Things to Do in Zürich
50 curated spots from Zürich itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Lindenhof Hill
Take a slow walk up for river and Old Town views, then linger on the shaded benches.
45m · Free
Lindt Home of Chocolate
Take a quick train or boat to Kilchberg, then walk to the modern Lindt museum set among trees above the lake. Inside, follow the interactive exhibits, walk under the giant chocolate fountain, and enjoy the all-you-can-taste chocolate room; there’s also a big shop for bringing gifts home.
2h 30m · $18-25 per person (museum, tastings included)
Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich)
Explore exhibits on Swiss history and culture inside a castle-like building with a quiet inner courtyard; you can dip in for just 1–2 hours without trying to see everything.
2h · $15-20
Hürlimannbad & Spa Zürich (Thermal Baths)
Relax in warm indoor pools set inside an old brewery, with stone and wood details that feel cave-like, then enjoy the rooftop thermal pool for city views; note that areas are mixed-gender and swimsuits are required in pools.
3h · $45-60
Kunsthaus Zürich
Major art museum with works from Swiss artists like Giacometti and international masters, plus family-friendly programs.
2h · $20-25
Lake Zurich Promenade
Stroll the lakeside promenade and sit for a while near the water, especially nice in late afternoon light.
1h 30m · Free
Old Botanical Garden (Alter Botanischer Garten)
Wander this small, hidden garden on a hill with mature trees, paths, and a quiet atmosphere near the city center.
1h · Free
Uetliberg Panorama Walk
Ride the S10 up, then take a short viewpoint walk for forested ridgelines and wide city views.
2h 30m · CHF 10-20 per person
Altstadt (Old Town) Stroll
Wander through Niederdorf and the left-bank Old Town: cobbled lanes, ivy-clad buildings, hidden courtyards, and quiet riverfront corners; pause at small squares like Münsterhof and Napfgasse for photos.
2h · Free
Altstadt (Old Town) Walk: Niederdorf & Limmatquai
Start around Central tram stop and wander through Niederdorf’s narrow lanes, small squares, and plant-covered balconies toward Limmatquai, following the river and ducking into side alleys and courtyards.
2h 30m · Free
Altstadt Free Time (Back in Zürich)
After returning by train, wander whichever side streets you missed earlier, stop for photos by the river, and browse a few souvenir shops at your own pace.
2h · Free
Bahnhofstrasse
Zürich’s main shopping avenue with luxury boutiques, Swiss watch shops, and department stores, running from Hauptbahnhof to the lake.
1h · Free (shopping extra)
Bahnhofstrasse & Limmatquai Evening Stroll
Walk slowly along Bahnhofstrasse for window-shopping and then loop back along Limmatquai by the river. At night the reflections on the water and lit church towers give a calm, cinematic feel.
45m · Free
Bahnhofstrasse & Lindenhof Hill
Walk the tree-lined Bahnhofstrasse for window-shopping, then climb the short path up to Lindenhof, a leafy hilltop park overlooking the Limmat River and Old Town roofs.
2h · Free
Bahnhofstrasse Stroll
Walk Zürich's famous shopping avenue, then pause at Paradeplatz and the nearby side streets for architecture, people-watching, and a clean urban feel.
1h 30m · Free
Bürkliplatz and Lake Zurich Promenade
Central lakeside square and starting point for many boat trips, with a wide promenade and parks along the water.
1h · Free
Bürkliplatz and Lake Zürich Promenade
Spend time along the lakefront for open water views, relaxed people-watching, and easy photography spots; if it’s market day, browse the nearby stalls for local atmosphere.
2h · Free
Cabaret Voltaire
Visit the birthplace of Dada for a compact culture stop, then continue through the surrounding lanes for architecture and an easy street-market feel if one is running nearby.
1h · $10-20
Chinagarten Zurich & Seefeld Lakeside Park
Visit the Chinese Garden and surrounding lakeside park with trees and lawns, perfect for photos and quiet sitting.
1h 30m · $5-10 per person
Chinagarten Zürich & Zürichhorn Park
Visit the small Chinese Garden near Zürichhorn with ponds, pavilions, and lush plantings, then relax under the trees or by the water in the surrounding park. It’s compact but very photogenic and feels like a little oasis.
45m · $5 or Free (depending on season/ticket checks)
Chinese Garden and Seefeld Walk
Spend free explore time among the lakefront streets, small parks, and the compact Chinese Garden.
2h · Free or small entry fee
Evening at Zurich Opera House Plaza & Lakeside
Sit on the steps of the Sechseläutenplatz near the opera house, then take another relaxed walk along the tree-lined lakefront.
1h 30m · Free (performance tickets extra)
Evening Walk at Lake Zurich Promenade (Bellevue–Seefeld)
After dinner, stroll along the lakeside promenade under trees, watching boats and city lights reflecting on the water.
1h · Free
Forest Paths Around Schloss Laufen
Explore the wooded trails and viewpoints surrounding the castle and river gorge before heading back to Zurich.
1h · Included with Rhine Falls visit
Fraumünster Church
Historic church famous for its stunning Chagall and Giacometti stained-glass windows.
45m · $5-10
Freitag Tower and Zürich West Walk
Explore the repurposed industrial district, design shops, and the modern city texture around Freitag and the surrounding blocks.
1h 30m · Free
Grossmünster
Iconic twin-towered church; climb the tower (Karlsturm) for panoramic city and lake views.
1h · $5-10
Grossmünster and Fraumünster Exterior Circuit
See Zürich's landmark church exteriors, cross a bridge or two, and enjoy the riverfront angles that make the old center feel compact and scenic.
1h 30m · Free or small entry fee
Grossmünster Church & Tower (Exterior/Optional Interior)
View the twin-towered symbol of Zürich from outside and, if you like, climb the Karlsturm tower for a compact but beautiful panorama over the river, red roofs, and surrounding hills.
45m · $6 or Free (for outside views)
Grossmünster Tower Climb
Climb the 187 steps to the top of Zürich's iconic twin-towered cathedral for 360-degree views of old town, lake, and surrounding landscape. Entry costs ~$5 per person.
1h · $5 per personRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Tibits Seefeld
Buffet-style vegetarian restaurant; load a plate with salads, hot vegetable stews, and rösti, all meat-free and suitable for halal diets.
1h · $18-25 per person
Le Cèdre Bellevue
Elegant Lebanese restaurant with warm, plant-filled decor; choose mezze spreads (hummus, moutabbal, tabbouleh), grilled fish, and vegetarian platters—ask for halal meat options, which they can confirm and guide you to.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse
Pick vegetarian dishes, soups, salads, or clearly meat-free baked items; it's easy to build a halal-safe dinner here by avoiding non-halal meats.
1h · $20-$35 per person
Hiltl Sihlpost
Large, modern vegetarian buffet in a former post office right by the main station. For halal: everything is meat-free; choose from Indian-style curries, salads, pastas, and desserts, paying by weight or ordering à la carte.
1h · $25-35 per person
Restaurant Zeughauskeller
For halal safety, stick to vegetarian rösti, soups, salads, or fish dishes; those are the clear menu paths here.
1h 15m · $25-$45 per person
Zeughauskeller
Historic beer hall-style restaurant serving hearty Swiss dishes like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in creamy mushroom sauce), rösti, and local sausages, with draft beers and Swiss wines.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Ayverdi’s Bellevue
Another branch of the halal Turkish chain with kebab plates, bowls, and wraps; choose grilled chicken, beef, or veggie options with salads.
1h · $18-28 per person
Haus Hiltl
World’s oldest continuously operating vegetarian restaurant with a huge buffet and à la carte options.
1h · $30-40 per person
Le Cèdre Badenerstrasse
Another branch of the Lebanese favorite with a cozy interior and lots of plants; enjoy mezze, grilled halal-friendly meats (ask staff for the halal options), and fresh juices.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Lily’s Factory
Casual Asian street-food style spot with a slightly jungle-industrial vibe (plants, warm woods). They serve many vegetarian and fish dishes; for halal, stick to clearly vegetarian curries, noodles, and stir-fries (e.g., tofu pad thai, vegetable green curry) and avoid meat items since their meat is not halal.
1h 15m · $22-35 per person
Palestine Grill
No-frills, lively spot serving halal Middle Eastern street food; order the chicken or falafel shawarma wraps and mixed grill plates (all meats are halal, clearly indicated).
1h · $15-25 per person
Affoltern Bäckerei & Café (Old Town location)
Traditional Swiss bakery-café with affordable sandwiches, local cheese, and fresh-baked bread. Pair with a lakeside picnic or enjoy in their casual seating.
50m · $10-16 per person
Ayverdi’s Hauptbahnhof
Famous Swiss-Turkish chain specializing in döner and bowls; they clearly advertise halal meat—order chicken or beef doner plates, salad bowls, and fries, all prepared with halal-certified meat.
45m · $15-25 per person
Ayverdi’s Langstrasse
Another Ayverdi’s branch serving halal-certified doner and bowls; choose from their chicken or beef options and add salads and fries for a simple, tasty meal.
45m · $15-25 per person
Ayverdi’s Wiedikon
Stylish Turkish kebab restaurant with halal meat, offering dürüm wraps, bowls, and salads; plenty of veggie add-ins and kid-friendly portions.
1h · $18-28 per person
Bakery at Zürich HB (e.g., Brezelkönig, Äss-Bar)
Pick up vegetarian breakfast items like pretzels, croissants, and sandwiches for the train to Rhine Falls; check fillings and avoid ham or non-halal meats.
30m · $8-15 per person
Bebek Restaurant
Middle Eastern–inspired restaurant in a former tram depot; go for vegetarian mezze plates, grilled vegetables, and fish dishes that work for halal diets.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Bistro at Sihlcity (vegetarian picks)
Inside Sihlcity mall you’ll find several cafés; choose simple vegetarian options like pastries, breads, yogurt, and coffee before heading up Uetliberg.
45m · $10-18 per person
Café Bar Odeon (vegetarian-focused choices)
Historic café near the lake; stick to vegetarian items like croissants, breads with cheese and jam, and fruit bowls for a halal-friendly start.
1h · $18-25 per person
Café Bebek
Tramside café with big windows, plants, and Middle Eastern–inspired options; choose vegetarian breakfasts like shakshuka without sausage, pita with labneh, halloumi, or hummus, and fresh juices—avoid any non-halal meats but staff are used to requests.
1h · $15-25 per person