Do you love eating Toblerone, the popular chocolate bar? Well, aside from the fact that Toblerone is Swiss chocolate, did you know that the mountain on its logo is an iconic mountain in Switzerland, the Matterhorn? Welcome to another edition of our travel guides. This time, we’ll talk about the best things to do in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. 

Zurich is regarded as one of the most liveable cities in Europe, alongside other cities like Vienna in Austria, Auckland in New Zealand, and Vancouver in Canada, just to name a few. Zurich is fast, urban, and hip. It comes alive at any time of the year, with its festivals, shopping streets, and nightlife. This Swiss city is also the country’s center for banking and finance, playing a massive role in its economic development. 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best things to do in Zurich. Are you excited? ‘Coz we are. We’re also not going to blame you if you’re here for the Swiss chocolates, the Swiss Alps, and the Swiss cheeses. 

Let The Best Things To Do In Zurich Unfold

Comparing Zurich side by side with the other popular destinations in Switzerland, you may think that the city has a certain edge distinct from the others. This may be true but, it is still part of the country that got famous for its Alps, chocolates, and cheeses. So what are the best things to do in Zurich?

1. Capture The Beautiful Lake Zurich In Photographs

It is rather difficult to find a photo album of Zurich that does not highlight Lake Zurich. Lake Zurich is very popular, and it’s a must-visit attraction when you’re in the city. No wonder it is the number one on the list of the things to do in Zurich.

Lake Zurich was once just a transportation route. But nowadays, it has transformed into a popular tourist destination for swimming, picnics along its banks, sunbathing, or ferry rides that will catapult you to mesmerizing views of the city, as well as Zurich’s villas and the Alps. 

Within the Lake Zurich grounds is a tangle of parks and gardens, collectively referred to as the lake promenade, and is a perfect place where you can spend your afternoon. 

2. Jump Right Into Hiking Up Uetliberg, Zurich’s Very Own Swiss Alp

If you’ve seen photos of those who’ve been to Zurich with the mountains here, you’d definitely ask, “What wonderland is this?” Much of the beauty of Zurich, and of Switzerland too, lie on its mountains or the Swiss Alps. The most famous mountain in Switzerland, the Matterhorn, is located about three hours away from Zurich by car. But, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to experience the Swiss Alps when you’re in Zurich. Introducing Uetliberg. 

Uetliberg holds a special place in the hearts of Zurich’s people, as it is the city’s local mountain. So local that, to get there, you just have to take the tram from the main train station of Hauptbahnhof, then walk 10 minutes to the viewpoint. It’s literally just like traveling to your nearby mall! 

There are so many things to do in Zurich when you’re here. Uetliberg offers family-friendly hiking trails and picnic spots in the summer season, toboggan runs during the winter, and enthralling panoramic views of the city and lake all year round. 

If you’re here during the fall or winter season, you’re in for a surprise. You can literally rise above the fog that habitually hovers over this city at those times of the year, as you enjoy the blue skies overhead.

3. Stock Up On The Famous And Delicious Swiss Chocolates

We hear you, we hear you, for what is Switzerland without its chocolates? And if you’re here in this beautiful city in Switzerland, there’s no way you should leave without trying the Swiss chocolate. You may have tasted it right where you are right now as these chocolates are famous in the world, but nothing could be better than trying it right where they are made. 

No trip to Switzerland would be complete without tasting the world-famous Swiss chocolate. Whether you fancy pralines, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or the handmade bean-to-bar specialties, tasting and stocking up on chocolates are must-try things to do in Zurich.  

You can stock up on this delectable delicacy at some of the best stores for these Swiss chocolates in Zurich, such as at Max Chocolatier, Vollenweider, Teuscher, and Schwarzenbach, among many others. 

Swiss chocolates are very special because they contain more milk than other kinds of chocolates, giving you a distinctively smooth, and cream flavor and texture that you won’t find elsewhere. Their “melt-on-the-tongue” nature is because they have lower cocoa content and higher levels of sugar, just like with your Toblerone or Lindt chocolate bars. 

Welcome to our “things to do in Zurich” guide. We have other stories to tell about Switzerland, if you wish to learn more about this magnificent country. 

4. Party At The Old Town

Old towns in various cities across the globe are a treat to the place’s historic past. But the Old Town here in Zurich, well, it’s a place to party at night.

Zurich’s Old Town is the city’s historic area, with its establishments dating back to the Medieval period. Winding cobblestone pathways run alongside attractions like the Great Minster, Swiss National Museum, and the Museum of Art. 

If you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Muhlesteg Footbridge. This bridge is famous for its array of love locks that previous travelers have left to preserve their memories with the city. Plus, Zurich’s Old Town also bursts with energy with its nightclubs that come alive once the sun sets. Weird to find them in an old town, but truly exciting. 

5. Admire The Modernist Windows By Artist Chagall At The Fraumünster

Standing proud on Limmat River’s left bank and also part of the Old Town is the Fraumünster, one of the oldest religious buildings in Zurich. Would you believe that it was founded as a convent back during the 9th century? Today, those memories may be gone, but tourists are loving Fraumünster’s set of stained glass windows created by Marc Chagall, a modernist artist, in 1967. 

Its five panels use bold hues and abstract imagery to depict stories from the Bible. Even Pablo Picasso became a fan of them. But wait until you hear this: Chagall was already 83 years old when these windows were inaugurated, and his work does not end there. He also created Fraumünster’s equally gorgeous rose window when he was 90 years old! Truly one of the things to do in Zurich that you should not miss. 

6. Board A Coach To The Newly Opened Lindt Home Of Chocolate

For sure, by this time, you still can’t get over the goodness of Swiss chocolates you are experiencing here in Zurich. But are we going to stop spoiling you with more? And things get unique here, because this tour on this list of the best things to do in Zurich is done not by car, not by cable car, not by bus, but by coach. Yes, you read that right. 

Board a coach and visit the newly opened Lindt home of chocolate where you can see the world’s highest, free-standing chocolate fountain. The museum has an audio guide, so you wouldn’t miss out on any important insight. Taste as much chocolate as your heart desires before you ride on your coach back to your starting point. 

This tour also includes visiting the Bahnhofstrasse shopping district and the noble Zürichberg district, among others.

There are more things to do in Zurich so stick around. But, if you want to take a break, you can read more related stories from our website. 

7. Get A Taste Of Some Swiss Fondue

Switzerland is also known for its cheeses, unlike any other cheese in the world, so no wonder one of its famous dishes would be the Swiss fondue. Fondue is a Swiss melted cheese and wine dish served in a communal pot over a portable stove heated with a spirit lamp or candle. Swiss fondue is eaten by dipping bread into the cheese with the use of long-stemmed forks. 

Viator offers fondue and wine tours on an electric cart as you visit various landmarks of Zurich. But, if you wish to enjoy fondue without the movement, you can instead head over to some of the city’s best restaurants for this delight, such as at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi, Restaurant Le Dezaley Zurich, and Raclette Stube. 

8. Shop Big Time At Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s Shopping Boulevard

Travelers know that in many cities in the world, famous are the flea markets and night markets that sell products at marked down prices. In Zurich, the shopping experience is different. Stalls that sell souvenirs are in line with boutiques that sell high-end products from luxury brands, particularly at Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s shopping boulevard. 

Your shopping escapade at Bahnhofstrasse will remind you of London’s Regent Street or Paris’ Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Authentic products from renowned brands like Dior, Burberry, Chanel, and Hermès will greet you. Local brands and concept stores can also be found around. Aside from these, you can also visit restaurants, souvenir shops, department stores, jewelry shops, and stalls that sell Swiss delicacies like your Swiss chocolates. If you’re in search of things to do in Zurich where you’ll shop ‘til you drop, visiting Bahnhofstrasse is a must. 

9. After Shopping, Relax At Lindenhof 

If the shopping at Bahnhofstrasse and walking around the Old Town have tired you, you can relax and even play a game of chess at Lindenhof. Lindenhof was once the location of a fourth-century fort, but today, it is an elevated, beautiful park with Linden trees, benches, and of course, giant chess sets. 

Here, you can enjoy more things to do in Zurich, such as having a picnic underneath the Linden trees. Since Lindenhof offers spectacular city and water views, don’t forget to bring your camera with you. 

However, before you reach the flat terrain of Lindenhof, you will have to take an uphill climb. But don’t worry, the climb will just be short. 

The Swiss Alps offer a spectacular background for every traveler here, so those looking for things to do in Zurich make sure to check out the Alps. The Swiss Alps are also listed among the best locations to photograph. 

10. View The City From The Top Of Great Minster

Also located within the Old Town, Great Minster is a church said to be the starting place of the Protestant Reformation in Zurich. Others say that the history of the Great Minster, also referred to as the Grossmunster, goes back even further. Local legend says that Charlemagne, the famous Holy Roman emperor, founded this magnificent church, which is also believed to sit atop the graves of Zurich’s patron saints of Felix and Regula. 

So that’s a bit of history, but what lies ahead is even more surprising and interesting too. When you’re here at the Great Minster, don’t forget to climb this cathedral’s equally historic stairs and at the end, see panoramic views of the city. You can also view its stained glass windows and intricate bronze doors. 

11. Take A Musical Retreat At The Zurich Opera House

Once awarded as the Best Opera Company of the Year, Opernhaus Zurich or the Zurich Opera House is Old Town’s “mecca of music.” Here, you can watch performances of popular singers, ballet artists, and international stars, among many others. 

Coming soon at the Zurich Opera House are “The Cellist” ballet and the “Turandot” opera. Certainly one of the best things to do in Zurich. 

12. Learn About Switzerland At The Landesmuseum

If you’re willing to go on an educational tour giving you insights about Switzerland while you’re here in Zurich, nothing could be better than doing this at the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum or the Swiss National Museum. 

Its permanent collection takes visitors to Switzerland’s history from the Middle Ages until today. There are also exhibits that highlight the central European country’s contemporary history, telling you about its stance on banking secrecy, neutrality, foreign migration, and women’s rights (interestingly, women  in Switzerland only earned the right to vote in 1971). The museum also presents a display of halberds and pikes from the Medieval age. 

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Zurich” guide? What about the best things to do in Milan? Click here for the story. 

Things To Do In Zurich: Best Restaurants 

Looking for things to do in Zurich where you’ll get to try the local cuisine? Here’s the list of some of the best restaurants in this Swiss city. 

• La Fonte
• Iberia Tapas
• Restaurant Krone Altstetten
• Restaurant Weisses Rossli
• Alpenrose
• Restaurant La Soupiere
• Widder by the Lake

World-Class Zurich, Authentically Swiss Made

Nestled between wooded hills, the beautiful Swiss city of Zurich is situated at the northwestern tip of its silvery-watered Lake Zurich. Its Medieval architecture blends with newly constructed buildings today. You won’t get enough of the best things to do in Zurich.

Culturally vibrant, and attractively set in where a river and a lake converge, Zurich has emerged as one of the hippest destinations in central Europe. Immerse yourself in prepossessing old towns, savor delectable Swiss chocolates, and let the lovely Swiss Alps embrace your senses. No wonder many travelers are falling in love with Zurich, Switzerland.