What Can You Do in Zurich in 24 Hours?
In 24 hours in Zurich you can visit the Swiss National Museum, explore the Old Town’s cobbled lanes, discover hidden gems like the Giacometti-decorated police station lobby and the Urania Observatory, walk up to Lindenhof hill for panoramic views over the Limmat, sample Swiss chocolate at Läderach and Confiserie Sprüngli, and have lunch at the historic Zeughauskeller. The city is compact and walkable, with excellent public transport connecting everything in between.
Switzerland’s largest city has such good transport links that it’s an excellent hub from which to explore the rest of the country. Yet with a sizeable Old Town and many pedestrianised streets, it’s a great place to visit in its own right. If you have 24 hours in Zurich, read on for our tips on how to make the most of your time.
24 Hours in Zurich
If arriving by train, start at the train station with a visit to the helpful Tourist Office inside the train station to get your bearings. A few minutes away, you’ll find the Landesmuseum or Swiss National Museum.1. Swiss National Museum
This popular Zurich museum has over 820,000 exhibits, presented in a really interesting way. One of our favourite exhibits is the giant rotating wheel displaying iconic Swiss items such as a watch, cow bells and cheese.
After the Landesmuseum, you may now be feeling hungry. Head for a quick and hearty lunch at Zeughauskeller, one of the most popular places to eat in Zurich.
This 15th century building was an arsenal where weapons were stored. According to legend, William Tell’s crossbow was issued here.
Admire the striking Art Nouveau architecture of Grieder Bongénie luxury department store on Bahnhofstrasse. It has a particularly lovely roof terrace with a great view of Paradeplatz and is one of the best places to shop in Zurich.
2. Zurich Old Town
There are some very quaint streets in Zurich old town.
Whilst not far away, you can visit Grossmünster meaning Great Minster, an impressive Protestant church with beautiful cloisters dating from the 12th century AD.
During your walk, you’ll no doubt come across a few decorative water fountains – Zurich has over 3000 of them.
3. Zurich Hidden Gems
One of our favourite Zurich hidden gems is tucked away inside the Police Station. If you ask nicely, they may well let you have a peek at their lobby, also known as the “hall of tiny flowers”. It was created by Augusto Giacometti, a relation of renowned artist Alberto Giacometti in the early 1900s.
Close by, you’ll find the Urania Sternwarte or Observatory which stands 157 feet high and offers wonderful views. In addition to telescopes, it also houses the Jules Verne bar.
Another hidden Zurich gem in the Haus Zum Rech on Neumarkt is a model of the city dating from the 1800s.
4. Lindenhof
Walk up the pedestrianized cobbled streets to Lindenhof hill for equally panoramic views over the Limmat river and to the university quarter in the background. The University of Zurich is the largest in Switzerland. There are over 26,000 students and some very illustrious alumni such as Albert Einstein.
Lindenhof itself was an important prehistoric, Roman, and medieval site and is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
The Hedwig Fountain dates from 1688 and was designed to commemorate the brave Zurich women who defended Zurich during the siege by the Duke of Habsburg in 1292.
5. Zurich Chocolate Shops
Once you’ve descended back to the centre, make time to visit some of the best Zurich chocolate shops, including Läderach and Confiserie Sprüngli, renowned for their Luxemburgerli macaroons…
Don’t miss a visit to Teuscher, the first chocolatier to create champagne truffles.
If you are staying longer than a day in Zurich, then a cruise on the lake is highly recommended, or perhaps consider an excursion to Lucerne or Lugano.
Free Things to Do in Zurich in One Day
Zurich has a reputation for being expensive, but some of its best experiences cost nothing at all. Strolling the cobbled lanes of the Old Town is free, and so is admiring the twin towers of Grossmünster from the outside. The city’s more than 3,000 drinking fountains are a small delight at no cost, and the riverside walk along the Limmat is one of the most scenic in any Swiss city, completely free to enjoy.
Lindenhof hill requires nothing more than the energy to walk up it, and the panoramic views over the Limmat and the university quarter are among the best in the city. The Cabaret Voltaire on Spiegelgasse, where the Dada movement began in 1916, is free to visit as a street landmark even when events are on inside. If you time things right and the weather cooperates, simply sitting at the edge of Lake Zurich and watching the swans is a proper Swiss moment that costs nothing.
For museum-goers on a budget, the ZurichCARD covers free or reduced admission to most of the city’s museums, so if you plan to visit more than one, it can quickly pay for itself. Check the official Zurich Tourism site for the current card price and what’s included. Switzerland rewards those who look beyond the price tag, and the most beautiful places in Switzerland are often far more accessible than you’d expect.
Where to Eat in Zurich
For a pit stop in the Old Town, Café & Conditorei 1842 on Napfgasse takes some beating. Spread over several floors and with a charming little terrace, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a slice of cake and coffee. On nearby Spiegelgasse stands the Cabaret Voltaire, an arts centre and café where the Dada art movement began in 1916.
For dinner, the historic Oepfelchammer restaurant nearby poses a unique challenge…diners are welcome to try their luck at sliding through the ceiling beams! Many have tried including acrobats and many have failed.
Getting Around Zurich in 24 Hours
Zurich is compact enough to walk between most of the attractions in this guide, but its public transport network is excellent when you need it. Trams, buses, S-Bahn trains and lake boats all operate on the same ticket system.
The ZurichCARD is worth serious consideration if you’re here for a day. It covers unlimited second-class travel on all public transport in Zurich and the surrounding areas, and gives free or reduced entry to most of the city’s museums. It also includes 50% off public city tours. Check the current price and coverage directly with Zurich Tourism before you arrive, as the details can change.
From Zurich Airport, the centre is just ten minutes by cab, train or tram, which makes the city unusually easy to reach from the moment you land.
| Feature | ZurichCARD |
|---|---|
| Transport coverage | Unlimited second-class travel on all public transport in Zurich and surrounding areas |
| Museum entry | Free or reduced admission to most Zurich museums |
| City tour discount | 50% off public city tours organised by Zurich Tourism |
| Airport connection | Valid on the ten-minute train/tram from Zurich Airport to centre |
| Current price | Check zurich.com for latest pricing |
How to Get to Zurich
Zurich airport has direct flights to 127 destinations in 60 countries. From the airport it’s just ten minutes by cab, train or tram into the centre.
It’s well worth investing in the ZurichCARD, which gives you unlimited second-class travel on all public transportation in Zurich and the surrounding areas. The card also gives you free or reduced admission to most of Zurich’s museums and 50% off public city tours organised by Zurich Tourism.
Where to Stay in Zurich
For business travellers flying into Zurich airport, the Kameha Grand is an excellent choice. With a location less than 10 minutes from the airport and an impressive array of events spaces, it has a quite extraordinary interior design. From the rocking horses in the lobby, to the Moroccan shisha lounge and mouthwatering desserts, the attention to detail is fabulous.
Our “Gentleman’s Suite” has a James Bond theme and came complete with its own roulette wheel! Even the bathroom doors were designed to look like safe doors.
The spa on the top floor of the hotel has two saunas set at different heats, a steam room, chill out area with mesmerizing fire display and an outside area for when the weather is good. There’s also a very well equipped gym if you’re feeling energetic.
Breakfast was one of the best that I’ve come across, with a huge choice including healthy juices and an array of hot and cold dishes. Kameha’s motto is “Life is Grand” and staying here certainly gave us that impression.
Whether you’re in Zurich for business or pleasure or both, the city’s compact size makes it easy to explore and its many attractions will definitely make you want to return. Check out our latest suggestions for what to see with one day in Zurich too.
Key Takeaways
●Swiss National Museum: 820,000+ exhibits, right by the train station
●Zeughauskeller: iconic 15th-century lunch spot in the Old Town
●Lindenhof hill: best panoramic views over the Limmat, no entry fee
●Zurich has over 3,000 drinking fountains, all free to drink from
●ZurichCARD: covers transport and museum entry, check current price before travel
●Airport to city centre: ten minutes by train, tram or cab
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular attraction in Zurich?
The Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) and the Grossmünster church are consistently among Zurich’s most-visited attractions. The National Museum alone holds over 820,000 exhibits and is right next to the main train station, making it the perfect first stop on a one-day visit.
Can I leave Zurich airport during a layover?
Yes, if your layover is long enough. From Zurich Airport, the city centre is just ten minutes away by train, tram or cab, which is one of the shortest airport-to-centre transfers in Europe. A layover of four hours or more gives you a realistic window to see the Old Town or the Swiss National Museum and return comfortably.
Always allow extra time for security and check your visa requirements before you leave the terminal.
What is the best way to get around Zurich in one day?
Most of Zurich’s top attractions are within comfortable walking distance of each other in the Old Town and along the Limmat. For longer stretches, the tram network is fast and easy to use.
The ZurichCARD covers unlimited public transport and free or reduced museum entry, so if you plan to visit more than one museum it can pay for itself quickly. Check the current price and inclusions on the Zurich Tourism website before you travel.
Where should I eat during 24 hours in Zurich?
For lunch, the Zeughauskeller is one of the most popular restaurants in Zurich, set inside a 15th-century building that was once an arsenal where, according to legend, William Tell’s crossbow was issued. For a mid-afternoon break, Café & Conditorei 1842 on Napfgasse in the Old Town is a lovely spot for cake and coffee.
For dinner, the historic Oepfelchammer restaurant offers a unique challenge: diners can attempt to slide through the ceiling beams (many have tried, and many have failed).
You might also enjoy:
- Where to Eat in Zurich
- Best Things to Do in St Moritz
- Fun Things to Do in Gstaad
- What to Do in Geneva
- Lucerne in 2 Days
- Things to Do in Lugano, Switzerland
- Insider’s Guide to Verbier
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Looks gorgeous here Suze and that suite is amazing!!
I know, first time I’ve had a roulette wheel in my room!
So many amazing places to see wow
Beauty Candy Loves
I was surprised by how much there is to see, Candice
This was a brilliant guide to Zurich and those macarons look delicious. I was quite taken aback by the decor of your hotel room, what a fun environment!
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
They even had a lamp with a golden gun stem! All very funky
Such a great guide! I’ve been to Geneva before but absolutely hated it! However, I think I’d really like Zurich because of all the German influences 😉 xo
I had mixed feelings about Geneva as I wasn’t there with the right person. If I go back, there’s a very kitsch restaurant called Edelweiss that I can’t wait to return to! I’m sure you’d love Zurich, they do great beer 😉
Great beer? I’m sold! 🙂
Zurich has so many beautiful places, building and landmarks to see. I love the macaroons the most, for the love of food!!
www.fashionstylemogul.com
For once I managed to resist the macaroons, though we did sample a bit of chocolate!
Great post doll, love the pics!
Alice Cerea,
babywhatsup.com
I’ve heard once that Zurich was quite boring. Now I read your blog post and I’m like “Yeah… whatever!” 🙂 Can’t wait to make it there!
I think if you lived there it might be a bit quiet in terms of nightlife but having said that there’s a huge student population – anyway it was great for our trip!
Thanks for this lovely tour Suze!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
You’re very welcome, Paola!
The macaroons! I’d park my fanny there. And eat as many as possible before I exploded LOL. Then I’d stuff a few more in. And a few more. What colors! Always love tasty food but the presentation is the icing on the cake. Or the color on the macaroon 😉
Now I’m feeling like a mug for not eating any macaroons this time 😉 Mind you I certainly got my fill of savouries and chocolates!
This is defo a good 24-hour guide for Zurich! I love the Kameha Grand – it’s very handy for quick trips and I agree with how nice brekky is!
Honey x The Girl Next Shore
I agree, It’s nice to find a business hotel that treats people like individuals not faceless numbers!
Thanks for the overview of Zurich! A city we haven’t yet visited – but could very well in future :-). And that motto “Life is grand!” is right on!
Great motto isn’t it, might make that my own 😉
I would love to visit Zurich…it looks and sounds like such an amazing place! Thanks for sharing this overview!
http://roadesque.com
http://ourruins.com
My pleasure Valerie, it’s certainly worth a trip
I love Zurich! On my first trip I went in the summer and went paddle boating on the lake. It was such a fun way to spend an afternoon!
Paddle boating sounds like great fun! Something for a future visit mabye…
Zurich looks amazing! That hall of flowers inside the police station is so beautiful. It’s crazy that people try to squeeze through those beams, I wonder how many get stuck? hahaha
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
We were so lucky to be able to visit inside the police station, it depends what’s going on when you visit
I would love to visit Zurich and am definitely bookmarking this for when I finally do! Zurich looks like such an amazing city and it seems like the perfect spot to head further on to explore Switzerland!
It’s a great base as the train can whizz you off through some really scenic countryside
I adore Zurich and Luzern. This is an excellent review 🙂
Thank you for stopping by my blog yesterday and thank you for your kind words.
Thanks very much, I’m glad you enjoyed reading it and I enjoyed reading your Geneva restaurant review!
If they bust me for stealing cheese do I get taken to the “hall of tiny flowers”? XD
There are worse places to be in the slammer 😉
I loved visiting Zurich in the summer, there was so much more to do than I thought!
Yes I was surprised to be honest as we thought we knew the place quite well already
Zurich looks so gorgeous + fun!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
It was a lot of fun, you can’t go wrong with chocolate and great views!
Great post Suze, Love how you’ve brought Zurich to life in pictures 🙂
crossinglemons.com
i’m very glad you enjoyed reading it, Sam!
I’ve been so many times at Zurich airport to catch connections but I have never visited the city. From your photos it looks fantastic!
www.luxessed.com
GREAT post Suze! You’re posts are seriously making me very nostalgic for Switzerland, not to mention I am positively craving a Confiserie Sprüngli’s inimitable macarons!
Loved the buildings and the desserts of course!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
I’m so sad our visit last year was derailed! This sounds amazing!