Zürich

Zurich’s Old Town stretches along both sides of the Limmat River, with narrow cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Explore winding lanes, peek into small shops, and visit landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster (two of Zurich’s most famous churches). Famous former residents of the area include Einstein, James Joyce, and Richard Wagner.

St Peter’s Church is one of four main churches in the Old Town, alongside Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and Predigerkirche. Inside, traces of earlier foundations can still be seen under the choir. The tower holds the largest clock face in Europe, measuring 8.7 metres across — it’s hard to miss when walking through the Old Town.

Lindenhof is a quiet hill and public square in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town, offering views over Grossmünster, Rathaus, and the Limmat River. Explore the square, play a game of giant chess, or just sit by the fountain and watch the city move below. The site has a long history, once home to a Roman and later Carolingian fortress, around which Zurich grew. Today, it’s a calm spot where locals and visitors alike stop for a break from the streets nearby.

Grossmünster is a Romanesque church with twin towers that stand out across Zurich’s skyline. It’s historically important as the place where Ulrich Zwingli started the Reformation. Visitors can climb one of the towers for a view over the Old Town and the Limmat River, and notice details, such as the modern stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti.

Lake Zurich runs 40 kilometres from the city to the Glarner Alps. Boats leave from Bürkliplatz to nearby towns, but it’s just as nice to stick to the promenade, watch rowers glide past, and grab a coffee at a waterside café. In summer, locals swim or picnic along the banks, so it’s easy to join in or just sit and watch the activity.

The Rietberg Museum is set in a quiet park on a small hill, with a 19th-century villa connected to a modern green-glass pavilion. Inside, you'll find art and historical objects from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, making it the main museum in Switzerland focused on non-European cultures. The park is a nice bonus — good for a short walk before or after your visit — and there’s a café onsite if you want to take your time.

Swiss chocolate is beyond comparison. In Zürich, you can try offerings from all the top brands and small artisanal confectionery manufacturers. Take a chocolate walking tour of the city and taste your way through the signature pralines and cakes, as well as the hot chocolate fondue. Real chocoholics attend workshops to learn about everything from cocoa cultivation to conching, tempering, and the artistry of the confectionery craft. You can learn to decorate your own pralines, too. For a one-stop all-inclusive tour, head to Lindt Home of Chocolate with its towering chocolate fountain, museum exhibits on production, as well as hands-on workshops with chocolatiers.

Fraumünster stands by the Limmat, marked by its tall green steeple that you can easily spot from across the river. The church has roots back to the 9th century, first built as part of a women’s abbey founded by Louis the German for his daughter. People mainly come to see the stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti, which bring colour and light into its fairly simple interior. It’s an easy stop while wandering Zurich's Old Town, especially if you’re crossing the bridges or exploring the nearby squares.

Zurich’s Opera House has been home to opera and ballet in the city since the late 1800s, and there’s usually something on, from big productions to smaller concerts. So, be sure to check the schedule if you’re thinking of going, as shows often sell out. There are guided tours too if you’re curious about what goes on behind the curtain, and the square outside is a good place to sit for a moment with an ice cream or coffee after a walk by the lake.

Zürichhorn is the green space at the mouth of the Limmat, right where the river meets Lake Zurich. The park has lakeside access, plenty of trees, a large playground, and a grill area, making it easy to spend a few hours relaxing outdoors.

The Freitag Tower is a stack of shipping containers turned into a shop and lookout point in Zurich’s former industrial quarter. Climb the narrow stairs through each level, check out the recycled-material bags along the way, and head up to the small platform at the top for a view over the area.