Zurich itinerary — 3 days
Day 1 — Zurich
5 stops · ≈ 5 h 38 minSteakhouse 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.
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.
Switzerland's national history museum stands directly opposite Zurich's main station in a fairy-tale castle-like building of 1898 by Gustav Gull. It holds the country's largest cultural-history collection: Celtic and Roman relics, Gothic altarpieces and stained glass, armour, watches and folk costumes, plus a section on the Reformation. The easiest stop right after arriving by train — just minutes from the platforms.
If you're looking to immerse yourself in the rich history and charm of Zurich, the Old Town Tour by Free Walk Zurich is a fantastic choice! This tour takes you through the heart of Zurich's historical district, showcasing stunning architectural landmarks like Lindenhof Hill, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. You'll also visit iconic sites such as Grossmünster Church with its impressive twin towers and Fraumünster Church, famous for its exquisite stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.
Zurich West's cult garden bar, assembled from shipping containers beside Hardbrücke station. In summer there is barbecue food, cocktails, an open-air cinema and mismatched furniture under string lights; in winter a Christmas edition opens with mulled wine. Entry is free and the mood is deliberately informal — pure Zurich West spirit.
Reserve
11If you have time left — worth it too.
Lively Niederdorf, part of the old town, is known for its medieval streets and squares, cathedrals like the Romanesque Grossmünster, and Limmatquai promenade, with views of Lake Zurich. Musée Visionnaire shows Art Brut paintings, while Cabaret Voltaire is an offbeat arts center for events and installations. Upscale boutiques and fine-dining restaurants dot the area, alongside cocktail bars and a few nightclubs.
River pool with a swimming channel, a non-swimmers' area & a diving board, plus a snack bar.
An 1894 railway viaduct in trendy Zürich-West, transformed into a lively urban hub by architects EM2N. Tucked beneath its 36 stone arches is a 500-metre promenade of independent design boutiques, studios, cafés, and the city's premier indoor food market, Markthalle Viadukt, showcasing artisanal Swiss produce. An elevated pedestrian path runs alongside the tracks, linking the vibrant strip to the adjacent Josefwiese park.
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.
The University of Zurich's botanical garden, opened at its new site in 1977 in a quarter south-east of the centre. Three glasshouse domes recreate different climates: lowland tropics with lianas and orchids, a 'cloud forest' and subtropics with succulents. Outside the domes are alpine plants, a pond and lawns where students and locals relax on the grass. Entry is free and the garden is open year-round.
Lively, multi-block stretch known for its many restaurants, bars & late-night hangouts.
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.
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.
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 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.