Zürich in 3 Days: Culture, Cuisine, and Scenery!

Discover the picturesque splendor of Zürich, where Swiss traditions meet urban sophistication.

17 June 2023

As a tourist in Zurich, you can explore the rich history of the city by visiting the renowned museums and galleries. The tranquil Lake Zurich offers a serene environment for a boat ride while the stunning landscape surrounding the city is perfect for hiking and sightseeing. Indulge in the diverse culinary treats and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Zurich.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Zürich

  • Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Storchen Zürich 4.6
    10 photos

    Storchen Zürich

    4.6 (2335)

    Weinpl. 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

    Night club,Bar

    Polished quarters in an upscale riverfront hotel featuring a piano bar, a cafe & free breakfast.

    storchen.ch

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  • -Start your day off with a stroll along the Limmat River 4.7
    10 photos

    Limmat

    4.7 (101)

    Limmat, Switzerland

    Natural feature,Establishment

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    , where you can soak up the stunning views.
  • -Visit the Grossmünster Church 4.5
    10 photos

    Grossmünster

    4.5 (7580)

    Zwinglipl. 7, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

    Tourist attraction,Church

    Iconic twin-towered Romanesque cathedral, where 1500s religious reformer Huldrych Zwingli preached.

    grossmuenster.ch

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    , a beauty that houses the tombs of Zwingli and other important religious figures.
  • -Head to Zurich's old town 4.6
    10 photos

    Niederdorf

    4.6 (282)

    Marktgasse 9, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

    Pedestrian street with shops along narrow alleys, bars & street performers, plus a summer market.

    zuerich.com

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    for a shopping spree at Bahnhofstrasse, where you can shop the high-end designer stores.
  • Satisfy your appetite with a Swiss delights at Raclette Stube 4.4
    10 photos

    Raclette-Stube

    4.4 (1103) • $$

    Zähringerstrasse 16, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

    Restaurant,Food

    Quaint restaurant serving specialist dishes like cheese fondues & salads, plus hearty desserts.

    fondue-stuben.ch

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    , a restaurant that serves hot, melty cheese dishes
  • -Round off the day with a drink at Frau Gerold's Garten 4.5
    10 photos

    Frau Gerolds Garten

    4.5 (5761) • $$

    Geroldstrasse 23, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland

    Restaurant,Bar

    Eatery serving home-style cuisine in an urban garden setting, with heated tents in winter, plus bar.

    fraugerold.ch

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    , a funky outdoor bar with live music and a cozy ambiance.
Day 2

Exploring Zürich's Culture

  • Hotel Recommendation: Baur au Lac 4.6
    10 photos

    Baur au Lac

    4.6 (1415)

    Talstrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

    Restaurant,Lodging

    Swanky rooms & suites in a grand, luxe 1844 hotel offering 4 posh restaurants & canal views.

    bauraulac.ch

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  • Start your day with a scenic hike up to Uetliberg 4.7
    10 photos

    Uetliberg

    4.7 (1845)

    Uetliberg, 8143 Stallikon, Switzerland

    Natural feature,Establishment

    Small mountain with hiking trails to panoramas over Zürich, its lake & the Alps on clear days.

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    for a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
  • Take a cultural tour of the city centre
    10 photos

    City

    City, Zürich, Switzerland

    Sublocality level 2,Sublocality

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    , where you can observe the works of Andy Warhol, Max Bill, and other historic figures.
  • Indulge your inner foodie at Markthalle 4.3
    10 photos

    Markthalle

    4.3 (1937) • $$

    Limmatstrasse 231, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland

    Cafe,Bar

    Spacious, informal eatery with a vaulted stone ceiling, serving steak tartare & local fish dishes.

    restaurant-markthalle.ch

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    , where you will experience a wide range of foods from all around Europe.
  • Check out the Fraumünster Church 4.5
    10 photos

    Fraumünster Church

    4.5 (3061)

    Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

    Tourist attraction,Church

    Elegant church with a delicate, copper-topped spire, a crypt museum & stained glass by Marc Chagall.

    fraumuenster.ch

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    for the stunning glass windows painted by Chagall, a Swiss master artist.
  • Embrace your artistic side at Kunsthalle Zürich 4.2
    10 photos

    Kunsthalle Zürich

    4.2 (172)

    Limmatstrasse 270, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland

    Tourist attraction,Art gallery

    Spacious commercial art gallery exhibiting international artists, in a converted Lowenbrau brewery.

    kunsthallezurich.ch

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    , where you can catch a glimpse of some international art displays from all around the world.
Day 3

Goodbye, Zürich

  • Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich 4.5
    10 photos

    Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich

    4.5 (968)

    Bahnhofpl. 7, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

    Lodging,Point of interest

    Refined rooms & suites in a posh property offering dining & a bar, plus a free champagne breakfast.

    hotelschweizerhof.com

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  • Get your blood flowing with a swim at the historic Zurich, Schanzengraben canal 4.7
    10 photos

    Schanzengraben

    4.7 (13)

    Schanzengraben, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

    Natural feature,Establishment

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    .
  • Take a walk through the peaceful oasis of the botanical gardens 4.7
    10 photos

    Botanical Garden

    4.7 (2787)

    Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland

    Tourist attraction,Park

    University-run city garden with 3 tropical glass domes & a pond, plus guided tours & botany courses.

    bg.uzh.ch

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    , home to thousands of species of plant life from across the globe.
  • Have lunch at trendy Embassies café , where you can indulge in wonderful vegan delicacies.
  • Make sure to visit Lake Zürich 4.8
    10 photos

    Lake Zurich

    4.8 (1426)

    Lake Zurich, Switzerland

    Natural feature,Establishment

    A hot spot in the summer, this picturesque, large lake features boating, swimming & mountain views.

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    , take a boat tour and appreciate the water, and the beautiful view that surrounds you.
  • Finally, end your trip with a sweet treat at Café Sprüngli 3.5
    10 photos

    Confiserie Sprüngli | Café & Lounge

    3.5 (13)

    Zürich Flugahfen, Level 2 B-2-150-10/Airside Center, 8058 Zürich, Switzerland

    Cafe,Food

    spruengli.ch

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    , where it's a must to try signature Swiss chocolates.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Zürich, Switzerland by plane is to fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) from major airports around the world.

Car

If you prefer driving to Zürich, Switzerland, you can rent a car from any major city in Europe and take the A1 and A4 highways to reach the city. However, it's important to keep in mind that driving in Switzerland is expensive due to tolls and parking fees.

Train

Traveling to Zürich, Switzerland by train is also an option. You can take EuroCity or TGV trains to Zurich Hauptbahnhof, which is the city's main train station.

Boat

Although not a direct option, it is possible to travel to Zürich, Switzerland by boat. You can take a river cruise from multiple European cities such as Basel and Amsterdam to reach the city. These cruises usually dock at Zurich's Burkliplatz, which is located near the city center.

Bus

Buses are available to travel to Zürich from major European cities such as Munich, Milan, and Paris. You can take Eurolines or Flixbus to reach the Sihlquai Bus Terminal, which is located in the city center.

Destination

Zürich

Welcome to a city that's so clean it puts your conscience to shame, and a language that's so difficult it'll make you want to scream. Willkommen in Zürich!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Zürich on a Budget: 4 Days of Family Fun!

Zürich, Switzerland offers a fantastic family-friendly destination with its picturesque landscapes, cultural attractions, and exciting activities. Families can explore the charming Old Town, visit the renowned Zurich Zoo, where children can interact with various animals, and take a boat ride on Lake Zürich to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. From museums and parks to chocolate factories and hiking trails, Zürich promises an unforgettable vacation for the whole family to enjoy.

Zürich on a Budget: Culture, Nature & Fun

A budget trip to Zürich, Switzerland can be a challenge, but it is possible. Start by staying in budget hostels or Airbnbs. Explore the city on foot or with a budget-friendly ZurichCARD that offers discounts on attractions. Finally, sample Swiss cuisine like raclette, fondue or bread, or visit the farmers' market for local produce to keep costs low.

Zürich on a Budget: 2 Days of Fun!

Zürich may be known for its luxury, but it is still possible to have a great trip on a limited budget. Take advantage of free activities such as visiting Lake Zurich or walking around the old town. There are also affordable options for food and accommodations if you do some research beforehand.

Ultimate 4-Day Zürich Adventure: Budget to Luxury

Zürich, Switzerland can be an expensive city to travel to, but with some planning, a limited budget trip is possible. Opt for budget accommodations such as hostels or Airbnb, and take advantage of the city's excellent public transportation system. Visit free or low-cost attractions such as the Swiss National Museum, Fraumünster Church, and explore the city's parks and markets.