Optional Day & Social Activities

All major sights are within walking distance from Central Station and can be discovered in just a few hours on foot. Whether with a city map on a round tour recommended by Zürich Tourism or under your own steam, it’s easy to get to know Zurich on foot. The Old Town of Zurich, the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, Lake Zurich, the Lindenhof and the famous Bahnhofstrasse are all within a 1- or 2-kilometer radius and easy to reach on foot in just 20 to 30 minutes.

Grossmünster – Zurich’s Famous Landmark 

The Grossmünster church is a landmark of Zurich. Legend has it that the church was built on the graves of the city’s patron saints, Felix and Regula. In the first half of the 16th century, the Grossmünster church was the starting point of the Swiss-German Reformation. The theological college then annexed to the monastery spawned what is now the University of Zürich.

The Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches are landmarks of Zurich. The convent once held great power in Zurich.

Founded in 853 by King Louis the German, this church with its convent was inhabited by the female members of the aristocracy of Europe. The convent enjoyed the patronage of kings and the abbess the right to mint coins in Zurich until well into the 13th century. Ownership of the church and convent passed to the city of Zurich after the Reformation.

Uetliberg is Zurich's very own "mountain", from where you have beautiful views of the city and lake – and perhaps even a glimpse of the Alps.

The Uetliberg is particularly popular in November, as its summit is often above the blanket of fog that can cover the city at this time of year. In the winter, the hiking trails to the summit are converted into sledding runs.
In summer, there’s plenty to discover on well-marked hiking routes, a mountain bike route, and on the Planet Trail. This two-hour walk from Uetliberg to Felsenegg (Adliswil) takes you on a fascinating tour through a model of our solar system.

Sechseläutenplatz is a place for relaxing between Bellevue and Zurich's Opera House. 

The opera  and the "Bellevue", an important tram stop in Zurich, are also located here. This is one of the largest city squares in Switzerland – created with 16,000 m² of elegant quartzite. Trees, places to sit and water elements make it a very attractive and really cozy spot.

Lindenhof is an oasis at the heart of the city that looks back on a moving history.. This spot provides a glorious view of the Old Town, Grossmünster Church, City Hall, the Limmat river, the university and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

Lindenhof was also the scene of numerous historical events. In the 4th century a Roman fort stood on Lindenhof – and in the 9th century the grandson of Charlemagne built a regal palace as place of residence on the very same site.
This area continued to be a place for gatherings for Zurich’s inhabitants right up to the beginning of the modern era.

From the historic old town to the young and vibrant Zürich-West, from the inviting blue waters of Lake Zurich to snow-capped mountains - there are plenty of amazing things to do in Zurich. Set alongside the shimmering lake Zurich and the river Limmat and framed by the Swiss Alps, Switzerland's biggest city offers numerous attractions.

Exciting city tours, a trip to the Swiss mountains or unusual and creative activities are special activities that guests experience in and around Zurich.

You can find everything that your heart desires in Bahnhofstrasse: fashion, art and Zurich specialties attract local residents as well as visitors.

You find numerous boutiques, department stores and timepiece stores here, as well as at Paradeplatz – the Swiss banking center. Bahnhofstrasse is just as popular with locals and visitors, and it is always worth a visit. You can stroll relaxed along the lake in the summer as well as enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate at every corner in the winter.

Zurich’s cuisine knows no limits when it comes to food. Besides regional specialties such as “Zürcher Geschnätzeltes” and “Rösti”, food lovers can find international trends, new interpretations, and culinary rarities. The widely-traveled Zurich chefs love to combine their inspirations from far-off lands with local produce. This is reflected in the outstanding quality and readiness to experiment in the food mecca, Zurich.

Museums, concerts, theaters, and festivals: this is Zurich’s lively cultural scene.

The range of cultural offerings in Zurich is huge. Kunsthaus Zurich’s major modern art collection, the Löwenbräu Areal’s contemporary masterpieces and Museum Rietberg’s collection of non-European art – Zurich offers a wide range of museums that art lovers simply should not miss. Or visit the National Museum Zurich is located behind the Main Station and houses the largest collection documenting the cultural history of Switzerland.

A boat trip is the perfect way to explore Zurich from a different perspective.

The city of Zurich nestles around the upper end of Lake Zurich, while the River Limmat flows right through the middle of the city. So what better way is there to explore the city and surrounding area than on a boat trip?

Creative city explorers can enjoy a leisurely spot of sightseeing from the water on board the Limmat boats, “Felix”, “Regula”, and “Turicum”.

Take a deep breath, relax, unwind, and leave all your cares behind you.

Zurich offers a wide range of spa options: oriental baths entice visitors into the Hamam in the Old Town or the centrally located Stadtbad. The Thermalbad & Spa Zürich treats guests to a rooftop bath, while after a sauna by the lake, a courageous plunge into the refreshing Lake Zurich revives the spirits.