Zurich 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Old Town and Lake Zurich

  • Morning: Check-in at your hotel (recommendations include the Baur au Lac, Hotel St. Gotthard or 25hours Hotel Langstrasse). Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or grab a quick bite from local bakeries like Backwerk or Pfister.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s main shopping street, known for its high-end stores and elegant buildings. Don’t forget to take a picture at the iconic Bahnhofbrücke (train station bridge).

  • Afternoon: Head to the Old Town (Altstadt) to explore cobbled streets, colorful houses, and historic sites such as Fraumünster Church, where you can see the famous Chagall windows. Visit Zurich’s Grossmünster church, another landmark with a distinctive twin-towered silhouette.

  • Evening: Take a stroll along Lake Zurich (Zürisee) and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the lake. Grab dinner at Seehof Restaurant, offering stunning lake views and Swiss cuisine.

Day 2: Art and Culture Day

  • Morning: Visit Kunsthaus Zürich, one of Europe’s most important art museums with works by Monet, Picasso, and other famous artists.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Rietberg Museum, dedicated to non-European art and culture. Then, take a short walk to the Swiss National Museum, which showcases the history of Switzerland from prehistoric times up to the 20th century.

  • Evening: Dine at restaurants like Zurich’s iconic Cabaret Voltaire or Zeughauskeller, both offering traditional Swiss dishes and lively atmospheres.

Day 3: Modern Zurich and Departure

  • Morning: Visit the Technorama Science Center in Winterthur to learn about physics and technology in an interactive setting. Alternatively, explore the trendy Kreis 5 district with its vibrant street art and independent shops.

  • Afternoon: Take a leisurely boat trip on Lake Zurich or visit the Zurich Zoo, one of Europe’s oldest zoos featuring over 360 species.

  • Evening: Have an early dinner at one of Zurich’s many excellent restaurants like Restaurant Javier, which offers modern Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine.

Things to Know:

  • Zurich operates on a strict environmental policy, so plastic bags are rarely provided. Carry reusable shopping bags.
  • The city is known for its trams and trains – the Zurich Card provides free travel on public transportation, as well as discounts at museums and other attractions.
  • Swiss Franc (CHF) is 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.