How to Spend 24 Hours in Zurich, Switzerland

I never planned on visiting Zurich, Switzerland. While it was always a city that I would have liked to see, it just wasn’t as much of a priority to me, especially since the Swiss Alps were just a short train ride from the city. I felt like if I was going to plan a trip to Switzerland, it had to be for hiking or getting to those alpine villages that I so deeply love.

So honestly, that’s the only reason why I booked my ticket to Zurich, not because I was planning on stopping, but because it’s the closest airport to the alps and was the cheapest option in all of Switzerland. However, shortly after I booked my trip, I instantly regretted not giving myself enough time to make a quick stop in this famous town.

Why didn’t I feel the need to stop in Zurich? After all, it’s supposedly a beautiful city and who knows when I’ll be able to come back to Switzerland. Each day that went by after purchasing my ticket, I felt more and more regret not staying a few extra days.

Finally, right before my original departure, I bought a new plane ticket at 10 pm for a flight that would take off the following day. Now normally I’m not this impulsive, but I’ve been really trying to take advantage of my situation of living in Europe since I don’t know how much longer I’ll be here for. So, knowing that I needed to make the most of this opportunity, I bit the bullet and bought another ticket.

Also, I know trying to see an entire city in a day is quite aggressive, but I feel like Zurich is an exception. And in all honesty, I don’t know if I would ever book a trip to Zurich all the way from the US. So, this was even more of an incentive to pencil this stop into my solo Swiss trip.

My plan was that I would get into Zurich Wednesday night and then have all of Thursday to explore the city. Later Thursday evening, I would take the train to Interlaken so I could have all day for hiking and adventures. Although 24 hours may not be enough time to really get to know a city, it’s still better than nothing, and for me, it’s another city that I can cross off my bucket list.

So, what did I do during my time in Zurich? Below I’ve outlined some of the most popular spots in the city along with a little photo tour of my favorite areas. Most of these places are perfect if you want to do a personal walking tour of Zurich’s old town. Whether you are staying for a weekend or you’re visiting on a layover, here are some of the top sights to see while traveling to Zurich, Switzerland.

Visiting Zurich, Switzerland: What to Expect

Zurich, Switzerland is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy in this charming town. Take a leisurely stroll around the charming Old Town and marvel at the stunning architecture, or hop on a boat and cruise along Lake Zurich. Whether you come for a week or just 24 hours like myself, I can assure you that Zurich City is the perfect town if you’re looking for cozy cafes, stunning views, and delicious Swiss food.

And if you’re a chocolate lover, be sure to sample some of the world-renowned Swiss chocolates – you’ll be able to find a chocolate factory all around the city! With friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere, Zurich is the perfect destination for a casual and laid-back vacation that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Zurich – Switzerland’s Largest City

Zurich, Switzerland is a beautiful city that is known for its stunning scenery, rich history, and delicious chocolate. If you only have 24 hours to explore this amazing destination, don’t worry – it is still possible to see some of the city’s top attractions and get a taste of its unique culture. In this article, we will guide you through a perfect one-day itinerary to make the most out of your time in Zurich.

Morning

Start your day early and head straight to the Old Town. This charming part of the city is full of narrow alleys, stunning architecture, and plenty of cafes where you can grab a delicious breakfast. Wander around the streets and take in the sights of the historic landmarks like the Fraumünster church and the Grossmünster church, both of which are impressive examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

After you’ve had your fill of the Old Town, make your way to Lake Zurich. Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the scenic views of the lake and the Swiss Alps. If the weather is nice, consider renting a boat or taking a ferry to one of the nearby islands like Ufenau or Lützelau, both of which offer stunning views and plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the sunshine.

Midday

After your morning adventures, it’s time to refuel with some Swiss cuisine. Head to one of the many local restaurants and try some traditional dishes like rösti, a potato dish that is usually served with cheese or meat. Another popular dish is fondue, which is melted cheese served in a communal pot with bread for dipping. Be sure to wash it down with some delicious Swiss wine or a cold beer.

After lunch, head to one of the city’s many museums to learn more about Zurich’s rich history and culture. Some popular options include the Swiss National Museum, which features exhibits on Swiss art, history, and culture, and the Kunsthaus Zurich, which has an impressive collection of Swiss and European art.

Late Afternoon

As the day starts to wind down, it’s time to indulge in one of Zurich’s most famous exports – chocolate. The city is home to some of the best chocolate makers in the world, including Lindt and Sprüngli. Head to one of the many chocolate shops and sample some of the delicious treats on offer. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider taking a chocolate-making workshop and learn how to make your own Swiss chocolate.

Evening

As the sun sets, it’s time to explore Zurich’s nightlife. Head to the Niederdorf area of the city, which is known for its vibrant bars and clubs. You can find everything from traditional Swiss pubs to trendy cocktail bars, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re not in the mood for drinks, consider attending a cultural event like a concert or a theater performance. Zurich is home to a thriving arts scene, and there are plenty of events happening every night of the week.

After a night out, it’s time to head back to your hotel and get some rest before your journey home. Zurich has plenty of accommodations to choose from, including luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and everything in between.

Most Famous Sights to See in Zurich, Switzerland

Walk around Lake Zurich: This Swiss city is situated right on Lake Zurich, the heart of the city that runs through the town’s historic centre. Whether you enjoy one of the many boat rides that operate daily or you trek on one of the many hiking trails that provide panoramic views, Zurich Lake offers a stunning back drop of the cozy streets and surrounding Swiss mountains.

Start your day at the Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich Main Train Station): This is basically the center of the city and serves as a solid starting point for your day of adventuring.

Check out Niederdorf and Overdorf Streets: Welcome to Altstadt, Zurich’s old town! This area is a car-free zone that allows pedestrians to meander through the cobbled streets as they window shop past local restaurants and boutiques.

Walk past the Rathaus and Stadthaus buildings: Both these two stops are government buildings that highlight stunning architecture and are some of the oldest buildings in the city.

Visit any of the four famous churches: The four main churches that call this city home are the Wasserkirche, the Grossmünster, the Fraumünster, and St. Peter Kirche. If there is one church you have to see before leaving Zurich, it’s the Grossmünster. This iconic church dates back to 1100 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire city. Before leaving, make sure to climb the church’s towers to get a birds-eye view of Zurich’s old town.

Get Your Photo Op at Augustinergasse: Looking for that signature spot with the Swiss flags and colorful buildings? Well, here it is. As one of the oldest streets in Zurich, the area of Augustinergasse is famous for its historic charm, swiss character, and it’s designer window-shopping.

Relax at one of the many thermal baths: Don’t feel like having an adventurous trip? Don’t worry. You can still unwind and relax at one of Zurich’s many thermal spas, which offer natural hot springs and wellness treatments.

Hike up to Lindenhof Hill: Take in spectacular views of the city below over at Lindenhof Hill. Here you’ll be able to take that iconic shot of the river cutting through the city of Zurich. To get to this view point, you will have to pass through the narrow streets of the historic centre. While it may only be a 10-minute walk from all the other attractions, this spot offers stunning views, both during the summer and winter months.

Head to one of the oldest neighborhoods in town – Schipfe: Schipfe is considered the arts district of Zurich. Here you’ll find more coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques hotels. This is also a great area to get a hot chocolate in a cosy cafe on a cold winter day. With mountain peaks surrounding the town, you’ll always be greeted with fantastic views no matter where you are in the city centre.

If you are planning on seeing as much as possible over the course of a day or two, you can also get the Zurich card which will allow you take public transport and will give you access to the museum as well as other important places within the city center. For me, I felt like most points of interest were walking distance, and I also loved seeing the river by foot, which is why I toured the city center without purchasing the Zurich card.

If you plan to travel and visit this beautiful city, I also suggest checking the Zurich tourism information office for more information on things to do and places to see.

Now that you’ve gotten a brief introduction on the top things to do in the city, here are some photos I took during my 24-hour stay!