Zürich, Switzerland-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Zürich

  • Arrive at Zurich Airport (ZRH)
  • Take the train from the airport to Zürich Hauptbahnhof (main station) using the S-Bahn or a taxi
  • Check-in at your hotel:
    • Hotel Baur au Lac: a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city, with stunning views of Lake Zürich and the Alps.
    • Hostel Friends Zurich: a budget-friendly hostel located in the Old Town area, perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Bahnhofhof, the main train station’s beautiful courtyard, and explore the surrounding shopping streets
    • Walk along the Limmat River to admire the picturesque views of the city
    • Grab a bite to eat at Löwenzähne: a popular restaurant serving traditional Swiss cuisine with a modern twist

Day 2: Old Town Zürich

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Fraumünster Church, a beautiful church featuring stunning stained-glass windows by Chagall
    • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of the Old Town, including the famous Niederdorf and Schweizergasse
    • Stop by the Waterspout Fountain, a unique landmark in the heart of the city
  • Lunch:
    • Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch at Mocha: a cozy café serving delicious sandwiches, salads, and pastries
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Zürich Opera House: one of Europe’s most prestigious opera houses, even if you don’t have time to attend a performance
    • Relax in the Kunsthaus Art Museum’s beautiful garden

Day 3: Lake Zürich and the Swiss Alps

  • Morning:
    • Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Zürich, departing from the city center or one of the surrounding towns (e.g., Küsnacht or Rapperswil)
    • Enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps and picturesque villages
  • Lunch:
    • Savor a delicious lunch at Schlachthaus: a restaurant serving traditional Swiss cuisine with an international twist
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Uetliberg Mountain, offering panoramic views of the city, lake, and surrounding mountains
    • Take a leisurely hike in the nearby woods or enjoy some water sports on Lake Zürich

Day 4: Art and Culture

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Kunsthaus Art Museum: one of Europe’s leading modern art museums, featuring works by artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Warhol
    • Explore the stunning architecture of the museum building itself
  • Lunch:
    • Enjoy a light lunch at Restaurant Stern: a popular spot serving international cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Museum Rietberg: a modern art museum showcasing works from Asia, Africa, and Oceania

Day 5: Shopping and Food

  • Morning:
    • Browse through the upscale shopping streets, such as Bahnhofstrasse or Schweizergasse, featuring high-end boutiques and department stores
    • Visit the popular Markthalle: a bustling marketplace selling local produce, flowers, and handmade crafts
  • Lunch:
    • Enjoy some artisanal cheese and charcuterie at Wurst und Käse: a cozy shop offering delicious small plates and sandwiches
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Fischmarkt: a lively fish market where you can buy fresh seafood and enjoy it on site or take away

Day 6: Day Trip to the Swiss Countryside

  • Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Rapperswil, located about an hour’s drive from Zürich
  • Visit the charming Old Town, featuring cobblestone streets, historic houses, and beautiful gardens
  • Enjoy lunch at Restaurant zum Roten Ochsen: a traditional Swiss restaurant with stunning views of Lake Zürich

Day 7: Farewell to Zürich

  • Morning:
    • Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or last-minute items
    • Visit the Tinguely Museum: a unique museum showcasing works by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely
  • Lunch:
    • Enjoy a farewell lunch at Restaurant Stern: a popular spot serving international cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients
  • Afternoon:
    • Depart for Zurich Airport (ZRH) or your next destination

Tips and Essentials

  • Transportation: Zürich has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. Consider purchasing a day pass or a rechargeable card.
  • Weather: Zürich’s climate is temperate, but it can be quite rainy in the spring and autumn seasons. Pack accordingly!
  • Currency: The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency; you’ll find plenty of ATMs throughout the city
  • Language: While German is widely spoken, many locals also speak English. Don’t worry if you struggle with the language – most signs are bilingual.
  • Budget: Zürich can be quite expensive, so budget accordingly for accommodations, food, and activities.

Accommodation Options

  • Luxury: Hotel Baur au Lac
  • Mid-range: Hotel Opera House or Hotel Stern
  • Budget-friendly: Hostel Friends Zurich

Restaurant Recommendations

  • Traditional Swiss cuisine: Löwenzähne, Schlachthaus, Restaurant zum Roten Ochsen
  • International cuisine: Mocha, Restaurant Stern
  • Artisanal cheese and charcuterie: Wurst und Käse