Zurich Travel Guide

Straddling the River Limmat, the East Bank and West Bank composing Zurich’s Old Town (Aldstadt) district are a dichotomy of modern and medieval. The storybook buildings and cobblestoned streets are a homage to the old, while the craft chocolate shops and designer stores showcase the city’s penchant for wealth and luxury. Head to the West Bank for a glimpse at the iconic Fraumunster church. Stroll through Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most affluent shopping streets, with designers such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Prada, and Cartier. If history is what you seek, visit the East Bank, which contains the stunning neo-Baroque Zurich Opera House and the city’s other well-known church, Grossmunster. Don’t forget to end the day with a traditional hearty cheese fondue somewhere along the pedestrianized Niederdorfstrasse.

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Built in the 9th-century on the West Bank of the Limmat River, Fraumunster Church is a former Benedictine abbey and one of the two most notable churches in Zurich. The Gothic landmark is characterized by its iconic clock tower topped with a turquoise spire. Venture inside the church and you’ll be swept away by the Gothic and Romanesque interior. However, it’s Marc Chagall’s five slender stained-glass windows, painted in his signature surrealist style, that will surely steal your attention.

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Opposite Fraumunster Church on the East Bank of the Limmat River, Grossmunster Church was constructed in the 12th-century. Local legend claims that the Romanesque church was built on the site of the graves of the patron saints of Zurich, Felix, and Regula, supposedly discovered by Charlemagne. There are a variety of attractions for you to explore within the church including the Romanesque crypt and the Reformation museum in the cloister. Augusto Giacometti, the uncle of the famous Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti, created the ethereal stained-glass windows. Climb the 187 steps to the main tower to capture one of the greatest views of Zurich.

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Kunsthaus Zurich is a museum that is most well-known for its impressive collection of modern art, although it has pieces to satisfy enthusiasts of all schools of art. The museum houses iconic paintings, sculptures, prints, and installations from many great artists, including Picasso, Chagall, Monet, and Swiss sculptor Giacometti. Here you’ll also find the second most extensive collection of works from Norweigan painter Edward Munch, best known for “The Scream”. This museum is a must for anyone with even a slight appreciation for art.

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With clean blue waters guarded by verdant hills and snow-capped mountains, Lake Zurich offers an idyllic setting for all types of visitors. Steamboats, sailboats, and ferries make stops along the bank of the glacier lake, so you can wander through the storybook towns, offering gorgeous views, hiking routes, swimming areas, and chic dining options. From swimming to lakeside picnics, there are many things to do on and around Lake Zurich. Take a boat to Rapperswill, a popular medieval town with lush gardens, or admire the lavish villas on the lower eastern shore, dubbed the ‘Gold Coast’ for its expensive real estate.

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Football (or soccer for Americans) lovers around the globe flock to the FIFA World Football Museum, which is devoted to the history and heritage of the beloved international sport. The museum features informative exhibits with photographs, videos, and memorabilia that look back on the major international tournaments and their impact on the lives of people throughout the world. Divided between three levels, there’s so much to take in when visiting the museum. Some of the exhibits are interactive, one of the highlights being a human pinball game. You can easily spend the day as the museum also houses a restaurant, bar, and gift shop with tons of football-related merchandise.

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Located on the banks of the River Aare, Solothurn’s history dates back to the Roman era when it was known as Salodurum. Not far from the French border, this city wears its mixed influence of French, Swiss, and Italian culture on its sleeve. The incredible Baroque architecture mixes artfully with the pastoral countryside around it. Home to nearly twenty heritage sites, this town is perfect for fans of architecture and history alike. Solothurn’s old town is a pedestrian-only zone, making it perfect for your afternoon stroll. It’s numerous outdoor cafes provide wonderful views of the historic clock tower and fountain. St. Ursen Cathedral is a stunning masterwork that took nearly 11 years to complete, and from April through October you can climb the basilica’s dome for some stunning vistas.

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As the highest glacier in Switzerland, Mount Titlis is covered with snow all year round, making it the perfect place to enjoy spectacular views and a variety of winter attractions. The Titlis Rotair, the first revolving aerial cable car in the world, continues all the way to the top where a number of sunny terrace restaurants can be found. At the summit, grab an inner tube and sled down the mountainside, or walk through the magical blue glacier caves. Adrenaline junkies can try the ��Titlis Cliff Walk”, Europe’s highest suspension footbridge. If you’d rather take it easy, sit back and enjoy the views.

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Located at the point where the borders of France, Germany, and Switzerland meet, it’s no surprise that Basel is a city rich with art and culture. The medieval Old Town (Altstadt) can be found alongside the Rhine River, with colorful historic monuments and buildings scattered throughout its winding cobblestone streets. Basel is a treasure trove for museum lovers, with Kunstmuseum, Fondation Beyeler, and Vitra Design Museum at the top of the list. Those jonesing for oddities will find the kinetic sculptures at the Museum Tinguely and the dusty alchemy artifacts at the Pharmacy Museum more than satisfying. Other must-sees include a boat cruise down the Rhine and and the international food stalls at Markthalle. During the winter, you can enjoy local delicacies and peruse the artisan crafts at the festive Christmas market.

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Located 20 minutes by train from Zurich is Switzerland's sixth-largest city, Winterthur. Today, Winterthur is a prosperous city with a high-tech service industry. It’s history, however, has been more tumultuous. Winterthur was fought over in the years before Swiss unification and was invaded by Napoleon’s troops several times, only finding prosperity and peace in the late 19th century as a manufacturing hub. Since the end of World War 2, however, Winterthur has been a center of culture in the region. If you like contemporary art, then a visit to The Winterthur Museum of Art is a must. Also for art-lovers is the Fotomuseum Winterthur, dedicated to photography, which is a short walk from the art museum. A great way to end your day is a trip to the 11th-century castle of Kyburg, a Swiss National Heritage site. Situated atop a hill, it is a lovely place to see the sunset.

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Like other cities in Switzerland, Bern is picturesque with misty mountain backdrops, tranquil fountains, and charming cobblestone streets. Both the country’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this storied city boasts preserved medieval architecture, including the Französische Kirche (French Church) and the Zytglogge clock tower. Stroll along the covered arcades, lined with cellar shops, quaint cafes, and old world restaurants serving up hearty cuisine. Visitors who wish to learn more about Swiss history will enjoy a tour through the House of Parliament (Bundeshaus), the seat of the Swiss government, open to the public most of the time. Other attractions in Bern include the Rose Garden above Bear Park, the Swiss Alpine Museum, and the Zentrum Paul Klee.

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Often referred to as the Queen of the Mountains, Rigi Klum is the highest peak of Mount Rigi with a height of 1798m/5896ft above sea level. The summit can be reached by either the Vitznau or Arth-Goldau route via the cogwheel train. From the peak, it is possible to see as many as 13 Swiss lakes, the Black Forest in Germany, and the Vosges mountain range in France. Choose from a variety of activities available at the mountain summit, including hiking trails along the ridge and toboggan runs during the winter. You can also enjoy a drink or meal at the restaurant on the peak to catch your breath before the next adventure.

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With its towering height, Mount Pilatus keeps watch over the city of Lucerne. There are a variety of legends surrounding this great mountain. Some claim that dragons with healing powers once lived within the caverns. Others say that Roman General Pontius Pilate was buried somewhere around the mountain. The top of Mount Pilatus is easily accessible with Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. On the way up, you’ll pass by forests, meadows, and rock faces. At the summit, you’ll be greeted by surreal panoramic views of the Swiss Alps; there are also hiking trails, a toboggan run, and a restaurant.

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Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein is one of Europe’s smallest and most intriguing countries. Despite its size, it boasts a proud royal heritage, centuries-old traditions, and a dramatic Alpine setting. High above the capital, Vaduz Castle stands guard over the Rhine Valley, serving as the residence of the princely family and a symbol of the nation’s independence. The capital city of Vaduz is compact and easy to explore on foot. Stroll along its pedestrian-friendly main street, browse boutiques and museums, or stop by the famous post office to purchase collectible Liechtenstein stamps. Surrounded by vineyards and snow-capped peaks, this charming capital offers sweeping mountain views, fresh Alpine air, and the rare opportunity to experience an entire country in just a single day.

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