.
Use the Zurich Card If You’re Exploring Multiple Attractions
The Zurich Card gives you free public transport across the entire city, including to the airport, plus free or discounted entry into museums.
If you’re planning to visit places like Kunsthaus Zürich, the Swiss National Museum, or the Museum für Gestaltung, it pays for itself quickly.
Zurich Is One of Europe’s Easiest Cities to Walk
Many of the best places to visit in Zurich — the Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, the Opera House, the lake promenade — are all within 10–20 minutes of each other.
For most travelers, you won’t need a car. Just walk, or use the ultra-reliable trams.
Trams Are Fast, Clean, and Very Frequent
Zurich’s tram network covers almost everything.
Tickets work across:
- Trams
- Buses
- Boats
- Cable cars within city limits
If you don’t use a Zurich Card, buy a 24-hour day pass. It’s cheaper than single tickets if you plan to hop on and off throughout the day.
Tap Water Is 100% Safe (and Delicious)
Zurich has over 1,200 public fountains, all offering drinkable water.
Bring a bottle, you’ll save money, and the water is some of the best in Switzerland.
Is Zurich Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Zurich is one of those cities that doesn’t rely on big monuments or dramatic attractions, it wins you over with atmosphere, clean design, lakeside calm, mountain views, and a sense of balance that’s rare in a major European city.
Whether you’re here for one day in Zurich or planning a longer trip, the city offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and simple everyday beauty.
Slow down, walk by the lake, explore a neighborhood, and let the city reveal itself one quiet moment at a time.
Frequently asked questions
