Zurich 5 Day Itinerary

Zurich 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City Center

  • Morning: Check into your hotel (recommended: Park Hyatt Zurich) and freshen up. Start your day with breakfast at the hotel or a nearby café like Café Odeon.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, and explore the Old Town (Altstadt) with its charming medieval houses. Don’t miss the Fraumünster Church known for its famous Chagall windows.
  • Evening: Have dinner at Restaurant Joo, offering a modern take on Swiss and international cuisine. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Limmat River and enjoy the city’s evening ambiance.
  • Tips: Download the ZVV Mobile App for seamless navigation of Zurich’s public transportation system (Trams, Buses, S-Bahn, U-Bahn).

Day 2: Lake Zurich & Museum Visit

  • Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel or grab a quick bite nearby. Take the Tram 1 from Bahnhofstrasse to Zurichhorn, a beautiful lakeside promenade with views of Lake Zurich and the Alps.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kunsthaus Zurich - one of Europe’s most important museums for Swiss Art, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Klimt. For lunch, check out Restaurant Zeughaus, located near the museum.
  • Evening: Dine at Dudelier, a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in contemporary Swiss cuisine, followed by a visit to Rigi Kaltbad’s Thermal Bath for some relaxation.
  • Things to Know: The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Day 3: Island of Rapperswil & Zurich West

  • Morning: Take a train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich Main Station) to Rapperswil. Explore the beautiful island town, visit Herrschaft Landsitz Schloss Rapperswil and its gardens, and enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries like Brunnenhof.
  • Afternoon: Return to Zurich and head to Zurich West - a vibrant district filled with trendy shops, galleries, and eateries. Visit KonzertHaus Zürich or FIAF Zurich Lab, depending on your interest in music or art.
  • Evening: Dine at Parkuel, a contemporary restaurant offering dishes with Asian influences. Afterward, head to the nearby Elsasser Park for a relaxing evening stroll.

Day 4: Uetliberg & Turbinenplatz Market

  • Morning: Take the S10 train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Uetliberg, the highest hill in Zurich with breathtaking views of the city and the Alps. Hike up or take a cable car (Ffunicular Uetliberg) to the summit.
  • Afternoon: Head back to the city and visit Turbinenplatz Market, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, where you can buy fresh produce, cheese, and other local delicacies.
  • Evening: Dine at Fishof - a seafood restaurant with a wide variety of dishes, followed by a visit to Rote Fabrik, an event venue hosting concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions.
  • Tips: If it’s sunny, don’t miss the sunset view from Uetliberg!

Day 5: Day Trip to Lucerne or Rhine Falls

  • Morning: Depart early for a day trip to either Lucerne (~1 hour by train) or Rhine Falls (~1.5 hours by train).
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Lucerne, with its Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and beautiful lakeside promenade, or marvel at the breathtaking views of Europe’s largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls.
  • Evening: Return to Zurich for a farewell dinner at Restaurant Sternen Gracht, offering traditional Swiss cuisine with a modern twist.

Departure Day (Day 6): Check out of your hotel and depart Zurich Hauptbahnhof for your next destination, taking with you unforgettable memories of your time in Zurich!