Places to visit in Zurich

Cradled on the west banks of Limat, Fraumunster Church is one of the most renowned destinations in Zurich. Its close proximity to a pristine river flowing to Grossmunster further enhances its charm. A popular name among the history buffs, Fraumunster dates back its existence to the 9th century.

Bahnhofstrasse, a tiny and yet so imposing street of Zurich is all centred with luxurious fashion brands, Swizz-chocolate shops, warm cafes, art galleries and much more. This extravagant high street of Zurich is well known as one of the most exclusive and expensive shopping arcades in Europe while being the third most expensive on the global list.

A famous mountain lying in the Swiss Plateau, Uetliberg is a mountain situated towards the northern terminal of the Albis chain, which is located in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. The mountain is considered to be the best point of the Albis hill range since it provides a birds-eye view of the entire Zurich city, the lake of Zurich, and the alps mountains.

Lake Zurich is a picturesque Swiss lake located in the heart of Zurich. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, it offers recreational activities, boat rides, and a serene atmosphere for relaxation and enjoyment.

A captivating wildlife sanctuary in Switzerland, home to over 400 species. Explore stunning exhibits, witness animal conservation efforts, and enjoy educational experiences for all ages.

Steeped in history and packed with a whole lot of sightseeing and shopping, Altstadt is the oldest part of the city and among the best tourist places in Zurich. The Roman Empire of Zurich came into being in the Old Town which makes this attraction more than 2000 years old.

Dating back to the first century, St. Peter's is the only baroque church in Zurich. It is known for its tower clock face which is the largest in the whole of Europe with a diameter of 8.7 metres. The five bells in the tower dating back to 1880 are also of prime importance with one of them weighing over 6000 kgs, without clappers.

Housing a diverse collection of artefacts from America, Asia, Africa and Oceania, Rietberg Museum, also known as ‘Emerald’ is situated in Zurich, Switzerland. Primarily focusing on the non-European arts and designs, the museum has become a great site of historical splendours. 

Another historical site and among the many tourist places in Zurich is Lindenhof Hill in the city’s Old Town. It is a moraine hill and a public square around which the city has developed over the years. The hill is also in close proximity to the central Limmat River, where tourists often flock for a 360° view of the town.

Built in the 19th century, this famous performance hall is still used today to host several musical as well as dramatic events. It is among the most noteworthy Switzerland tourist places and a haven for enthusiasts of classical music as well as those who appreciate exquisite architecture.

An exquisite lake shore promenade, Bürkliplatz is a town square in Zurich canton of Switzerland. Located in the historic Alpenquai region near the sublime Lake Zurich, the Quay Bridge is also situated next to it which crosses the river Limmat at the outflow of Lake Zurich known as Quaianlagen.

Irchelpark stands out as one of Zurich's most sprawling and spacious parks. Since the 1980s, it has been a dedicated sanctuary for nurturing and preserving indigenous flora.

Nestled near the Limmat River in Zurich, Niederdorf is a cosy town stretching to Bellevue. It is known for its shopping centres, bars, and street vendors. It is also famous for its medieval history, picturesque squares, and a beautiful view of the lake. You can take leisurely walks there during the day or night. You will see old churches like the Grossmunster and Limmatquai promenade. At night, there are plenty of fun things to do, like shopping, going to clubs, having cocktails, and eating at nice restaurants.

Situated on the Zurichsee Lakeshore, Pavillon Le Corbusier is an architectural marvel and a Swiss art museum dedicated to renowned Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Corbusier wanted to showcase his best works in a building that he personally loved and since there was nothing around, he worked on designing the Pavillon himself in the 1960s.

Get ready to experience the ultimate party vibe at Zurich’s annual Street Parade! It is a must-see event in the city where thousands of music fans gather around Lake Zurich to dance to awesome electronic and techno tunes. The streets come alive with amazing DJs, live shows, and delicious food and drinks.

Probably the most adorable tram ride you can experience amidst the vast expanse of beautiful Zurich is the UBS Polybahn. The UBS Polybahn funicular is a short railway journey connecting Zurich to Central Square. Dating back to the late 19th century, this funicular is popular among tourists and locals who want to ride to the top of the viewing point and admire spellbinding views of the city!

Among the most renowned places to visit in Zurich is the Wasserkirche which translates to ‘Water Church’, owing to it being built on an island. Designed in Gothic style, the construction of the structure was originally started in the 10th century and completion of work happened towards the end of the 15th century.

FIFA World Football Museum opened its door in 2016 and is meant to be a commemoration of the history and heritage of World Football and FIFA. The FIFA World Football Museum chronicles the over-a-century long journey of World Football and FIFA, in a swanky multimedia environment.

One of the most visually stunning places to see in Zurich is the Urania Sternwarte because this high tower literally lets you reach for the stars! The Urania Observatory which came into being in 1907 was the first building of Zurich to be built in concrete. To date, it continues to be one of the most distinctive buildings situated in the Old Town.

As Switzerland's largest railway station and one of Europe's busiest, Hauptbahnhof is a vibrant nexus of travel in Zurich. It serves as a transit point, and is also a dynamic space where culture and commerce thrive side by side. With ShopVille's underground shopping, diverse events, and culinary offerings, this iconic station symbolises Swiss efficiency and heritage, serving as a lively gateway for thousands daily.

While strolling along the pristine Zurich Lake, you’re sure to come across a resplendent villa called the Museum Bellerive. Established in the year 1968, the intricately designed museum houses some of the finest works by globally renowned artists like Emile Gallé, William Morris, and a host of others.

Reflecting the sky hovering over its head, Türlersee is an absolute gem from nature's treasury. Located around half an hour's drive from Zurich, Switzerland, Türlersee is situated at an elevation of 643 m above sea level. The azure blue water of the pristine lake adds to the lush greenery of the quiet surrounding valley to give the landscape an illusion of a slice of paradise on earth.

Lined with plush homes and old-school architectural buildings, Limmatquai is a high-end shopping street along the banks of the Limmat River and most definitely one of the best places to visit in Zurich. Limmatquai, flocked by locals and tourists alike, looks lavish with vibrant stores and eateries dotting the street.

Located in the old town of Zurich, Lindenhofplatz is a historic site of the Roman manor. The palace was forsaken in the ninth century, remade into a home for a king, and then broken down and used as a wellspring by the thirteenth century. In the early 21st century, Lindenhofplatz came to be known as a recreational space with a desert spring, which is also vehicle-free, for locals and tourists to roam about freely.

Explore Paradeplatz, a central tram stop next to the tranquil Lake Zurich, tucked away in the middle of the lively Bahnhofstrasse. Once referred to as "Saumart" or "pig market" in the sixteenth century, it is now inextricably linked to Switzerland's financial strength. Paradeplatz, lined with branches of major Swiss banks, welcomes you to Zurich's historic district, Bahnhofstrasse, and the peaceful shores of Lake Zurich.

Head out on a leisurely boat ride along the Limmat River to experience the most magnificent sights Zurich has to offer. Sail across the Old Town, head past Lake Zurich, enjoy views of the Town Hall, Lindenhof and the Grossmünster church, National Museum, and many other places of interest that boast of Zurich’s architecture and culture.

Amidst the many historic places to visit in Zurich is the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum located on Bahnhofstrasse. This fine piece of architecture and antiques stands out among the many department stores and shops that line the street.

If you’re looking for beautifully landscaped places to see in Zurich, the local Botanical Garden is a must-visit, especially in the spring when the flowers are blooming and the entire space boasts of lush greenery. The tropical greenhouses too are a great sight and these can be visited all year-round as well. 

If you’re a nature lover keen on learning more about wildlife, look no further because the Zoological Museum should top your list of must-visit tourist places in Zurich. Tucked away in the University of Zurich, the Zoological Museum is home to over 1500 animals and even a day doesn’t seem enough to observe it all.

The Chinese Garden is a beautiful, manicured temple garden in the Swiss city of Zurich. It is situated along the lake at the Zürichhorn and is frequented by locals and tourists alike. The garden was a gift from a nearby Swiss town of Kunming and is one of the highest-ranked temple gardens outside of China.

Experience the charm of Zurich with Seilbahn Rigiblick, the city's first cable car. Get aboard the colourful trams and enjoy a quick five-minute ride from Zurichberg Hill to downtown Zurich. Marvel at the stunning views of the city and the lake as you glide through lush trees. Enjoy the convenience of this scenic ride when you are visiting this city.

A short ride in the Adliswil-Felsenegg Cable Car is all you need to feel like you’re aiming for the sky! Gliding over the best sightseeing points of Zurich, this cable car ride lets you experience the best of the city while also enjoying an aerial view of its breathtaking beauty. 

Your trip to Zurich isn’t complete without a visit to Castle Kyburg which is among the best places to see in Zurich. This award-winning museum offers extraordinary insights into the castle life that the Swiss Royals enjoyed for over 800 years.

Noted as one of the most ancient museums in the world, Museum für Gestaltung provides a lot to the tourists in terms of design, history and technology. Starting from innovative uses of science and technology to the finest art portrayals, this museum in Zurich has gradually developed to become one of the most popular tourist spots.

Situated on the border of Ticino between Switzerland and Italy, Lake Lugano is amongst the top tourist places to visit in Switzerland. It was discovered by Gregory of Tours in 590 AD and is a whopping 9 square miles long. The lake has a number of small branches and offers panoramic views of Monte Generoso. The climate here is mild Mediterranean that allows visitors to relax and sunbathe amidst a gorgeous natural setting.