7 BEST Things to do in Zurich, Switzerland

Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Zurich? You’ve come to the right place! 

After traveling to this charming Swiss city countless times, I have learned its best-kept secrets and top attractions. Whether it’s savoring cheese fondue, marveling at the mighty Rhine Falls, or wandering the historic streets of the Old Town, Zurich offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

To help you plan your itinerary, I’ve drawn on my many visits and first-hand adventures (including tasting Lindt chocolate straight from the source!), to come up with this list of the absolute best things to do. So keep on reading to discover Zurich’s can’t-miss experiences!

Things to do in Zurich, Switzerland

1. Explore the Swiss Alps and glaciers on a day trip

If there’s one thing you absolutely have to do in Switzerland, it’s this Jungfraujoch day trip. I’ve done it myself, and let me tell you, it’s magical!

Jungfraujoch (aka the “Top of Europe”) is Europe’s highest train station sitting at an impressive 11,333 feet (3,454 meters). The landscape here is breathtaking, offering panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and the incredible Aletsch Glacier. On clear days, you can even see France and Italy! I couldn’t stop snapping photos, but honestly, pictures don’t do it justice!

Even though Jungfraujoch is the highlight of this tour, getting there is half the fun. The adventure starts in Zurich, where a comfortable coach whisks you through the stunning Bernese Oberland region.

And just when you think the scenery couldn’t get better, you’ll board a cogwheel train for a journey straight into the heart of the Swiss Alps before reaching Jungfraujoch.

Once there you will visit the Sphinx Observatory and the Ice Palace – a mesmerizing maze of ice sculptures carved deep into the glacier. Walking through it felt like stepping into a winter fairytale. 

What I loved most was how effortless the tour made everything. From the expertly planned itinerary to the knowledgeable guides, it was all smooth sailing. It’s a very popular experience with hundreds of 5-star reviews, so it tends to book up quickly. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot!

2. Eat cheese fondue while touring Zurich in a tuk-tuk

Imagine cruising around Zurich’s charming streets in an electric-powered tuk-tuk, indulging in delicious fondue, and sipping on white wine as you soak up the sights. That’s exactly what you get to do on this fun electronic tuk-tuk fondue and wine tour!

From the moment I hopped into the tuk-tuk near Zurich’s main station, and met our awesome guide, Martin, I knew we were in for a great evening. As we zipped down Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s glitzy shopping street, I couldn’t help but marvel at the glamorous displays. The atmosphere was electric – literally, thanks to the eco-friendly e-tuk-tuk!

The route takes you past all the must-see spots: the historic Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, the charming Niederdorf district, and the beautiful Limmatquai waterfront. But let’s be real – half the magic is the fondue. There’s nothing quite like twirling a piece of bread into warm, velvety cheese while sipping on a glass of wine!

We think this is the perfect experience for first-time visitors to Zurich. We did it on our very first day in Zurich and it gave us a fantastic overview of the city, allowing us to plan the rest of our time there easily. We also learned a lot about Swiss culture and must-see places from our local guide.

You must book this experience for a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 4. The price varies a bit depending on the number of people in your party, but we think it’s worth every penny for a private tour – just look at all these great reviews!

3. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Lindt Home of Chocolate

Attention all chocolate lovers! Zurich is known around the world for its incredible production of mouth-watering Swiss chocolate, and the best place to try some is at the Lindt Home of Chocolate!

As a self-proclaimed chocolate connoisseur, I put this highly rated tour right at the top of my Zurich to-do list – and boy was I glad I did! It not only visits the Lindt Home of Chocolate but also provides a comprehensive city sightseeing tour, so you really get the best of both worlds.

The adventure begins on a comfortable coach ride through Zurich, where you’ll discover iconic landmarks like the National Museum, the elegant Bahnhofstrasse, and the historic Old Town. Next, we soaked up the city’s natural beauty with a relaxing cruise on Lake Zurich before heading to the highlight of the trip: the Lindt Home of Chocolate!

This iconic chocolate haven is home to an interactive museum, cafe, and the world’s largest chocolate shop. We learned so much about the chocolate-making process and the history of Swiss chocolate on the audio-guided tour. Oh, and we also got to taste many of the delicious creations along the way – I was in heaven!

After the tasting, we enjoyed a coffee in the cafe and bought way too many treats in the souvenir shop – no regrets here!

To top it all off, this tour includes a 24-hour public transit ticket, so you can continue to explore Zurich on your own for the rest of the day. Not a bad deal!

Related Read: To make sure you make the most of your time in Zurich, follow our expert 2-day itinerary!

4. Explore the historic district

Walking tours are one of my favorite ways to explore a city. They’re affordable, immersive, and packed with fascinating stories you might otherwise miss. This Zurich historic walking tour is a perfect example of why I love them so much.

As we strolled down the streets of Old Town, our knowledgeable guide really brought the city’s history to life. We learned interesting tales of medieval Zurich as we wandered winding alleys, charming squares, and landmarks that have stood for centuries. 

Some of the highlights include riding the historic Polybahn cable car for sweeping views of the city, marveling at the Lucerne Jesuit Church, and standing where Lenin once lived on Spiegelgasse.

The tour also took us to hidden gems like underground ruins at Wasserkirche and the cloister at Grossmünster, places I would’ve never found on my own! All of the stops gave me a deep appreciation for Zurich’s layered history and architectural beauty.

What I loved most was how engaging the tour was. Whether you’re a history buff or just love exploring on foot, this is a great tour for everyone. It really allows you to dive deeper into Zurich’s rich past and orient yourself for more adventures in the city. Plus it’s only €37 per person, so you really can’t go wrong!

5. Take a cable car up Mt. Titlis and walk a suspension bridge in the Uri Alps

If you’re craving an epic mountain adventure, you must add this Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Trip to your Zurich itinerary! This full-day tour delivers an unforgettable experience full of thrilling alpine activities in the Swiss Alps.

The journey begins with a scenic coach ride through the picture-perfect Swiss countryside to Lucerne. Here, you’ll enjoy a brief guided tour followed by free time to wander the charming Old Town on your own.

From there, it’s on to Engelberg, where the real adventure begins. You’ll ascend Mt. Titlis in a rotating cable car that offers panoramic views of glaciers and ice cliffs. At the summit, you’ll experience a winter wonderland of activities such as the thrilling Titlis Cliff Walk across Europe’s highest suspension bridge and the Ice Flyer chairlift with incredible views of the glacier’s crevasses. 

Growing up in Canada, I thought I’d already experienced every type of winter activity, so I was surprised when I found out we were going snow tubing on a glacier! I had never done that before – and it was such a blast!

Just keep in mind that the snow tubing is only done on tours departing between May and October. But if you visit in winter, there’s an option to try skiing on beginner slopes, which is equally exciting! 

This tour is great for those who want to experience fun snow activities while taking in breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Over 1,200 people have left this tour a 5-star review, you don’t just have to take my word for how great it is!

6. See Europe’s largest waterfall

As much as we love Zurich, sometimes it’s nice to escape the busy city for a bit to enjoy some of the nearby natural wonders, such as the incredible Rhine Falls!

The best way to visit the falls is on this half-day tour from Zurich. The guide and driver take care of everything, so you just get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery around you.

The Rhine Falls are truly a force of nature. They are Europe’s largest waterfalls, with over 153,978 gallons (700,000 liters) of water crashing into the basin every second!

We had so much fun walking along the Belvedere trail, which brought us so close to the falls that we could feel the spray on our faces. And if you visit in summer, you must go on the optional boat ride to the falls for an even more exhilarating view!

We love that the tour also includes visiting Stein am Rhein, a fairytale-like medieval town famous for its mural-covered houses. On the walking tour here, our guide shared fascinating stories about each building, including the iconic White Eagle House with Switzerland’s oldest preserved Renaissance fresco.

This half-day adventure is great for the entire family. It blends nature and history perfectly creating a fun experience for all ages. I guarantee you’ll be captivated by the roaring falls and the picturesque old town just like I was (and the 300+ people who left 5-star reviews!).

7. Escape the city and visit quaint Swiss villages

Ok, I may have saved the best activity for last because this private day trip to the Jungfrau Region is the ultimate Swiss alpine adventure! Last time we were in Zurich, I couldn’t resist booking this tour, and it turned out to be one of the most breathtaking days I’ve ever had in Switzerland.

Your private and comfortable transport will pick you up right from your Zurich accommodation before making the scenic drive to Lake Lungern. This stunning lake is framed perfectly by soaring mountain peaks, making it look just like something out of a postcard.  

Next, we took a cable car ride to Mürren, a charming village perched high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains were jaw-dropping. Then we walked for about an hour to the hidden village of Gimmelwald – it was one of the most picturesque trails I’ve ever been on!

Once we arrived in Gimmelwald we were treated to an outdoor raclette dining experience. This was the first time I had done a raclette and it was so much fun. It involved cooking food on a small grill and pouring melted cheese overtop – I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! 

We also visited the enchanting Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to roaring waterfalls, and the charming village of Grindelwald. We love how we could choose to stay longer in certain places and modify the itinerary to our liking.

The price for this day trip varies depending on the number of people in your group. It is one of the more expensive tours on this list, but I think it’s worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience and personalized attention you get!

Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland

You’re probably already aware that Zurich is a notoriously expensive city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a fantastic place to stay regardless of your budget! We loved staying in the city center, as it put us by all of the top sights. Here are a few suggestions of great hotels for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay!

Luxury – $$$

Boutique Hotel Seidenhof is a lovely boutique hotel, just off of Bahnhofstrasse, putting you right in the heart of Zurich. The rooms are modern in design and range from a single to suite style. I love the terrace that overlooks the city, and there’s a fantastic restaurant and bar on site. 

Prices start at €350 and surpass €700 for large suites. Check out all the options and book your room on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Motel One Zürich is a popular moderate-budget hotel, located near Paradeplatz Square. It is a great place to stay to explore the city center! The hotel has a trendy and eclectic decor, and the rooms are quite large with either king or queen sized beds. Prices range from €181 to €300, depending on which room you choose and the time of year.

Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Green Marmot Capsule Hotel Zürich is a unique stay because it’s a capsule hotel! This is a great option for budget travelers who don’t plan on hanging out in the hotel very much. You can book a twin or double capsule for one to two people, and choose if you want a locker or not. The capsules are cozy and comfortable, clean and the staff are super friendly! 

This hotel is located in the heart of Zurich, making it easy to get out and explore. Prices start at €60 and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Check out all the hotels in Zurich here for more options!

Related Read: Check out our Where to Stay in Zurich blog for all the information on the best areas to stay and our top hotels!

Thanks for reading!

Zurich is such a magical city, whether you are zipping around in a tuk-tuk, gazing at the historic buildings, or exploring the scenic countryside. We had so much fun visiting this iconic city and are already looking forward to our next visit. Who knows, maybe we will see you on one of these activities!

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