This post was originally posted on Wanderdash as “A Guide to Zürich, Switzerland” (Follow me there @travelteachread)!
Switzerland’s largest city, Zürich, has a reputation as a finance and banking city, which can lead many people to assume it’s not worth a visit as a tourist. However, there is SO much more to this gorgeous Swiss destination. From strolling through its romantic old town streets, to lake swims in the summer and sledding through the forests in the winter; there’s plenty to see and do here! A visit to Zürich works perfectly as a city break or as a stop on a longer Switzerland trip!
I’ve spent the last 3 and a half years living in Zürich, enjoying the perfect blend of nature and city life which is on offer here. I am as much in love with it now as I was when we first moved here, and I’m excited to share my favourite spots with you!
Explore Zürich’s Old Town
It breaks my heart when I hear that people think Zürich is all banks and offices! Zürich’s Old Town is like something out of a fairytale! It is full of cobbled streets, quirky buildings, historic churches and beautiful squares that are often home to unique stone fountains.
It’s worth spending some time wandering through the different streets and across the bridges to see what you discover. My personal favorite street is Augustinergasse; it’s full of colorful houses that have ornate bay window boxes. It’s very photogenic!
Grab a coffee at Lindenhof
Zürich was once part of the Roman Empire, with “Turicum” being the original Roman name for the city. Lindenhof hill, in the heart of the old town, is the site of an ancient Roman fort, and now serves as a peaceful park and viewpoint of the city.
I recommend grabbing a coffee from Le Café enSoie, which is on the stairs on your way up to Lindenhof. Then find yourself a nice bench where you can soak in the view and people watch with your coffee.
Visit the Polyterrasse viewpoint
From the Central tram station, you can take a tiny, bright-red funicular up the hill towards the universities of Zürich. After your short but delightful journey, you will arrive at a large viewing platform (called the polyterrasse). Here you have an incredible view of the old town and it is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Shop and eat in the Industry Quarter
The old industrial area of Zürich, also known as Zürich West, has been given a new lease of life in recent years and is now a trendy urban area. It’s worth visiting this part of the city for a wander and to explore the variety of bars, restaurants and shops here. There is Im Viadukt, a selection of shops, cafes and a market hall all built into the railway arches. Also found here is the well-loved Frau Gerolds Garten; an outdoor bar and restaurant meets city garden. This spot is the perfect sunny hangout in summer, and in winter transforms completely into a magical garden full of lights and cozy fire pits.
Enjoy summer Lake Swims
If you want to experience Zürich like the locals do, then a lake swim should be at the top of your list! During the warmer months, everyone flocks to Zurich’s expansive lake shores to relax with friends and cool off in the crystal clear waters.
There are plenty of parks and green spaces along the lake where you can jump in the water for free, including Zürihorn (such a beautiful spot!). If you’re looking for something a little extra, you can visit a “badi”. Here in Switzerland, a badi is an open air swimming pool or area situated on the lake or river water. They cost 8 CHF for a day’s entry and include facilities like lockers and showers, as well as often having a kitchen serving delicious food. A favourite of mine is Seebad Enge for both the food and the chilled atmosphere!
Eat out at Zeughauskeller
Looking for traditional Swiss food and a fun atmosphere? Then head to the Zeughauskeller! This 15th century building was once an armory and storage space for weapons. Now the impressive hall has been transformed into a beautiful restaurant with huge, communal wooden tables and weapons and artifacts displayed on the walls. This grand, historical atmosphere is appealing for tourists, but it’s also a favorite spot with the locals – the place is ALWAYS packed full every time I have been! The food is very rustic, traditional Swiss dishes, and the draft beers are made to be enjoyed in the largest glass you can get!
Spend a day in nature at the Uetliberg
One of my favorite things about Zürich is how it blends city life and being outdoors in nature so well. A fine example of this is the Uetliberg – Zürich’s very own mini-mountain which the locals are very fond of. In just a 20 minute train journey from the main station, you will reach the summit. After a short walk, you’ll find yourself greeted by an incredible view of the city, lake and surrounding hills and forests. If you are up here on a clear day, you can see all the way across to the alps!
This is a favourite local hiking and picnicking spot during the summer, but in winter it becomes completely magical! There is often snow up here during the colder months, even when it’s just sleet and rain down in the city. The hotel at the summit opens a tiny little Christmas market complete with festive Swiss food favourites such as Raclette and Glühwein. However, the best part is the sled run! When Zürich gets enough snow, the 3.1km toboggan run opens up, where you can race your way through the woodland and back down to the city.
Take a half-day trip to Ufenau
Did you know that there are islands in the middle of Lake Zürich?! Well there are! The largest of them is Ufenau and it makes a wonderful half day trip from the city. You can start your trip with a relaxing cruise across the lake, by taking one of the boats that depart from Bellevue. After a couple of hours on the water, soaking in the views, you will arrive at the teeny tiny island paradise!
Although Ufenau is very small, it is completely idyllic. It’s home to a church, chapel, a restaurant and a little vineyard. I would recommend taking a stroll around the island, before settling down to a delicious lunch at the islands only restaurant (I always go for the delicious Fisch-chnusperli) and trying a glass of wine from the island’s vineyard.
Hang out at MAME
If, like me, you love to find a great coffee shop to relax in, both when you’re at home and traveling, then you’re going to love this recommendation! In the three and a half years I’ve lived in Zürich, I’ve ventured into many coffee shops here. MAME is by far my favourite. That’s due to both the relaxed, modern and spacious vibe at both their locations and, of course, the fact that the coffee is incredible. The baristas always help you to pick out something you’ll love!
Grab lunch at Al Paso
Switzerland has a reputation for being an extremely pricey country, meaning sometimes there you end up paying a hefty price tag for food and wind up feeling like the quality didn’t quite match. However, that is NOT the case with Al Paso! This soup and sandwich shop in the heart of old town Zürich is a delight. The sandwiches are out of this world and price is extremely reasonable. You can have both soup and a sandwich for just 12 CHF here (believe me, for Switzerland that is an excellent deal, especially for the quality!). This is the perfect lunch stop while you’re old exploring the old town streets of Zürich on a weekday (it’s closed on weekends sadly).