Summary of the Zurich Itinerary
How To Spend 3 Days in Zurich
Zurich is often at the top of any Switzerland itinerary. As the financial capital of the country, the largest city in Switzerland, and a picturesque setting on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Three days in Zurich is just enough time to experience it all. This itinerary will help you plan the perfect three days in Zurich, including the best activities, sights, and dining spots.
Zurich Itinerary Day 1
Day 1 of this Zurich Itinerary takes you through a walking tour of the Old Town and Zurich West. If you are staying in the Old Town, you can walk to all the attractions and then hop on public transit for a short and easy 10-minute ride to Zurich West.
Note: To navigate Zurich seamlessly, we recommend purchasing a Zurich Card. It allows unlimited travel by bus, train, cableway, and tram, offering convenient trips including a boat ride on the Limmat River. Zurich Cards begin at 29 CHF for 24 hours. Learn more here. Exploring the Old Town is easy by foot thanks to its pedestrian-friendly streets.
Spend the Morning of Day 1 in Zurich Exploring the Old Town
After a delicious breakfast at Villa Florhof (reopening in 2025), our guide met us at our accommodation. From here, it was straightforward to make our way to the top landmarks in the Old Town.
1. Rechberg Gardens
Located beside Hotel Florhof, Rechberg Gardens are among the most scenic spots in Zurich. Dating back to 1759, the Baroque style gardens provide a peaceful start to your day.
2. University of Zurich View
Continue your stroll to one of Zurich’s best viewpoints at the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) which offers panoramic views of the Old Town and the Limmat River. You can walk or take the Polybahn, a historic funicular included with the Zurich Card, to reach the terrace.
3. Get Lost in the Alleyways of Altstadt
Prowl through the charming alleyways of Altstadt to discover unique boutiques, fountains, and coffee shops, perfect for an afternoon caffeine fix. Other things to see in the Old Town: Check out Cafe Voltaire, the birthplace of Dadaism, or relax with an Aperol Spritz on Niederdorfstrasse.
4. Grossmünster
The most iconic building in Zurich is Grossmünster Cathedral, linked to the legend of Charlemagne. Explore this historical site, and consider climbing the tower for a stunning city view for just 5 CHF.
5. Cross the Münsterbrücke
Don’t miss crossing the Münsterbrücke, connecting Grossmünster and Fraumünster, for remarkable riverside views along the way.
6. Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster Church is famed for its Marc Chagall stained glass windows. A small fee of 5 CHF applies to enter.
Spend the Afternoon in Zurich West
Once you have savored Old Town, head to Zurich’s trendiest neighborhood, Zurich West. Hop on the tram to experience local culture in this dynamic area.
Frau Gerolds Garten (Mrs. Gerold’s Garden) for Lunch
Have a late lunch in the vibrant Frau Gerolds Garten, an outdoor hub brimming with eateries and bars that perfectly captures the atmosphere of Zurich West. Check their website for hours and menu options.
Freitag Tower
Visit the Freitag Tower, popular for its unique design made from stacked shipping containers, housing stylish bags crafted from recycled materials.
Urban Surf
Right nearby is Urban Surf, a tropical paradise with a wave pool. Whether you’re catching waves or lounging with a cocktail, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation. Find out more here.
Go Art Hunting
Post sunbathing, discover unique art scattered throughout Zurich West, from Escher-Wyss-Platz to Puls 5, a space for contemporary exhibits.
Shop along the Zurich Im Viadukt
The Zurich Im Viadukt is a unique shopping destination featuring boutiques and restaurants nestled within its 36 arches, offering both impressive shopping and scenic views.
Dinner at Viadukt Restaurant
After shopping, have dinner at the Viadukt Restaurant, known for its fantastic food and ambiance. Visit their website for more information. Zurich is home to numerous dining options, particularly around Niedorfstrasse and Bahnhofstrasse.
Cocktail at Clouds Prime Tower
If you still have energy left, enjoy a cocktail at Clouds located on the 35th floor of the Prime Tower, offering spectacular views—perfect for winding down after a full day.
Nightlife in Zurich
After dark, Zurich’s nightlife comes alive in Kreis 5, a hotspot for bars and clubs. Dance at the vibrant Kaufleuten, sip cocktails at Bar 8001, or relish relaxed moments at Café des Amis.
Attend an Event or Concert
Check Zurich’s event calendar filled with exciting activities year-round, from film festivals to music events like the Zurich Jazz Festival and summer open-air festivals.
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Spend the Morning of Day 2 on the Water and Lake Zurich
The second day focuses on stunning views, waterfront explorations, indulgent Swiss chocolate, and a visit to the Lindt Factory for tours and tastings.
Sunrise at Lindenhof
Start early at Lindenhof, a former Roman castle park offering breathtaking sunrise views over the Limmat River and Old Town, ensuring a serene experience free from crowds.
St. Peter’s Church
Walk along the river to St. Peter’s Church to see the largest church clock in Europe, the oldest church in Zurich, with free entry available.
Breakfast at Cafe Milchbar am Paradeplatz
Instead of heading back to your hotel, enjoy breakfast at Cafe Milchbar, a lovely courtyard spot for cappuccino and pastries before another day of exploration.
Bürkliplatz Pier
Bürkliplatz Pier is an ideal launching point for boat trips on Lake Zurich, with surrounding scenic views and a lively atmosphere, especially during the farmer’s markets.
Boat to Wollishofen
Wollishofen is an artist community that prides itself on integrating art into its urban landscape. The community regularly hosts festivals and events while offering a variety of dining experiences.
Cassiopeia Boardwalk
The beautiful Cassiopeia Boardwalk along Lake Zurich showcases the city’s commitment to public waterfront accessibility, with delightful pathways for walking.
Lunch at Mönchhof am See on Lake Zurich
For lunch, we recommend Mönchhof am See, a beer garden overlooking the old harbor with fresh salads and stunning views of the Swiss Alps.
Lindt Home of Chocolate
A visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate promises a delightful experience. Indulge in interactive displays about the chocolate-making process, alongside tastings from fountains and classic Lindor treats.
Bahnhofstrasse
After Lindt, head to Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most luxurious shopping streets featuring high-end brands. Utilize your Zurich Card for easy transport back to downtown.
Niederdorfstrasse
For dinner, head to Paradeplatz and choose an outdoor seat at Restaurant Zeughauskeller, a busy venue known for its traditional Swiss cuisine since 1487.
Head to Quaibrücke for Sunset
Depending on the season, aim for sunset photo opportunities at Quaibrücke, a picturesque bridge between Zurich Old Town and Lake Zurich, a perfect spot for sunset visuals.
Rest and Nightcap
Your day has been full, so consider a nightcap at nearby bars such as Jules Verne Panoramabar for incredible views, or enjoy cocktails at Old Crow or Cafe Odeon.
Zurich Day 3
Your final day in Zurich centers around outdoor activities. Stroll along the waterfront towards Arboretum, popular for sunbathing, and head to Badi Enge for your ultimate experience in Zurich.
SUP on Lake Zurich
Badi Enge features public swimming areas, sun decks, and restaurants. Rent a paddleboard to leisurely glide across the lake, with scenic views of the Alps.
Relax at Seebad Enge
After paddleboarding, unwind on swimming platforms before having lunch at Seebad Enge. Check prices or reserve a SUP session via the Seebad Enge website.
Lunch at Swiss Chuchi
Although dining at Seebad Enge is pleasant, indulge in Swiss fondue at Swiss Chuchi in Old Town, ensuring a quintessential Swiss culinary experience.
Go up to Uetliberg
Post-lunch, catch the tram to Uetliberg for magnificent views over Zurich; it’s a short hike from the train station to the lookout tower for staggering panoramas.
Sunset Over Lake Zurich
For your final evening, enjoy sunset views in Sechseläutenplatz, a lively area near the Zurich Opera House, making it perfect for evening relaxation.
Dinner Biergarten Bauschänzli
End your Zurich adventure with a traditional beer experience at Bauschänzli, under the shade of chestnut trees, enjoying local brews in a scenic setting.
How to Get Around Zurich
The best way to travel around Zurich is via a Zurich card, which provides access to various transportation modes and discounts at participating stores. Zurich Cards range from 24 to 72 hours and start at 29 CHF for 24 hours. Learn more here.
How to Get to Zurich
International flights arrive daily at Zurich Airport (ZRH), the largest airport in Switzerland. Trains run frequently from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof, making for easy transport. Your Swiss Travel Pass includes convenient access to public transportation.
When you purchase a Swiss Travel Pass, it includes:
Unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat.
Public transportation in more than 90 cities and towns.
Free admission to over 500 museums across Switzerland.
Use helpful apps for travel planning: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Travel Guide app.
Where to Stay in Zurich
For accommodation, Old Town is an excellent choice for easy navigation. Although Hotel Florhof closed in July 2022 and will reopen in 2025, it previously offered superb amenities and proximity to attractions.
Zurich will captivate you with its charm, culture, and stunning landscapes. If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, ensure you spend three enriching days in Zurich to savor all the unforgettable experiences this city has to offer.
Note:
- Our journey to Switzerland is in collaboration with MySwitzerland.com. Visit their website to start planning your adventure.
- For additional travel tips, visit the Zurich Tourism website.
