The city of Zurich offers a wide range of fascinating places for visitors to explore.
For this reason, anyone arriving in Zurich should plan their visit carefully if they want to experience the city fully in the time they have available.
If you want to make the most of everything Zurich has to offer, it’s essential to plan every detail. Here you’ll find a guide to what to see in Zurich in two days and useful tips to make the most of it.
First, I’d like to show you the main excursions departing from Zurich (in case you have extra time):
- Excursion to Interlaken and Grindelwald
- Excursion to Mount Titlis
- Excursion to Lucerne and Engelberg
- Excursion to Mount Pilatus
- Excursion to Bern
- Excursion to the Rhine Falls
What to See in Zurich in Two Days? Day 1
Your first day in Zurich should be dedicated to the central landmarks of the city, like museums, churches, and other important buildings.
These sites are close to each other, so you’ll be able to make the most of your time by visiting them all in one day.
Bahnhofstrasse
The Bahnhofstrasse begins right outside the central station, and its name literally means “station street” in German.
This street is Zurich’s longest. It starts at the central station and ends at Lake Zurich, crossing the entire city from end to end.
Along this street, you’ll find the most attractive and notable commercial establishments, including restaurants, bars, and various shops.
Visitors often stroll the entire length of Bahnhofstrasse, starting at the station and ending at the lake.
You can walk along it, but we suggest the option of taking a charming tram ride if you’d prefer.
Grossmünster Church
While exploring Zurich in two days, you must not miss Grossmünster Church, one of the city’s three key religious sites.
The church stands by the Limmat River and features a pair of identical bell towers flanking each side of its main facade, reminiscent of the iconic image of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The church’s interior features impressive frescoes and a decor that, while not overly ornate, includes delicate, warm details that are sure to captivate you.
This itinerary through Zurich will help you appreciate both its historical treasures and modern-day charm, ensuring you don’t miss any highlights.
Fraumünster
The Fraumünster Church can be seen from nearly any point in the city.
This is due to its enormous green, pointed roof, which makes it stand out among the surrounding buildings.
The church’s history dates back to the year 853, when it was established as part of the Fraumünster Abbey. Unfortunately, most of the abbey’s buildings were destroyed in the 19th century.
If you’re looking to see the best of Zurich in two days, it’s best to visit all the churches at once, as they are all close to each other.
Fraumünster is a great starting point for the tour.
Zurich Opera House
If you’re strolling around Lake Zurich, you’ll spot the Zurich Opera House building in one of the city’s largest squares.
This area is often used for events. For instance, around the end of the year, it becomes a popular spot as the plaza and theater facade are transformed with a festive Christmas theme.
If you’re in Zurich during this time, be sure to check out the evening light show here.
Zurich National Museum
One of the must-sees for a two-day visit to Zurich is the Zurich National Museum, or Landesmuseum.
This museum is a great source of pride for locals, as it houses important artifacts from the country’s history.
The museum is open every day except Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Sundays, hours are extended until 7:00 p.m.
Admission is €8.80 for those 16 and older, while entry is free for younger visitors.
Views from Üetliberg
For a special experience, we suggest visiting the Üetliberg viewpoint, where you can get a fantastic view of the entire city and capture some impressive photos.
To reach the viewpoint, it’s best to take the train to the central station near the top. From there, it’s just a short walk to the viewpoint. The train ride typically costs €14 per person.
Of course, the most budget-friendly option is to hike up, which is a great idea if you want to explore other areas along the way. If you decide you’d rather not walk, you can hop on the tram for a quick, effortless ride to the top.
Whether you take the train or hike, Üetliberg is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing with stunning panoramic views.
You can also reach Üetliberg by taking this guided tour of the city, which ends at the summit by train.
Day 2
The second day has arrived, and by now, you might feel a bit tired. That’s understandable, as the more strenuous sightseeing spots were covered on day one.
Don’t worry! The plan to explore Zurich in two days includes a much more relaxed second day.
Today, you can visit places that allow you to get to know the city while also giving you time to rest and unwind. Highlights include Lake Zurich, museums such as the Rietberg Museum and the FIFA Museum, along with the Zurich Zoo and University of Zurich.
Lake Zurich
The end of Bahnhofstrasse marks the beginning of Lake Zurich, an area that is a true delight to explore. The lake’s clear waters create a peaceful and fascinating atmosphere, perfect for taking some photos.
If you’d like to take in the scenery from different perspectives while relaxing, the best option is to hop on a boat for a lake tour. The cost for the boat ride is reasonable, and there are two different routes: one lasts 2 hours, and the other 4 hours.
Here are some activities you can do around the lake:
Rietberg Museum
Many consider the Rietberg Museum to be the best in Zurich, not only for its exhibits but also for its architecture and atmosphere. The museum creates a fascinating setting for visitors, especially with its beautiful gardens that add a tranquil aura.
Inside, you’ll find collections of art from nearly every corner of the world, with permanent exhibits focused on Asia and Africa.
- The Rietberg Museum is located at 15 Gablerstrasse and is open daily except Monday.
- Opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
- Entry is €12.33 for those over 16, while admission is free for younger visitors.
Zurich Zoo
One of the most enjoyable attractions for both adults and children is the Zurich Zoo.
The zoo is home to 340 animal species in habitats designed to replicate their natural environments. There are over 400 animals in total.
The zoo features several main attractions that draw crowds, such as the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park, which supports the preservation of this species by encouraging captive breeding.
The site is designed to be interactive, with some areas allowing contact with the animals.
If you’re planning to explore Zurich in two days, be sure to include the zoo on your itinerary.
University of Zurich
The University of Zurich is located in the higher part of the city and is worth every minute you spend there, as you’ll be in the same place where 21 Nobel Prize winners once studied, including none other than Albert Einstein.
The university’s beautiful architecture and significant historical background make it a memorable addition to any tour of Zurich.
The university buildings feature impressive stone facades and are quite large. Their structure is very unique, as are the campus and common areas. If you plan to visit Zurich in two days, make sure to include this site to experience some of the best of the city and its history.
Botanical Gardens
The best place to relax for a while and enjoy some fresh air is located on the grounds of the University of Zurich: the famous Botanical Gardens.
These gardens date back over 200 years and, although they are the largest, most important, and most visited, they aren’t the only botanical gardens in Zurich. There is also a smaller one in the city center with a similarly tranquil atmosphere.
The flora in both gardens is stunning; you’ll even find snow flowers and carnivorous plants.
Spring and summer are the best times to visit, but the gardens have much to offer year-round.
FIFA Museum
Whether you’re a football fan or not, the FIFA Museum is a must-visit because it’s an interactive and fun place for everyone. It features exhibits dedicated to the World Cup, with jerseys from famous players and trophies from some of the federation’s most important tournaments.
Visitors can join group activities that even offer prizes for top performers. Admission is €28 for adults, while children under 14 get in free. The museum is open every day except Mondays.
I recommend purchasing your ticket online through this link to get a small discount and avoid waiting in line.
The FIFA Museum offers a great way to finish your Zurich tour with a blend of sports history and entertainment.