Zürich, Switzerland-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town

  • Morning: Arrive at Zurich Airport (ZRH) and take the train to the city center. Buy a Zurich Card for free public transportation and discounts at many attractions.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most famous shopping streets in Europe. Start at the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and walk northwards towards Lake Zurich.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the charming Old Town (Altstadt), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through narrow streets, visit the Fraumünster Church, and admire the beautiful fountains and historic buildings.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Swiss cuisine at Restaurant zum Schmieden or Café Felice.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) to learn about Switzerland’s history and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Brauhaus, like Brauerei St. Paul or Gasthof zur Zimmerleuten.

Day 2: Lake Zurich and the Uetliberg Mountain

  • 9:00 AM: Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Zurich (Limmat River) to see the city from a different perspective.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the charming town of Küsnacht, located at the southern end of Lake Zurich. Enjoy lunch at Restaurant zum Grünen Baum or Café Kornhusen.
  • Afternoon: Take the train to Uetliberg (about 30 minutes) and hike to the top of this iconic mountain for breathtaking views of the city and lake.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant like Restaurant Sternen or Gasthof zum Rössli.

Day 3: Kunsthaus Zurich and the Kunstpark

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the famous Kunsthaus Zurich (Zurich Art Museum), featuring an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the adjacent Kunstpark, a beautiful park with a lake, a sculpture garden, and plenty of walking paths.
  • Lunch: Try some street food or snacks at one of the many food stalls in the Kunstpark.
  • Afternoon: Visit the trendy Kreis 5 neighborhood, known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and lively atmosphere.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a hip restaurant like Restaurant Zunftstube or Gasthof zum Bären.

Day 4: Hagenbuch Castle and the Hafnerberg

  • 9:00 AM: Take a short train ride to the charming town of Wädenswil (about 30 minutes) and visit the beautiful Hagenbuch Castle.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the picturesque Hafnerberg, a scenic hiking trail with stunning views of Lake Zurich and the surrounding mountains.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Swiss cuisine at Restaurant zum Schwarzen Bären or Café Kornhusen.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby town of Winkelried (about 10 minutes by car) for its charming streets, historic buildings, and beautiful parks.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant like Gasthof zur Zimmerleuten or Restaurant Sternen.

Day 5: Exploring the City’s Hidden Gems

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the charming neighborhood of Niederdorf (about 10 minutes by tram), known for its bohemian atmosphere, boutique shops, and lively cafes.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the adjacent neighborhood of Oberdorf (about 5 minutes by foot), featuring a mix of modern and historic buildings, as well as some hidden gems like the charming Café Schuh oder Die.
  • Lunch: Try some street food or snacks at one of the many food stalls in Niederdorf or Oberdorf.
  • Afternoon: Visit the trendy neighborhood of Langstrasse (about 15 minutes by tram), known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and lively atmosphere.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant like Restaurant Schmieden or Gasthof zum Rössli.

Things to Know:

  • Zurich Card: Buy a Zurich Card for free public transportation and discounts at many attractions (CHF 24.50 for one day, CHF 39.00 for two days).
  • Public Transportation: Use the SBB Mobile app to buy tickets or use a Zurich Card.
  • Weather: Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.
  • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Try some traditional Swiss cuisine like fondue, raclette, or Älplermagronen (alpine macaroni).
  • Explore the city’s many parks and green spaces, such as the beautiful Lake Zurich shore.
  • Visit the famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street during the evening hours for a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Zurich to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Try some street food or snacks at one of the many food stalls in the Old Town or trendy neighborhoods.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Baur au Lac (5-star)
  • Hotel zum Schwarzen Bären (4-star)
  • Hotel Sternen (3-star)
  • Airbnb apartments and rooms available throughout the city.

Note: Prices and opening hours may vary depending on the season and day of the week. This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can adjust it to fit your interests and preferences. Enjoy your trip to Zurich!