Switzerland’s largest city is a fascinating cultural hub where historic landmarks sit alongside arty pop-ups and cool bars.
Zurich’s not all finance and fine watches – this medieval gem offers charming cobbled streets, a stunning lakeside backdrop and world-class skiing within easy reach.
Book flights to Zurich today
Airlines flying to Zurich
- British Airways
- SWISS
Getting Around
Zurich is pretty walkable but the excellent public transport links make it easy to explore the city or head further afield via tram, bus and train.
Language
Austrian
Time Difference
1 hr ahead of GMT
Currency
Euro
Neighbourhoods To See
City Centre
The bustling centre holds the many banks and businesses on which the city’s reputation is built, plus plenty of high-end retailers. Explore the Old Town and enjoy excellent views from Lindenhofplatz – you're never far from a quaint cobbled lane, imposing church steeple or charming eatery.
Zurich West
This old industrial centre was regenerated with arty cafes, bars and clubs, design stores, market halls and vintage shops under its old railway arches. It's ideal for a leisurely lunch or dinner before it springs to life at night.
Seefeld
Take the air with a stroll along this historic 3-km promenade on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich, with superb views of yachts moored on the water and the imposing Uetliberg mountain.
Essential Sights
Religious landmarks
Zurich’s grand churches have remarkable architecture. Climb Grossmünster for one of the city’s best views, admire Fraumünster’s beautiful stained-glass and see Europe’s largest church clock face at St Peter’s.
Zurich Zoo
Home to over 380 species in modern enclosures, its most famous residents are Asian elephants living in a strikingly designed dome.
Kunsthaus
A must-see gallery with collections spanning the Middle Ages to present day, a focus on Swiss painters and impressive works by masters including Van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet, Manet and Picasso.
Chinese Garden
Small but stunning, this delicate floral creation on the lake shore at the Zurichhorn was gifted by twin town Kunming and features a small pond island, pavilions, artificial mountain and a water palace.
Landesmuseum Zurich
The Swiss National Museum has one of Europe's premier cultural history collections and incorporates the National Museum Zurich, Castle of Prangins and Forum of Swiss History Schwyz.
Food And Drink
Expect European and world cuisine balanced by traditional Swiss dishes, often featuring luscious locally made cheeses in starters or mains and Swiss chocolate in desserts. Weekly markets across the city offer an excellent choice of fresh farm products.
Events
JULY | Zurich Festival
Every three years this huge city-wide event packs in the attractions including food, music, parties, fairground rides and spectacular fireworks.
AUG | Street Parade
One of the world's biggest techno parties sees hundreds of thousands dance along the banks of Lake Zurich.
SEPT | Food Zurich
Professional and amateur culinary enthusiasts attend events across the city for this celebration of local and international cuisine, including the Street Food Festival.
DEC | Christmas Markets
See the city display its festive side in the Old Town, at the pop-up village at Sechseläutenplatz and around the enormous Christmas tree at the station.