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Zurich

Lakeside swims, old-town lanes & hilltop terraces

Browse Zurich

Zurich is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Polyterrasse, Grossmunster and Fraumunster. Food lovers should not miss Kronenhalle and Zeughauskeller. Below you will find 14 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Zurich at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: spring and autumn
  • Highlights: Polyterrasse and Grossmunster
  • Where to stay: Zurich West and Lakefront
  • Local picks: 14 hand-chosen recommendations
  • Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Zurich

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Where to stay in Zurich

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Zurich West

25hours Hotel Zurich West

A playful design hotel in the buzzy Zurich West and Langstrasse district.
★ 4.4
$$
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Niederdorf

Äss-Bar

Why it matters: since 2013 this Niederdorf counter has sold baked goods ‘fresh from yesterday’ – unsold bread and pastries collected free from local bakeries and resold at steep discounts, keeping more than 700 tons of food out of the trash across Switzerland every year. Grab a butter croissant and a sandwich for a lakeside picnic at a fraction of normal Zurich prices. Go before noon for the best selection – it’s first come, first served, and closed Sundays.
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Centre

Bahnhofstrasse

One of the worlds most exclusive shopping avenues, from the station to the lake.
★ 4.3
$
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Lakefront

Baur au Lac

A discreet, family-run luxury landmark in its own lakeside park since 1844.
★ 4.7
$$$
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Seefeld

Blindekuh

Why it matters: opened in 1999 by the Blind-Liecht foundation, blindekuh was the world’s first dine-in-the-dark restaurant, created to provide employment for blind and visually impaired people – your servers are the true professionals in the dark. Book the five-course surprise menu (vegetarian available) and let taste and smell take over for once. Groups enter the pitch-black dining room together, hand on the shoulder in front – reserve ahead and arrive on time. Check the calendar for concerts and readings held in the dark.
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Enge (Kreis 2)

Bücher Brocky

A short walk from Bahnhof Enge at Bederstrasse 4, Bücher-Brocky has been Zurich’s go-to secondhand bookshop since 2000, doubling as Switzerland’s central sorting hub for donated books — so the shelves genuinely change daily. Most books cost just 2–5 francs, spanning everything from paperbacks to antiquarian finds, with plenty in English and other languages mixed in among the German titles. Tip: come on a weekday morning right after the 10:30 opening, when freshly sorted stock hits the shelves first.
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Old Town

Fraumunster

A 13th-century church famed for its luminous Marc Chagall stained-glass windows.
★ 4.5
$
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Zürich West

FREITAG Flagship Store

Why it matters: FREITAG pioneered upcycling before it had a name – every bag is cut from used truck tarpaulins, and the flagship ‘tower’ itself is 19 rusted freight containers stacked beside the Hardbrücke, a circular-economy landmark since 2006. Browse four floors of one-of-a-kind bags, wallets and phone cases, then climb to the free viewing platform on top for the best look over Zürich West. Every tarp pattern is unique, so if you love one, buy it – it won’t be there tomorrow. The Repair Kiosk next door patches up worn FREITAG bags.
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Old Town

Grossmunster

Zurichs twin-towered Romanesque landmark; climb the Karlsturm for rooftop views.
★ 4.5
$
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Hive

Hive Club is without a doubt one of the best clubs of Zürich. Its quality Line-Up makes it a must do for any house or techno lover. With three different rooms and…
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Old Town

Kronenhalle

A legendary art-filled brasserie serving classic Swiss and continental fare since 1924.
★ 4.5
$$$
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Old Town

Kunsthaus Zurich

Switzerlands largest art museum, strong on Giacometti and modern masters.
★ 4.6
$$
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Lakefront

Lake Zurich

The citys beloved lake for summer swims, boat trips and Alpine views.
★ 4.6
$
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Lakefront

Lake Zurich Cruise

A relaxed lake cruise past villas, vineyards and mountain backdrops.
★ 4.5
$$
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ETH / Zentrum

Polyterrasse

The terrace of ETH university and a favourite student hangout, this south-facing platform gives a lovely panorama over Zurich and its old town. Ride the historic Polybahn funicular up from Central, then sprawl in the sun with a picnic – there’s a student bar (BQM) just below for a quick bite.
★ 4.5
$
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Old Town

Swiss Chuchi

A cheerful Old Town spot for bubbling fondue and raclette.
★ 4.3
$$
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Old Town

Swiss National Museum

A fairytale castle of a museum tracing Swiss history and culture.
★ 4.5
$$
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Uetliberg

Uetliberg

Zurichs local mountain, a short train ride up to panoramic Alpine views.
★ 4.6
$
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Before you go

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Book your trip to Zurich

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Zurich travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Zurich?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Zurich at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Zurich?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Zurich?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Zurich guide.

What is the best time to visit Zurich?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Zurich is worth visiting year-round.

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