So here’s the thing about Zurich.
When I first landed there, I honestly thought I’d made a mistake.
Everyone kept telling me to skip it for Lucerne or head straight to the Alps.
“It’s just a banking city,” they said.
But I had a layover and figured, why not give it a shot?
Two days later, I was canceling my train to Interlaken because I couldn’t pull myself away.
Zurich gets dismissed as boring and expensive, but it’s actually brimming with historic charm, world-class museums, beautiful waterways, and excellent cafes.
Trust me, this city will surprise you.
My Take on the Old Town (Altstadt)
Zurich’s historical center, also known as Altstadt, is a cool mix of old and new.
I spent an entire morning just wandering those narrow cobblestone streets.
No map, no plan—just me and my camera.
Every corner felt like stepping into a postcard.
You’ve got medieval buildings next to sleek coffee shops, and locals riding bikes past 800-year-old churches.
The Niederdorf quarter on the right bank has oriel windows, narrow alleyways, and picturesque courtyards with a very special charm.
I grabbed a cappuccino at a tiny café there and just people-watched for an hour.
If you love European old towns but hate the crowds, this is your spot.
It’s authentic without feeling like a tourist trap.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning when the light hits the old buildings just right.
Grossmünster Church – The View Everyone Misses
Okay, so this twin-towered church is kinda Zurich’s main landmark.
You can climb up the Karlsturm and enjoy a breathtaking view over the city.
You’ll have to pay 5 Swiss francs (about $5.50) to climb the historic cathedral’s 187 steps, but past travelers said the panoramic city views more than justify the fee.
I’m not usually a “climb all the stairs” guy, but this one’s worth it.
When I reached the top, I could see the entire city, Lake Zurich stretching out, and the Alps in the distance.
There are stunning stained glass windows by Swiss artist Augusto Giacometti, added in the 1930s.
Even if you’re not religious, the architecture alone is incredible.
Go around sunset if you can—the whole city glows.
Lake Zurich – My Favorite Chill Spot
Lake Zurich is one of the most popular lakes in Switzerland and during the summer it comes alive with people swimming, kayaking and having a great time.
I rented a bike and cruised along the lakeside promenade.
During summer, the promenade is always bustling with people, including skaters, cyclists and walkers.
But here’s what blew my mind: locals actually swim in the lake right in the middle of the city.
Public baths are a huge deal in Zurich.
I tried Seebad Enge, and it was surreal.
Floating on a raft, cold beer in hand, with the Alps in the background?
Man, that’s the Switzerland experience I didn’t know I needed.
Zurich’s badi (outdoor pools) generally empty out around 6 p.m.
when locals go home for dinner, but many badi and their bars stay open, making them a great place to watch the sunset.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Fraumünster Church and Those Chagall Windows
Right across the river from Grossmünster is Fraumünster.
From the outside, it’s pretty understated.
Some previous visitors said the church’s exterior isn’t much to look at, however most agree the interior’s stained-glass windows are well worth a visit.
The Fraumünster church has famous windows created by Chagall and Swiss artist Augusto Giacometti.
When the sunlight hits those windows, the whole church lights up in these deep blues and reds.
I’m not an art guy, but even I stood there for like 15 minutes just staring.
It’s one of those moments where you just get it, you know?
Why people travel to see stuff like this.
Entrance is usually free, so there’s no excuse to skip it.
Swiss National Museum – History Without the Yawn
The Swiss National Museum resides within a historic, castle-like building and surveys Swiss art, history and culture from as far back as 100,000 B.C.
to approximately A.D.
800.
I’m gonna be honest—I almost skipped this one.
Museums can be hit or miss for me.
But this place was legit cool.
The Swiss National Museum comprises three museums and a collection centre, all of which hold more than 860,000 artefacts from the start of civilisation to the present day, and it’s the most visited museum complex in the country.
They’ve got medieval weapons, old Swiss ceramics, and even interactive exhibits.
Previous travelers recommended downloading the free Landesmuseum smartphone app, which includes an English audio guide, especially helpful since most of the exhibits’ displays are in German.
I spent about two hours there and didn’t get bored once.
Uetliberg Mountain – My Unexpected Highlight
So I’m a mountain guy, but I didn’t expect to find a proper hike right from Zurich.
Uetliberg is Zurich’s local mountain, offering panoramic views of the city, Lake Zurich and the not-too-distant Alps, and it’s accessible all year round.
You can take a train from the main station, and in like 25 minutes, you’re hiking.
I went up in the late afternoon, and the views were insane.
You see the entire city below, the lake, and the Alps stretching across the horizon.
There’s a tower at the top you can climb for even better views.
Offering spectacular vistas of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the Alps, a trip up Uetliberg is a fun Zurich must-do for those willing to venture a bit outside of the city.
Bring a jacket though—it gets windy up there.
Bahnhofstrasse – Window Shopping on Steroids
Known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Bahnhofstrasse’s lower half is filled with usual high street brands, while luxury shops are situated at the upper end near the lake.
Look, I’m not dropping thousands on a watch.
But walking down this street is an experience.
The main shopping strip is known as Bahnhofstrasse with retail representation from most famous brands you can imagine, and it’s nice to just stroll and window shop.
During Christmas, they string up these incredible lights called “Lucy.”
The entire street is illuminated with twinkling lights that they affectionately call Lucy, and they even have a special ceremony for lighting her up.
I stumbled into that by accident and it was magical.
Even if you don’t buy anything, grab a coffee and soak in the vibe.
Kunsthaus Zürich – Art That Actually Speaks to You
This fantastic art museum displays Western works since the 1600s and has an especially impressive selection of modern art.
I’m not a huge museum guy, but Kunsthaus surprised me.
Kunsthaus has various artworks from renowned artists like Monet, Picasso, Warhol and Van Gogh.
Lovers of Alberto Giacometti will find a whole series of rooms dedicated to the Swiss artist and sculptor, and the permanent collection is free every Wednesday.
I went on a Wednesday and saved myself like 20 bucks.
Historical paintings are combined with contemporary works in the impressive David Chipperfield building – a must for all architecture fans.
The building itself is stunning too.
Spend an hour or two here, especially if the weather’s not great.
Lindenhof – The Peaceful Overlook
The Lindenhof area on the River Limmat’s left bank is the heart of the city’s old town, and many of Zurich’s must-sees dot its streets.
This little park sits on a hill right in the old town.
It’s where locals go to chill, play chess, and escape the city noise.
I went there one evening with a sandwich and just watched the sunset.
You get great views of the Limmat River and the old town rooftops.
It’s nothing fancy, but sometimes those quiet moments are the best part of traveling.
There are benches everywhere, so grab a snack and hang out.
It’s free, peaceful, and ridiculously photogenic.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Café Sprüngli – The Sweet Spot You Can’t Skip
Zurich’s legendary confectionery has 15 locations across Switzerland, but the Paradeplatz location dating back to the mid-1800s is a must-visit, known for its rich chocolate truffles and Luxemburgerli, small cream-filled meringue cookies akin to French macarons.
I’m a coffee and dessert guy, so this was basically heaven.
Those little Luxemburgerli cookies are absurdly good.
Light, creamy, and they come in like a dozen flavors.
I tried the champagne one and nearly cried.
Visitors also stock up here on butterbrezel (soft pretzel bread stuffed with a layer of butter) and high-quality pastries.
It’s pricey, yeah, but you’re in Switzerland—everything’s pricey.
Just go, get a box of cookies, and enjoy yourself.
You deserve it.
