Zurich itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Zurich
9 stops · ≈ 6 h 38 minPerched high on a hill overlooking the Limmat River, Lindenhof is the historic heart and tranquil cradle of Zurich. Once the site of a 4th-century Roman fort and later a Carolingian royal palace, this shaded public terrace offers a calm retreat in the Old Town. Visitors gather under spreading linden trees to play giant outdoor chess, drink from the historic Hedwig fountain, and take in postcard vistas of the Grossmünster cathedral.
Steakhouse Old Town is set on pedestrian Marktgasse in the historic Niederdorf quarter of Zurich's Old Town. Housed in a charming heritage building, the restaurant is celebrated for premium dry-aged steaks seared on charcoal grills and sizzling lava stones. Its warm interior with rustic stone vaults and dark timber creates a welcoming setting for a hearty meal following an Old Town walking tour.
Switzerland's leading art museum spans the Middle Ages to the present. It holds the world's finest collection of Alberto Giacometti's work, major groups of Edvard Munch, and paintings by Monet, Chagall and Warhol. In 2021 a restrained stone extension by David Chipperfield joined the historic building on Heimplatz, adding a vast hall for contemporary shows. On Wednesdays admission to the collection is free for everyone.
The Zurich Opera House opened in 1891; the building was designed by the Viennese bureau of Fellner and Helmer, and the auditorium seats around 1,100. Its neoclassical facade with medallions of Wagner, Verdi and Mozart faces Sechseläutenplatz by the lake. The stage ranks among Europe's most technologically advanced; the season runs from September to June, and premiere tickets sell out early.
Inaugurated in 1884 as part of engineer Arnold Bürkli's lakefront urban promenade, the Quaibrücke spans the Limmat River right where it flows out of Lake Zurich, connecting Bürkliplatz with Bellevue. It is celebrated for its classic postcard panoramas: snow-capped Alpine peaks in the distance, swans floating on clear lake waters, the twin spires of the Grossmünster, and historic passenger steamers departing from the pier.
Zurich's twin-towered landmark church on the banks of the Limmat. Legend says it stands over the graves of the city's patron saints Felix and Regula, whose figures appear on Otto Münch's bronze doors. Ulrich Zwingli preached here from 1519, turning Zurich into a centre of the Reformation, and the stained glass in the choir is by Augusto Giacometti. Church entry is free; a small fee is charged for climbing the Karlsturm tower.
Housed in Zurich's former armory building dating back to 1487, Zeughauskeller is one of Switzerland's most celebrated historic beer halls. Its spacious, wood-beamed dining room retains a genuine medieval tavern atmosphere, decorated with antique halberds, crossbows, and suits of armor. Visitors gather at long communal tables to savor classic Swiss fare, including Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with rösti, hearty sausages, and house craft beers.
The world's oldest vegetarian restaurant by the Guinness Book of Records: open since 1898 and now run by the fourth generation of the same family. The heart of the house is a pay-by-weight buffet with dozens of dishes from Indian curries to Swiss desserts, almost half of them vegan. There is also a bar-lounge, a deli and a coffee corner, with brunch on Sundays. The place draws committed vegetarians and curious meat-eaters alike.
Zurich's Old Botanical Garden is perched atop the 17th-century 'zur Katz' bastion overlooking the scenic Schanzengraben moat. Established in 1837, this tranquil green sanctuary features centuries-old specimen trees, an octagonal 1877 glass Palm House, and the Gessner Garden dedicated to medieval medicinal herbs. It offers an idyllic, leafy escape right in the heart of the city.
Reserve
6If you have time left — worth it too.
Another wonderful thing to do in Zurich is to enjoy the cityscape from the Polyterrasse, a hidden gem on the ETH Zurich grounds that offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. The terrace provides plenty of seating, making it an ideal spot to unwind with a coffee from a nearby café or simply take in the view. It is popular with both local students and tourists, as a meeting place as well as for taking beautiful photos of Zurich. To enjoy a lovely sunset view, head to the Polyterrasse — a spacious terrace of ETH Zurich with breathtaking views over the rooftops of Zurich. You can get there in just two minutes on the Polybahn, a charming little funicular departing from Limmatquai 144 in the center of Zurich. Or, if you're up for it, you can walk up on foot.
Fribourger Fondue Stübli in Zurich's Aussersihl district is a beloved culinary landmark celebrated for serving some of Switzerland's finest fondue. Step inside this cosy alpine chalet-style dining room, adorned with dark timber paneling and red-checkered tablecloths. The star of the menu is authentic Fribourg moitié-moitié fondue, blending Gruyère AOP and Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP, served bubbling hot with crusty bread and kirsch.
River pool with a swimming channel, a non-swimmers' area & a diving board, plus a snack bar.
This historic green park occupies a triangular spit of land at the confluence of the Limmat and Sihl rivers, right behind Zurich's main train station and the Swiss National Museum. Tracing its roots as a public recreational ground back to the Middle Ages, the park features shaded plane-tree avenues, manicured lawns, and neoclassical pavilions. A statue honors James Joyce, who walked here often, while the point offers breezy river views.
A spacious park around the University of Zurich's Irchel campus, created in the 1980s. It holds ponds fed by rainwater, broad picnic lawns and long paths for jogging and skating; in summer the banks fill with students and sunbathers. Cafés and a library cling to the campus edge, so the park lives all day — from morning runners to evening groups with a guitar.
Zurich's home mountain (871 m) with views over the city, the lake and, on clear days, the snow-capped Alps. A railway climbs almost to the top, where the 'Planet Trail' begins its walk toward Felsenegg and a viewing tower lifts the panorama higher. In autumn the hill is famous for watching fog flood over the city.
- Validate your transport ticket before boarding trams and trains.
- Try to learn a few basic phrases in German, as it is the primary language spoken.
- Keep small change handy for public toilets in the city.