What to do in Zurich: Top 10 best sights
Most of the important tourist attractions in Zurich are concentrated in the central region, where visitors can visit the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches; the Lindenhof — which offers a beautiful view of the Limmat River; good restaurants, bars and cafes; the City Hall, the beautiful Lake Zürich with a view of the Alps and so on.
Super interesting museums keep several treasures, such as the Landesmuseum and the Kunsthaus – which houses works of art by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Manet and Matisse. Other important sights in Zurich are the Limmatquai, the Peterskirche, the Paradeplatz, the Bürkliplatz, the Rathaus and the Opernhaus Zürich. At least two full days are needed in the destination to explore the main tourist part of Zurich.
Table of Contents
Discover the 10 best sights in Zurich!
1 – Limmatquai
As you walk along the Limmat River, you’ll pass by several important points of Zurich, such as the city hall building — in Baroque and Renaissance styles —, and you’ll also enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city, a mix between nature and nature. concrete of buildings on the banks of the river. Not to mention that the area still has a series of shops, restaurants and bars perfect for a late afternoon drink!
2 – Lindenhof
Lindenhof is great to explore. In the area, there are several bars, restaurants/cafes and shops that sell a little bit of everything. It was also the scene of some important events and holds much of Zurich’s history. An example of this is that the area was home to a Roman Fort, dating from the 4th century, and even today it displays a series of historic buildings and medieval cobblestone alleys.
3 – St. Peter’s Church
Built in the 9th century, St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) is the oldest religious temple in Zurich. In fact, the tower’s beautiful clock is believed to be the largest of its kind in Europe, measuring 9 meters in diameter (the bells date back to 1880).
4 – Grossmünster
The Grossmünster is one of Zurich’s most visited attractions, with the church’s twin spiers a famous landmark. The 12th-century temple is believed to have been erected over the tombs of the city’s patron saints, Felix, Regula and Exuperantius. It is possible to climb to the top of the North Tower, more or less 200 steps, to admire one of the most beautiful views of Zurich. Entrance to the church is free.
5 – Kunsthaus Zurich
Art lovers cannot miss the Kunsthaus Museum in Zurich which, right at the door, exhibits a beautiful work by Rodin: “The Gates of Hell”. And if the visit already starts full of highlights from the outside, imagine the internal area, which holds treasures left by renowned artists, such as Monet, Manet, Matisse, among many others.
6 – ZSG Zurich State Museum
Housed in a beautiful palace behind Zurich Train Station, the Swiss National Museum is among the most visited in the city. The site houses a huge collection of objects (at least 800,000), which tell the country’s history from the prehistoric period to the present day.
7 – Parade Square
Surrounded by renowned financial institutions, Paradeplatz is a square in Zurich known for being a major shopping center. Furthermore, the location is an intersection between Lake Zurich, the Old Town and the famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street. So it is very likely that you end up going there at least once.
8 – Bürkliplatz
From the Bürkliplatz pier, very nice boat tours depart on Lake Zurich and the region, in addition, the area offers a beautiful view of the Swiss Alps on clear days. A perfect place for those who like to take pictures or just want to relax for a while while enjoying a beautiful view.
9 – City Hall
The beautiful old building in Baroque and Renaissance style houses Zurich’s town hall. A place located on the right bank of the Limmat River, where visitors can learn about the entire history of local politics through various objects and works of art on display.
10 – Zurich Opera House
The Zurich Concert Hall is one of the smallest in the world, with a capacity of 1,100 seats, but it is still a luxury, both outside and inside. In fact, the venue — stage for ballet, theater and music performances — has hosted many well-known people in the art world. Guided Tours are a good way to get to know the history behind the productions already made. Tours are booked in advance.
Great resource for planning a trip to Zurich – lots of fun activities to choose from!
This is a great article with great ideas for those looking to explore Zurich!