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Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and is definitely worth a visit on your trip. Despite being a large city, the highlights of Zurich can be seen in a day in my opinion, especially if you’re trying to visit a variety of places while you’re in Switzerland. I’ve put together my recommendations for how I’d spend one day in Zurich below before heading off to explore the rest of this stunning country!
Itinerary Overview
- Morning: Explore Old Town & Lake Zurich
- Afternoon: Take a Stroll Down Bahnhofstrasse & Enjoy the Panoramic View of Lindenhof Hill
- Evening: Grab Drinks or Dinner with a View
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
How to Spend 1 Day in Zurich
Explore Old Town
Old Town Switzerland is located on either side of the river connected by Rathausbrücke. Wandering through these picturesque cobblestone streets, surrounded by colorful medieval houses will take you past most of the famous places in Zürich without needing to do much planning.
Old Town contains the Grossmunster double towers and St Peter’s Church (with the infamous clock) On either side of the river you’ll find tons of restaurants and cafes, all with outdoor patios (even in the colder weather the quintessential European patios are open and seats offer fur blankets and steamy fondue to warm you up)
Explore Lake Zürich
The lake is worth visiting in any season and always provides stunning views. In the summer take a dip in the lake, try some watersports or just hang out in one of the many lakeside cafes and bars. In the winter you can ice skate on the lake or warm up in one of the lakeside saunas!
Take a stroll or do some shopping at Bahnhofstrasse
One of the most famous shopping streets in the world is worth a stroll (even if the shopping is a bit out of your price range, like me) Also, around Christmas the “Lucy” lights (named after the Beatle’s song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds) light up the Bahnhofstrasse, and many other areas of Old Town, and is definitely worth seeing!
This is also a great area to grab lunch!
Find the Best Views in Zurich
Head to Lindenhof Hill to get the best views over the city of Zurich’s Old Town. It’s super easy to get to from Old Town.
Grab Drinks with a View
My two favorite spots in Zurich for drinks with views are Jules Verne Panoramabar (offers panoramic views over Zurich’s Old Town) or Rathaus Cafe, which is right along the river in Old Town this small cafe offers drinks with stunning Old Town views. It’s a great place for sunset in Zurich!
Where to Stay in Zurich
Boutique Hotel Wellenberg
I loved this hotel in the heart of Old Town Zurich. Boutique Hotel Wellenberg is in the perfect location, has a terrace/bar, great breakfast & more!
Highly recommend trying this hotel on your next trip!
Other Switzerland Recommendations
You can find my full Switzerland travel guide here. OR
