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Escaping to Zurich? We’ve got the perfect 2-day itinerary to help you plan!
Zurich might be best known for banking and luxury watches, but there’s so much more to this Swiss city than its polished reputation. From alpine adventures and lakeside views to cozy coffee shops and cheese-filled dinners, Zurich packs a surprising amount into just two days.
We’ve built this itinerary from our own experience, complete with scenic strolls, chocolate tasting, and even a cable car ride with mountain views. Whether it’s your first time here or you’re just squeezing in a short visit, this two-day plan will help you make the most of every moment without feeling rushed.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Zurich city tour! Not only was it an info-filled walking tour, but we also got to cruise on Lake Zurich and take a cable car ride for the best views of the city!
Day 1
Breakfast – Soul Creative Kitchen Bar
Tucked just a short stroll from the city center, Soul Creative Kitchen Bar has that laid-back vibe that makes easing into the day feel effortless. We arrived right after they opened at 8 am and were instantly won over by the warm design and mellow morning energy.
Their breakfast menu is full of fresh, nourishing options, and the smoothie bowls looked almost too pretty to eat. I went with a hearty avocado toast and a flat white, which definitely hit the spot before a day of exploring. The best part? It’s only a 10-minute walk to the historical walking tour meeting point, so there’s no need to rush.
Mid-day – Zurich walking tour with cruise and aerial cable car
After fueling up, we were more than ready to kick off our day of sightseeing, and this WOW tour (aptly named), complete with a city walk, lake cruise, and cable car ride, was the perfect way to do it. We met our group just before 10 am for a 6-hour guided experience that packed in way more than we could’ve managed solo.
Our guide, Greg, was both informative and entertaining, blending Zurich’s history with quirky facts and a few cheesy jokes. We kicked things off with a quick funicular ride to the Polyterrasse at ETH, where panoramic city views set the tone for the day.
From there, it was a deep dive into the Old Town, past St. Peter’s Church (yep, the one with Europe’s biggest clock face), along Bahnhofstrasse, and through the peaceful Lindenhof Hill park. It’s easy to miss how much history is tucked into Zurich’s winding streets, but walking with Greg made it come alive.
Then came the extras—a cruise on Lake Zurich, gliding past waterfront mansions and even spotting the Lindt Chocolate Factory. The cherry on top was a cable car ride up to Felsenegg, followed by a short forest hike on the quirky little “Planet Trail.” The panoramic views over the lake and the Alps are absolutely worth the climb.
This tour wrapped up around 3:45 pm, and we left feeling like we’d actually seen Zurich, not just ticked off a few landmarks. It was the perfect introduction to the city and gave us ideas for what we wanted to explore more of later.
Don’t miss this WOW tour—book here to see Zurich by land, lake, and cable car!
Afternoon – Visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate
After the tour wraps up at Zurich’s main train station, it’s the perfect time to shift gears and treat yourself. We hopped on the S24 train for a quick 12-minute ride to Kilchberg, followed by a short walk to the Lindt Home of Chocolate, a spot that’s just as delicious as it is impressive.
We had reserved tickets for the 4:30 pm entry, which gave us a comfortable buffer after the tour and made everything feel seamless. Tours run every 30 minutes, but it’s a popular place, so book your tickets in advance here, especially for late afternoon slots.
Once inside, we wandered through beautifully designed exhibits on the history of Swiss chocolate, watched Lindt’s chocolatiers at work, and ended in the tasting room where fountains of molten chocolate flow freely. It’s one of those places where you fully lean into being a tourist, and it’s totally worth it.
Give yourself about 90 minutes to explore and maybe stock up on truffles at the enormous gift shop before heading back into the city.
Related Read: If you have more time in the city, check out our 7 best things to do in Zurich blog for more recommendations!
Dinner/evening – Tuk tuk fondue tour
There’s dinner, and then there’s dinner in a tuk-tuk, cruising through Zurich with a pot of bubbling fondue and a chilled bottle of white wine. This evening tour combines all three into one unforgettable night. After an afternoon of chocolate, it was the perfect way to wind down while still taking in the city from a whole new perspective.
To get there, we simply hopped back on the same train from Kilchberg to Zurich HB and walked three minutes to the meeting point. Easy! We booked the 8 pm slot, which gave us enough time to freshen up or wander a bit before the tour began.
Our guide, Martin, was an absolute gem—friendly, funny, and full of insights about Zurich. As we zipped past Grossmünster, Fraumünster, Limmatquai, and the cozy lanes of Niederdorf, we dipped fresh bread into rich, creamy cheese and clinked glasses to a night well spent. The e-tuk-tuk was quiet and eco-friendly, so it felt like a private, laid-back adventure through the heart of the city.
This is such a fun experience for first-time visitors. It gave us a great feel for Zurich’s neighborhoods and a few tips we wouldn’t have found in any guidebook. Just check out the glowing reviews here—it’s clearly a crowd favorite. Just note: you’ll need to book for at least two people, and the tour maxes out at four, so it’s super personal, and one of the most memorable things we did in Zurich!
Reserve this deliciously fun way to see Zurich here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 2
Breakfast – C.R.E.A.M. Coffee
We kicked off our second day in Zurich with a proper caffeine fix at C.R.E.A.M. Coffee—a stylish little café with serious third-wave vibes. The name says it all, but their coffee really is top-tier. I went for a flat white and a flaky croissant, while Dan went straight for their signature toast, which came stacked with creamy avocado and chili flakes.
It’s about a 20-minute walk from here to the meeting point for today’s tour, but with the morning still quiet and the city just starting to stir, the stroll felt like part of the experience. Plus, since we’d be sitting for a good portion of the tour, the walk was actually a welcome way to stretch our legs.
Keep in mind that C.R.E.A.M. opens at 7:30 am on weekdays, but not until 9 am on weekends. So if your tour falls on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll want to grab breakfast somewhere closer, or plan for a coffee stop later in the morning.
Take a day trip to Mount Titlis and Lucerne
After breakfast, we made our way back to Zurich HB, where the 9:30 am tour departure point is just a short walk from the main station. This full-day alpine excursion is perfect for travelers craving a mountain adventure, without having to plan a thing.
The day begins with a scenic coach ride through the Swiss countryside to Lucerne, where we take a quick guided tour before having free time to explore the charming Old Town on our own. It’s a great mix of structure and freedom, and we loved wandering past the colorful buildings and medieval bridges.
From there, it’s on to Engelberg, where the real adventure starts. We rode a rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis, with sweeping views of glaciers and the Alps all the way up. At the top, we braved the Titlis Cliff Walk—Europe’s highest suspension bridge—and took the Ice Flyer chairlift over deep glacier crevasses.
The best part? Snow tubing on the glacier! It’s available from May to October and was honestly one of the most fun things we did in Switzerland. In winter, beginner skiing is also an option.
If you want epic views and snowy fun in one day, this is the tour to book. Don’t just take our word for it—read over 1,000 five-star reviews here and see why travelers rave about this experience!
Don’t miss out – secure your spot on this popular day trip here!
Dinner – Zeughauskeller
After a full day in the Alps, we returned to Zurich and took a scenic 20-minute walk from the train station to Zeughauskeller, one of the city’s most iconic beer halls. The route winds through the charming historic district, and strolling past cobblestone streets and old guild houses felt like part of the experience.
Set in a former 15th-century armory, Zeughauskeller blends hearty Swiss food with historic charm. With long wooden tables, vaulted ceilings, and staff in traditional dress, it’s lively without feeling too loud and a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
We ordered the veal bratwurst with onion gravy and rösti, paired with a cold house beer, and it totally hit the spot. The menu is huge, with options for every palate, even if you’re not into meat or beer. It’s a popular spot, so be sure to book ahead, especially on weekends!
Where to Stay in Zurich
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.
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!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most European countries drive on the right-hand side, except for the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta, where you’ll drive on the left. Some countries also have unique road signs or rules, so it’s worth doing a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. Also, a compact car is great for narrow village roads or tight city parking. With Discover Cars, it’s super easy to filter for exactly what you need, whether that’s an automatic, a diesel engine, or extra luggage space.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
We love visiting Zurich – it’s a bustling city with lots of sights to see, but it still feels very fresh and outdoorsy. So, whether you’re crossing town on the train or enjoying a scenic cable car ride and relaxing on a lake cruise, you can easily enjoy all Zurich has to offer in a quick two-day trip!
Let us help you plan more of your travels and check out the rest of our Europe blogs! We love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. So here are a few related blogs that you can use to plan your next getaway:
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