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Switzerland’s largest city—Zürich—is the perfect place to start your Swiss adventure. The snow-topped Alps rise in the background. This modern city sprawls into the Alp’s foothills. Although it is considered one of the richest cities in the world, it is full of rich history, including beautiful city-centered cobblestoned streets.
If you’ve been thinking Zürich is just a stopover before you head to the Alps, this blog post will prove otherwise. There’s so much to discover in this city, as well as in the villages and mountains right outside it. This means it can get overwhelming to choose what to do and where to go, especially if you’re a first-timer!
And, that’s what I’m here to help you with today 😊 Zürich was the first destination on my Switzerland trip. I stayed for 2 days here and have some fun insights to help you make the most of your stay—and prove that this city is well worth a visit.
So, let’s get started!
🇨🇭 Fun Facts About Zurich ✨
| 🌍 Category | 📌 Details |
|---|---|
| 👥 Population | Around 430,000 (city) — over 1.5 million in the metro area |
| 💸 Currency | Swiss Franc (CHF) 💶 |
| 🗣️ Language | Primarily Swiss German 🇩🇪 (but most locals speak English too!) |
| 🏙️ Known For | Financial hub, art & culture, luxury shopping, Lake Zurich, & Old Town charm 🛍️🏞️ |
| 🚉 Public Transport | Ultra-efficient trams, trains, and boats 🚌🚋⛴️ |
| 🍫 Specialties | Swiss chocolate 🍫, cheese fondue 🧀, Rösti 🥔 |
| 🏔️ Nearby Getaways | Quick access to the Swiss Alps 🏞️ — great for day trips or ski adventures 🎿 |
| 🎨 Culture Scene | Home to the Kunsthaus Zürich, opera house, and countless galleries 🎭🖼️ |
How to Get to Zürich
Most international travelers will arrive at Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland’s largest and busiest airport. It’s well-connected to major cities around the world, and the best part? The airport is just about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the city center, making your arrival smooth and stress-free.
From the airport, you have a couple of super convenient options to reach downtown Zurich:
- By Train: Head to the Zurich Flughafen railway station, located directly beneath the airport. Trains run frequently—about every 5–10 minutes—and the ride to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main train station) takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes. It’s fast, clean, and efficient (it’s Switzerland, after all!).
- By Tram: For a more scenic and relaxed route, hop on Tram Route 10, which connects the airport to the city center in about 35–40 minutes. It’s a slower journey, but perfect if you want to soak in the views and ease into the Swiss pace.
- By Taxi or Rideshare: Taxis are available but can be pricey, with rides into the city averaging CHF 60–70. Uber is also available in Zurich and tends to be slightly more affordable.
After a marathon 24-hour journey from Honolulu to LAX to London Heathrow, I finally touched down in Zurich—and let me tell you, the fresh Alpine air and efficient transport system were a dream after that long-haul flight. Despite the jet lag, my excitement took over, and the next few days turned out to be some of the most unforgettable experiences of my entire trip.
How to Get Around Zürich
The best way to move around Zürich is definitely by foot or on bike. I explored most of it on foot and 20,000 steps later, I felt like I walked around Disneyland twice—definitely worth every step. Make sure to wear good walking shoes, you’ll need them! And if you get tired you can always take the train, tram, or bus system.
What to Do in Zürich
Altstadt (Old Town)
The Old Town covers only half a square kilometer. It’s nevertheless known as the “the longest bar in the world”. Not only are there more than 260 possibilities to satisfy your hunger and thirst—your soul will be nourished in this historic city center.
The cobbled streets and medieval buildings will seriously have you wondering, “why don’t I live here?!”. You can walk through and grab a coffee at one of its cafes. Or if you’re like me, two coffees because you can’t choose between kaffee crème and espresso 😉
Bahnhofstrasse
This boulevard is basically Switzerland’s Rodeo Drive. It stretches for 1.4 kilometers from the main railway station to the lake. Strung along it like beads on a necklace are department stores and boutiques; the further you move towards the lake, the more exclusive the shops become.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel poor while window-shopping, this is the place. But even if Chanel ain’t calling your name, it’s a lovely spot to walk around!
Swiss National Museum
For the history buffs (or if you need an indoor activity during rain), this museum is it. It showcases culture that can date as back as 100,000 B.C. to approximately A.D. 800. Plus, it’s in a historic castle. So you can fulfill that childhood dream of being royalty for a hot second 😉
Lindt Home of Chocolate Tour
Believe me when I say, no trip to Switzerland is complete without trying Switzerland’s chocolate. I mean, how could you ever miss a Lindt factory?! I possibly could not!
Three words: chocolate tasting room. Need I say more? Oh, and there’s a giant chocolate fountain too. BUT. Don’t wear white—chocolate mishaps are real, and let’s just say I learned it the hard way.
Lake Zürich
The bent, almost banana-shaped Lake Zürich was one of my favorites. Gently rocking waves, peace and quiet, relaxation plus fine food—the best way to enjoy this place is with a boat ride. You can also rent a paddleboard or just sit by the water and question why your local lake doesn’t look that good 😁
Zürich Opera
This is one of the busiest classical music venues in the entire world. You’ll enjoy the classical music—but the architecture is also a treat! Zürich Opera House opened in 1891 and uses neoclassical and rococo styles.
Lindenhof Hill
I enjoyed the panoramic view of Zürich here so much! There were also beautiful views of the Limmat River. If you like to enjoy a moment or two to yourself, this hidden gem is a really good spot.
Munsterbrucke
This bridge connects the Old Town and the Grossmunster Cathedral (more on that in a second). It’s a historic site where you can enjoy great views of the river plus the city’s architecture. As I walked across it, I felt like I was a part of Zürich’s history!
Grossmunster
Last but definitely not the least, the Grossmunster. This twin-towered Romanesque cathedral is Zürich’s most famous landmark. You can climb to the top and enjoy city views (maybe a bit of cardio too). Legend has it—Charlemagne himself founded this church. How’s that for a historical flex?
Where to Stay in Zürich
I stayed at the Altstadt Boutique Hotel & Bar Zurich and it was a 10/10! This hotel was in the city center so it gave me easy access to many attractions (including Lake Zürich and Bahnhofstrasse). Plus, each of its 25 rooms is uniquely designed. Artworks by artist H.C. Jenssen can be found, showcasing texts from famous poets.
Other places you can stay at include:
- Green Marmot Capsule Hotel. Good for a budget stay.
- Park Hyatt. For lake views.
- Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel. For fabulous city views.
- Enigmatt City & Garden Hotel. To enjoy one of the best outdoor terraces in Zürich.
- Zurich Marriott Hotel. For those Marriott points.
What to Eat in Zurich
When in Zurich, you gotta try its delish bites, too! Here are items I tried and absolutely loved:
- Muesli. A hearty breakfast dish of oats, nuts, and fruits. Served with milk or yogurt.
- Rosti. A Swiss potato pancake. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Zurcher Geschnetzeltes. A meat meal with beef.
- Fondue. A dish of melted cheese served in a communal pot. You get to dip bread cubes in it.
- Raclette. A cheese dish. Special cheese is melted on a grill and then scraped onto your plate.
And, of course, Swiss chocolate, Lindt Home of Chocolate that is. I can’t emphasize this enough 😋
Final Thoughts
And just like that, my two unforgettable days in Zurich came to a close. It felt like time slipped through my fingers—one moment I was strolling past the historic charm of Old Town, and the next, I was sipping hot chocolate by the lake, watching the sun dip behind the Alps. Zurich gave me a beautiful glimpse into Swiss culture and city life, blending modern elegance with old-world charm. But as much as I loved my time there, I knew the adventure was only getting started.
Next on the itinerary? One of the dreamiest stops on my Swiss journey—Lucerne. From medieval bridges and storybook architecture to serene lake views surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, Lucerne completely swept me off my feet. It quickly became one of my favorite cities of the trip.
Curious about what made Lucerne so special? Join me as I continue exploring Switzerland in my next post: One Day in Lucerne: Top Things to Do in the City of Bridges. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this scenic chapter of the journey.
