The Best Things to Do in Zurich, Ranked by What Locals Actually Love

The list of things to do in Zurich on most travel sites looks copy-pasted: Old Town, Lindt, Lake Zurich, repeat. Locals know the city has way more layers than that—quiet swim spots, hilltop viewpoints, weird museums, and food that does not involve melted cheese (although yes, please, also that). On our visit we mixed the famous picks with neighborhood favorites residents kept recommending, and the trip got immediately better.

This is the long version of that list: 15 things to do in Zurich that balance must-sees with the kind of spots locals actually return to.

Iconic Things to Do in Zurich You Shouldn’t Skip

1. Climb Grossmunster Tower

Few things to do in Zurich beat 187 stone steps for the price. The view from Karlsturm covers Old Town, the lake, and the Alps in one rotation. Because you’ll be on your feet most of the day, many travelers start the trip with supportive walking sneakers like these for full days of sightseeing.

2. Walk Bahnhofstrasse Even If You Don’t Shop

One of the most famous shopping streets in Europe runs from Zurich HB to the lake. Window-shop Sprungli, Bally, and Tiffany; the architecture and people-watching are free.

3. Visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate

The world’s largest chocolate fountain is here, plus tastings, a film, and a gift shop that never disappoints kids or adults.

Local Favorite Things to Do in Zurich

4. Swim at Seebad Enge

From May through September, this lakeside Badi is where Zurich locals come to swim, sunbathe, and refuel at the small café. Entry is a few francs. Many travelers pack a versatile one-piece swimsuit like this one for beach days, or water activities.

5. Explore Zürich West (Zurich’s Brooklyn)

Old industrial yards turned into one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods. Im Viadukt’s arch shops, Frau Gerolds Garten, and rooftop bars sit shoulder to shoulder. A lightweight backpack like this one is helpful if you plan to bounce between shops, food halls, and viewpoints all afternoon.

6. Climb to Lindenhof Hill at Sunset

This linden-tree square is one of the most underrated things to do in Zurich, especially at golden hour when locals play giant chess and the Limmat glows. If you enjoy filming your travel experiences, a tiny wearable camera like this one is a great way to capture hands-free POV footage while walking through iconic locations.

7. Take a Boat Across Lake Zurich

The short hop to Rapperswil-Jona is a 90-minute lake cruise included on most transit passes. See our Lake Zurich Boat Guide for routes and tickets.

Cultural Things to Do in Zurich

8. The Swiss National Museum

Castle-like building right next to Zurich HB. Two floors of Swiss history will surprise you, and it is included on the Zurich Card.

9. Catch a Show at Zurich Opera House

One of Europe’s most respected opera houses puts on world-class performances. Last-minute student-style tickets can be surprisingly affordable.

10. The Kunsthaus Zurich

Switzerland’s largest art museum hosts everything from Monet to contemporary Swiss artists in a sleek expanded wing.

Outdoor and Day-Trip Things to Do in Zurich

11. Hike Uetliberg (Zurich’s Mountain)

A 25-minute train ride drops you at a 870-meter summit with sweeping views of the city, lake, and Alps. The hike down through the forest is gorgeous in the fall.

12. Day Trip to Rhine Falls

Europe’s largest waterfall is less than an hour by train. Bring a rain jacket—the spray is real. Many travelers also keep their phone in a waterproof pouch like this one so they can shoot photos right at the lower viewing platform without worry.

13. Ride the Polybahn Funicular

The cute red funicular climbs to ETH University in 100 seconds. The terrace at the top is one of the best free things to do in Zurich.

Food and Nightlife Things to Do in Zurich

14. Try Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Veal in cream sauce with rosti is the city’s signature dish. Try it at Zeughauskeller or Kronenhalle. Our Old Town food guide has more.

15. Niederdorf After Dark

This medieval lane on the right bank of the Limmat lights up at night with bars, jazz clubs, and gelato shops. Many travelers wear a hidden RFID-blocking money belt like this one to keep cards and cash secure while exploring crowded nightlife strips.

Stitching Your Things to Do in Zurich Together

Three days is enough to comfortably cover 10 of these things to do in Zurich, especially if you stack them by neighborhood (Old Town, Zürich West, lakefront, mountain). Locals will tell you the magic is in the mix—history in the morning, swimming or hiking in the afternoon, and a long dinner outside if the weather holds. For longer stays, our 3 Days in Zurich itinerary sequences these into the most efficient route. To pack everything into your daypack without bulk, a set of packing cubes like these keeps your jacket, swimsuit, and snacks neatly separated for the day.

The Last Word on Things to Do in Zurich

The most overlooked piece of advice about things to do in Zurich is permission to slow down. The city rewards lingering at a café, an extra lap around Lindenhof, or jumping in the lake on a sweaty afternoon. Pick five or six items from this list, leave room for accidental discoveries, and you’ll go home with stories the guidebooks miss. Whether you only have a long layover or a full week, this lineup of things to do in Zurich is built to make every hour count—and to give you a reason to return for the rest. For a complementary read, see Are These Things to Do in Zurich Worth the Hype?.