Top 15 Tours in Zurich for an Unforgettable Experience

With more than 400,000 residents within its limits, Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. It is situated in the north-central region of the country, just south of Germany’s border, on the northern edge of the expansive Lake Zurich. Furthermore, it serves as the seat of the Canton of Zurich and hosts approximately 1.4 million people in its greater metropolitan area.

Located less than two hours from several of Europe’s most renowned ski destinations, Zurich is particularly recognized for its rich historical and cultural landmarks, culinary experiences, art communities, as well as its luxurious spas and thermal baths. Below are 15 of the top tours to consider in and around Zurich.

1. Fondue and Wine Tour by Tuk-Tuk

While it is entirely possible to visit Zurich without sampling fondue, the majority of visitors opt for this delightful experience. On this cheese fondue and wine tour, participants join their guide to explore aspects of Swiss culture and cuisine from a comfortable, electric tuk-tuk. The journey navigates various neighborhoods, including Old Town, renowned for its culinary delights. Guests will gain insights from their guide while also visiting notable city attractions. The menu typically features a selection of side dishes accompanied by a bottle of Swiss wine.

2. Roman-Irish Spa Ritual

Zurich boasts a notably high number of spas, saunas, and thermal baths per capita. For travel-weary visitors seeking relaxation and respite from their busy lives, these establishments present ideal settings to unwind. This Roman-Irish spa ritual happens atop one of Zurich’s premier spa facilities, where participants are guided through a multi-step circuit lasting over three hours. Elements of this experience include thermal baths, a steam room, and a traditional pool, all complemented by a modern design that harmonizes with traditional elements and offers stunning views of the lively cityscape below.

3. City Segway Tour

Exploring Zurich by Segway often ranks among visitors’ most notable experiences. Despite their dual wheels, Segways are surprisingly easy to maneuver, providing riders the ability to traverse vast distances efficiently without expending excessive energy. After a brief orientation, the group typically sets off to visit various key attractions, encompassing urban parks, the Town Hall, and the Congress building, along with stops at an artificial island on the Limmat River and Bahnhofstrasse—one of Europe’s most exclusive retail zones. Group tours generally last around 2.5 hours, permitting ample time for alternative adventures in the morning.

4. Zurich City Tour with 1-Hour Cruise and Chocolates

Combination tours serve as excellent options for discerning travelers aiming to maximize their travel budget. This Zurich city tour encompasses both bus and boat elements, paired with a delectable tasting of treats from Switzerland’s renowned chocolate artisans. Tours commence with a coach sightseeing segment, which includes various landmarks such as the National Museum, financial district, and Zurich Opera House. The cruise on Lake Zurich is frequently the highlight of the excursion, complemented by a cogwheel train ride offering panoramic vistas of the snow-capped Alps.

5. 90-Minute Hot Stone Barbecue Tuk-Tuk Tour

Tuk-tuk tours represent an enjoyable and economical method to experience numerous attractions in a condensed timeframe. During this 1.5-hour journey, participants experience many of the city’s historical landmarks and neighborhoods firsthand, benefiting from their guide’s local insights throughout the tour. Short excursions such as these are particularly beneficial for first-time visitors, allowing them to familiarize themselves with Zurich’s layout while uncovering points of interest for later exploration. Lunch or dinner includes a picnic-style barbecue complemented by a bottle of Swiss wine, with options for fish and vegan dishes also available.

6. Cycling Tour by Lake Zurich and the Limmat and Sihl Rivers

Upon venturing outside Zurich’s city limits, one quickly finds themselves enveloped by the breathtaking natural beauty the country offers. For those travelers who are both physically fit and eager to optimize their vacation time, this morning cycling excursion presents an exceptional choice. The tour highlights picturesque country roads with low traffic, meandering alongside the shores of Lake Zurich and its tributaries. Depending on the group’s preferences, the pace of the tour can vary from leisurely to more vigorous. Participants are provided with bikes, helmets, and the expertise of a local guide.

7. Art and Culture Tour with a Local Guide

Zurich not only acts as a financial hub but also houses one of the region’s most vibrant art scenes. This 90-minute tour invites art and culture enthusiasts to discover the city’s flourishing creative spaces and understand why countless artists and aficionados visit Zurich annually. Led by a passionate and knowledgeable local guide, the tour focuses on lesser-known gems often overlooked by traditional sightseeing trips. Participants will explore significant museums and galleries while also observing striking works of street art created by local talent.

8. 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour

Despite its substantial population and bustling commercial and financial areas, Zurich surprisingly prioritizes pedestrian accessibility. Moreover, it is steeped in a rich history predating 2,000 years. This walking tour enables participants, alongside their guide, to visit key attractions such as St. Peter’s Church, the Town Hall, and the Bahnhofstrasse shopping district. The tour also includes engaging commentary allowing participants to learn about the significance of the sites being visited. For enthusiasts of photography, architecture, culture, and history, such walking tours are particularly enticing.

9. 2-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour

To experience a multitude of attractions efficiently, few options rival a traditional bus tour. From the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, participants on this 2-hour tour will tour various notable landmarks, including the Swiss National Museum, Munsterhof Square, and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Additionally, an optional guided walking segment in Old Town offers those interested the chance to view sites more closely. Other highlights feature a scenic ride on the Dolder Railway with breathtaking views of St. Peter’s Church, which is famous for having the largest clock face in Europe.

10. Albert Einstein’s City Exploration Quest Game

This unique game tour invites participants to assist a young Albert Einstein in developing his General Theory of Relativity. This app-based game provides clues leading to a diverse array of the city’s main attractions. The focus lies in teamwork and intellectual engagement, making it an excellent choice for group travel. The average duration of the tour is around two hours, but with no set time constraints, participants can enjoy the experience at their own pace. Once the app is installed, GPS functionality guides players to various locations throughout the city.

11. 4-Hour City Tour by Ferry, Cable Car, and Coach

For individuals who appreciate variety, this comprehensive ferry, cable car, and coach tour offers an engaging half-day experience in Zurich. The excursion starts with visits to Old Town’s many attractions, including St. Peter’s Church and the Bahnhofstrasse shopping district. Following this, participants embark on a scenic drive to the town of Meilen on the Gold Coast, where they board a ferry to cruise across the picturesque Lake Zurich. The tour concludes with a memorable cable car ride to Felsenegg, providing breathtaking, unobstructed views of the snow-capped Alps.

12. Rhine Falls Coach Tour from Zurich

The coach journey to the Rhine Falls in north-central Switzerland traverses charming rural communities, expansive vineyards, and a beautiful 16th-century fortress. During the ride, participants learn about the sights from the comfort of a well-appointed, air-conditioned coach. When the water flows at maximum capacity in the summer, the falls emerge as one of the nation’s most spectacular natural wonders. Visitors during this season can optionally enjoy a boat ride that brings them close to the thundering waters or spend an hour relaxing by the riverbank.

13. Day Trip to Kleine Scheidegg in the Center of the Alps

The alpine scenery between Zurich and Kleine Scheidegg is nothing short of breathtaking, characterized by glistening lakes and splendid mountain vistas. This day trip is ideal for those seeking a reprieve from the city’s bustling atmosphere. Guests can partake in guided hikes around the Eiger Glacier from June to October, as well as enjoy traditional meals followed by scenic train rides before returning to Zurich.

14. 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour

With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can delve into Zurich’s rich history and culture in a short timeframe. This two-hour walking tour commences at the iconic Grossmünster Cathedral, making stops at various significant historical and architectural landmarks. Despite the city’s evolution, it retains an appealing blend of old-world charm that captivates many visitors. Customizable tours may feature attractions that are typically less crowded, offering a more intimate experience when compared to larger groups.

15. 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Flight

Taking a private flight to view Zurich from above is an easily achievable endeavor. After meeting the experienced pilot at a small airfield just outside of Zurich, guests ascend into the skies for an unforgettable experience. Flights typically last around one hour, offering unobstructed views of the cityscape, Lake Zurich, and the stunning Alps in the distance. Participants often discover new areas of interest to explore on their own post-flight, so asking the pilot for recommendations is encouraged.