Zurich in 1 Day

Travel guide

Zurich
in 1 day

Switzerland’s largest city on the shores of a beautiful lake: historic architecture, shopping, nature and delicious food

  • Beautiful old town and waterfronts
  • Lake and mountains nearby
  • Clean, safe and comfortable city
  • Great shopping and cafés
  • Easy to reach from anywhere in Europe

Zurich

How to get there

🚆

Train (most convenient)

  • From Zurich Airport (ZRH) to the city centre — 10–15 min
  • Trains every 10–15 minutes
  • Cost: ~6 CHF (€6–8)
🚊

Tram

  • Tram No. 10 from the airport to Hauptbahnhof (main station)
  • Time: ~20–25 minutes
  • Cost: ~6 CHF
🚕

Taxi / Uber

  • Travel time: ~15–20 min
  • Cost: ~40–60 CHF

💡 Tip: buy a Zurich Card (24 hours — 29 CHF): free public transport and museum discounts.

Day plan

08:30
09:00

🚆 Arrival in Zurich

Arrive by train or from the airport. Have coffee and a croissant at a nearby bakery.

Arrival in Zurich

09:00
11:00

🚶 Old Town and sights

Walk through the narrow streets of the Altstadt. See Fraumünster Church with Chagall’s stained-glass windows, Paradeplatz and Bahnhofstrasse.

11:00
12:30

📸 Waterfront and lake

Walk along the Limmat River and Lake Zurich. Enjoy views of the Alps and boats. Great photo spots!

Limmat waterfront and Lake Zurich

12:30
14:00

🍽 Lunch and break

Lunch at a restaurant with a view of the water. Try Swiss fondue or Zurich-style schnitzel.

Lunch in Zurich

14:00
16:00

🏛 Culture and art

Visit Kunsthaus (the art museum) or walk to ETH Zürich. Climb up to Lindenhof for the best panoramic view of the city.

Kunsthaus Zurich

16:00
17:30

🛍 Shopping and cafés

Bahnhofstrasse is a shopper’s paradise. Stop by Sprüngli for its famous chocolate and macarons.

Bahnhofstrasse and Sprüngli café

17:30
18:30

⛵ Boat ride (optional)

A short cruise on Lake Zurich — about an hour. Relax and enjoy beautiful mountain views.

Boat on Lake Zurich

18:30
20:00

🚉 Departure

Return to your hotel or continue to the next city.

Zurich train station

What to see (top 8)

1

Old Town (Altstadt)

2

Bahnhofstrasse — main shopping street

3

Fraumünster Church and Chagall’s stained glass

4

Limmat waterfront and Lake Zurich

5

Zurich Opera House

6

Lindenhof viewpoint

7

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich)

8

Kunsthaus Zurich (art museum)

Where to eat

Zunfthaus zur Waag

Zunfthaus zur Waag

Traditional Swiss cuisine in a historic building.

Average bill: 40–60 CHF

Haus Hiltl

Haus Hiltl

The world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.

Average bill: 25–35 CHF

Sprüngli Cafe

Sprüngli Cafe

Famous café known for its chocolate and desserts.

Average bill: 15–25 CHF

Useful information

💬
Language: German, but English is spoken almost everywhere
💰
Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)
🌤
Best time: May — September
👟
Clothing: comfortable shoes, a windbreaker and an umbrella
📶
Wi-Fi: free in cafés, hotels and train stations
💳
Cards are accepted almost everywhere
💵
Tip: carry some cash in CHF for markets and cafés

Approximate budget for 1 day

🚆 Transport (airport — city centre — airport) 12–15 CHF
🍽 Food and drinks 50–80 CHF
🏛 Museums and activities 20–30 CHF
⛵ Boat ride on the lake (optional) 20 CHF
🛍 Shopping and souvenirs 30–100 CHF
Total per person: 132–245 CHF (~130–250 €)

Useful tips

🎫

The Zurich Card pays for itself after just a few rides and museum visits.

⛰

On a clear day, the Alps are visible from the waterfront — don’t miss the view.

📷

Lindenhof offers the city’s best panorama, especially at sunset.

💙

Take your time: Zurich is made for leisurely walks along the water.

Blog

Business webinar "Secrets of Successful Currency Operations"

Practical insights from experts on foreign currency transactions, international payments and foreign trade operations
Your phone is now your Ipak Yuli Bank card.

Your phone is now your Ipak Yuli Bank card.

Pay with your Ipak Yuli Bank card using iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac — quickly, securely and without extra steps
New internet banking Ipak Yuli Business

New internet banking Ipak Yuli Business

Updated internet banking for easy financial management
...