Discover Your Perfect Stay

Search by city
Apr 19, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026
Find

Zurich sights: 15 beautiful places you have to see

Blick vom Lindenhof auf das Grossmünster

View of the Grossmünster from the Lindenhof Map: All sights in Zurich

In our interactive map you will find all sights in Zürich at a glance. Have fun discovering the most beautiful places in one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland.

1. St. Peter

In the heart of the Old Town is St. Peter, Zurich's oldest parish church. The foundation walls from the 9th century are still visible under the choir, although the current nave was not consecrated until 1706. This makes St. Peter's the first Protestant church building to be erected in Zurich after the Reformation. It is one of the city's top sights.

Let's take a look at the church tower, which served as a fire watch until 1911 and reveals some of St. Peter's special features to you. There are five bells dating back to 1880 - the largest weighs over 6,000 kilos without the clapper! Probably the most striking feature of the Baroque church, however, is its steeple clock. The clock face impresses with a diameter of 8.64 metres - making it the largest in Europe.

Inside, the 15th-century choir stalls with their rich carvings and armrests and the pulpit altar from 1706 are particularly worth seeing. Concerts are also held regularly in the church, you can find more info on the website.

Address: St. Peterhofstatt 2
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday after church service approx. 11am-5pm.

Blick auf den Turm des St. Peter in Zürich

View of the tower of St. Peter in Zurich 2 Augustinergasse

Let's continue with a walk to another sight. We walk directly into the medieval Augustinergasse. The colourful houses and bay windows give you the feeling of being immersed in a picture book. In addition, there are Swiss flags everywhere - so apart from the great photo motif, you won't forget which country you're in.

By the way, the bay windows not only look beautiful, but also had a practical use: Besides the In addition to providing better lighting for the rooms, they also served as door viewers. They They were never built directly above the entrance door, but always slightly offset. In this way, uninvited guests could be spotted from a distance and, if necessary, elegantly avoided. elegantly out of the way. Pretty ingenious, isn't it?

Impressionen aus Zürich

Impressions from Zurich

The Augustinergasse is Augustinergasse is lined with cafés, restaurants and other shops. A stroll through one of the most colourful and beautiful alleys in Zurich. should not be missed.

Eine Kirche in Zürichs Innenstadt

A church in Zurich's city centre 3. Bahnhofstrasse

From the cosy Augustinergasse you now enter the most famous street in Zurich: Bahnhofstrasse. Along with New York's world-famous 5th Avenue or Paris' Champs Elysées, this approximately 1.4-kilometre-long street is considered one of the most expensive shopping miles in the world. No wonder we have to take a closer look at this landmark with its luxury boutiques, department stores and watch shops.

Die Züricher Bahnhofsstraße

Zurich's Bahnhofsstrasse is a meeting place

The Bahnhofstrasse also leads also passes directly by the Paradeplatz. The fact that a cattle market used to be held here regularly that a cattle market used to be held here regularly. Many major Swiss banks have set up shop here and the Paradeplatz has become an important financial centre. important financial centre.

If you prefer to spend your money clothes or shares, you can spend it on sweet treats at the Confiserie Sprüngli. Confiserie Sprüngli is the place to be. It is located directly on Paradeplatz or Bahnhofstrasse and has been producing chocolate, pralines and other delicacies since 1836. chocolate, pralines and other delicacies since 1836.

One speciality is the Luxemburgerli, a kind of mini-macaron. The light and airy biscuits come in a wide variety of flavours and are sure to blow you away. It also makes a delicious souvenir.

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 21
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7am-6.30pm, Saturday 8.30am-6.30pm, Sunday 9.30am-5.30pm).

Die leckeren Sprüngli Maccarons

The delicious Sprüngli Maccarons Guide to Zurich

With these travel guides you are well equipped for your trip to Zurich. They tell you many insider tips off the beaten track.

4. lindenhof

After the hustle and bustle of Bahnhofstrasse, you deserve a little break. With its surrounding linden trees, the Lindenhof is just the place for you. Zurich's oldest public park is one of the city's top sights.

It is located on a small hill in the middle of the old town and is a popular meeting place for locals, especially in summer. Here you can challenge passionate chess players or simply rest your legs for a while.

The icing on the cake is the great view you have from the park of Zurich's old town with the Grossmünster with the Grossmünster and City Hall and the Limmat flowing past. The Lindenhof, by the way, has a long history: it was already used as a Roman fort, a royal residence and a meeting place for the people of of the people of Zurich. Famous people such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Richard Wagner and Wagner and Johannes Brahms have also visited the Lindenhof. paid a visit to the Lindenhof.

Nowadays the Zurich Singstudenten gather here every year on 30 April at midnight, to welcome the month of May. The Maisingen goes back to a custom from the year 1879 and is still a highlight for the Zurich student choral society. Zurich.

5. Fraumünster

Another landmark of Zurich is the Fraumünster. The Protestant Reformed church is also located in the heart of Zurich's old town and was once the place of worship of a women's convent. It was founded as early as 853 by King Louis the German.

The monastery enjoyed the favour of kings and had the right to mint coins in Zurich until the 13th century - a great position of power at the time. After the Reformation, the church and monastery became the property of the city.

Significant building elements are the Romanesque choir and the high-vaulted Gothic transept. The greatest special feature of the Fraumünster, however, are the famous stained glass windows , The north windows in the transept were made by Augusto Giacometti. by Augusto Giacometti. The five-part window cycle in the choir and the rosette in the southern transept are the most impressive transept are the impressive masterpieces of Marc Chagall.

All organ fans are also in good hands here, as the Fraumünster offers a varied concert programme - be it in the morning, at noon or in the evening. Incidentally, with its 5793 pipes, the Fraumünster houses the largest organ in the canton of Zurich. Be sure to take a look inside the sight.

Address: Münsterhof 2
Opening hours: November to February 10am-5pm, March-October 10am-6pm, on Sunday after the service at 10am.

Das Fraumünster direkt an der Brücke

The Fraumünster directly on the bridge 6. lake of Zurich

At its southern end, Bahnhofstrasse flows into Bürkliplatz, which in turn lies on the northern shore of Lake Zurich. This almost banana-shaped lake is a very popular destination and THE top sight for all visitors to Zurich. In summer, all water sports enthusiasts can also let off steam here. If you're more of the walking team, 87 kilometres - the entire length of the shore - gives you the opportunity to admire the picturesque beauty of Lake Zurich.

Die Promenade am Zürichsee

The promenade on Lake Zurich is always busy in summer.

A boat tripis the best way is the best way to explore the lake. You will pass many luxury villas of the luxury villas of the rich and beautiful. You might even be able to spot even find the homes of stars like Tina Turner. It's also worth making a stop or two a stop or two at one of the stations to discover other magical places on magical places on Lake Zurich - for example the rose city of Rapperswil or the Lindt chocolate factory in the Lindt chocolate factory in Kilchberg.

A trip on one of the two historic paddle steamers is particularly popular. The Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft also offers a very wide range of other activities, and you can research the various boat trips in more detail on the website. Ahoy and have a good trip!

Blick auf die Berge direkt am Zürichsee

View of the mountains directly on Lake Zurich. Doesn't that look great? 7. bellevue

Back in the city Bellevue, one of the main squares and most important traffic traffic junctions in Zurich. At first glance it seems less than spectacular, but spectacular, but there are three important sights in the immediate vicinity. important sights in the immediate vicinity.

One of them is the Opera House, which was opened in 1891 and seats 1,100 spectators. It is considered one of the world's leading opera houses. If you are in the mood for an unforgettable evening, you can take a look at the current programme. In any case, it's worth admiring the magnificent building from the outside.

Das Züricher Opernhaus sieht beeindruckend aus

The Zurich Opera House looks impressive

You should also pay a visit to Café Odeon at Bellevue. The coffee house is full of history: it has been a popular meeting place for colourful personalities and intellectuals such as Albert Einstein or James Joyce since 1911.

Apart from this special ambience, the food and drinks at the Odeon are also impressive. There is something here for every time of day and every taste.

Address: Limmatquai 2
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Die Odeons Bar in Zürich

The Odeons Bar is still very much in demand today

Last, but not least: From the nearby Utoquai - that's the name of the street along the lake - you have a great panoramic view of Lake Zurich. There is also a beautiful path along the lakeshore and even a lakeside bath. But beware of the numerous swans!

My tip: The Sternen Grill is located directly at Bellvue. It is an institution on Lake Zurich. The snack bar has existed since 1963.

8. water church

The Wasserkirche was originally located on a small island in the middle of the Limmat. According to legend, the city saints Felix and Regula were executed on this spot in the Middle Ages. The late Gothic church was completed towards the end of the 15th century, being used as Zurich's first municipal library for almost 300 years after the Reformation.

Since 1942, the church has once again been used for worship. It is still one of the top sights.

The archaeological crypt and the legendary martyr's stone give you an insight into the exciting history of the Wasserkirche. Also worth seeing are the three choir windows by Augusto Giacometti, which juxtapose the life of Jesus Christ with the life of a modern man.

Address: Limmatquai 31
Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday 12-15 hrs, Saturday and Sunday 12-17 hrs.

9. Grossmünster

The Grossmünster is very close by. The sight with its two majestic towers is Zurich's landmark par excellence. Legend has it that Charlemagne discovered the graves of the city's saints Felix and Regula on the present site of the Grossmünster and subsequently had a first church built as a canonical monastery.

Das bekannte Grossmünster Zürichs ist eine Top-Sehenswürdigkeit

Zurich's famous Grossmünster

The construction of the began around 1100 and was completed in 1220. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Grossmünster became the starting point of the Reformation under Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger. Bullinger. In 1787 the church got its characteristic neo-Gothic towers.

Das Grossmünster ist immer sichtbar

The Grossmünster is always visible - here from Lake Zurich

Inside you can see the choir window by Augusto Giacometti, which was inserted in 1933, by now, and the Romanesque crypt, the oldest part of the church. the oldest part of the church.

Another highlight Another highlight is the ascent to the Charlemagne Tower, where a statue of Emperor Charlemagne Emperor Charlemagne reminds us of the church's founding legend. The 187 steps are worth it: From the viewing platform you have a great view of the city and Lake Zurich with the nearby Glarus mountains. Lake Zurich with the nearby Glarus Alps.

Der Ausblick vom Grossmünster ist einfach herrlich

The view from the Grossmünster is simply magnificent. On the right you can see the tower of St. Peter's. Die Treppe im KarlsturmThe staircase in the Karlsturm

All info:

Address:

Grossmünsterplatz(Google Maps)

Opening hours Münster:

March to October 10am-6pm, November to February 10am-5pm, on Sunday from noon.

Opening hours Karlsturm:

daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission Karlsturm:

CHF 5 (reduced CHF 2)

Ausblick vom Grossmünster aus dem Turm

View from the Grossmünster tower 10. town hall

Zurich's town hall is also worth a visit. A town hall stood on the same spot on the right bank of the Limmat more than 700 years ago. The present building was erected in the 17th century and is largely preserved in its original state. The sight has baroque elements, but its basic features correspond to the Renaissance style.

A unique feature of the building is the fact that it was built directly over the water. From the Münsterbrücke you have a beautiful view of the south side of the town hall and can admire its and marvel at its special features. Here you can also see the vault through which the Limmat flows through.

The Cabaret Voltaire(website) is only a stone's throw away from the City Hall and a must-see, especially for art lovers. It is, after all, the birthplace of Dadaism, an art movement and movement between art and madness. In 1916, the "artists' pub" Voltaire was opened here, which served as a meeting place for artists who had fled to Switzerland during World War 1. These cultural events in turn gave rise to Dada, as Dadaism is also called.

Even today the Cabaret Voltaire is still full of life. Art exhibitions and other exciting events are held here regularly. and other exciting events take place here on a regular basis. There is also a café bar where you can taste the in-house Dada absinthe- perhaps and maybe it will inspire you. A special ambience prevails here in any case.

11th Niederdorf

Just a few steps further on is Niederdorfstrasse and with it the old town district of Niederdorf. It is also called "Dörfli" by the locals and is one of Zurich's promenades. Zurich. In its charming alleys you will find small shops, bars, clubs and restaurants everywhere, clubs and restaurants, and you can have a great time both during the day and at night.

By the way, at the end of August (2020 from 28 to 30.08.) the popular Dörflifäscht takes place here, where the whole Niederdorf is transformed into an exuberant open-air party. DJs, live music, market stalls, shows and culinary delights: The Dörflifäscht is pure joie de vivre! If you're curious, you can take a look at the homepage.

12th Uetliberg

If you have enough time, it's worth going up the Uetliberg . Zurich's local mountain is 871 metres high and offers the best view of the city, the lake and the Alps. The mountain is not only the most popular excursion destination, but also another important sight.

Der Ausblick von Zürichs Uetliberg

The view from Zurich's Uetliberg

The Uetliberg is a top attraction at any time of the year: in spring and summer you can go mountain biking mountain biking and hiking - for a leisurely (note: pun!) stroll, for example, the For a leisurely walk, take the two-hour Planet Trail, for example. In autumn, the view from the Uetliberg is said to be particularly magical, as the summit then often emerges from the blanket of high fog . In winter, the hiking trails are often often converted into toboggan runs.

Der Aussichtsturm am Ütliberg

The lookout tower on the Uetliberg

Whether amateur photographer, sportsman or simply bon vivant: the Uetliberg will captivate every visitor to Zurich. Those who can't get enough of the view are at the right address at the Hotel Uto Kulm*. The stylish hotel is located directly on the Uetliberg and not only has its own restaurant, but also a sauna with panoramic views - the perfect base to leave everyday life behind and relax in nature!

Tip: From the main station, the journey with the S 10 takes about half an hour (terminus: Uetliberg). For the return journey, it's best to take the Albis 24h ticket, which covers six zones - including zone 110 for Zurich city centre - and costs 17.60 Swiss francs (8.80 reduced).

Blick vom Uetliberg

View from the Uetliberg. The people of Zurich also like to jog up there and enjoy the sublime feeling of standing here. Understandable, isn't it?

Opposite the Uetliberg is the Käferberg. From here you also have a great view of Zurich. After the Uetliberg, it is the second most popular sunset spot in Zurich. Later you can have a bite to eat at the restaurant Die Waid.

Sonnenuntergang am Käferberg

Sunset at Käferberg Der Blick vom Käferberg auf ZürichThe view of Zurich from Käferberg 13th Dolderbahn

Opposite the Uetliberg, on the other side of the Limmat, rises the Dolder area with the Adlisberg. One of the highlights there is a ride on the Dolder funicular. It connects the district of Hottlingen with stops up to the Adlisberg.

Die Dolder-Bahn ist sehr alt

The Dolder funicular is very old

The funicular has been in operation since 1895. The Dolder Grand Hotel is also located at the top(check prices here*). It looks like a castle. Not only can you dine well here, but you also have a great view of the city. Be sure to check out the sight.

14 Oberer Letten

At Oberer Letten you will find a panoramic river bath directly on the Limmat. The Letten power station dams the river here, so you can go swimming here. There is also a skate park and in summer the riverbank is packed.

Beach bars invite you to chill out and lie in the sun. And in general, the atmosphere here is totally relaxed.

Die Promenade Oberer Letten

The Oberer Letten promenade Skatepark am Oberer LettenSkatepark at Oberer Letten Oberer LettenNostalgia and chill-out music meet here

By the way: when the people of Zurich aren't lolling around at the Flussbad or on Lake Zurich, they go floating. Hundreds of people get on a rubber boat and float down the river. You should experience that once. It's unbelievable fun.

Floaten auf dem Fluss in Zürich

Floating in Zurich - with other hundreds of people 15. viaduct with the umbrellas

The market hall in the viaduct is also a top sight. As the name suggests, there are lots of little shops in an old viaduct. Especially in summer, cafés open their doors. It's worth taking a stroll here. One of the highlights are colourful umbrellas stretched out over the roofs.

Cheese fans and hipsters will love Frau Gerolds Garten(website). It is located directly on the viaduct. Zurich's alternative scene feels at home here. Between containers and old wagons there is also a nice rooftop bar. In the cosy wooden pavilion you can fill your belly with various types of cheese fondue in winter. In summer, there are lots of grilled dishes and salads with ingredients from their own "Urban Garden".

Address: Geroldstrasse 23/23a
Opening hours: October to March Monday to Saturday 6pm-2pm, closed Sunday; April to September Monday to Saturday 11am-2pm, Sunday 12pm-2pm.

In dem Viadukt befinden sich kleine Geschäfte

There are small shops in the viaduct Frau Gerolds GartenFrau Gerold's garden - great atmosphere here in summer Zurich's most exciting Museums

Zurich not only offers many impressive sights, but also has no less than 55 museums. 55 museums. It's worth visiting one or the other, not only when it's raining. - Here is a brief overview of my favourites:

  • The Kunsthaus Zürich is the largest art museum in Switzerland and houses, among other things, the largest Munch collection outside Norway. (Address: Heimplatz 1, opening hours: Tuesday, Friday to Sunday 10am-6pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-8pm, closed Monday, tip: Wednesday admission is free!)

  • The National Museum in Zurich was opened in 1898 and is already worth seeing from the outside. Inside, you can learn everything about the cultural history of Switzerland in many exciting exhibitions. (Address: Museumstrasse 2, opening hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 10-17 h, Thursday 10-19 h, Friday 10-17 h, closed Monday).

  • At the Beyer Watch Museum you can immerse yourself in the history of timekeeping and marvel at 300 very rare and precious examples. (Address: Bahnhofstrasse 31, opening hours: Monday to Friday 2-6 p.m.)

  • Football fans will love the FIFA World Football Museum. Here you can admire over 1000 important exhibits from the world of football - including balls, signed jerseys and even the original men's and women's World Cup trophy. (Address: Seestrasse 27, opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., closed Monday)

Food & Drink in Zurich

After a long walk around the city to see all the sights, you will definitely feel hungry in your stomach. What you absolutely must do in Switzerland and in Zurich is eat a cheese fondue. The best cheese fondue is served in winter at Chalet Züriberg in Orellistraße. A very special cheese fondue is served there in a rustic hut by the fireplace.

Besides the Luxemburgerli, which you already know, Zurich cuisine has a lot to offer. The most most famous dish is the Zürcher Geschnetzelte: it is a veal ragout. a veal ragout in a cream sauce, traditionally served with rösti. served with rösti.

Züri Gschnätzlets" is said to taste particularly good in the Kronenhalle (website) at Bellevue. The fact that it was once a popular artists' meeting place is still noticeable today: real paintings by Chagall, Picasso or Miró hang on the walls! The gourmet restaurant is also said to have one of the best bars in the world. The prices, however, are steep. (Address: Rämistrasse 4, opening hours: daily 12-24 hrs).

The food at the traditional Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten is somewhat cheaper, but at least as delicious. Here you'll find the finest Swiss cuisine and a large selection of wines, as well as Steinfeils Züri West beer. (Address: Limmatquai 40, opening hours: daily 11.30-23.30).

All vegetarians and vegans are in good hands at Haus Hiltl. The oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world opened back in 1898 and offers a wide range of delicious dishes - at any time of day: Zmorge, Zmittag or Znacht! (Address: Sihlstrasse 28, opening hours: Monday to Saturday 6am-2pm, Sunday 8am-2pm) By the way, the restaurant has a great roof terrace.

For a special experience, you can also take the fondue tram(website) in winter. You read that right: You enjoy your cheese fondue while gondolaing through Zurich city centre on a tram - why not?

Another Zurich speciality is the famous Birchermüesli, which was invented in 1900 by the Zurich doctor and nutrition researcher Max Bircher-Benner and was originally called "apple diet". You can actually get this healthy food in every café here. Particularly popular are, for example, the above-mentioned Confiserie Sprüngli or the Confiserie Honold(website)(Address: Rennweg 53, opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am-5pm, closed Saturday and Sunday).

Tibits Seefeld offers the finest vegetarian and vegan buffets. Fill your plate to the brim with delicacies. At the latest at the checkout, you'll be shocked because you're charged by weight. Still, it's worth a visit.

Vegetarisches Buffet im Tibits

Vegetarian buffet at Tibits - super tasty Where to stay in Zurich - The best tips Das stylische 25 Hours Hotel in ZürichThe stylish 25 Hours Hotel in Zurich

Let's face it: you can quickly become poor in Zurich - after all, it is one of the cities with the highest cost of living worldwide. One of the cheaper accommodations with good reviews is the Zurich Youth Hostel (check prices here*). The price also includes breakfast. The simple but cosy Gasthaus zum Guten Glück (check prices here*) is another recommended low-budget option, as long as you don't mind using a shared bathroom.

However, if you're searching for more luxurious accommodations in Switzerland, then you should take a look at these Hotel deals in Switzerland at top-hotels-switzerland.com. Here you could find a list of top-tier hotels that would provide a fantastic experience during your stay.

The 3-star Hotel Swiss Night by Fassbind (check prices here*) scores with its Swiss charm and central location. Don't worry: despite its proximity to the Old Town, it's quiet here in the evenings, so you' ll have no problem getting your well-deserved beauty sleep.The Hotel Scheuble (check prices here*)and the 4-star Hotel citizenM Zurich (check prices here*) also impress with their stylish interiors and unbeatable location in the middle of Zurich city centre.

If you're still not sure about where to stay in Zurich, or you want to explore other options in different Swiss cities, check out these hotels at tophotels.com. It offers a wide range of options that suits every taste and pocket.

Absolutely modern and super stylish is the 25 Hours Hotel (check prices here*). In summer you can sit outside on the terrace. The interior is simply awesome.

Im Inneren des 25 Hours Hotels Zürich

The interior of the 25 Hours Hotel is also impressive Facts about Zurich

  • With a population of around 400,000, Zurich is Switzerland's largest city in Switzerland

  • The city developed from the Roman Turicum base

  • Famous personalities such as such as Lenin, Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann have lived here.

  • According to the Mercer study, Zurich is the city with the second highest quality of life in the world, beaten only by Vienna. beaten only by Vienna

  • In Zurich there are over 1200 drinking water fountains

  • Every year in August, the city hosts the Street Parade, the largest techno parade in the world, takes place here every August.

Die Uetliberg-Bahn