Zürich in One Day Itinerary—4 Top Sights (+ a Bonus!)
The city of Zürich may be known for its global banking and finance institutions, but there’s plenty to see and do in this fascinating pre-medieval city. In fact, you can see much of the city’s hotspots in just one day with this Zürich in one-day itinerary.
You’ll find an organized beauty in Zürich, unlike many other cities in Europe. I visited following a trip to Palermo, Sicily, and it was quite a striking contrast!
The central Old Town shows its ancient roots with incredible architecture, stunning churches, and incredible city views along the Limmat River and Lake Zürich.
Learn about the top things to see and do in Zürich in one day in this handy guide.
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Zürich in One Day Itinerary
Zürich is a city that deserves at least a long weekend to visit. However, if you only have one day, you can see many of the highlights that make this beloved city famous.
To do this, you’ll focus on the Old Town area. Going on a walking tour is a great way to see this part of the city and learn the history and stories that accompany it.
Here is what I recommend you see in Zürich one day. There’s an optional add-on if you have the time and inclination!
One-Day Zürich Itinerary
- Explore the Old Town
- Visit the incredible Zürich churches
- Enjoy the sites from Lindenhof Hill
- Boat on Lake Zürich
If you get up early and have the time, don’t skip a climb up the Uetliberg. At 2,850 feet, it’s more of a large hill than a mountain, but it offers incredible panoramic views of the city, the lake, and the Alps in the distance.
You can hike it in two hours or so, and you can also take a cable car.
Here are the top things to do in Zürich in one day. You can shave some time touring to climb the Uetliberg or stroll through the city to see the sights!
1. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)
Wandering around Altstadt is a must-do when you visit Zürich. The city is quaint, and the architecture is stunning. Not only that, but it’s also one of the cleanest towns you’ll see, and it is very representative of Switzerland overall.
Walk the winding cobbled streets that were populated over a thousand years ago. You’ll find lots of inviting restaurants and bars for taking breaks to enjoy the local cuisine.
Old Town Zürich is located here on a map.
2. Visit the Incredible Zürich Churches
There are several remarkable churches in Old Town Zürich to visit. They are close together and are easy to get to.
Fraumünster
Fraumünster is one of the oldest sacred buildings in Zürich, so it’s a spot you shouldn’t skip, even when short on time visiting the city.
It was founded as a Benedictine convent in 853 AD. It saw the city develop from a Celtic establishment, to a Roman settlement, then a prosperous medieval town. After, it became a strategic base for the area.
The abbey was empowered to mint coins, collect tolls, and hold markets from the 11th century onwards. The abbess was the official ruler of Zürich in the 13th century, with the title of Royal Princess. This ended in 1524.
The inside of the building is beautiful and simple until you go into the room with the Chagall Windows. These stained glass windows are extraordinary and a must-see. (Unfortunately, photos aren’t allowed.)
Grossmünster
Grossmünster is a Protestant church in Zürich completed in 1220 AD. It was built on the site of a former church, and a Roman burial ground was found there.
Its twin towers make it a recognizable structure that stands out in the city. You’ll find some beautiful and uniquely interesting stained glass by Giacometti and Sigmar Polke.
Visit the crypt in the oldest part of the structure, which has murals dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Then, walk through the serene cloister in the center of the building and see the collection of ancient Bibles.
This church was the site of the Swiss-German Reformation in Switzerland, started by Holdrych Zwingli in 1520.
St. Peter Church
This church was built next to the former Roman castle, now Lindenhof Hill. It was built on the grounds of a former temple dedicated to Jupiter in the 8th or 9th century. The original walls can be viewed under the choir.
It was later expanded into a Romanesque structure in around 1000 AD, and St. Peter Church was expanded over the following centuries. In 1706, the current building was consecrated as the first built under Protestant rule.
The steeple was used as a fire watch site until 1911. Perhaps that’s why the steeple is owned by the City of Zürich and the remainder by the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich.
Enjoy the Sights from Lindenhof Hill
Lindenhof Hill is a public square in the historic center of the city. It was once the site of the royal palace, and now there’s a lovely park at the top of the hill where you can take in some lovely city views of the Old Town, Limmat Rover, Grossmünster Church, and more.
This area has a significant historical presence. It was a Roman fort in the 4th century, and a palace built by the grandson of Charlemagne in the 9th century. Since, it has been a gathering area and appreciated by locals and tourists alike. It’s also used for public events and festivals.
Fancy a chess match? You’ll find tables and dedicated locals playing.
Linderhoff Hill is located here on a map.
Take a Boat Ride on Lake Zürich
Lake Zürich has a massive presence in the area, and it’s worth taking a boat ride to see just how large and beautiful this lake is.
There are a number of beautiful parks along the lake and great lookout areas. If you go to Zürichhorn, which I recommend, don’t miss the interesting art installation and the beautiful Chinese Garden.
And don’t skip the Gelati Am See cart along the water as they offer some interesting flavors. Yum!
If you’re short on time, hop on the ferry boats, which take you around the lake. You can ride between a handful of stops in the northern part of the lake to get some great city and park views.
Should You Get the Zürich Card?
I definitely recommend getting the Zurich Card if you plan to visit many of the main tourist attractions. The card discounts almost every activity and even allows free admission into certain places.
It’s especially helpful if you’re traveling as a family because with more people, the higher discounts you can receive.
The card also offers discounts on walking tours, river tours, and many other fun tours.
How to Get to Zürich
If you’re not around in Europe around Switzerland, you will need to fly to Zurich. Depending on where you’re coming from, you may be able to get a direct flight, or you might have to take a few connections.
If you’re already in Europe, you can take a train from certain countries like Austria, Germany, and Slovakia. Other countries like the Netherlands and Italy also have train options, but you have to make a few connections.
How to Get Around Zürich
Zurich has an amazing public transportation system. You can find the schedule and all the routes for buses and trams here.
You can also get to many places by foot. Many parts of the city are also pedestrian-friendly.
When to Visit Zürich
The peak travel season in Zurich is from June to August. Even though there are many people in the city, during this time, it’s a nice time to visit because of the pleasant weather and many festivals.
Winter can be harsh in Zurich. Most people avoid coming during this time.
If you want mild weather with fewer crowds, fall and spring might be a good option. The off-seasons are also a good time to explore nature and visit the top tourist attractions.
Best Places to Stay in Zürich
Not sure where to rest your head in Zurich? Here are some of my top picks!
Budget—Meninger Hotel Zurich Greencity: If you’re on a budget, this hostel has everything you need to comfortably stay in Zurich without breaking the bank. They have dorm rooms as well as private suites. The communal kitchen is also nice for those who want to cook without spending too much money on eating out.
Mid-range—25hours Hotel Langstrasse: This hotel is right next to the main station making it a perfect place to stay if you plan to do some day trips from Zurich. It has a fun retro vibe with murals painted in each room and colorful decorations. They have a breakfast buffet, a fitness center, and a sauna.
Luxury—B2 Hotel Zurich: If you have some money to splurge, I definitely recommend booking a room here. It’s extremely unique as it’s set in a former brewery that has been renovated. They have an on-site lounge with traditional Swiss tapas, wine, and cheeses. The best part about this hotel, though, is the private library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases.
Best Restaurants in Zürich
Make sure to enjoy some amazing Swiss cuisine while you’re in Zurich. Here are some of the most amazing places to eat:
Haus zum Ruden: This restaurant is not only amazing because of the food but also because of the atmosphere and interior. It’s an old Gothic-style building. Most of the dishes on the menu are traditional Swiss options. The menu changes every season. You can check the options here.
Ristorante Bianchi: Make sure to check out this place if you’re in the mood for fish or seafood. The dishes have an Italian spin on them, and they’re super flavorful. They have a really nice selection of wines as well.
Maison Manesse: This small eatery is super trendy. Even though it’s upscale, it still has a laid-back pub vibe that most people love. During the warmer months, they also have a beautiful outdoor seating area.
Best Day Trips from Zürich
If you have some extra time in Zürich, you can either explore more of the city or go on a day trip. There are some really incredible places to see for Zürich day trips.
The one I took, which I really enjoyed, was to St. Gallen. It’s a beautiful small city not far from Lake Constance and a one-hour train ride.
You May Also Like 9 Top Things to Do in St. Gallen
The highlight of this city is the Abbey of St. Gall. There is a striking Baroque church and an ancient medieval library with incredible treasures, including some one-of-a-kind texts, an Egyptian mummy, and one of the largest globes in the world.
Here are some other great day trip options from Zürich to see more of the incredible Swiss countryside.
So, Are You Ready to See Zürich in One Day?
There’s a lot to see in Zurich, but you can see the top highlights in one day with this guide. If you can, stay a few more days to absorb this unique culture and enjoy the great cuisine!
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