| Meta Description: Zurich is one of the top travel destinations in Europe. In this guide, I share all about my experience! |
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!
How to Get to Zürich
You can fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH). From here, you can take the train—via the Zurich Flughafen railway station right near the airport center—and head to the city center, which is approximately 13 kilometers away. Switzerland is known for its very effective and fast trains, making it easy to get to your destination. Tram Route 10 also connects the city center to the airport. This one’s great for scenic views.
After a long 24-hour flight from Honolulu to LAX to London/Heathrow… I FINALLY got to Zurich. It was a long flight, but the next few days were some of the best of my life!
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.
- The Renaissance Tower. For fabulous city views.
- Enigmatt City & Garden Hotel. To enjoy one of the best outdoor terraces in Zürich.
- Zurich Niederdorf. Great for couples.
- BoutiquePenthouse. Excellent for families.
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. I can’t emphasize this enough 😋
Where to, Next?
And just like that, I ended my two days in Zurich, Switzerland. But this was JUST the beginning of my trip. It keeps getting better…you better stay tuned 😉
