A local’s guide to Zürich
Visiting a new city is always exciting. Knowing what to do, where to eat and how to get around can, however, be a bit difficult. With this guide, we want to help you make the most out of our time in this beautiful city.
This guide will be structured in multiple parts so that you can easily find what you are looking for. Like Zürich itself, this guide will constantly evolve and grow to represent the many changes in the city. The parts we’ll talk about are:
- Getting around
- What to see
- Where to eat
- Where to have a drink
- Local tips & day trips
Getting around
You have many different options to move around in Zürich and each one of them offers pros and cons. We’ve made a list of the most common options that you might consider.
- Use public transportation. The public transportation network in Switzerland is excellent and highly reliable. You can use trams, buses or trains all with the same ticket. Within Zürich, you have the option to either purchase a ticket that is valid for 1 hour or one that is valid for 24 hours. A 24-hour ticket will only set you back 6.20CHF and you can book it directly through their website or you can also download their app to book the tickets from your mobile phone (download the ZVV app from the Swiss App Store). Alternatively, you can also check out the website of the Swiss trains for timetable information and ticket prices. It doesn’t matter on which website you buy your tickets, both are valid if you stay within the right zones (for most parts of Zürich, zone 110 will be just fine).
- Use e-scooters. New to Zürich is a multitude of companies that offer the joy of exploring the city on e-scooters — at fairly low prices. Be sure to always respect the traffic laws and ride them in the bike lanes (not the pavement) whenever possible. You may download any of the following apps for access to the e-scooters: Lime, Circ, Bird or Tier. Prices vary but for shorter distances, you will not pay more than 5–6CHF. To give you an example, one nightly excursion cost Timo CHF15 for a 45-minute ride.
- Walk. Unlike other big cities, Zürich can be easily explored by walking. Most things are within walking distance and it would be a shame if you missed some of the most picturesque spots because you were on the train. Use Google Maps to get around and you will do just fine.
- Hire an Uber. Should all things fail, you still have the option to use an Uber. Uber is 100% legal in Zürich and can be used in all areas. Expect prices to be about 30–50% cheaper than taxis. An Uber from Zürich main station to Oerlikon is about 20CHF. An Uber from Oerlikon to the airport about 20CHF as well (12-minute ride).
What to see
As you can imagine, Zürich has a lot to offer and we would be lying if we said we saw all of it. Below you can find a summary of the things we like to do/see the most. Alternatively, we have also included some links to external sources that have already done an amazing job in outlining things you might want to consider.
The lakeshore. One of the most picturesque views you will get right by the lake around Bellevue Platz. A big square right by the lake with the Opera house on one side and the lake on the other. You will absolutely want to wander along the pedestrian zone and enjoy the beautiful view, get ice cream (the best one is a bit further down the lake called “Gelati am See”) from one of the many stands or enjoy the sun. Along here you can jump in the lake wherever you want or you can buy an entrance ticket to Seebad Utoquai, one of our favourites. But also in autumn, winter and spring, this part of Zurich are majestic. Snowy mountains in the background make for a great picture.
Frau Gerold's Garten. We love this place and if you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, some music and a hip location, this is the place for you. Come here on a nice and sunny day, since it is mostly outdoors. Here you will find small shops, bars, coffee places (ViCafé is highly recommended) as well as a badminton hall right next to it. To visit, you can take the train to “Hardbrücke” and walk 2 minutes to reach Frau Gerold’s Garten. If you can, try the ice cream from Gelateria di Berna. It’s the absolute best ice cream you will taste and very reasonably priced for Zürich standards.
Uetliberg. The best place to get an awesome view over Zürich. You have multiple options to reach the top. We recommend you take the train and walk about 15–25 minutes to the top. At the top, you get the chance to take breathtaking pictures and have a drink in the restaurant. If you are coming up here in summer, expect a lot of mountain bikers and hikers. If you’re going there in the winter, bring good shoes as there might be snow. Uetliberg is the closest escape from the busy city and locals love it.
Old town. Zürich’s old town allows you to experience the city from a different side. Buildings here are from the Renaissance period, which provides a beautiful backdrop for great pictures. If you’re interested, there are a few different walking tours that can give you more information about the city’s multifaceted past. Not-to-miss sights here include the Grossmünster (Zürich’s landmark towers), Peterskirche (has Europe’s largest clock face), Lindenhof (great view) and Augustinergasse (picturesque historical street) amongst many more.
Art & Culture. Culture fans in Zürich are spoilt for choice. There are so many different exhibitions, concerts, theatres and festivals going in Zürich at any given time. Check online to see which interests you during your stay. The official Visit Zürich page is a good website for a very complete overview. Once a year in Autumn, the museums open their doors to the public all night long in the “Late Night at Zürich’s Museums”.
Zürich Zoo. You might have heard of the zoo in Zürich. It’s certainly the biggest zoo in Switzerland and is located above Zürich allowing for great views over the city and a peaceful escape from the bustling city. If you come during a weekday, you won’t encounter too many people and get to look at the animals in quite. You can already purchase your tickets online for 26CHF for a regular ticket. If you are a student, bring your student card and you will only pay 21CHF.
Where to eat
We love food and we are excited to give you a rundown of our most loved restaurants and places to eat in Zürich. Despite the fact that Zürich can be quite expensive, with the right tips and knowledge you will be able to get extremely good food at a relatively affordable price. Make your choice and for sure let us know how you liked it. For each place, we give a price estimate from $-$$$$. Depending on your food preferences and quantities as well as the number of drinks you order the indication might be different for you. If you are on a budget, we suggest you check out the menu for all of them before you make up your mind.
Asian cuisine
Co Chin Chin. One of the most popular Asian fusion restaurants in town. They serve great Vietnamese dishes and have a decent selection of drinks. Their casual setup invites for a fun dinner out with friends. Make sure to book your table in advance.
Price range: $$$
Phò Na. Our all-time favourite, quick stop Asian restaurant right next to the main station. We come here a lot and always ask for the same dishes: Phò Bo (Beef noodle soup and Mi Vit (Duck noodle soup). For 20CHF each you get a decent meal at a very good value.
Price range: $
Asia Express. Another great Asian restaurant right in the centre of Oerlikon. Delicious soups and Vietnamese recipes. The service is fast and polite. They speak English as well.
Price range: $$
Achi. By now you understand that we really like Asian food. But Achi cannot go unmentioned on our suggestion list. A cute place with many large tables where most likely you will share your table with other people and with friendly staff. The food is delicious too. Order a couple of dishes to share and you will love it. Get some veggies, order a meaty dish and a side such as rice or fried rice.
Price range: $$
Uncle 7. Authentic Dim Sum at its very best. Here styling and design are irrelevant. All that matters is the food. You have to try the Siao Long Bao dumplings (if you haven’t tasted them before, this will blow your tastebuds away!). Make sure to punch a hole in them with your chopsticks at the top to let out the steam, then add some vinegar and eat them with a bit of ginger. AMAZING! Needless to say that all the other options, including some vegetarian ones, are amazing too.
Price range: $$
Italian
SO Pizza. We hope you are ready for this. SO Pizza is a relatively new concept and is great for everyone that loves pizza and eating, a lot. It’s simple, you pay 30.- per person and what you will get is a bowl of salad and unlimited slices of pizza for 2 hours. The extremely friendly waiters will walk around with freshly made pizza and you get to choose if you want a piece or not. Be prepared to walk out of here completely full and ready to fall into a food coma. But in our eyes, it’s totally worth it. Be sure to make a reservation.
Price range: $$
Stripped Pizza. Are you a pizza lover? Well, then this is the place for you (they have multiple outlets in Zürich) and make extremely fresh pizza that you can customize as you please. If you come for lunch, be prepared to queue.
Price range: $$
Cucina. Do you speak Italian? If not, prepare yourself to speak mostly with your hands and feet. This typical Italian restaurant is well known for its traditional cuisine and the waiters that will speak (mostly) in Italian with you. Great pasta, superb wine and a fun traditional Italian atmosphere. Booking required as the tables are limited.
Price range: $$$
Vegetarian & Vegan
Hiltl. The world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant (according to the Guinness Book of Records) is in Zürich. Founded in 1898, Hiltl offers a buffet with hundreds of different vegetarian dishes. You pay by weight, so careful about how much you pile on!
Price range: $-$$$
Roots. You’ve guessed it right: we had to include a vegan restaurant in our suggestions. Roots is one of the most established vegan restaurants in the city and they do a great job at serving delicious breakfast and brunch on the weekend. As non-vegans, we can definitely vouch for this place. Brunch is only on Saturday and Sunday.
Price range: $$
Mediterranean
Maison Blunt. If you feel like a healthy yet delicious meal that you can share with your travel companion, partner or even just with yourself you will love Maison Blunt. They have a huge selection of warm and cold mezze that you can choose from. And if you’re still hungry after those, you can order a dish from the grill or some couscous. You would also want to consider Maison Blunt for their breakfast. They offer traditional breakfast with eggs and cheese or even dishes with a twist of Mediterranean touch to it.
Price range: $$$
Neni. Located in the 25-hours Hotel (see the bar recommendation below), Neni is a treat. On the weekend they offer an all you can eat brunch with champagne for about 45CHF. In the evenings Neni is a superb place to eat mezze platters and many other Israeli dishes. This place never disappoints. The friendly staff will help you make sense of the menu if you need any help and the ambience is relaxed and lively.
Price range: $$$
Swiss
Zeughauskeller. A typical Swiss restaurant with a special atmosphere. The place is huge and they often have over 300 bookings on a weekday night. They serve traditional Swiss food (Zürchergeschnetzeltes) and other delicious things like Cordonbleu, Schnitzel or cheese-based food. Not your cheapest eat but a great place for groups and some good fun.
Price range: $$$
Le Dézaley. Can it get more Swiss than at Le Dézaley? Probably. But this place offers everything we Swiss enjoy: Great cheese, amazing wines, a traditional location in the old town and fast service. Wear clothes you were going to change anyway since you will smell like a little cheese yourself after coming here. Try their raclette or fondue if you’re into cheese. Otherwise, take a piece of meat and indulge.
Price range: $$$
Coffee
Mame. The best coffee in town. Period. They have their own coffee roastery and are a perfectionist when it comes to coffee. Ask them for recommendations and they will serve you the most delicious espresso, cappuccino or late. A must if you like coffee. They have two locations in the city.
Price range: $
Vi Café. A well-established name in the Zürich coffee culture with outlets at the most well-known locations. You can’t miss it, there’s usually a queue in front of any of their window shops. High-quality coffee served to perfection. Don’t even think of Starbucks if you’ve got a Vi Café close by.
Price range: $
If that’s not enough food recommendations for you or if you simply don’t fancy any of these, Harrys Ding is an awesome food blog with an even bigger selection of the best places to eat in Zürich. One thing you should know about Zürich’s food scene: it’s not cheap, make sure to book in advance and leave a little tip if you're satisfied with the service.
Where to have a drink
There are many bars and clubs in Zürich and below are our favourites. You will be able to find a lot of places along famously known Langstrasse where bars and clubs are open until the early morning hours. It’s also the place where you will manage to find fast food until late at night. If you’re not into that, try these more laid back places for a nice drink.
25 hours Hotel. Located on Langstrasse, this hotel has a huge bar on the ground floor. You will be able to find a place to sit here nearly every time and the service is fast and friendly.
Price range: $$$
Widder Garage. This bar is located very close to the Zeughauskeller and ideal for a digestive. This used to be an actual garage that has now become a trendy address for party-goers. In summer they have an outdoor area with chairs and tables. In cooler months, dance away in their indoor space. Be warned, the drinks can get quite pricy here (8–10 for a small beer and around 16–25CHF for a long drink).
Price range: $$$
Rimini Bar. One of the most iconic bars in summer, this place scores with the location and set up. Used as a swimming pool for men only during the day this bar is great to unwind with a glass of wine or a beer right by the river.
Price range: $$
Dante. A hip bar in the Langstrasse area where you can get extremely delicious Moscow Mules and other long drinks. It usually gets packed quite quickly on the weekend. If you want a seat, come early. Try their gins, they will blow you away.
Price range: $$$
Pumpstation. Right by the lake, this place is known for its iconic owner. Always friendly and happy, Baba will make you laugh and enjoy that beer or wine even more. They also offer delicious sausages and meat cuts from the wooden grill. Try it, we’re sure you will love it.
Price range: $$
Kaiser Franz & Paddy O’Reilly’s. Are a fan of the pub culture and like a good beer while watching sports on TV? These two pubs are your preferred choice in that case. Both of them offer a wide selection of beers and drinks. Paddy O’Reilly’s also offers very good food at reasonable prices. Kaiser Franz is just for liquid food (if you know what we mean). They will show a lot of soccer and other sports and Paddy O’Reilly’s even turns into some form of a nightclub on Saturday evening after 11 pm.
Price range: $$
Local tips & day trips from Zürich
Cool off in the river or lakes around Zürich. Switzerland has pristine rivers and lakes to swim in. In fact, in some places the water is so pure, that fish can’t even survive! In the summer, you’ll find everyone escaping the heat by hanging out around the many lakes and riverfronts. The “badis” (Swiss German for “baths”) at Oberer and Unter Letten are a popular spot to do so. Jump into the river and let the current drift you downstream. Get out when it suits you and walk back up the river to repeat!
Zen out a free yoga class. Do you practice yoga and are staying in Zürich over the weekend? In that case, we have a top insider tip for you. Lululemon offers free yoga classes on Saturday morning between 9–10 am. All you need to do to secure your spot is sign up on their Eventbrite site right here. Done deal. Enjoy the class and the potential shopping in their store afterwards.
Relax at the thermal baths with a view over the city. If you want to treat yourself to some spa time, this is 100% gonna be your top choice. The thermal baths in Zürich don’t only offer all the luxury you can think off, they also offer fantastic views over the whole city. Come at a less popular time (weekdays during working hours) and you will get to enjoy a lot of peace and quiet. Check out their website for more information here. Ticket prices depend on the package you choose but start at 36CHF per person for the day.
Admire pumpkin art at the Juckerfarm. If you leave from Oerlikon or the main station in Zürich, all you have to do is take train S14 direction Hinwil and get off at the stop called Aathal. From there its an easy 20-minute walk to the Juckerfarm where you will get to see pumpkin art at its finest. On top of that, they have great local food and plenty of seats for you to enjoy the view over the lake. Pumpkin season starts around the end of September. That’s when the place starts to get really busy too.
Visit the capital, Bern. If you have a little time to spare and want to get on a train for an hour, one of the places you should absolutely go and see is the capital Bern. Only an hour by direct train, the capital offers a lot of cultural things to do and a magnificent old town. Bern is also famous for its little ‘house mountain’ called Gurten where in summer top acts hold concerts during the Gurtenfestival. If you’re visiting in summer, you should definitely also go take a swim in the river that surrounds the city, the Aare. If you need accommodation in Bern, hit us up since we know two beautiful Airbnbs with great hosts.
Flea market Bürkliplatz. Every Saturday from Mai till October, the Bürkliplatz, located right by the lakeshore in the centre of Zürich, will transform into a fleamarket. Hundreds of small vendors showcase just about anything you can imagine. From jewellery to furniture to clothes to electronics to outdoor equipment — anything your second-hand-shopping-heart can possibly ask for. All of this while located right by the lake and close to the city centre. If you’ve seen enough, simply walk 2 minutes and sit down by the lake or continue along the Bahnhofstrasse for some more expensive shopping. The flea market is open every Saturday (with some exceptions which you can find here) from 7 am to 5 pm.
Visit the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. An hour by train is another beautiful city known for its architecture, Lucerne. In Lucerne, you should definitely visit the world-famous Chapel Bridge and take a stroll through the old town with its narrow roads. If you’re visiting in February, you could go and see the Fasnacht. A huge party all through the town with people dressing up in awesome costumes. You could plan a trip up the Rigi, one of the tallest mountains in the area with spectacular views over Lucerne and the surrounding lakes.
Have a mulled wine at the Illuminarium during Christmas time. From the middle of November to the end of December you can enjoy a spectacular light show right next to the train station. The Illuminarium is open daily during, always in the evening. You can head there for some mulled wine, fondue or simply to listen to some music and stare at the light shows.
Visit the Swiss Niagara Falls aka Rhine Falls. To top things off, we recommend you take the time to visit the Swiss Niagara Falls know as the Rhine Falls close to the German border. The Rhine Falls attracts tourists and visitors from all over the world and are as spectacular as they sound.
