If you are longing for an awesome trip to the largest city in Switzerland, here are some cool things to do in Zurich! But first, we have a confession to make. It took us quite some time to realise what the city, we now live in, has to offer! However, during last summer we did quite a research and came up with this list:
SEE ALSO: Best Day Trips from Zurich
Unique and Cool Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland
Let's have a look at the list of unique and cool things you can do in Zurich, Switzerland:
Chill out at Wipkingerplatz
The lovely Wipkingerplatz💕. If you want to chill out at the riverfront, this is a perfect place for you! The tram line no. 13, leaving from the Zurich central station, brings you to this place!
Hang out along the Limmat River
This is a laid-back place too and it's one of our favourites! Take a coffee at the Dynamo bar and relax along the Limmat! River which flows through the city.
Take a Ship Cruise on the Limmat River & Zurich Lake
There are various ship cruises that are offered to tourists and locals in Zurich - i.e. the short round trip (ca. 1 h, CHF 13.80 for adults), long round trip (ca. 4 h, CHF 26), river Limmat cruise (ca. 1 h, CHF 4.40). I'd do the long round trip since it will give you a glimpse of the whole Zurich lake (which is pretty!). The boarding takes place at the Zürich Bürkliplatz.
Rent a Paddle Boat at Zurich Lake
You can also rent different kind of boats on the Zurich Lake. The rental of pedalos at the platforms between Bellevue and Zürichhorn will cost between CHF 19 and CHF 35. It's fun, go for it!
Relax at the Botanical Garden
A lovely place in Zurich, which many tourists not really know about, is the Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich. You won't believe it but it's for free - how cool is that?! But is it also worth it? I'd say yes, because those greenhouses with different plants are really educational and a great experience! Apart from that, the gardens offer a great place to calm down or/and even to meditate (if you're into that)!
Try Floating
Have you heard of floating? You basically float 1 h in a box full of water & salt with the end result of being completely relaxed! Give it a try, it does wonders! Here the address in Zurich.
Chill and Swim at Oberer Letten
Go for a Limmat river swim at the Oberer Letten or just enjoy the riverfront with a beer or coffee in your hands. There is a bar and a beach volleyball place nearby. It's a pretty much laid-atmosphere here and you will like it for sure!
Have a Cocktail at Frau Gerold's Garten
A really cool bar in Zurich. Especially in the summer, this place is very popular among locals. Therefore it's not a secret that it gets quite crowded! It's more of an alternative thingy - in general this area has an unique spirit! I adore it and I think you should explore it too!
Get a Blanket and Rest at China Garten
China Garten is a cool place to hang out and maybe even mingle with locals! Many people meet here in the evenings or at weekends. Get a blanket, buy some food and drinks and make yourself comfortable at the lakeshore.
Take a Photo from Lindenhof
That's a nice place if you want to make a photo from the city's skyline. It's definitely a place you should go when in Zurich! There is also a little park, inviting you to take a nap.
Take in the Views from Waid
That's one of the MUST GO places in Zurich - the beautiful Waid viewpoint! Beside the restaurant/bar, there is an area with a few benches nearby. Perfect to sit down and soak up those views of the city, the Zurich lake and the mountains.
Enter One of the Pools - Utoquai
Between Bellevue and Zürichhorn there is a historic swimming area called Utoquai. Those kind of swimming places with the bathing facilities are quite common in Zurich and are a part of the Swiss tradition. It's open from May to September, daily from 7 am to 8 pm. Price? CHF 8 for adults.
Attend the Open-Air Cinema
The Open-Air Cinema in Zurich is worth your time. It's such a great atmosphere watching a movie under the night sky! This year it will be held from the July 19 - August 19 and sponsored by the Allianz Insurance. Check out the webpage here.
Do a Food Tour in Zurich
Food tours in cities are always fun! You get to know the local specialities & the coolest restaurants in the city. Last year Jerry and I went on tour where we got to experience the various cuisines Zurich has to offer. Read more about the food tour in Zurich here.
Visit Zurich's Highest Tower
Prime tower is such a spectacular viewpoint! The tower with its height of 126 metres is the second highest building in Switzerland (since 2015 the highest is the Roche Tower in Basel) and has a restaurant at the top!
Ascend to Uetliberg
Another amazing viewpoint worth your time! Uetliberg is city's mountain, offering great views over the city and the Zurich lake. There is a viewing tower, taking you even higher to enjoy even better views. But, to truly experience Uetliberg in a unique way, you’ll have to get up early. Uetliberg is a wonderful place to watch the sunrise. Don’t believe us – just see the pictures below!
Stroll Down the Niederdorf Street
Explore the Old town of Zurich (also a MUST!). While walking down the street, you will stumble upon the scenic Grossmünster church. Apart from that the street is perfect for all the shopping and book addicts. At night there are many good bars to set your foot in.
Enter the Landesmuseum
This is the Swiss National Museum in Zurich! It's representing the Swiss history and it's located only 1 min from the Central station. The entrance fee is CHF 10 per adult. If you're into museums, make sure to get the Swiss museum card and get a free entrance!
SUP & Yoga at Zurich Lake
It's all about balance! Why not trying something new by doing yoga while stand-up-paddling at the Zurich Lake? :) Sounds crazy? Well, give it a try!
Enjoy the Views from the Jules Verne Panorama Bar
Wanna have a coffee with great views over the city? Then head to the cozy and spectacular Jules Verne Panorama bar.
Shop and Feel the City Vibe at Bahnhofstrasse
Prepare your wallet, as you will shop at one of the most expensive streets in the world - Bahnhofstrasse. If you're not a shopper, do not skip this street! It's worth check it out and simply observe the atmosphere.
Visit the Market at Markthalle
If you're up for some local food specialities, the Markthalle is something for you. The "hall" is home to some small & cute shops and little bars.
Shop at Viadukt
Just around the corner there are some small and specialised shops, screaming for your attention. It's worth to enter them, observe the offers and buy some hand-made products!
Go Hammocking at Josefwiese
That's a typical blog suggestion :) If you like hammocking, the Josefwiese will perfectly meet your needs! It's a quiet place if you need a quick rest while exploring the city!
How to Get Around Zurich
Some tips for getting around Zurich:
- Get the Zurich Card for 24 (CHF 27) or 72 hours (CHF 53) to save money on transportation by tram, bus, train, boat and cable car - read more about it here.
- In order to see the majority of the cool places in Zurich, take the tram line no. 13
- Check out the Online timetable & Zurich Route Network
- Get lower taxi prices by using the UBER services.
- Try not to drive a car in Zurich, as the city has quite a complicated traffic system.
Where to Stay in Zurich
Last but not least, where to stay in Zurich? Here are a few suggestions for hotels with an excellent location:
- Budget accommodation: Zurich Youth Hostel or Gasthaus zum Guten Glück
- Luxury accommodation: Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich or Hotel Seehof
Did you enjoy this blog post? Are you planning to visit Zurich? Let us know in the comments below!
Related blog posts
You might also like
Write a comment
Mike (Sunday, 20 May 2018 23:53)
perfect suggestions, just what I would have suggested (I live near the Wipkingerpark and we hang out there most Sundays in summer!)
Sonja (Sunday, 20 May 2018 23:56)
Hi Mike!
Happy to hear that! Yes, the Wipkingerpark is such a cool place, love this kind of places!
Denea (Monday, 21 May 2018 11:42)
What a comprehensive blog post! Thank you for all the tips and research into great summer things to do in Zurich. I've never been but will certainly put it on my list for summertime after reading your post.
Sonja (Monday, 21 May 2018 18:55)
Thank you Denea! Happy that you like the blog post - Zurich is a fun place to visit in summer!
Sinisa (Tuesday, 22 May 2018 16:07)
Zurich prelep leti dobar za letnji provod i odmor biosam vise puta pacu i ive godine!
Wendy (Sunday, 02 June 2019 12:10)
AWESOME post, super helpful for my upcoming trip this month! :D
Albanian Cities (Monday, 21 October 2019 16:40)
Great post! I will recommend you going in a place that is called the town of a thousand windows… with a beautiful architecture and a fascinating history the city of Berat rises upon a great culture. With a bridge that connects the two parts of the city, and a number of museums, mosques, monasterys and churches Berat is truly a treasure of albanias history and also part of UNESCO World Heritage.
http://albania.al/
Tom Peacock (Saturday, 03 December 2022 20:57)
My name is Tom Peacock from USA, I want to say thank you to Dr Emu for the good thing he has done for me, Though am not sure if this is the best forum to show my joy and happiness for what he has done for me but i can't hide my happiness and my joy so i have to share it with people, my marriage got crashed about two years ago and i tried all i could within my power but to no avail. I saw a post and testimonial about the good things Dr Emu has been doing so I decided to give it a try. though he is always a busy man but when he responded back to my email, he gave me 48 hours for my marriage to be restored really just like he said my marriage was restored since then I am happy and i am living happily i am so grateful to Dr Emu you can always email him here: {emutemple@gmail.com} or WhatsApp: {+2347012841542}
Laura Hobson (Saturday, 10 December 2022 01:06)
I was really stressed by Acid reflux issues with my newborn and had consulted Chief Dr Lucky. He gave us a thorough consultation and the medicines were equally effective. In a couple of weeks there was big improvement in my son and we are very pleased with the progress. We cannot thank Chief Dr Lucky enough. Highly recommended.
Email chiefdrlucky@gmail.com
WhatsApp +2348132777335
Facebook page http://facebook.com/chiefdrlucky
Thomas Gibson (Friday, 27 January 2023 07:57)
I want to use this opportunity to tell the whole world on how I become rich and famous. I’m 93 years old. I was passing through difficulty in business and there was no hope of me coming out of my debt. I borrow money in my bank to do my business and I run at lost on the business I got frustrated and decided to be playing lottery to see if I can win and make my business grow and I have played for years now nothing good is coming my way on till I meet someone online talking about Dr Ayoola on the internet. He was taking about how this Dr Ayoola help him to win mega million lottery game. I said to myself if this is true and decide to contact him and told him to help me as well I later read more about this man and see how he has been helping people all over the world. I have faith in him and choose to work with him. After working with him he told me what I need to do for the number to be given to me which I did after he finish working he said I will have a dream and the number will be review to me in the dream. That night has I was sleeping I dream a number immediately he call me and gave me the same number I dream of and ask me to go and play the number. Today I’m here testifying of the good work he did for me I played the number and I won the sum of 1, 000,000 million dollars in a lotto max. You can contact Dr Ayoola for help if you want to win big in lottery game he has the gift of giving right number contact him today and thank me email him today Via email: drayoolasolutionhome@gmail. com or https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Ayoola-105640401516053/ text or call +14809032128
Vivian Marcus (Friday, 10 February 2023 14:48)
Hello my name is Vivian Marcus from the United State, i'm so exciting writing this article to let people seek for help in any Break up Marriage and Relationship, Dr Kachi brought my Ex Boyfriend back to me, Thank you Sir Kachi for helped so many Relationship situation like mine to be restored, i was in pain until the day my aunt introduce me to Dr Kachi that she got her husband back with powerful love spell with help of Dr Kachi So i sent him an email telling him about my problem how my Boyfriend left me and cheating on me because of her boss lady at work i cry all day and night, but Dr Kachi told me my Boyfriend shall return back to me within 24hrs and to me everything he asked me to do the next day it was all like a dream when he text me and said please forgive me and accept me back exactly what i wanted, i am so happy now as we are back together again. because I never thought my Ex Boyfriend would be back to me so quickly with your spell. You are the best and the world greatest Dr Kachi. if you're having broke up Ex Lover or your husband left you and moved to another woman, You do want to get Pregnant do not feel sad anymore contact: drkachispellcast@gmail.com his Text Number Call: +1 (209) 893-8075
Gerald Muswagon (Saturday, 11 February 2023 18:03)
I want to genuinely thank Dr Ayoola for making my dream come through. I was on the internet when I saw people posting and talking about Dr Ayoola. On How he has help them in winning lottery. My name is Gerald Muswagon this is my story on how I win $10 million After reading the article about Dr Ayoola I contacted him I told him to help me win lottery he respond to me by saying he will help me after working with him he assured me that I will win. Which I believe. After working with Dr Ayoola he gave me a number and ask me to go and play it which I did today I’m here shearing a testimony about this same man Dr Ayoola help me to win $10 million dollars all thanks to you Dr I will keep taking about your good because you are a man of your word I hope people that really need this will come across it for you to help them as well. If you want to win big in lottery contact Dr Ayoola today and be rest assured of winning contact him via email drayoolasolutionhome@gmail. com or https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Ayoola-105640401516053/ text or call +14809032128