How to Spend One Day in Zurich: Best Things to Do + Map

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and one of the most expensive in Europe, but there’s plenty of beauty to see beyond its price point.

I’ve travelled to Zurich in spring, summer and winter for days out, and while it is expensive year-round, a lot of the city can be done on the cheap and in quick fashion.

If you only have one day in Zurich, that’s plenty of time to explore the city’s best attractions.

Whether you want to explore the beautiful Old Town, go on a boat tour of Lake Zurich, or dine on fondue and mouthfuls of chocolate, this itinerary covers it all.

This guide also includes all the practical information you need for your day out, along with an interactive map to help you explore the city.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission if you use them at no extra cost to you.

One day in Zurich

This itinerary will run through the best things to do in Zurich in a day in order, rather than run through it minute by minute.

These activities should leave you enough time to dine at a restaurant or explore the Old Town at your own pace.

If you have extra time in Zurich, I’ve also included extra things to do, plus recommendations for easy day trips from the city, like visiting Rhine Falls or Mount Titlis, which I cover later in the guide.

Best things to do in Zurich

1. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

To start your day in Zurich, begin at the heart of the city and wander the historic Old Town (Altstadt). This is where you’ll find Zurich’s finest establishments, from cafes and restaurants to the most prominent attractions.

The Old Town is divided into two sections, separated by the Limmat River.

You can navigate to both through four bridges connecting the east and west of the Old Town, including my favourite, Münsterbrücke.

Münsterbrücke, a historic bridge in Zurich, spans across the Limmat River with Fraumünster Church in the background.

This bridge will lead you to Münsterhof and Fraumünster on the western side of the Old Town or towards Grossmünster on the eastern side.

Münsterhof Square in Zurich’s Old Town is pictured featuring colourful buildings with shuttered windows and facades. A circular fountain with a curved spout sits in the cobblestone plaza, surrounded by outdoor café seating and pedestrians. The blue building in the centre is Restaurant Zunfthaus zur Waag. — Münsterhof, the largest square in Zurich’s Old Town

The Old Town takes several hours to explore and will include stop-offs at attractions like Grossmünster or Fraumünster.

If you’re after breakfast or brunch in the Old Town, the eastern districts, Niederdorf and Napfgasse, are your options.

Niederdof was recommended to us by locals, who told us to walk along Niederdorfstrasse to find a long line of eateries and we found many gems.

Café & Conditorei 1842 and Café Henrici are my go-to cafes for delicious pastries!

2. Stroll along the Limmatquai Promenade

Limmatquai Promenade is one of Zurich’s main pedestrian zones that stretches from the Bellevueplatz square to the Central Tram Station.

You can use it to walk along the banks of the Limmat River uninterrupted, with beautiful views along the way of attractions like Grossmünster and Zürich’s Town Hall.

Be sure to stop on some of the bridges as you stroll, as they give some amazing vantage points of Limmat River.

Clear view of the Limmat River in Zurich under a bright blue sky, with traditional Swiss buildings and church spires lining both sides of the river near a small bridge.

Top tip: If you’re travelling as a couple, you can cement your love on Zurich’s love lock bridge, Mühlesteg.

3. Visit Grossmünster

A stone church with twin towers, known as the Grossmünster, stands in a quiet square in Zurich, Switzerland, under a cloudy blue sky, with a leafless tree and buildings nearby.

Grossmünster is one of the Old Town’s main Protestant churches and landmarks.

It can be seen almost from anywhere in the city, with its two twin towers standing high above the Old Town’s skyline.

The admission to the church is free. However, for a picturesque view of the Old Town, you can climb 187 steps up the church’s south tower ‘Karlsturm’, for CHF 5.

The opening hours of Grossmünster are 10 am to 6 pm, with reduced hours during the Winter.

4. Explore Fraumünster

Fraumünster Church in Zurich, Switzerland, features a tall clock tower and Gothic-style architecture under a partly cloudy sky. Visitors walk around the cobblestone square in front of the historic church.

Fraumünster, also known as the ‘Minster of Our Lady’, is another one of Zurich’s main protestant churches.

The most striking feature of the church is its colourful stained glass windows, designed by Marc Chagall in 1970. These all feature biblical themes that depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

One of the best things to do in Fraumünster is to visit the crypt below the church. Here, you can learn about the history of Fraumünster, beginning in the early 9th century and see its old archaeological remains.

Admission to Fraumünster costs CHF 5 which includes entry to the crypt. An audio guide of the church and crypt is also available on-site.

Note: If visiting from Grossmünster, it is only a 3-minute walk away from Fraumünste, and you reach it via crossing the Limmat River through Münsterbrücke.

5. See city views from Lindenhof Hill

A scenic view of Zurich, Switzerland, from Lindenhof Hill, showcasing the Limmat River, colourful buildings, and the spire of St. Peter's Church against a cloudy sky. The river reflects the cityscape, with a tram and pedestrians visible along the waterfront.

For one of the best viewpoints of Zurich, head to Lindenhof Hill and find a spot along the wall to capture a perfect panoramic photo of the city.

This panorama has a view of the Limmat River from the Old Town’s western side, overlooking attractions like Grossmünster, Wasserkirche and the University of Zurich.

It only takes 5 minutes to walk up to Lindehof Hill, so it is nothing too hasty.

I recommend bringing a few snacks with you, as there is a lovely seating area with benches and a giant chessboard to keep you occupied. We bought a few snacks from Migros and had a little picnic!

6. Walk along Augustinergasse

Augustinergasse in Zurich's Old town, lined with colourful historic buildings with Swiss flags, and a decorative wrought-iron sign for "Zunft zum Widder" hangs on the right. The street includes pedestrians strolling, outdoor café seating, and traditional European architecture under a partly cloudy sky.

Just a few minutes walk away from Lindenhof Hill is Augustinergasse, one of the Old Town’s prettiest streets.

Along Augustinergasse, you can find some beautifully decorated facades from the early 17th century.

The rich factory owners who lived here used to compete against each other to attract the most customers to their shops by hiring artisans to design the facades. Who are we to complain?

For the most Instagrammable spot, look out for the row of Swiss flags next to Münzplatz. As this street is full of cafes and restaurants, please be respectful and keep the photoshoot to a minimum.

7. Window shop at Bahnhofstrasse

Street view of Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich, featuring a blue tram on tracks, outdoor café seating under white umbrellas, and Swiss flags hanging above buildings.

Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s go-to for luxury retailers and is known for being one of the most expensive streets in the world.

You’ll find many luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada. The street stretches over 1.4km, starting from Zürich Hauptbahnhof and ending by Bürkliplatz, right next to Lake Zurich.

We managed to find something affordable on the street, which was some lovely hot chocolate inside the upstairs cafe in the famous Confiserie Sprüngli. That was my Gucci!

8. Visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum

The image shows the exterior of the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich, Switzerland. The building has a modern, curved white brick facade with the words "Lindt HOME OF CHOCOLATE" displayed in large, golden letters. Trees partially frame the structure with a overcast sky above

This is by far one of the best things to do in Zurich. The Lindt Chocolate Museum is a chocolate haven, letting you experience the world of Lindt through its state-of-the-art museum.

During your tour, you’ll learn about the origins of chocolate and how Switzerland became one of the world’s biggest producers.

Plus, you’ll get to taste-test plenty of free chocolate, including their chocolate truffle selection!

And not to mention, see one of the biggest chocolate fountains in the world. There is also a massive Lindt gift shop in the complex, though we didn’t buy much chocolate as we were too full from the tour.

This image shows a chocolate gift shop at the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich. The display features colourful, individually wrapped Lindt chocolates arranged on tall, curved shelves. The foreground showcases decorative tins and gift boxes with floral patterns, neatly arranged on a round table

Top recommendation: Book your tour a few days in advance.

We made the mistake of turning up at the door and had to wait 3 hours for the next time slot. Book your in-advance tickets here.

Getting there: Catch the 165 bus from Bürkliplatz to Lindt & Sprüngli bus stop. From here, it is a 3-minute walk to the museum. Use this bus schedule to help with your route.

More activities for one day in Zurich

If you find yourself with extra time during your day in Zurich, I recommend adding some of these activities to your itinerary;

Go on a Lake Zurich cruise (1 to 3 hours): One of the best activities in Zurich, is to explore the lake on a mini-cruise and visit other areas next to the lake. The most popular cruise terminal is on Bürkliplatz, right next to the Old Town. The cruise can take you to places like Küsnacht and Rapperswil. View the latest cruise schedule.
Visit the FIFA Museum (1 to 2 hours): Visiting the FIFA Museum is an absolute must for football fans. It has a huge exhibition with memorabilia, including classic football tops, trophies like the World Cup and plenty of fun games for families and kids. To get there, it is just a 13-minute walk from the Old Town, or you can take the number 5, 6 or 7 tram to Bahnhof Enge, just a minute walk away from the museum. For admission fees, check out the FIFA Museum ticket prices.
Explore the Swiss National Museum (1 to 2 hours): This museum houses some of Switzerland’s most famous artefacts and artwork. A notable highlight is the exhibition ‘History of Switzerland’, which covers 550 years of Swiss history, starting from the Middle Ages to the present day. It is located just outside Zürich HB, and entry is free for Swiss Travel Pass or Zurich Card holders.
Head up to Uetliberg Mountain (30 minutes to 3 hours): For one of the best views of Zurich, visit Uetliberg Mountain and head up to the observation tower. You can get to Uetliberg Mountain via an easy train ride or a 2 to 3-hour hike. For more information, check out how to get to Uetliberg Mountain.

Map for your one day in Zurich

To help you with your day of touring the city on foot or by public transport, I’ve created an interactive map you can follow to navigate to each spot.

I’ve also included my recommendations for the best restaurants and hotels and any extra things you’ll need during your visit.

Is purchasing a Zürich Card worth it?

Whether you should purchase a Zurich Card or not should depend on your travel style and planned itinerary.

What you get with the Zurich Card:

Unlimited free transport: This covers all buses, trains and trams within Zones 110, 111, 121, 140, 150, 154 and 155 (Includes the main city and airport).
Free access to numerous attractions: Free access to places like the Swiss National Museum, Fifa Museum and Fraumünster Church. Plus, this includes Limmat River cruises and short cruises on Lake Zurich.
Plenty of discounts: You’ll get various discounts on tours and experiences, including 20% off Lindt Home of Chocolate.

The Zurich Card costs CHF 29 for 24 hours and CHF 56 for 72 hours.

If you plan to use public transport and visit attractions like the Swiss National Museum, Fifa Museum and Fraumünster Church, then I’d confidently say the Zurich card is great value for your money.

Otherwise, I would skip purchasing it.

Note: If you already have a Swiss Travel Pass, I don’t recommend purchasing the Zurich Card, as it covers most of the same benefits. Find out more about the Swiss Travel Pass.

How to get to Zurich

Getting to Zurich by train

The best way to get to Zurich from other areas of Switzerland is via train. Zürich Hauptbahnhof is the main city’s train station and is well-connected to major Swiss cities like Lucerne, Bern and Geneva.

You can also get direct trains from other European destinations like Milan, Paris and Vienna.

If you’re travelling from Zurich Airport, using the train is the cheapest and easiest option. Train tickets from Zürich Flughafen (Airport) to Zurich HB cost CHF 7 and it takes an average of 20 minutes.

To purchase your train tickets, use the SBB website or their mobile app. If you own a Swiss Travel Pass or Zurich Card, you can travel by train from the airport to Zurich’s city centre for free.

Getting to Zurich by car

Renting a car is a convenient way to get to Zurich. The city is well-connected by highways from major Swiss cities and neighbouring countries like Germany, Austria and France. We used Discover Cars to rent a car in Switzerland and travelled to Zurich from Lucerne.

Zurich is very walkable, so once you arrive, park up in the main city and explore the Old Town on foot.

There are various parking areas but they are really expensive, which is to be expected in Switzerland’s business city. I recommend using Parkhaus Hohe Promenade and City Parking Casino, which average around CHF 40 a day.

Getting to Zurich by air

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the only airport in Zurich and is the largest in Switzerland. It has been voted ‘Europe’s Leading Airport’ by the World Travel Awards for an incredible 21 years in a row.

As the city is a hub for business globally, it is well connected internationally with direct flights from cities across Europe and other countries around the world.

When I travel to Switzerland, I usually fly to Zurich or Geneva first as there are a lot more direct flights available for a cheaper price than to other areas of the country.

Best time to visit Zurich

Zurich is one of those destinations that is beautiful all year round. Summer is usually the best time to visit, with better weather and opportunities to swim in Zurich Lake.

Of course, the main downside is larger crowds and higher prices. For a cheaper and more comfortable experience, the shoulder months from May to June are a lovely time to visit.

In June, Zurich hosts Food Zurich which is one of the largest culinary festivals in Europe.

Not to forget, December is also a brilliant time to visit Zurich, as it has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The Christkindlimarkt in Zurich Train Station is incredible!

Where to eat in Zurich

In Zurich, you don’t need to walk far to find some delicious food. It has a diverse culinary scene, with every cuisine you can think of, like traditional Swiss food, Thai, Japanese, you name it!

Here are my recommendations:

Café & Conditorei: Try this cafe for a delicious breakfast to start the day. I’ve been here a couple of times and have never been disappointed with their pastries and delicious hot chocolate. Plus, it has a beautiful baroque interior to admire while you eat.
Trattoria Sempre Zürich: This delicious Italian restaurant is the perfect choice for lunch or dinner. It serves food in a small tapas style, so you can try multiple dishes on the menu without feeling too full.
Swiss Chuchi Restaurant: For traditional food at a cheaper price in the Old Town, you can’t go wrong with this restaurant. I went there to try Fondue for the first time and it did not disappoint.
Zunfthaus zur Waag: Located on Münsterhof Square, this fine dining restaurant serves incredible Swiss food. This is the best restaurant I’ve tried in Zurich for Swiss food, and it made me fall in love with the country’s cuisine.

Best places to stay in Zurich

Luxury: Baur au Lac – Luxury as luxury gets! This timeless hotel has a lavish interior, an onsite wellness facility, and elegant rooms featuring private terraces with stunning views of Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps.
Mid-range: Marktgasse Hotel – Located in the heart of the Old Town in the Marktgasse district, this 4-star hotel has a lavish interior and spacious rooms. Guests can also enjoy free access to the Stockerhof or Stadelhofen fitness parks.
Budget: Hotel Hottingen – The best find for great value and a comfortable stay near the Old Town, just a 15-minute walk away. Rooms are newly renovated, and options are available for a private balcony upgrade at an affordable rate.
Best for airport: Ibis budget Zurich Airport – This is one of the cheapest finds in Zurich and has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. It is located right by the airport, so it is perfect for those who require a stay for a layover.

Best day trips from Zurich

Zurich is a perfect base to explore some of Switzerland’s most beautiful places. If you are staying longer than a day in Zurich, I recommend considering visiting these places on a day trip

Rhine Falls

Rhine Falls is the largest and most powerful waterfall in Europe, located just a 50-minute train ride from Zurich.

For the best viewing experience of the waterfall, I recommend booking a boat trip to get right up close to it.

Rhine Falls in Switzerland, with powerful white water rushing over rocks and mist rising. Buildings and trees line the background under a cloudy sky.

If you don’t fancy the boat trip, there are many free vantage points nearby for some beautiful photos.

Close-up view of Rhine Falls in Switzerland, with white water rushing over moss-covered rocks. Green trees surround the scene under a partly cloudy sky.

Rhine Falls in Switzerland with rushing white water, rocky outcrops, and lush greenery, framed by tree branches. A small flag stands on one of the rocks.

Getting there: To get to Rhine Falls from Zurich, catch a train from Zurich HB to Neuhausen Rheinfall. From here, it is a 4-minute walk away.

Recommendation: You only need half a day here, so I recommend visiting the picturesque town of Schaffhausen after.

Mount Titlis

Mount Titlis is one of Switzerland’s highest mountains, reaching up to 3,238m in height. You’ll need to allocate a day to visit as it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to get here from Zurich, but it is 100% worth it!

To reach the peak of Mount Titlis, you will need to take a mountain cable car from Engleberg, which takes 30 minutes to reach the top. Ticket information can be found here.

Snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps from Mount Titlis, with jagged cliffs and a bright blue sky. — View of the Swiss Alps from Mount Titlis

I don’t recommend visiting on a cloudy day as the views are too foggy to see the Swiss Alps. We were lucky to capture it on a half-sunny day.

Some of the best highlights on Mount Titlis are the Glacier Cave and the Cliff Walk, which is the highest suspension bridge in Europe, and you can walk across it!

A view of Titlis Cliff Walk, a steel suspension bridge stretching across a snowy mountain landscape, with steel cables and mesh fencing for support.

Titlis Glacier Cave, an ice tunnel in Switzerland, illuminated with deep blue lighting and lined with smooth, frozen walls.

Getting there: To get to Mount Titlis from Zurich, catch the train to Lucerne and then transfer to a train to Engleberg. From Engleberg station, it is a 10-minute walk to the Titlis Talstation, where you ride the mountain cable car up to Mount Titlis.

Lucerne

Lucerne is one of the prettiest cities in Switzerland and is only a 40-minute train ride from Zurich. There is enough to do in Lucerne to fill up a 2-day itinerary. However, for your day trip, focus on exploring the main city and the Old Town.

The best highlight of Lucerne is its two covered bridges, Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Spreuerbrücke. Chapel Bridge is the most famous of the two and has stood here since 1333.

A cloudy daytime view of the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland, featuring Wasserturm (water tower) and a covered wooden walkway over the Reuss River.

I recommend priortising a sunny day to visit! We caught Lucerne on a rainy day, which is a shame because most of the city’s highlights are outdoors and are much prettier in the sun.

If you have extra time, Mount Pilatus is a great place to visit for amazing views of Lake Lucerne.

Getting there: To get to Lucerne from Zurich, catch the train to Lucerne Train Station (Bahnhof Luzern). It is then only a 5-minute walk to the main part of Lucerne.

Bern

Often overshadowed by Zurich, Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is one of the country’s most underrated places to visit. Surprisingly, it is also one of the cheapest places to visit for attractions.

There are many brilliant free things to do in Bern on a day here, including exploring the Old Town and visiting the BärenPark.

At the Bern Bear Park, you can see a family of bears roaming around in an open enclosure. Plus, you’ll be next to the very scenic Aare River, which is postcard-worthy.

Finn the bear roaming around in BarenPark, Bern — Finn the bear roaming around the enclosure

Getting there: Take a direct train from Zurich HB to Bern Train Station (1 hour). From here, it is a 14-minute walk to the Old Town of Bern.

Final thoughts

From the historical Old Town to the many cafes and restaurants serving Swiss delights, Zurich has so much you can do in just one day.

And with Switzerland so well connected through public transport routes, your day in Zurich can easily be extended with some fantastic day trips from the business city.

I hope you have a lovely time in Zurich! Let me know about your experience or leave any questions in the comments below.

Looking for more Switzerland posts? Check out:

How to Visit Switzerland on a Budget

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SWITZERLAND

Switzerland Flights – Looking for cheap flights to Switzerland? I’ve used Skyscanner countless times during my travels. It will scan the internet for prices on flights from all airlines, so you can find the best deal on your flight!

Switzerland Travel Insurance – Do I need travel insurance for Switzerland? Yes of course! I always get travel insurance in case anything happens during my travels. I highly recommend SafetyWing to help you find the best travel insurance.

Switzerland Rental Cars – Should I rent a car in Switzerland? Definitely! I’ve rented a car in Switzerland multiple times, and it’s the most convenient way to get around. I was able to access areas where public transport doesn’t go. Discover Cars is my go-to rental agency and offers the best rates wherever you travel.

Switzerland Hotels – Need to find accommodation in Switzerland? I’ve been booking all my hotels through Booking.com for years. They have a large range of different accommodation options to suit all travel styles. Plus, their loyalty discounts are a huge bonus!

Switzerland Tours/Activities – For your tours or activities in Switzerland, I couldn’t recommend GetYourGuide enough! I use it everywhere I go, and it is brilliant for thinking of ideas for things to do.

Switzerland Phone Plans – If you need phone data while you’re travelling around Switzerland, I recommend getting an eSim using Airalo. It’s been my life saviour! It offers affordable roaming with great coverage. You can download the sim straight from their app and top it up whenever you want.