ZurichTravel Guide

Downtown Zurich is a great area to stay if you want to be where all the action is. Home to several shops, restaurants, bars and hotels, the Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich is for you if you’ve got expensive taste. Established in 1876 and boasting five stars, this historical building offers top-notch luxury for travellers and a whole lot of extras. A 24-hour concierge service and butlers available when you need them, Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich ensures that your every need is met.   

A little less blow-the-budget is the Sorell Hotel St. Peter, a boutique hotel that describes itself as a design and lifestyle hotel. The décor is trendy and modern, the location central, there’s a fitness centre and a variety of beautiful rooms and apartments. 

This charming and inviting suburb is ideal if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful and quiet to lay your head to after a day of exploring Zurich. There are plenty of apartments and guesthouses here, Guesthouse Lochergut being one of them. It’s a 20-minute walk from the city centre and a fuss-free, pocket-friendly option with free Wi-Fi and an on-site coffee shop. 

This district, also known as Zurich West, attracts city slickers and party people from all over the world. It boasts a thriving nightlife scene with many popular clubs and bars, and if you’re travelling on a budget but still want quality, Inside Five Apartments will suit your needs perfectly. The cosy rooms come equipped with everything a traveller needs whether staying overnight or long-term, including a private bathroom with showers and kitchens with basic amenities. 

A quick train trip of about 15 minutes gets you to the village of Adliswil. From there, the Adliswil-Felsenegg cable car will transport you to the Felsenegg viewpoint at the top of the mountain, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Zurich, the city and the surrounding countryside. The cable cars have been in operation since 1954 and are popular with day-trippers and hikers. 

The Fraumünster church on the west bank of the Limmat River is home to five, world-famous stained glass windows made by Russian-born artist Marc Chagall. They’ve captivated visitors since their installation in the 1970s, and the church is well worth a visit to witness the sunlight shining through and casting beautiful colours onto the walls. Fraumünster itself is unmissable with its green spire reaching skyward, and it also boasts an organ with 5,793 pipes. 

The Mayans called chocolate the food of the gods. And Swiss chocolate certainly lives up to it! Some of the best chocolatiers in the world can be found in Zurich, such as the famous Lindt Home of Chocolate. From a massive shop and a chocolate fountain to workshops with master chocolatiers and interactive tours, it’s a must-visit for any self-respecting chocoholic. 

On the outskirts of Zurich, we recommend the House of Läderach. Situated in Bilten, 45 minutes by train or 35 minutes by car, here you can go on a guided tour of the chocolate factory and museum or try your hand at chocolate decorating. 

Explore the Altstadt on foot along cobblestone streets, and discover cosy cafés, heritage houses, beautiful parks, quaint shops and churches. The “historic heart” of Zurich, with its charming village atmosphere, offers a welcome break from the bustle of the rest of the city. 
 
One of the city’s most important cultural institutions is the Museum Rietberg. The building comprises three villas set in a beautiful park, that are home to a large and varied collection of art, artefacts, and natural history from around the world. A permanent collection features traditional and contemporary works by African, Asian, American and Oceanic cultures. You can also participate in guided tours and workshops – great options for your cultural excursion. 

There are plenty of nature walks and hiking trails in the beautiful Swiss Alps. You could also go on a guided tour to one of Europe’s highest peaks, just 100km from Zurich. The world-famous Jungfraujoch – called the “Top of Europe” – boasts a staggering height of 3,454 metres. This adventure includes a cable car ride to the Eiger Glacier and from there, a cogwheel train ride to the peak of Jungfraujoch. 

If you visit Zurich in the winter, you’ll be able to enjoy all the snow sports. Many ski resorts are under 90 minutes away using public transport and even less if you’ve hired a car. Sattel-Hochstuckli is a family-friendly resort ideal for beginners and also has a toboggan run, while Mythenpark is a snowboarding hotspot. Why not take the hassle out of your ski trip? Book a ski transfer from your accommodation or the airport directly to a top ski resort. 

Bahnhofstrasse is a world-famous, pedestrian-only shopping street constructed around 150 years ago. This boulevard runs from the main train station, the Hauptbahnhof, towards Lake Zurich and is lined with close to 100 shops and department stores. Here you’ll find everything from designer fashion, leather goods and jewellery to Swiss-crafted watches. Luxury brands like Cartier, Chanel and Louis Vuitton are alongside shops selling artisanal goodies like chocolates and pastries.  

On a smaller scale is Niederdorf – or “Dörfli” as locals fondly call it – a quaint pedestrian street in the Altstadt. A variety of shops, many tucked into alleys, sell souvenirs, books and art, among other things. Dörfli really buzzes at night with people packing into the cafés, restaurants and bars. 

Situated in Zurich West, a former industrial area which is now a cultural hub, Markthalle Im Viadükt is a covered market-style row of shops, eateries, cafés and bars under the arches of a railway bridge. Ideal for a day of browsing, dining or enjoying time with your family, it’s also a wonderful place to find souvenirs like cuckoo clocks, trinkets or Swiss Army knives and there’s even an urban gym.  

Over in Kreis 5, Frau Gerolds Garten is a quirky urban garden where people gather to enjoy a drink or a meal and shop at the little shopping complex. A highlight is the African concept store selling African-fabric fashion, sandals, lamps and more. Saturday markets are an institution with various stalls and containers showcasing typical market items and street food.