Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, which has a history of about 11 centuries. It is set in a picturesque landscape on the shores of Lake Zurich, surrounded by forested Alpine Mountains. Tourists who come to Zurich will be able to see the sights in just one day – although there are many tourist sites here, they are not far from each other. In this article, we have reviewed the most interesting sights of Zurich.
Hauptbahnhof Central Station
The first attraction that visitors to Zurich usually get acquainted with is the Hauptbahnhof central train station. Not only intercity trains arrive here, but also a train coming from the airport. It can be reached in 10 minutes by paying 7 francs for a ticket.
The Hauptbahnhof railway station impresses with its scale – it is one of the largest in Europe. The two-story station building is decorated with columns and sculptures, in front of the entrance stands a monument to Alfred Escher-the founder of railways and the Credit Bank of Switzerland. The famous Bahnhofstrasse leading to Lake Zurich starts right from this monument.
If you are interested in what to see in Zurich in 1 day, you can start exploring the city directly from the train station and the surrounding streets, where many of the attractions can be found: National Museum of Switzerland, Pestalozzi Park, St. Peter’s Church with the famous nine-meter clock on the tower, Paradeplatz square.
From the station, all these objects are within walking distance. And if you want to use public transport, then the ticket from the airport is valid for 1 hour from the moment of purchase, and you can use it to travel around the city. The most convenient way to get acquainted with the city is to have a map of Zurich with attractions in Russian, which is presented at the end of the article.
On Sundays and in the evening, shops and pharmacies in Switzerland are closed, so it is very useful to have a station supermarket, which is open every day until 22.00.
Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse, which leads from the central station to Lake Zurich, is the main tourist thoroughfare in Zurich, but this attraction in the photo, as a rule, does not make a big impression. After all, the main thing in it is not the beauty of architecture, but the invisible spirit of wealth that reigns here. To appreciate the charm of this street, you need to visit it.
Bahnhofstrasse is one of the richest streets in the world, home to the largest Swiss banks, jewelry stores, five-star hotels and boutiques of the world’s most expensive brands of clothing, shoes and accessories. Shopping here is not budget-friendly, but no one is forbidden to go to the stores just to see the assortment and ask a price.
Not far from the Hauptbahnhof station near Bahnhofstrasse is the large Globus shopping center, which occupies 6 floors of a huge complex. It is open from 9.00-20.00, every day except Sunday. Its prices are higher than in other stores, but during the sales season, purchases can be profitable.
At the end of the Bahnhofstrasse, tourists will have a pleasant opportunity to look at the beautiful view of Lake Zurich.
Niederdorf district
From the Hauptbahnhof central Station, Niederdorf Street also starts, leading to the historic district, which attracts tourists with its unique flavor of the old town. If you’re in Zurich in transit and don’t know what to see in one day, then head to Niederdorf and you can’t go wrong. Narrow streets with ancient architecture, small squares with fountains, antique and souvenir shops, bookstores will envelop you in the atmosphere of medieval Europe. This is one of the main attractions of Zurich, the very must see, without which the acquaintance with Switzerland will be incomplete.
In Niederdorf, there are many cafes and restaurants with different cuisines, and the tourist life here does not subside even in the evening. Most of the cafes here are open until 23.00, some establishments are open until midnight. By the way, what Swiss dishes are worth trying first, see here.
Many hotels of different price categories allow travelers to get a comfortable overnight stay in the heart of the old town.
Zurich’s Limmatquai Embankment
The Limmat River flows through the historic city center, originating in Lake Zurich. The Limmatquai pedestrian promenade, one of Zurich’s main tourist arteries, is located on both banks of the river. It starts near the train station and leads to the waterfront of Lake Zurich.
Walking along Limmatquai, you can see many attractions: the majestic old Grossmusser Cathedral, the hallmark of which are two high towers, the Water Church, the Helmhaus Gallery. On the right bank stands the Town Hall of the 17th century, built in the Baroque style. Historical mansions, pavements, cathedrals, immerse you in the atmosphere of the old town. On pedestrian bridges, you can cross from one bank to the other, entering numerous shops and relaxing on the benches of cozy squares. To cover all the sights of Zurich, it is advisable to have a photo with a description of them.
There are many colorful cafes and bars on the waterfront, the most famous of which is Odeon Cafe, located near the lake. The hundred-year history of this legendary institution is connected with many great artists, scientists and politicians: Erich Maria Remarque, Stefan Zweig, Arturo Toscanini, Einstein, Ulyanov-Lenin and others visited here.
Grossmunster Cathedral
While strolling along the Limmat River embankment, you can visit one of Switzerland’s main historical and religious attractions – Grossmunster Cathedral. Its two majestic towers rise to the top of the city and give everyone the opportunity to see its surroundings from a bird’s-eye view.
The construction of the Grossmunster was started more than 900 years ago. According to legend, its founder was Charlemagne, who pointed out the place of construction of the future shrine where his horse fell to its knees in front of the graves of the patron saints of Zurich. Initially, the cathedral belonged to a monastery for a long time, and since the XVI century it has become a citadel of the Protestant Reformation.
Grossmunster is now a functioning Protestant church, with a Reformation Museum attached.
- Open to the public on weekdays from 10.00 to 17.00 in the period November-February, and from 10.00 to 18.00-March-October.
- The duration of the tour is 1 hour, its program includes climbing the 50-meter tower, visiting the Romanesque crypt and capitals, church choirs, and bronze doors.
- The cost of an audio guide is 3 CHF per person.
- Ascent to the tower — 5 CHF.
Zurich Opera House (Opernhaus Zurich)
On the lake embankment, the Zurich Opera House attracts attention.
The history of the Zurich Opera House begins with the ” Actien-Theater “(general theater), which opened in 1834 with Mozart’s” Magic Flute”. The old “Actien-Theater” burned down in 1890 and was replaced by a new building. The old Stadttheater has been known as the Opera House since 1964. The theater, which seats about 1,100 people, was completely renovated between 1982 and 1984, and an extension was added to the Uto Kwai embankment to accommodate a second, studio stage. We can see it now, made in the neoclassical style, in a light stone lining, with columns and busts of great poets and composers.
On the square in front of the Opernhaus Zurich, there are many benches where citizens and guests of the city like to relax, enjoying the views of the lake and the beautiful architecture. The rich interior of the Zurich Opera is as beautiful as the best theaters in Europe.
On the Opernhaus Zurich stage, you can watch performances of many famous opera and ballet artists from Switzerland and other countries. The schedule of performances and ticket prices can be found at the box office, as well as on the website www.opernhaus.ch.
Please note! Schaffhausen is located 50 km north of Zurich, along with the largest Rhine waterfall in the country. Find out how to get to it and how to visit it on this page.
Uetliberg Mountain
If you look at Zurich and its attractions on the map, you will notice that this city is located between two mountains-Zurichberg in the east and Uetliberg in the west. On one of these mountains, the Uitliberg, there is an observation tower, thanks to which this place has become one of the most popular attractions in Zurich. The opportunity to look down on the city, lake and snow-capped peaks of the Alps attracts many tourists here.
When going to Uetliberg Mountain, keep in mind that it is always colder at the top of the mountain than in the city, and strong winds are possible. This will help you take a break from the summer heat, but in cooler weather, when climbing Uetliberg Mountain, you may need insulation. Therefore, it is recommended to stock up on warm water
- Uetliberg Mountain can be reached from Hauptbahnhof Central Station by S10 train in a third of an hour, trains run daily from early morning with an interval of 20 minutes, a 2-way ticket costs CHF 8,8. From the final stop of the train to the top, you will have to overcome a 10-minute uphill climb or take a taxi.
In addition to viewing the panoramic view of Mount Whitliberg, you can take a 6-kilometer walking route, take a paraglider ride, and have a picnic with barbecue in a specially equipped place. There is also a hotel and a restaurant with an outdoor area, open from 8.00 to 24.00.
Experienced travelers are advised not to climb Uetliberg Mountain in the early sunny morning, because at this time, when trying to shoot the city, the sun will shine through the lens. It is better to postpone visiting this attraction in the middle and afternoon.
Did you know that? Mount Pilatus is one of the most visited mountains in Switzerland, and you will definitely not be bored here. See what you can see and do at the attraction on this page.
Lindenhof Observation deck
If you need to see Zurich and its attractions in one day, then there may not be enough time to visit the Whitliberg Mountain. But there are other ways to view and photograph the beautiful panoramas of Zurich, such as visiting the Lindenhof observation deck.
The observation deck is located in a green hilltop recreation area in the center of Zurich. Translated from German, Lindenhof means “Linden Yard”, this name appeared due to the abundance of lime trees in this park. On fine days, it is always crowded here, numerous benches are constantly occupied by vacationing locals and visitors.
Tourists ‘ attention is attracted by an ancient fountain with a statue of the warrior Maiden, the Masonic lodge building and a platform with a beautiful view of the old town and the Limmat River embankment. The fountain was erected in honor of the brave women of Zurich, who at the beginning of the XIV century changed into men’s clothes and joined the army of the defenders of the city. The sight of such a large army scared off the invaders, and they retreated.
Lindenhof can be reached from St. Peter’s Cathedral via the Schüssel Alley, which leads to the Pfalz Alley. Entrance to the observation deck is free.
Lauterbrunnen: Discover Switzerland’s Breathtaking Valley of Waterfalls and Cliffs
Zurich Zoo (Zoo Zurich)
Among what you can see in Zurich, a special place is occupied by the Zurich Zoo (Zoo Zurich). It will take more time to explore it than to explore other attractions. To get around the entire territory and observe all the representatives of the fauna, of which more than 375 species are collected here, you need to allocate at least 3-4 hours to visit the zoo, or better – the whole day.
Zoo Zurich-one of the largest zoos in Europe, it occupies 15 hectares, the animals here live in conditions close to natural. Visitors in their reviews note the spacious, clean aviaries, as well as the well-fed and well-groomed appearance of their inhabitants. Here you can see tigers, lions, elephants, snow leopards, penguins, Galapagos turtles and many other species.
Of particular interest to visitors is the tropical pavilion “Masoala”, where the ecosystem of the Madagascar tropics is artificially recreated. On an area of about 1 ha, the temperature and humidity characteristic of wet tropical forests are maintained, plants are planted and more than 40 species of inhabitants of the wet tropics are kept – a variety of reptiles, amphibians, exotic birds, monkeys. The freedom of these animals is limited only by the walls of the pavilion. Tourists have a unique opportunity to see the life of representatives of the rainforest fauna in their natural environment.
Opening hours of the zoo:
- 9-18 from March to November,
- 9-17 from November to February.
The Masoala pavilion opens an hour later.
- Ticket price: adults over 21 years old — 29 CHF, youth 16-20 years old – 24 CHF, children 6-15 years old-15 CHF, children under 6 years old admission is free. When buying tickets on the official website of the zoo, the price will be lower by 1 franc.
- Address: Zürichbergstrasse 221,8044 Zurich, Switzerland. Directions from the central station by tram No. 6 to the terminal station.
- Website: www.zoo.ch.
Swiss National Museum
Zurich is home to the National Museum of Switzerland, a landmark located near the Central Station. The building of the National Museum of Switzerland was built at the end of the XIX century, but it resembles a medieval fortress with numerous turrets and green courtyards. The extensive exhibition covers 4 floors-from prehistoric finds of archaeologists to exhibits of the chivalric period of Swiss history. The museum showcases the history of Switzerland from its origins to the present day, giving an insight into Swiss identity and the richness of the country’s history and culture, with temporary exhibitions dedicated to topical issues.
The collections of Swiss furniture, clothing, porcelain, wooden sculptures, knight’s armor, coats of arms, and coins are of great interest to visitors. All exhibits are provided with signs with explanatory texts in several languages. A separate exhibition is devoted to the history of banking development in Switzerland. When visiting a museum, it is recommended to look at its layout in order to better navigate the location of the museum halls.
The National Museum of Switzerland is located near the train station.
- Opening hours: 10-17, Thursday-10-19, Monday-closed.
- Ticket price-CHF 10, admission is free for children under 16 years of age.
- Address: Museumstrasse 2, Zurich 8001, Switzerland.
- Official website: www.landesmuseum.ch.
Museum of Fine Arts Zurich (Kunsthaus Zurich)
The Kunsthaus is one of Zurich’s most important attractions, and there is plenty to see for those interested in fine arts. Kunsthaus Zurich is located near the Grossmunster Cathedral in a building specially built for it in the early twentieth century.
The Kunsthaus Zurich is home to one of the most important art collections in Switzerland, with around 4,000 paintings and sculptures, as well as 95,000 prints and drawings from the 13th century to the present day. About 10% of them are on permanent display. A significant part of the collection consists of paintings and drawings by Swiss artists, but there are also works by such European masters as Edvard Munch, Van Gogh, Edouard Manet, Henri Rousseau, Marc Chagall. Kunsthaus Zurich regularly hosts exhibitions of paintings by world-renowned artists and photographers.
- The Kunsthaus is open: on Wednesdays and Thursdays — 10-20, Mondays are closed, other days of the week-10-18.
- Ticket price: for adults CHF 16, children, including audio guide, up to 16-free of charge. Admission to temporary exhibitions is charged separately.
- Address: Winkelwiese 4, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland. You can get there by bus number 31, trams №3, №5, №8, №9.
- Website: www.kunsthaus.ch.
FIFA World Football Museum
In Switzerland, the headquarters of FIFA is located in Zurich, so it is not surprising that the World Football Museum was opened here in 2016. Visiting it will be interesting mainly for football fans. Here, documents and football trophies reflect the history of football, and more than 1,000 exhibits related to significant football events and victories are displayed – signed balls and T-shirts, photos from the FIFA archives, and other memorabilia.
For children, there is an interesting interactive part with watching videos, playing on simulators, dancing and master classes. The museum building has a cafe, sports bar, bistro, gift shop.
- Opening hours: from 10 to 18 from Tuesday to Sunday, Monday is a day off.
- Ticket prices: full — 24 francs, children 7-15 years old-14, up to 6 years old-free of charge.
- Address: Seestrasse 27, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Website: www.fifamuseum.com.
If you are going to visit Zurich, the sights described in this article will make your vacation rich and interesting.
Interesting facts about Zurich
- 20 Nobel laureates studied at the University of Zurich. Among them are Konrad Roentgen and Albert Einstein.
- Roads in the city, as well as in general in Switzerland, are washed with shampoo by special cars.
- To save money on sightseeing, you should use the Zurich Card — a card that allows you to travel free of charge on public transport and provides significant discounts on visiting museums, excursions and even nightclubs. You can find all the details here — https://www.zuerich.com/en/zurichcard.
- Zurich has 40 outdoor and indoor public baths, the largest concentration of them in the world.
- There are more than 1,000 drinking fountains on the streets of Zurich in Switzerland.
- The city’s median salary for 2021 is 12,000 francs.
