Cityscape of downtown Zurich in Switzerland during sunset.

Itineraries for Your Trip to Zurich

Zurich locals share their perfect days.
Find your Zurich

1 Day in Zurich for First Timers

Curated by Leah Still JollLeah Still Joll is a freelance writer based in San Francisco with a specialty in travel writing. Her favorite destinations include Maui, Sayulita, the Northern California coast, Paris, Morocco, Indonesia, and Western Australia.

With a walkable center and efficient public transportation, Zurich is easy to see in just one day. From the historical architecture of Old Town (Altstadt) to the waterfront to sweet treats, here are our top ways to take advantage of your limited time in Switzerland’s largest city.


Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Swiss National Museum to see gothic art, photography, pottery, and other objects that detail Switzerland’s cultural history, and then get an overview of the city on a tour by electric tuk-tuk, which provides a look at major landmarks like the Grossmunster in a short amount of time. You can also make the most of your stay by booking a private tour of city highlights, which can be customized to suit your interests.

Afternoon

Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Swiss chocolate and other treats with a sweets-themed walking tour, or combine top attractions with a cruise on Lake Zurich and a visit to the Lindt chocolate shop. If sweets aren’t your thing, you can get acquainted with Fraumunster, Bahnhofstrasse, and the Lake Zurich waterfront on a 2-hour walking tour.

Night

There are a few options for experiencing the art of cheese in Zurich. An afternoon and evening culinary tour includes a fondue dinner, or opt for a tuk-tuk and fondue tour if you prefer something quicker. For a more immersive experience, take a master class to learn how to pair cheese and wine.

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