- Why is Zurich a popular destination?
- One of the wealthiest cities in Europe and recognized for offering some of the best quality of life in the world, Zurich is filled with amazing sites that attract visitors from all over the globe.
- What are some popular attractions in Zurich?
- There is so much to see here while visiting, with some of the most popular attractions being Bellevue Square, the FIFA World Football Museum, and the Rietberg Museum.
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1. Bahnhofstrasse
The most popular shopping boulevard in all of Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse is also one of the most exclusive and most expensive. Originally constructed as the ‘Station Road’ in 1864, Bahnhofstrasse was reconstructed after the initial fortifications were destroyed.
The lively street connects the city’s railway station and Zurich Lake and is filled with department stores and boutiques with many great, unique finds. The Swiss banking center, Paradeplatz, can also be found here. Visitors will be able to find everything from amazing art to fashionable clothing while also being able to sightsee riverside. There are several bars and tap houses for visitors to stop at and enjoy a refreshing beer or glass of wine.
Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
2. Bellevue Square
Bellevue Square was built in 1856 atop a former swampland between Lake Zurich and the river Limmat. The square was named after Bellevue, a former grand hotel, and translates as ‘a beautiful sight’ from French. One of the most famed landmarks in Zurich, the town square and its nearby settlements are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Visitors can easily explore the stunning square as there are many trams and regional bus lines that go between Bellevue Square and other locations. One of the most famous spots to visit when in Bellevue Square is Limmatquai or Cafe Odeon, but there are other coveted restaurants as well.
Bellevuepl., 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
3. Best of Switzerland Tours
Best of Switzerland Tours is one of the best-known travel and tour companies among visitors planning a trip to Switzerland. Rightfully so, as the progressive company has extremely high ratings on online sites and is known for its satisfying service.
The tour company offers visitors numerous packages based on interest at competitive prices. Each of the tours are guaranteed to have professional drivers who double as tour guides and vehicles that can comfortably accommodate guests and their luggage. There are multilingual guides for visitors who would prefer them. Best of Switzerland also offers walking tours, and one of the most popular is a walking tour through the old town that allows visitors to explore Zurich in detail.
Webereistrasse 55, 8134 Adliswil, Phone: 4-14-47-10-50-50
4. Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten)
Owned by the University of Zurich, the Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten) is located near the Sihlporte city center. The garden has a very rich, in-depth history, having been designed by Leopold Karl in 1810. Visitors can explore the botanical gardens and the man infrastructures within it, including the tropical glass dome, over 9,000 varieties of plant species, and an octagonal glass pavilion where concerts are held throughout the year.
The garden is considered one of the remnants of the baroque fortifications of Zurich, including the glass and wood greenhouse structure which was added in 1951. The garden is open to visitors from April to September and then again from October to March.
Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland, Phone: 4-14-46-34-84-61
5. Chinese Garden
The Chinese Garden is located beside the lake in Zurichhorn. The structure reflects and symbolizes Chinese culture and the three friends of winter, which are pine, bamboo, and plum blossom. The garden was a gift from the Chinese town of Kunming to express their gratitude for Zurich helping them access a dependable water supply for consumption as well as a drainage system.
Visitors can explore the peaceful center, the surrounding garden, and the pond, which has a small island in the middle and is considered sacred. The garden looks like a small palace on the bank of the lake surrounded by blooming blossoms and ginkgoes. The garden is open to visitors from March to October.
Bellerivestrasse 138, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland, Phone: 4-14-43-80-31-51
6. Erwin Tours of Switzerland - Day Tours
Erwin Tours of Switzerland is managed by a group of people who grew up in Zurich and the surrounding region. Using their combined extensive experience and knowledge of the beautiful land, Erwin Tours creates exclusive and personalized tours that cater to the specifics of each visitor.
The tailor-made private tours take visitors from panoramic scenes to regional events to hidden restaurants that serve dishes famed among the locals. Some of the tours go through the lesser-known parts of Switzerland, such as the Alpstein Mountains or the Alp Oersee Stafel, where visitors can see fresh Glarus alpine cheese being produced first hand.
Phone: 4-17-91-76-58-17
7. FIFA World Football Museum
Owned and operated by FIFA, the FIFA World Football Museum opened in February 2016 and attracts visitors from all over the world. The museum is housed within three floors of the ten-story Haus zur Enge, which also has a bistro, sports bar, cafe, library, and museum shop. Soccer fan or not, a trip to the FIFA Museum is an exciting one.
The museum is filled with exhibits that have memorabilia from every FIFA World Cup ever held, including the FIFA Women's World Cup. One of the most popular exhibits revisits the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil and brings the tournament back to life with a collection of objects, artifacts, videos, and photographs. Some unique objects that can be seen is Pele's last goal ball for Brazil from 1971, Van Persie's armband, and Miroslav Klose's boots.
Seestrasse 27, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland, Phone: 4-14-33-88-25-00
8. Fraumunster
One of Zurich's' most iconic landmarks, Fraumunster is currently one of the four main churches in Zurich and belongs to the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich. It was founded by King Louis the German in 853 for Hildegard, his daughter, and was an abbey for aristocratic women.
Visitors can explore the converted church building and see the five stunning stained glass windows that were designed by Marc Chagall in 1970. Each window depicts a story dedicated to the prophets, Jacob, Christ, Zion, and Law. There is also a nine-meter-tall stained glass created in 1940 by Augusto Giacometti and a series of frescoes by Paul Bodmer.
Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland, Phone: +41 44 221 20 63
9. Free Walk Zurich
An independent, non-profit, organization, Free Walk Zurich offers just what the name suggests - free walking tours of Zurich! Believing that a good city tour is priceless, there is no cost for visitors to go on one of the 90-minute tours. Instead, visitors can leave a tip of any amount for their guide once the tour is done.
Similarly, tours can be scheduled for large groups or during particular times. Some of the tours go through downtown Zurich, Zurich West, Langstrasse, or focus on historical aspects, chocolate, food, or pubs. There are special tours as well, such as Zurich by Bike and the Zurich Running Tour.
8057 Zürich, Switzerland, Phone: 4-17-74-05-89-66
10. Ghost Walk of Zurich
Zurich's most spirited guided tour, the Ghost Walk of Zurich is sure to be one of the more unique and memorable experiences on a visit to Switzerland. Hosted by Dan Dent, a professional paranormal entertainer, the tour takes visitors on a journey through the bloody, the haunted, the bizarre, and the gruesome attractions the city offers.
Visitors will learn of Zurich's horrifying past, meet the phantoms these events have left behind, and get caught in a macabre mix based on genuine, documented events. Bringing the dead back to life, Dent retells the history of tragic suicides and foul murder as visitors walk the grounds they happened on.
Phone: 4-14-49-41-45-65
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Pleasant weather, blossoming gardens, and fewer tourists. | Hotel Adler Zürich – Historic charm in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town. | Explore Lake Zurich Promenade – Enjoy scenic walks, boat tours, and picturesque views. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm temperatures, lively events, and vibrant city life. | Baur au Lac – Luxurious accommodations overlooking Lake Zurich. | Visit Zurich Street Parade – Experience Europe's largest techno street party and festival atmosphere. |
| Fall (September-November) – Crisp weather, colorful foliage, and cultural activities. | Storchen Zürich – Elegant riverside hotel in the historic city center. | Discover Zurich’s museums – Explore Kunsthaus Zürich or the Swiss National Museum. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cool weather, festive atmosphere, and snowy scenery. | Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich – Classic comfort near Zurich's main attractions. | Visit Zurich Christmas Markets – Enjoy holiday shopping, mulled wine, and festive lights. |
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