Z Rich Switzerland 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Old Town (Altstadt) and Lake Zurich

  • Morning:

    • Check-in at your accommodation. Recommended hotels: Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Widder Hotel, or 25hours Hotel by the River.
    • Start your day with breakfast at Café Odeon (Bahnhofstrasse 27), a historic café in Zurich.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Fraumünster Church famous for its Chagall windows and the five Romanesque capitals by Marc Chagall.
    • Wander around Bächlibrücke, the oldest bridge in Zurich, and the Rathaus (Town Hall).
    • Take a stroll along the Limmat River and explore the charming streets of the Old Town.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Zeughauskeller (Bachhofstrasse 1), an iconic restaurant serving traditional Swiss dishes since 1835.
    • Enjoy a leisurely walk along Lake Zurich (Zürichersee) or take a boat trip with Seeschifffahrtsgesellschaft Zürichsee (Quaibrücken) to Meilen, Pfäffikon or Rapperswil.

Day 2: Art and Culture

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at your hotel or try Café Schober, a popular spot among locals.
    • Visit the Kunsthaus Zurich (Heimplatz), home to works by Swiss artists such as Paul Klee, Alberto Giacometti, and Ferdinand Hodler.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Confiserie Sprüngli (Paradeplatz) for their famous Luxemburgerli macarons and chocolate delicacies.
    • Explore the Swiss National Museum (THK-Strasse 1), which provides insight into Switzerland’s history and culture.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Restaurant Kreuz & Kelle (Bahnhofstrasse 92), offering innovative Swiss cuisine in a contemporary setting.
    • Visit the Opernhaus Zürich or Tonhalle Zürich for an evening of classical music, opera, or ballet (check the schedules in advance).

Day 3: Modern Zurich and Departure

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at your hotel or try Königlicher Hirsch (Bürkliplatz), a charming café with a beautiful terrace.
    • Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport (Viaduktrasse 31) to learn about Switzerland’s transportation history and innovations.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Restaurant Hiltl (Sihlstrasse 28), the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.
    • Spend some time shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s most famous and expensive shopping street.

  • Evening:

    • Departure or additional exploration depending on your flight schedule. If you have time, visit the Zurich Botanical Garden (Sihlfeldstrasse 231), the oldest botanical garden in Switzerland.

Transportation:

  • Zurich’s public transportation system, ZVV, is efficient and easy to use. A day pass costs CHF 8.50 ($9 USD) for unlimited travel on trams, buses, and trains within the city.

Tips:

  • Switzerland is known for its cleanliness, so please dispose of your waste properly.
  • Swiss Francs (CHF) are the official currency in Switzerland. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • English is widely spoken in Zurich, making communication easy for tourists.

Important Links:

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Zurich

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic Fraumünster Church, known for its five famous Chagall windows. Then, visit the Zurich City Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture.

  • Lunch: Head to Bauschänke, a traditional Swiss restaurant that serves delicious local dishes. Don’t forget to try the Raclette!

  • Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll along the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most expensive and posh shopping streets in the world, and then visit the Swiss National Museum for an insight into Swiss history.

  • Evening: Cruise on Lake Zurich with Zurichsee Schifffahrt or Stern und Kreisschiffahrten, enjoy the beautiful sunset, and dine on board. Alternatively, explore the trendy Westside district and have dinner at one of its many restaurants.

  • Overnight: Stay at the Park Hyatt Zurich, located next to the opera house, or 25hours Hotel by SwissQ in the Westside district for a more vibrant experience.

Day 2: Discover Zurich’s Surroundings

  • Morning: Visit Rietberg Museum to appreciate its extensive collection of non-European art and artifacts. Then, take a short trip to the charming town of Zimmerwald.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at the Restaurant Zimmerwald, known for its local and seasonal cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Head to Lucerne (approximately 1 hour by train), visit the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), explore the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal), and stroll around the old town. Return to Zurich in the evening.

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Odero in the Dolder Grand, offering stunning views of the city.

Day 3: Modern Zurich & Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit the Kunsthaus Zurich, one of the oldest and most important art museums in Switzerland. Then, explore the Toni-Areal, a vibrant hub for contemporary art, music, and fashion.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Restaurant Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.

  • Afternoon: Relax at the Therme erlebnisbad Zurich, an urban oasis with various pools, saunas, and relaxation areas. Alternatively, visit the Rieterpark for a peaceful walk or picnic.

  • Dinner: For your final dinner, dine at the Restaurant Jungle Junction in the Zurich Main Station, offering a unique culinary experience with live cooking stations.

Things to Know:

  1. Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  2. English is widely spoken in Zurich.
  3. Public transportation is efficient and reliable. A travel card for zones 1-10 (Zurich and its surrounding areas) is recommended.
  4. Switzerland is expensive, so budget accordingly.
  5. Swiss people are punctual, so try to arrive on time for appointments and reservations.
  6. The official language is German, but you’ll find English spoken in most tourist areas.
  7. Don’t forget to take a trip to the Uetliberg Tower for stunning views of Zurich and the surrounding region!