25 amazing things to do in Zurich

Zurich’s place to be seen is the Flussbad Oberer letten Badi, the oldest bathing house in Zurich dating back to 1909. This historical bathing house is basically where you’ll find locals as soon as the sun comes out to play, but you’ll see the hard nuts there during winter too. Plus there’s beach volleyball courts and a 400-metre swimming pool if floating down the river Limmat is not your thing.

Time Out tip: Check out nearby Panama bar and restaurant for a post-swim snack and tipple. 

Zurich’s Kunsthaus may not be the MoMa or the Tate, but it has plenty to offer. Lovers of Alberto Giacometti will find a whole series of rooms dedicated to the Swiss artist and sculptor, and the likes of Van Gogh, Monet and Chagall are displayed in small but bright rooms on the top floor. Kunsthaus is Switzerland’s largest art museum and you’ll always find an exciting pop-ups, exhibitions or event there, and the permanent collection is free every Wednesday. Find Swiss artists, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, the largest collection of paintings by Edward Munch outside of Norway and a whole lot more. 

Time Out tip: Some say the top floor is the best floor, so if you are strapped for time, head up there first. 

Lake Zurich is one of the most popular lakes in Switzerland and during the summer it comes alive with people swimming, kayaking and having a great time. There’s the Alpamare in Pfäffikon, the largest covered water park in Europe, and the beautiful islands of Ufenau and Lützelau near Rapperswil, but most locals head to the lesser-known Alex Lake Resort. There’s a lot happening, including wakeboarding and paddleboarding, and you can hitch a private boat straight into town afterwards.

The old town stretches between Central and Bellevue and is often referred to as the ‘Dörfli’ by locals. It actually consists of two parts – Niederdorf and Oberdorf. Though something of a tourist trap (fondue restaurants and souvenir shops are common here) the old buildings and narrow streets are charming enough, and you’ll find quirky shops and cosy bars galore, even if things are a little expensive. Don’t miss Cabaret Voltaire, the cradle of Dada, or opt for a porchetta roll, basque cheesecake and some bubbles at Ora Bar. For impressive views of the city, climb up one of the towers of Grossmünster, then stop by Bodega Espanola for a bolstering Moscatel.

Zurich offers great access to some of Switzerland’s most famed mountain resorts, so make sure to add one to itinerary if you’ve got a week or more in Zurich. Choose to keep things local and take a two-hour train to Andermatt (make sure to take a selfie next to the petrol station where 007 Goldfinger was filmed) before embodying Bond himself with a cigar The Chedi. Or pick a lesser known region without the crowds; it’s five hours to the Black Forest in southern Germany. Stay at third-generation family-run Waldfrieden NaturparkHotel, and don’t forget to eat a slice or two of their homemade Black Forest cake. 

It would be a sin to visit any Swiss town and not have fondue, and Zurich has some crackers. After all, it’s the gastro-city of Switzerland, and a hell of a lot of chefs are putting their own spins and glamming up the humble fondue so expect four-cheese, truffle and champagne variations. The Widder Garden is one of the best, (in winter, the bubbling cauldron of cheese can be enjoyed inside a portable gondola). Some other fancy options are the MO Winter Terrace and Restaurant Le Dézaley. Or book onto a fondue tour (yep, they exist!)

Football fan or not, sipping on an ice-cold beer and playing footy is a pretty universally-enjoyed experience. My favourite way to do it is to rent a bike and head to Zurich’s FIFA Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the history of the game and compete in a load of interactive games. Until August 2025, the museum is putting on a special exhibition to mark its 120th birthday, exploring how football has shaped popular culture (oh, and you can play a FIFA pinball machine). Cycle for a few more minutes to the former Hurlimann brewery at B2 Boutique Hotel and grab a beer (or two) for your efforts. 

Known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Bahnhofstrasse is popular with visitors. Its lower half (starting from the main station) is filled with the usual high street brands, while most of the luxury shops are situated at the upper end, close to Bürkliplatz and the lake. Tourists all flock to the tourist-popular Café Sprüngli, but if you want a really good cup of Italian coffee and something sweet, head straight to Bar 45. There are plenty of major luxury brands on the high street, but just off it you’ll find lovely boutiques like Coup d'Oeil Boutique and Ann&Line Paris – pricey but just as fun for window shopping. In December, wait until dark to see the dazzling lights of ‘Lucy’, Bahnhofstrasse’s custom made Christmas illumination. 

Europe is obsessed with saunas, but Zurich takes them very seriously indeed. And for a truly unique experience, you can hire out a whole sauna boat for up to six people and sweat it out right on the water, surrounded by incredible views of the city. A four-hour session costs CHF 450 (£397, $497), and you can jump straight into icy Lake Zurich to cool off. Yes, you can buy drinks too. If you’re looking for something more upmarket, book a spa day at Alex Lake Resort for the whole shabang; sauna, steam bath and a cold plunge, on the lake’s beautiful Thalwill side (just note that the resort is closed for refurbishment until April 2025). 

Originally a run down area full of decaying warehouses, Zurich West – also called ‘Kreis 5’ or ‘Industriequartier’ – is now an alternative heart of the town. Its main attraction is the Viadukt, a stretch of shops, restaurants and bars built into the arches of the old railway viaduct that runs between the bank of the river Limmat and Hardbrücke station. Nearby Frau Gerolds Garten is has cute shops, an urban garden and some seasonal attractions like a Saturday market in summer and a fondue tent in winter. Napule is a favourite with locals (and Roger Federer) for Neapolitan-style pizza.