Zurich is one of the Swiss cities that has the most to offer visitors. Because of this, it can sometimes be challenging to see all the main attractions if you have limited time in the city.
If this is your case, the best approach is to read our post and learn how to organize an itinerary to see the best of Zurich in one day.
Are your bags packed?
What to See in Zurich in One Day?
Let’s start by looking at the main day trips available from Zurich (in case you have extra time):
- One-day trip to Grindelwald and Interlaken by bus and train
- One-day trip to Mount Titlis
- One-day bus trip to Heidiland and Liechtenstein
- One-day trip to Interlaken
If you’re visiting Zurich in a day, the following list of attractions will be very useful. It includes only the most important and interesting places in the city that are conveniently close to each other. This way, you won’t miss any highlights.
The list features sites like museums, churches, gardens, the University of Zurich, the lake, and even the zoo. Plus, we’ve prepared some tips on how to structure your visit to make the most of your time.
Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is located at one end of the city, where Bahnhofstrasse street ends. It’s one of the areas with the most options, featuring boat tours, scenic walking paths, and bike lanes.
Another highly recommended way to explore the lake is by taking one of the boat tours. The price is very affordable, and there are two options: a 2-hour and a 4-hour tour. Since time is limited, the 2-hour tour is the best choice. It’s more than enough to enjoy the experience and leaves you with time to explore more of the city.
Taking in the views of Lake Zurich by boat is a relaxing way to experience this beautiful area and offers a new perspective on the city.
Here are some tours you might enjoy:
Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse runs across the entire city from the central station to Lake Zurich. It’s the longest street in Zurich, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, perfect for an afternoon or evening out enjoying the area’s lively atmosphere.
There’s plenty to see and do as you stroll along this street, and you’ll discover many interesting spots with a simple walk. If the walk becomes too long, you can always hop on the tram that runs along the street for an easy ride to the station or lake.
Grossmünster Church
The Grossmünster is one of the few churches in Zurich, located along the banks of the Limmat River. Its appearance captures the attention of visitors, as it bears a resemblance to the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The two identical towers, each topped with a large bell, create a stunning frame for the surrounding landscape. Inside, you’ll find a Gothic style that’s fascinating to see up close, with intricate details that are sure to impress.
University of Zurich
Located in the city’s upper area, the University of Zurich is also home to the larger of Zurich’s two botanical gardens. Visiting this educational institution is highly recommended for its incredible buildings, parks, and common areas.
The university buildings feature a refined, minimalist design that’s even more impressive in person. This is the place where 21 Nobel Prize winners studied, including the renowned theoretical physicist Albert Einstein.
Zurich National Museum
The Zurich National Museum, also known as the Landesmuseum, is the city’s most popular museum. Its popularity is due to the variety of its exhibits, which offer a captivating look at Swiss history from its origins to the present day.
The museum is highly informative, with valuable displays and detailed explanations of the artworks.
Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on Sunday when it closes at 7:00 p.m. Admission is €8.8 for those over 16, while entry is free for children under 16.
If you’re planning to visit Zurich in a day, it’s worth including this museum on your itinerary.
Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster is Zurich’s most famous and significant church, and you can see it from almost anywhere in the city thanks to its sharp, green spire that stands out among the surrounding buildings.
Built in 853, it’s the only remaining building from the old Fraumünster Abbey, most of which was demolished in the 19th century.
The interior has a somewhat traditional appearance but still impresses with its intricate details.
While it’s not a particularly large church, its charming details are well worth seeing up close.
Zurich Zoo
The Zurich Zoo is a source of pride for the city. It’s not only a place where over 400 animals from 340 species live, but it’s also an organization dedicated to animal conservation.
Most importantly, the zoo plays a key role in supporting the growth of endangered species populations.
Some sections of the zoo are particularly impressive, such as Kaeng Krachan, a spacious habitat where elephants live comfortably and can be observed from a distance. There are also designated areas where visitors can safely and responsibly interact with certain animals.
If you’re traveling with children, Zurich Zoo is a must on your one-day Zurich itinerary.
Views from Üetliberg
Üetliberg is one of Zurich’s highest points, where you can enjoy a lookout that offers spectacular views of the entire city. While it might not fit into a one-day Zurich itinerary, if you have the time, it’s well worth the visit.
There are several ways to reach Üetliberg:
- The most popular option is by train, stopping at the central station. The trip is quick and costs €14 per person.
- Alternatively, you can hike up, which lets you make the most of your time by seeing other sites along the way.
- You can also take this guided tour, which ends at the summit via train.
The hike can be lengthy and demanding, so if you’re feeling tired by this point, you can hop on tram number 13 for a convenient ride.
Rietberg Museum
The Rietberg Museum is dedicated to international art and showcases permanent exhibitions organized by continent.
Here, you can admire paintings, sculptures, and other art forms.
Hours
Located on Gablerstrasse, the museum is open every day except Mondays.
Opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 8:00 p.m.
Entry Fee
Admission is €12.3 for visitors over 16, while those under 16 can enter for free.
Outside the museum, you’ll find impressive gardens that are especially vibrant in spring and summer, though it’s a beautiful spot to visit any time of year.
Zurich Opera House
The Zurich Opera House is located close to the lakeshore, right across from a popular plaza, possibly the city’s busiest. If you’re a fan of classical works and opera, you can wrap up your day by attending a performance here.
The building itself is visually striking, with an elegant design. During different seasons, the plaza is decorated and filled with themed shows. In December, this area becomes magical with holiday lights. If you’re visiting Zurich in one day at the end of the year, be sure to stop by this plaza in the evening for a memorable experience.