Things to Do in Zürich
50 curated spots from Zürich itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Lindenhof Hill
Climb the short path up to this tree-shaded hill for a tranquil park overlooking the Limmat and Old Town rooftops; linger on a bench and enjoy the almost hidden-garden feel.
45m · Free
Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich)
Right beside the main station, this museum’s castle-like building houses exhibits on Swiss history and culture; you can focus on a couple of sections rather than trying to see everything.
2h · $15-20
Lindenhof Hill Viewpoint
Small hilltop park above the river with Roman history and views across the Old Town and river bends; easy to reach on foot.[2]
45m · Free
Lindt Home of Chocolate
Take a short train to Kilchberg and walk to the futuristic Lindt Home of Chocolate for an interactive museum, giant chocolate fountain, and tasting rooms. The kids can learn how chocolate is made and sample different varieties.
2h · $20-25 per person, family tickets available
Hürlimannbad & Spa Zürich (Thermal Baths)
Relax in vaulted stone pools and a rooftop thermal bath with city views, greenery around the hill, and a calming, cave-like vibe; note that there are mixed-gender areas and standard European spa etiquette.
2h 30m · $40-60
Kunsthaus Zürich
Visit one of Switzerland's major art museums for a clean, focused cultural stop that pairs well with a lake morning.
2h · $20-$30
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)
Small, lush garden with terraced greenery and old trees; climb the hilltop bastion for views and let the kids explore winding paths that feel like a mini jungle.
1h · Free
Uetliberg Mountain Viewpoint
Take the S‑Bahn train up to Uetliberg and walk a short distance to the viewing platforms for sweeping views over Zürich, the lake, and the Alps.[2]
2h 30m · $10-15
Uetliberg Panorama Walk
Take in sweeping views over the city, lake, and Alps, then enjoy the forested trails and fresh-air feel at the top.
2h 30m · Free or transit cost
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 (Old Town) Walking Explore
Wander the cobbled streets of Niederdorf and the left bank, popping into small squares and historic lanes between Central and Rathaus; great for photos of traditional buildings and the Limmat River.[2]
2h · 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 & Limmat Riverfront Stroll
Walk the upscale Bahnhofstrasse, detouring to the river for photos, then continue toward Bürkliplatz and the lakeside promenade.[1][2]
1h 30m · 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 Frau Gerolds Garten (Early Family Visit)
Return to or remain in Frau Gerolds Garten in the early evening to enjoy the atmosphere, music, and lights; sometimes there is casual live music from small bands or DJs.
1h 30m · Free entry (drinks extra)
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 · $5-10Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Tibits Seefeld
Vegetarian buffet with many vegan options close to the lake and gardens; load your plate with salads, curries, and hot dishes, paying by weight—no meat present, but skip any dishes marked with alcohol.
1h · $20-30 per person
Le Cèdre Bellevue
Atmospheric Lebanese restaurant with leafy decor and warm lighting near the lake; order mixed mezze (hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh), grilled chicken shish taouk and lamb skewers, all prepared with halal meat (they clearly state halal and no pork).
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse
Stylish café with great pancakes, eggs, and pastries; order the French toast or a bircher muesli for a Swiss start.
1h · $20-30 per person
Zeughauskeller
Bustling beer-hall style restaurant in a former armory near Paradeplatz, serving hearty sausages, schnitzel, and Swiss classics.[2]
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Hiltl Sihlpost
Large, modern vegetarian restaurant by the main station with big windows and leafy interior touches. Since everything is vegetarian (many vegan), it’s naturally halal-friendly in terms of ingredients; fill a plate from the buffet with pasta, curries, salads, and Swiss-style veggie dishes, paying by weight.
1h 15m · $22-35 per person (by weight)
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
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
Start with a comfortable breakfast buffet or lighter plates before exploring the Old Town; try the fresh muesli, pastries, and a good coffee.
1h · $25-40 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
Pumpstation Gastro
Casual open-air lakeside spot with simple grilled dishes and drinks, usually open in good-weather months.
1h · $25-35 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
Bäckerei Kleiner Bellevue
Local bakery near Bellevue with breads, sandwiches, and sweet pastries; grab coffee and a simple picnic breakfast to enjoy by the lake.
30m · $6-10 per person
BackWerk Zürich HB
Self‑service bakery chain inside or near the main station with sandwiches, pastries, and hot drinks you can quickly grab before exploring.
20m · $5-9 per person
Bakery at Stadelhofen Station
Grab croissants, sandwiches, and hot drinks at the bakery in or near Stadelhofen station before heading into Seefeld.
30m · $6-9 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