Zürich
The Top 10 Highlights of Zurich – a Must for Every Visitor
Zurich combines medieval lanes, world-class art and a turquoise-green lake in a very small space. Switzerland's largest city can be covered on foot over a long weekend and keeps surprising you along the way: behind a Romanesque church façade a Chagall window awaits, behind a factory hall a design studio. If you are looking for sights in Zurich, you will find history and the present day close side by side.
This guide takes you through the most important sights – from the old town by way of Lake Zurich and the museums to the viewpoint hills and family-friendly destinations. There are also practical pointers on how to experience the city without rushing and which places combine well.
The Most Important Sights in Zurich's Historic Centre
The historic centre is home to the best-known sights. The old town, with its medieval lanes, guildhalls and magnificent façades, tells the story of the city in a short walk – both banks of the Limmat are easy to link on foot.
Grossmünster – The City's Landmark
The Grossmünster is the landmark par excellence. The Romanesque church with its characteristic twin towers has shaped the skyline since the 12th century and also marks the place where the Swiss Reformation began.
- Climb the 187 steps up the Karlsturm for a spectacular view
- Admire the modern stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti
- Discover the crypt with its historic foundations
- Learn more about the Reformation, which began here
💡 Tip: The climb up the Karlsturm is especially rewarding at sunset, when the city is bathed in golden light.
Fraumünster with the Famous Chagall Windows
The Fraumünster is one of the culturally most valuable sights in town. The Gothic church looks understated from outside – inside, the world-famous stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall come into their own as soon as daylight falls through the choir.
- Marvel at the five Chagall windows in the choir
- Discover the rose window by Augusto Giacometti
- Visit the crypt with its archaeological finds
- Enjoy concerts in the exceptional acoustics
On the Picturesque Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich forms the natural heart of the city. The lakeside promenade and the adjoining gardens combine relaxation and culture – and this is where Zurich feels most relaxed.
Seepromenade and Bürkliplatz
The Seepromenade is one of the most relaxing places in the city. Here you can let your mind wander while watching city life, with the mountains coming into view in the background.
- Stroll along the well-kept lakeside promenade
- Visit the lively Bürkliplatz with its markets
- Enjoy a picnic in the lakeside gardens
- Take a boat trip on Lake Zurich
- Relax at one of the lido beaches
If you are looking for a spot by the water after your walk, you will find one along the shore: we have put together the loveliest restaurants with a terrace and lake view in a separate article.
💡 Tip: On Saturdays a colourful flea market takes place at Bürkliplatz, which is one of the most popular attractions. If you take a liking to old pieces there, you can carry on browsing afterwards in the city's antiques shops.
Cultural Sights for Art Lovers
Zurich has a museum landscape that is unusually dense for a city of this size. World-class collections lie only a few tram stops apart, which makes museum visits attractive even in rainy weather.
Kunsthaus Zürich – Masterpieces of Modernism
The Kunsthaus Zürich presents one of the most important art collections in Europe and is the first port of call for anyone interested in modern painting.
- Admire works by Monet, Picasso and Chagall
- Discover the largest Munch collection outside Norway
- Visit changing special exhibitions
- Enjoy Swiss art from the Middle Ages to the present
Schweizerisches Landesmuseum
The Schweizerisches Landesmuseum, right behind the main station, tells the country's history vividly and is among the most instructive museums in town.
- Explore 800 years of Swiss cultural history
- Marvel at historic weapons and armour
- Discover traditional craftsmanship
- Learn about the development of Swiss democracy
Modern Sights in the Trendy District
Zurich also shows its modern side. Innovative architecture, converted industrial halls and contemporary culture shape the city's newer attractions.
Zürich West – The Creative Quarter
Zürich West has developed from an industrial area into one of the trendiest districts. Between viaduct arches, studios and clubs, a completely different perspective on the city opens up.
Prime Tower and Maag-Areal
The Prime Tower symbolises modern Zurich and adds a spectacular high-rise to the list of architectural sights.
- Admire the tallest skyscraper in Switzerland
- Visit the viewing platform on the 36th floor
- Discover the converted industrial area of Zürich West
- Enjoy the restaurants and bars in the quarter
💡 Tip: The view from the Prime Tower is especially spectacular in clear weather – you can see as far as the Alps!
Sights with a Panoramic View
For the best views over the city, the elevated points around the centre are worth the trip. From up here the geography of the city on the Limmat becomes clear at a glance: river, lake and range of hills.
Uetliberg – Zurich's Local Mountain
The Uetliberg offers probably the most spectacular view of any attraction here and is also the city's most popular nearby recreation area.
- Take the S-Bahn conveniently to the summit
- Enjoy the 360-degree panorama over city and lake
- Hike on the well-signposted paths
- Visit the lookout tower for an even better view
- Relax in the restaurants on the mountain
Lindenhof – A Historic Viewpoint
The Lindenhof combines history with a grand view and is one of the quietest spots in town – in the middle of the centre and yet away from the bustle.
- Look out over the old town and the Limmat
- Learn more about the Roman past
- Play a game of chess on the public boards
- Enjoy the peace in the middle of the city
Family-Friendly Sights
Even with children a stay here won't get boring. Several destinations combine fun and learning and work in any weather.
Zoo Zürich – A Nature Experience in the City
The Zoo Zürich is among the most popular attractions for families and is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world.
- Visit the tropical Masoala rainforest hall
- Watch the penguin parade at Pinguinland
- Discover the Mongolian steppe in the Kaeng Krachan Elefantenpark
- Take part in feedings and guided tours
- Relax on the generous playgrounds
FIFA World Football Museum
The FIFA Museum tells the history of football and adds an international attraction to the city's sporting sights.
- Marvel at the original World Cup trophies
- Test your football skills in interactive areas
- Find out all about the history of the World Cup
- Visit changing special exhibitions
📍 Discover more: Explore further recommendations for Zurich on our city page.
Conclusion – Experiencing the Sights in Zurich
Zurich delights with an extraordinary variety of sights, ranging from historic churches to modern museums. The city on Lake Zurich combines tradition and innovation without one displacing the other.
The key takeaways for your visit:
- Allow at least 2–3 days to experience the main sights
- Use the excellent public transport network to get around easily
- Combine culture, nature and culinary experiences
- Visit both the historic old town and modern districts
- Enjoy the spectacular viewpoints over city and lake
For a stay with character, take a look at our selection of boutique hotels in Zurich – they are often closer to the sights than the big hotels on the edge of town. See for yourself why Zurich is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sights in Zurich
Which sights should you definitely visit?
The absolute must-sees include the Grossmünster, the Fraumünster with its Chagall windows, the Kunsthaus Zürich and the Uetliberg. These four attractions give a very good impression of the city because they cover history, art and landscape.
How many days do you need for the sights?
Allow at least two to three days. That leaves enough time for museums, churches and viewpoints without having to rush from one destination to the next. A single day is only enough for the old town and a detour to the lake.
Are the sights expensive?
Many destinations are free to visit, such as the churches, the Lindenhof, the Seepromenade and the parks. Museums charge admission, and with the Zürich Card you get discounts as well as free travel on public transport.
Which sights are suitable for children?
Especially family-friendly are the Zoo Zürich, the FIFA Museum and the Seepromenade with its playgrounds. A boat trip on Lake Zurich and the trip up the Uetliberg also go down well with children.
Can you reach the sights on foot?
The central destinations lie in the compact old town and are easy to reach on foot. For more distant points such as the zoo, the Uetliberg or Zürich West, it is best to use the tram, bus or S-Bahn – services are frequent.
What is worth doing in bad weather?
When it rains, the Kunsthaus, the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum and the FIFA Museum are good options. The interiors of the Grossmünster and Fraumünster, as well as the shops and cafés of the old town, also combine well into a bad-weather day.
Thomas Zimmermann
