Zurich 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the City and Lake Zurich

  • Morning:

    1. Check-in at Hotel Europahaus Zurich (website) or similar, centrally located for easy access to attractions.
    2. Start your day with breakfast at Kaufleuten’s Restaurant Kronenhalle (website), a Zurich institution.

  • Mid-Morning:

    1. Visit the Kunsthaus Zurich (website), one of Europe’s most important art museums, housing works from the 14th century to the present.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Take a leisurely stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s famous shopping street, and visit the Fraumünster Church (website), known for its Chagall windows.
    2. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the Rathaus (Town Hall).

  • Evening:

    1. Cruise on Lake Zurich with a dinner aboard the “See-Ship” (website). Enjoy Swiss cuisine while taking in the beautiful lake and city views.

Day 2: Nature, Culture, and Chocolate

  • Morning:

    1. Visit Zurich’s botanical garden and greenhouse, Botanischer Garten und Tropenhaus (website).
    2. Head to the Swiss National Museum (website) to learn about Switzerland’s rich history and culture.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Take a trip to Uetliberg mountain for panoramic views of Zurich and its surrounding landscapes (reachable by tram 8 from the city center).
    2. Visit the Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolaterie & Confiserie Schauenstein (website) to learn about and taste some of Switzerland’s finest chocolate.

  • Evening:

    1. Dine at Restaurant Odero (website), a Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern Swiss cuisine with a view over the Limmat River.

Things to Know:

  1. Zurich’s public transportation system is excellent and efficient. Consider getting a ZurichCARD for unlimited travel and discounts at attractions.
  2. Swiss Franc (CHF) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  3. The official language in Zurich is German, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
  4. Switzerland is known for its precision and punctuality; try to follow these traditions to blend in with the locals!

Tips:

  1. If you’re traveling during winter, consider visiting the Ice Rink at Sechseläutenplatz or the Zurich Winter Games Festival (Winterratschlaeg).
  2. Take a day trip to nearby destinations like Lucerne (45 minutes by train), or explore the charming villages of the Swiss countryside.
  3. Enjoy a drink at the Bar Zur Letzten Instanz (website), the oldest bar in Switzerland, dating back to 1604.