Welcome to Zurich, Switzerland's vibrant cultural capital! In just one day, you can experience the best of this enchanting city. Zurich is definitely worth a stop when in Switzerland and can offer a gateway to the Swiss Alps. From historic landmarks to culinary delights, here's our step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your 24 hours in Zurich!

zurich to do, visit zurich, 24 hours in zurich, switzerland, city

Morning: Breakfast, Walking Tour, and A Swiss Stroll

Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious breakfast energizing yourself for the adventures ahead!

Some highly recommended places to consider:

Confiserie Sprüngli: Try Luxemburgerli, a Zurich specialty.
Some wonderful cafes to consider: Milchbar, Cafe Henrichi, Cafe 1842/Schober Cafe, and Babus.
Hiltl: Relish vegetarian cuisine at one of the world's oldest restaurants.

Free Walking Tour

Join a captivating free walking tour to learn about Zurich's rich history, including its politics and culture. We chose the Free Walk Zurich and found it very insightful. The tour lasts for 1.5 hours and concludes at the iconic Grossmünster.

If you are looking to rest your feet, consider a boat tour for some scenic views!

Afternoon: Explore Old Town and the River Limmat

Stroll through Old Town

Must-Visit Attractions:

Don't miss the picturesque streets of Schipfe and Augustinergasse with their quaint cafes and cobblestone charm.
St. Peter's Church is known for its massive clock face, and Münsterbrücke for its beautiful river views.
Visit the Fraumünster Church, renowned for its stunning stained glass windows designed by artist Marc Chagall.
Ascend the Grossmünster Tower for a breathtaking view of Zurich (small admission fee)
Niederdorf (Dörfli): Head to Niederdorfstrasse (Dörfli) lane in the heart of Old Town for a delightful lunch.

Depending on your interests, leave either from Schipfe (Old Town) or Niederdorf to catch a train or bus to our next stop!

Late Afternoon: Lindt Chocolate World

Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to Lindt Chocolate World (ticket approximately 15 CHF per person, check online for hours and to reserve your preferred time!), An absolute delight and lots of delicious Swiss chocolates to taste!

Evening: Shopping, Dinner, and Sunset

Lindenhof Hill

Spend an hour at Lindenhof Hill, just a few minutes from Old Town, to enjoy panoramic views of Zurich. Maybe even catch a sunset here!

Explore Bahnhofstrasse

Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, known as the world's most expensive shopping street, which stretches from the train station to Lake Zurich.

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Savor Swiss cuisine at Swiss Chuchi, a renowned restaurant. Make a reservation in advance! Or pick any delightful Swiss restaurant.

Modifications/Tips:

Tips for Accommodations- If you're arriving in Zurich by air, consider staying near public transportation hubs or within the city center. This strategic location will help you make the most of your limited time in the city.
Zurich makes a great hub for day trips as well! See our Zurich day trip post for ideas- We focus on Lucerne and Bern!
Book Restaurant Reservations in Advance: To secure a table at your preferred restaurants, be sure to make reservations ahead of time. This ensures you won't miss out on the culinary delights Zurich has to offer.
Opt for a Zurich Transport Card-This card provides unlimited access to the city's public transport network, making it an excellent and budget-friendly choice, especially if you plan to explore various parts of the city, including the chocolate factory.
If you want to embark on our exhilarating 10-day adventure across Switzerland- check out the linked blog posts for detailed itineraries and insights. Our journey kicked off in Zurich, where we enjoyed a 2-night stay and took a picturesque day trip to Lucerne. Next, we hopped on a train to Interlaken, spending a thrilling 4 days exploring the area and a quick getaway to Bern. Zermatt was our next stop for an unforgettable overnight stay, followed by a breathtaking train ride to Montreux, where we indulged in a delightful two-night stay. Our grand finale was in Geneva, which we explored for a day before concluding our journey with a flight back home. Feel free to tailor your time in each city to suit your preferences! Let the adventure begin! 🚂✈️🇨🇭

Zurich in 24 Hours: A Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Exploring Switzerland's Cultural Capital