Zurich is a very beautiful and lively city in Switzerland that is full of history, culture, and magnificent view. You can have a taste of the beauty of Zurich, the rich history it has and you can have some of the best spots the city has to offer even in one day in Zurich. There is always something to see and do whether you are visiting the city the first time or you are visiting it once more to revisit it.
This guide will show you how to spend one day in Zurich in the best way possible. We have the best itinerary of what to do in Zurich in an unforgettable day that can be spent walking along the lake, visiting the old town, and savoring the Swiss cuisine.
Morning: Begin with the Old Town (Altstadt)
Begin your day in Zurich with exploring the beautiful Old Town, or Altstadt of this city. The pavements, medieval structures and the colorful fronts make this place appear as though it had been transported back to the past.
Walk through the small streets, enjoy the beautiful houses and visit small shops and cafes. The Grossmunster Church can be considered one of the most recognizable landmarks. It has an impressive Romanesque architecture and breathtaking views on the tower which makes it a must-visit. The church is full of history and provides an understanding of the history of Zurich.
Close by is Fraumuenster Church which has the beautiful stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. It is a quiet place to meditate and absorb some beautiful art.
Having visited the churches, go to Bahnhofstrasse, which is among the most exclusive shopping streets in the world. It is a good walk even when you are not shopping and just admire its beauty and luxurious feel.
Late Morning: Pay a visit to Lake Zurich
Then proceed to Lake Zurich that is within a short distance of the Old Town. The lake is the core of Zurich which gives breathtaking views of the Alps and the city around.
You have time to go on a scenic stroll down the promenade or in case the weather is good, engage in a boat ride. The boat ride is another serene way of viewing the city in a new dimension and it offers excellent photo opportunities of the skyline of Zurich city and the mountains around it.
In case you would like to be more active, you should rent a bike or an electric scooter and ride along the lake. It is an excellent means of travelling further and getting some fresh air.
Lunch: Swiss Food at its Finest
It is not a complete visit to Zurich without having some of the traditional Swiss food. Have a local favorite Fondue as lunch. This is a nice cheese dish which is served by many restaurants along Lake Zurich, the bread is dipped in a pot of cheese that is melted. It is an ideal meal that will make you warm in a cold day.
When you are not in the mood to have fondue, then you should have Zurcher Geschnetzeltes, which is a dish of Zurich-style veal, and it is accompanied with Rosti (Swiss potato pancakes). It is a hearty, tasty meal that will leave you full until the end of your journey.
As a dessert, have a slice of Swiss chocolate. Zurich boasts of the quality chocolate, and you will have several stores with the tasty handmade chocolates. You can not afford to miss visiting Confiserie Bachmann and Lindt Chocolate Shop in order to enjoy the best sweets in town.
Early Afternoon: Visit the Museums
Following lunch, visit one of the best museums in the world of Zurich to absorb some culture. You have a choice of several ones depending on your interests.
Kunsthaus Zurich (Zurich Art Museum) is a place worth visiting in case you are a lover of art. It is one of the most significant art galleries in Switzerland, where paintings of famous painters Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso are located. It is located in a wonderful building and provides an in-depth exploration of the European art history in the museum.
Swiss National Museum is another great option to those who like history. The museum is an exhibition of the cultural history of Switzerland that covers all the artifacts of the Swiss history as well as the contemporary exhibitions of Swiss identity.
In case you have more modern taste in art, you can go to The Museum of Design Zurich. The museum is a good place to visit in case of being a design, architecture, and innovation lover.
Mid Afternoon: Walk in Zuerchberg
Some time to rest and to enjoy the natural beauty of Zurich would come after museum visit. Climb to Zürichberg, a hill which has amazing views of the city and the lake below it. It is a serene location to get away with the city pressure.
Stroll in the forested land or see the scenery in one of the numerous vantage points. There are also beautiful villas and mansions en route and so this is an ideal place to have a relaxing walk.
To visit it more systematically, you can visit Zoological Garden, which is situated on the hill of Zurchberg on foot. It is also an enjoyable place to visit native animals of Switzerland and the rest of the world.
Late Afternoon: Coffee in a Local Café
At this point, you have seen the finest attractions in Zurich and it is time to take off and have some leisure time. Go to one of the cute cafes in the city and unwind with a cup of coffee. Zurich has a lot of comfortable places, where one can relax, have a view and even take a cup of coffee.
The places that are popular are Kafi Dihei, a small coffee house that is a great place to take afternoon coffee or Babu bakery and coffee house which is famous with its yummy pastries and warm environment.
It is high time to rest, enjoy people and absorb the atmosphere of Zurich.
Evening: the Sunset on Uetliberg Mountain
To round your one day visit in Zurich, visit Uetliberg Mountain where you can have a beautiful view of the sunset. The mountain is a panoramic location that gives a view of Zurich, Lake Zurich and Swiss Alps. It takes a short ride by train or walking up the city.
When you are up there, you are able to have a nice sunset over the city as you have a drink in the top-restaurant. The sunset is spectacular and it is the best way to spend an end to your day in Zurich.
Dinner: Swiss Delicacies
Complete your day with a Swiss dinner. There are many excellent restaurants in Zurich that serve the authentic Swiss food. You can have meals such as Sausage with Sauerkraut, Rösti or Swiss cheese fondue.
To have a fine dining experience, visit Restaurant Kronenhalle which is a fine restaurant with a fancy ambiance and finely made Swiss dishes. In case you are in need of something casual the Zeughauskeller is a very good place to visit offering good Swiss food and a cozy environment.
Conclusion
You can visit the beauty, history, and charm of this amazing city with only one day in Zurich. The city of Zurich has everything; culture, nature, and good food, starting with sightseeing around the Old Town to enjoying panoramic views of the city at Uetliberg Mountain.
Whether you are a first time visitor or a repeat customer, Zurich can always fascinate visitors with its own modernity and tradition mix. You will be going home knowing that a single day was enough to have a taste of the pie the city has to offer.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Zurich in one day?
The best things to do include exploring the Old Town, visiting the museums, walking along Lake Zurich, and enjoying the views from Uetliberg Mountain.
Can I see the main attractions of Zurich in one day?
Yes, with careful planning, you can visit Zurich’s highlights like the Old Town, museums, and scenic spots in one day.
What’s the best way to get around Zurich?
Zurich has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, trains, and buses, making it easy to get around in one day.
What are some must-try foods in Zurich?
Try Swiss specialties like cheese fondue, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (Swiss veal), Rösti, and Swiss chocolate.
Is Zurich a walkable city?
Yes, Zurich is a very walkable city with many attractions located close to each other.
What’s the best time of year to visit Zurich?
Zurich is beautiful year-round, but it’s especially charming in spring and fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is stunning.
