You dream of a Swiss getaway, complete with mountain vistas, adorable chalets and all the cheese and chocolate you can eat. Where, then, does a cosmopolitan experience fit into your adventure?
For many, visiting Zurich simply offers a place to land before exploring whimsical Swiss villages. There’s far more to Zurich than its airport, however. If you neglect to explore this city in all its glory, you’ll miss out on a major piece of Switzerland’s culture. Your trip to Zurich provides the perfect way to begin or cap off a broader Swiss adventure.
Top Reasons to Visit Zurich
Zurich may be Switzerland’s largest city, yet it still doesn’t receive the love it deserves from travelers. Many simply pass through on their way to smaller, but better-known towns like Lucerne, Grindelwald or Zermatt. This would be a mistake. You should visit Zurich, Switzerland, to experience a cosmopolitan energy often lacking in smaller alpine villages.
Here are the top things to do in Zurich during your vacation:
1. Walk Through Zurich's Old Town
Spend a day meandering the cobblestone walkways in the heart of the city. When considering what to do in Zurich, the Altstadt is the perfect starting point. You will stumble upon beautiful displays, like the Giacometti Frescos at the city police headquarters and the colorful houses along Augustinergasse.
Other highlights include the historic town hall, the twin-towered Grossmünster cathedral and the trendy shops of the Limmatquai. For a deeper dive into the city’s history, a guided walking tour is one of the best ways to see and learn about the Old Town.
2. Satisfy Your Curiosity at the National Museum Zurich
If you truly want to understand what makes Switzerland unique, set aside several hours for the National Museum Zurich (Landesmuseum). The building itself is stunning, combining a historic castle-like wing with a bold, modern extension.
Interactive exhibits are plentiful, including a family-friendly “magic carpet ride through history.” The Simply Zurich multimedia experience is a must-see for those wanting to understand the city’s evolution from a Roman customs post to a global financial giant.
3. Explore the Thought-Provoking Kunsthaus
As Switzerland’s largest art museum, Zurich’s Kunsthaus promises to spark curiosity, introducing you to artistic works spanning over 800 years. From Impressionist to contemporary works, this vast museum has something to please every type of art enthusiast. Many iconic artists’ works are represented here, including Van Gogh and Monet.
Notably, from late 2026 into early 2027, the museum is hosting a major exhibition featuring the works of Edvard Munch and Maria Lassnig, making it a priority for those traveling to Zurich.
4. Take in City Views from the Lindenhof
The elevated plaza known as the Lindenhof promises a relaxing experience with expansive city views. This historically significant site was once home to a Roman fort and later to the palace of Charlemagne’s grandson. It’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy Zurich’s lovely views while watching locals play giant chess.
5. Discover the Best of Swiss Chocolate
No visit to Zurich, Switzerland, is complete without indulging in its sweetest export. While local favorites like Lindt (and their massive Home of Chocolate Museum tour) are famous, explore artisan boutiques like Bachmann, Läderach or Max Chocolatier. For a unique experience, book an ethical chocolate tour to learn the bean-to-bar process firsthand.
6. Check Out the Scenery from Uetliberg
Zurich may not be Switzerland’s most mountainous area, but there are still local peaks worth exploring. The most easily accessible is Uetliberg, referred to as “Zurich's very own mountain.”
The viewing tower includes an observation deck with panoramic views of the Alps and the lake. If you’re looking for active things to do in Zurich, the Path of the Planets (Planetenweg) offers a memorable 2-hour hike that models the solar system to scale.
7. Show Your Athletic Side at the FIFA Museum
Soccer is a big deal in Switzerland and its legacy is thoroughly celebrated at the FIFA Museum, which highlights the cultural impact of the sport across the globe. The museum’s most visually impressive exhibit is arguably the Rainbow, a collection of jerseys arranged by color.
Soccer enthusiasts are even more entranced by the timeline, which traces the sport’s history and reveals how its rules have changed over time. The FIFA World Cup Gallery brings one of the most important sporting events to life, while interactive stations allow you to test your soccer skills, making it a top choice for families.
8. Embrace Your Inner Child at Zoo Zurich
Spend a delightful day at Zoo Zurich, which is downright enchanting. This well-maintained zoo features expansive habitats like the Masoala Rainforest and the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park. The Zoolino provides the ultimate petting zoo experience, including memorable encounters with pigs and pygmy goats.
Zoo Zurich also continues its conservation focus by offering behind-the-scenes tours that explain its global biodiversity projects.
9. Hunt for Souvenirs at ShopVille
You can’t go wrong with a visit to ShopVille, the unique mall housed in a train station. This bustling center offers a fun shopping experience spanning three floors and hundreds of shops. Search for comfy sleepwear at Calida, cosmetics at KIKO Milano or books at Orell Fusli.
For high-end shopping, Bahnhofstrasse is one of the world’s most exclusive avenues. Many visitors walk through the area to window-shop at these luxury stores selling designer fashion, jewelry, perfume, chocolate and watches.
10. Use Switzerland's Legendary Transit System to Explore Other Destinations
Plan your excursions carefully and don’t assume that, because Switzerland is small, you can turn any outing into a day trip. The rail journey to and from Zurich is just as entertaining as any attractions you’ll explore upon arrival.
Using the Swiss Travel Pass, you can easily reach:
- Lucerne: An alpine gateway known for its exceptional historic preservation. Take a 45-minute train ride to see the Chapel Bridge.
- Black Forest and Rhine Falls: Take a day trip to visit the mystical Black Forest, famous for lush woodlands and cuckoo clocks. Then see Europe’s largest waterfall just north of the city, featuring a 75-foot drop.
- Mount Rigi: Known as the Queen of the Mountains, a Rigi day trip offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Alps and thirteen different lakes. It is famously accessible, allowing you to reach the summit via Europe’s first cogwheel railway or a scenic cable car, followed by a soak in the mineral baths at Rigi Kaltbad.
How to Get Around Zurich
Zurich’s world-class transportation is worth experiencing simply because it’s so impressive. The trains operated by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are not only immaculate, but also punctual and downright comfy. These trains make getting around Zurich (and Switzerland) simple. In fact, due to parking complications, it’s generally better to stick with public transit.
Even seemingly remote destinations on the outskirts of the city are easily reached via transit. This includes not only Switzerland’s legendary trains but also a vast tram network, buses, bikes and easily walkable neighborhoods. The Zurich Card is highly recommended for visitors, offering unlimited travel on trams, buses, trains and even lake cruises.
If you plan to explore other parts of Switzerland, invest in a Swiss Travel Pass, which grants the ultimate in travel flexibility.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Zurich?
Zurich offers year-round experiences and the ‘right’ time to visit depends on your personal priorities and aesthetic vision. Despite being a financial hub, the city’s seasonal transformations offer distinct ways to immerse yourself when visiting Zurich.
Here are reasons to visit Zurich in different seasons:
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms take over Rieterpark and Villa Patumbah. Take part in the city’s traditional spring festival, Sechseläuten, where locals burn the Böögg (a snowman effigy) to predict the coming summer.
- Summer (June-August): Peak time for a trip to Zurich. The city embraces Badi culture with historic river and lake baths that transform into open-air bars (Badi-Bars) at night.
- Autumn (September-November): Considered the golden season for visiting Zurich, it offers crisp air and vibrant fall foliage. The city hosts Knabenschiessen, a traditional folk festival with a massive fairground and the Zurich Film Festival.
- Winter (December-February): The city sparkles with holiday lights at Christmas markets and the Singing Christmas Tree. Later in the season, ZüriCarneval brings an urban element to Switzerland’s beloved Carnival festivities.
FAQs About Zurich
What is Zurich like?
Zurich is a city where high-tech innovation meets medieval charm. You’ll find a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere where people prioritize quality of life.
Many travelers expect Zurich to be a buttoned-up financial center, but the reality is much more vibrant and feels like a boutique metropolis that’s clean, safe and impeccably organized.
Do you need anything other than a passport to visit Zurich?
Starting in 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and UK) will need to apply for an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before visiting Zurich. It is a simple online authorization linked to your passport.
Is Zurich expensive?
Switzerland is known for high prices and when compared to neighboring countries such as Austria or Italy, the prices for food or accommodations feel unusually high.
But visiting Zurich can be budget-friendly if you leverage the Swiss Travel Pass for transport and museums and enjoy free activities like hiking Uetliberg or swimming in the lake. You can also score AAA discounts on many travel essentials, allowing for a surprisingly affordable Swiss getaway.
What currency is used in Zurich?
In Switzerland, the official currency is Swiss Francs (CHF), which differs from the Euro (EUR) that other European countries use. That being said, you won’t need cash most of the time since nearly any business in Zurich accepts credit cards. However, local currency is sometimes necessary in remote Swiss villages.
How many days do I need in Zurich?
For most travelers, two to three days is the sweet spot for visiting Zurich. This allows you enough time to explore the historic Old Town, indulge in a chocolate tasting and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere without rushing.
Ready to Visit Zurich with AAA?
If you’re inspired to start planning a Swiss vacation, the experts at AAA Travel are ready to help. They can help you find the accommodations you want, plan an itinerary and much more.
Whether you’re traveling halfway around the world or just down the road, if you’re a AAA member, you can get exclusive discounts on lodging, rental cars and a whole lot more.