A Guide to Zurich: What to Do and Where to Stay

Summer or winter, Zurich charms with museums, art deco buildings, glamorous shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse or green areas around Lindenhof Hill and Zurichberg. Put on good walking shoes and explore on foot, the old town is mostly for pedestrians only. Board a tram to cross the river, have a coffee or meal in one of the many cafes in Niederdorf or enjoy a city overview from the towers of the Grossmuenster. Not to forget a boat trip on Lake Zurich.

The best neighbourhoods to visit in Zurich

Old Town, Zurich

Old Town, City Centre (District 1)

Zurich’s Old Town is located on both sides of the River Limmat. Niederdorf, locally referred to as Doerfl, is a part of the pedestrian area of Niederdorfstrasse and is famous for its narrow side streets, quaint shops, cafes and galleries. There’s also the world famous Bahnhofstrasse, best known for high end shopping, clothes, shoes as well as jewellery.

Head to Beyer for a hidden surprise. The basement of this jewellers, founded in 1760, houses a clock and watch museum with pieces dating back to the Renaissance, like a lion clock from 1640. Guided tours are available or you can look on your own, aided by an ipad that visitors are given in the shop.

Music and history fans will come across Zurich’s Opera house and richly decorated guild houses. Climb the Karlstower, one of the two towers of the Grossmuenster, for the best views over the city and lake. Niederdorf is the center of Zurich’s lively LGBTQ community – it’s here where you’ll find Europe’s oldest gay bar, the Barfuesser. By night it’s an entertaining part of Zurich. If you love modern art, visit Erarta, an outstanding contemporary art gallery.

If you want to be in the heart of things, a good place to stay is the Zurich Marriott Hotel right on the river. Its eCHo restaurant serves Swiss cuisine you just need to try like cheese fondue and Geschnetzeltes with Roesti. If you want to experience Zurich history and tradition and enjoy typical food at the same time, stop over at the Zeughauskeller on Paradeplatz. The Swiss love a good glass of red wine with their meals or even snacks, called ‘Broetli’, and the most popular is red Pinot Noir.

Zurich West (District 5)

The 36 arches of a railway viadukt, built in 1894, have been transformed into boutiques, cafes, restaurants and farmer’s market.

Once an industrial part of Zurich where the noise of heavy machinery was heard, it’s now one of the trendiest places in Zurich. Centerpiece of the district is the Viadukt. The 36 arches of a railway viadukt, built in 1894, have been transformed into boutiques, cafes, restaurants and farmer’s market. A must visit is the Restaurant Viadukt to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the place. The 36 story high Prime Tower is rivalling the Grossmuenster as the new landmark of Zurich. Make your way to the 35th floor and visit the aptly named Cloud Restaurant for a view over the roofs of District 5 and shop at the Freitag Tower.

What you must get is the Freitag Bag, made from recycled truck tarpaulins. Carry the bag and everyone will see that you are a true Zurich insider. District 5 is also famous for murals and street art. Just walk along and you’ll find them everywhere, including a huge mural by artist Alex Hohl. The Sheraton Zurich Hotel is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to Zurich’s trendy shops and bars.

Right Of The Limmat (District 10)

District 10, Zurich

This area of Zurich belongs to district 10. It’s an ideal location for summer as the Oberer and Unterer Letten give access to the river and the lido of both. It’s a place where everybody meets in the summer for days out. The Oberer Letten allows you to drift in the river in a concrete lined channel. If you prefer to just lie on the lido terrace and read a book, you can borrow one from a book box provided. If you like to stay in the area, you’ll find the luxurious Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel.

After a day on the beach, enjoy a drink or cocktail in the hotel’s super chic Lucid Bar & Lounge, one of Zurich’s top lifestyle bars with the city lights twinkling below. The ultimate relaxing day before you venture out the next day to visit some other and quite different districts of Zurich.

Quarter of Langstrasse (District 4)

Uetliberg is Zurich's spectacular mountain

Zurich’s Langstrasse was formerly known as the red-light district. It has polished up that reputation, but is still the hub of nightlife, bars, clubs, international cuisine and urban charm. Shopping by day, clubbing by night, Langstrasse never sleeps. Club Zukunft is one of the hottest clubs in town.

Wiedikon (District 3)

Once a working class district, Wiedikon is now a desirable residential area. Located at the foot of the Uetliberg, use the occasion to go up to Zurich’s house mountain (or take a cable car). A special treat for hobby astronomers is a two hour walk from Uetliberg to Felsenegg along the Planet Trail.

The Houdini Movie Theatre in Wiedikon has a vast program in a rather small old fashioned establishment. If, after the movie, you want to watch the world go by, enjoy a snack or drink in the cinema’s own bar. A great place to stay is the nearby Marriott Zurich Hotel, located directly on the river Limmat and within easy reach of many Zurich districts.

Boat Trips on Lake Zurich

Depending on how much time you want to spend on an enjoyable boat trip on the Lake or even combined tours, there are several to choose from including private boat trips, tuk-tuks or cable cars. A comfortable and convenient place to stay for any lake trip is the Courtyard by Marriott Zurich Nord.

Go deeper

The Swiss are a rather formal people. They are addressed as ‘Sie’ followed by Herr or Frau if you know the name. The universal greeting is ‘Gruezi’ or ‘Gruezi miten’ if it’s more than one person. Thank you is the French ‘merci’ although with the emphasis on the first syllable and good bye is ade (from the French adieu).

Published: October 07, 2024