Of all the cities I have visited in Switzerland, Zurich is my favourite. And although I have never met a Swiss city I didn’t like, there’s something special about Zurich. This explains why I visited this third time in this visit to Europe. So, if you’re wondering how to spend your day in Zurich, I have you covered!
But I always start by saying that I’ve been to Zurich at least a few nights. You can easily see everything about Zurich in one day, but it’s a city that rewards you for slowing down. From enjoying hot chocolate in the frozen cold winter air to spending summer days on the lake, there is much to look at to fill in Zurich for a few days.
However, this is a Zurich day guide, so keep it easy and covers only the essentials. This doesn’t go anything!
A brief introduction to Zurich
Let’s start with a brief introduction to Zurich. If you are visiting Switzerland for the first time, you may visit between several different Swiss cities. For me, Zurich is Cities to visit In Switzerland. In fact, this will be my third time in Zurich!
First of all, Zurich is a great destination to fly as it is very well connected to ski towns like St. Moritz and Arosa. But it’s not just a stopover city. Zurich is the main event in many ways!
There are so many attractions in the city that you can easily spend a few days here, exploring the cobblestone alleys of the old town and slowing down to drink hot chocolate in the crisp winter air. I would recommend at least one day to see the highlights (in a one-night stay), but for me the best time to spend here is to at least two nights, and preferably three nights. It’s the kind of city you don’t want to leave!
1. View from Lindenhof
It has a panoramic view of Lindenhofhill from places visited from the most popular places in Zurich. The hill is located in the heart of town and offers views of Grossmunster and the Old Town, but extends far more. Because of its soft glow, it is most beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
2. Walk along Augustine Gas
Very close is Augustine, a beautiful old shopping street you may have seen in a photo of Zurich. This street is located in the heart of Zurich and has a handful of cute cafes and restaurants, but the real beauty is that it passes through it. If you’re an early bird like me, then walk here at sunrise, as you’ll probably enjoy the streets yourself.
3. Praise GrossmΓΌnster
GrossmΓΌnster is a Romanesque Protestant church in the heart of the city and is one of Zurich’s main landmarks. The two bell towers extend high towards the sky, and during gold hour the church becomes bright gold, making it look magical in the photos. The best views come from the water. Alternatively, if you are staying at the Storchen hotel, you can enjoy the same stunning views from the windows of the room.
4. Watch the sun set along the rimmatokai
Stay for the sunset of Limmatkai while you are here. This is my favorite place to be at sunset, especially if you can get a spot along the waterfront stairs (but beware of the cocky swans trying to incorporate food from you!)
5. Drink hot chocolate at Sprungli
There are only a handful of options when it comes to finding the best hot chocolate in Zurich. And because, trust me, I tried them all! But if you ask me, the best hot chocolate in town and the real experience in Zurich is in Sprungli. There are many shops in the city. There is also a great hot chocolate in front of the 1842 Confisley and Stouchen Hotel.
6. Eating traditional apple strudel at 1842 Confisserie
When it comes to the topic of eating and drinking in Zurich, if you are craving sweets, you might fantasize about the apple Strudel. This is actually Austrian cuisine, but due to its geographical proximity, Apple Strudel often works frequently on the dessert menu. In light of that, I embarked on a mission of sorts to discover the best apple Strudel in Zurich. And many praises I praise you for having the best hot chocolate in 1842 towns (I agree, It’s very good), I think their apple Strudel is even more noteworthy.
7. Get a drink and people look at Stouchen
If you’re looking for a great place to kick the view and enjoy, then there’s probably no better place than looking from the front of the Stouchen hotel. We were staying here so before we went to dinner we made sure to stop by once a day for hot chocolate and aperitif. Especially good during the golden hour!
8. Dining at the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world
For me, finding great vegetarian restaurants in a new city is one of the most exciting discoveries. After being a vegetarian for 15 years (half of my life) I have seen vegetarianism and veganism become much wider, but when I find an amazing vegetable restaurant it’s still exciting. But it’s not every day that you find the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurants (as verified by Guiness World Records!) Hirtle. I loved everything I ate here, but if you want a personal recommendation, I would suggest buffalo cauliflower. You will not regret it!
9. Visit the Countryside Restaurant Book for lunch from town
If you’re tired of the city, you don’t need to go far to get out of it before you’re in the airy Swiss countryside. In fact, I took a short boat trip from the front of the hotel, but eventually I found myself Buech RestaurantA typical Swiss restaurant with a gourmet twist. And food? From this world! From my goat cheese and fig starter to the delicious truffle risotto I enjoyed on the main course, this was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Switzerland.
10. Take the river or ferry
Speaking of my boat ride on the river, this was a relaxing way to see Greater Zurich and explore the city. You can also take public ferries to nearby suburbs, or head back down the river. The highlight of my trip was when I stopped by the chocolate Lindt house on my way back to town (Oops!)
11. Visit the chocolate lindt house
If you’re still done with chocolate (for me, I’m never actually), you’ll need to add a chocolate house (factory and museum) home to your list. It’s just a 13 minute bus out of town and it’s a very own bus stop! There are occasional workshops, but if there are no workshops scheduled for a visit, you should visit the Chocolate Museum (and be hungry – there are plenty of chocolates for the tasting!)
12. Take a walk around Zurich West
Last but not least, on this visit to Zurich I made sure I was exploring a new part of town. Heading west, all student populations discover places they want to hang out on the weekend. Also, you’ll get a great cheap meal as soon as you leave the city centre itself. Zurich West is a great place to take part in small retail therapy, as it is packed with amazing boutiques and individual local designers!
I flew to Europe on Singapore Airlines, departed from Brisbane, then landed in Paris after a short layover in Singapore. Singapore Airlines flies to 13 European cities every day and departs Australia from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin and Perth every day. I then took the train to Zurich, which took about 4 hours.