Zurich attractions

As Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich is an important center. The city is a very atmospheric location between the picturesque Lake Zurich and the Alpine mountains.

It is located in the northern part of the country, on the shores of the elongated Lake Zurich. It lies at only 400 meters above sea level, but the high peaks of the Alps are part of the panorama.

Table of Contents

Grossmünster

The Romanesque Protestant church is one of Zurich’s four major churches and an iconic building of the city.

Built in the 12th century, the church was one of the main sites of the Swiss-German Reformation. Because of this, its interior is particularly simple. The two towers were first erected at the end of the 15th century, then after a fire, the current neo-Gothic towers were completed in 1787.

Many people didn’t like the church – Richard Wagner, for example, mocked its appearance by calling it two pepper shakers. Despite this, it remains Zurich’s most famous building.

Zurich's iconic building, although many people don't like it — Zurich’s iconic building, although many people don’t like it

Fraumünster

One of the four main churches mentioned above, its pointed green spire stands out in Zurich’s skyline. It is located „opposite” the Grossmünster, on the other side of the Limmat River.

The monastery church was built in 853 on the remains of an abbey. The current church was built in the 1100s and was later renovated several times.

Its most famous attraction is the five large stained glass windows designed by artist Marc Chagall and installed in 1970. Each of the 5 windows has a dominant color and depicts a biblical story.

Its mountainous green tower can be seen from afar

St. Peter

The church located in the old town now looks back on a thousand-year history, making it one of Zurich’s most important historical buildings.

Before the Reformation, St. Peter was the city’s only parish church, while the others were part of monasteries. The current building was consecrated in 1706, built as the first church under Protestant rule.

What immediately catches the eye about the church is the clock. Not without reason, as this is Europe’s largest church clock face (8.7 meters in diameter).

Europe's largest watchmaker — Europe’s largest watchmaker

Lindenhof

The Lindenhof in Zurich’s old town is the historical site of the Roman fort and later the Carolingian Kaiserpfalz in Switzerland. It lies on Lindenhof Hill, on the left bank of the Limmat.

It remained a venue for civil assemblies until modern times. As an important location, in 1798 the citizens of Zurich took an oath here to the constitution of the Helvetic Republic.

Being on a hill, its elevated position makes it a popular place among tourists. Especially looking eastward, a wonderful view unfolds before us.

Bahnhofstrasse

Zurich’s main downtown street and one of the world’s most expensive and beautiful shopping streets. According to a 2011 study, Bahnhofstrasse was Europe’s most expensive shopping street in terms of real estate, and the third most expensive worldwide.

Famous shops can be found here such as Dior, Gucci, Prada, or Tissot.

Opera House

Switzerland’s most famous opera house and the central venue of the city’s cultural life. The impressive building is located on the shores of Lake Zurich and hosts world-class performances, including operas, ballets, and concerts.

The building itself is impressive and beautiful, a true work of art in theater architecture. The neo-baroque style building boasts a beautiful facade with columns and decorations. The interior spaces of the opera house are also stunning, with high artistic value frescoes and luxurious furnishings.

Old Botanical Garden

This small green area is located a few hundred meters from the city center.

The garden contains numerous plant species, trees, and flowers arranged into thematic gardens, providing an opportunity to discover botanical diversity. The garden is an ideal place for picnicking, walks, and relaxation.

Belvoir Park

The most significant green area within Zurich, located on the lakeshore.

Belvoir Park features stunning gardens, walkways, and beautiful plants that are ideal for a pleasant walk or picnic. It offers excellent views of Lake Zurich.

The park area also includes an elegant castle that hosts numerous events and cultural occasions.

Best museums in Zurich

Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum)

One of Switzerland’s most significant and well-known museums, which presents Switzerland’s rich history and culture and offers numerous interesting exhibitions.

The museum’s collection contains historical objects, artistic works, ethnographic elements, and many other valuable memorabilia that help understand Switzerland’s diverse past and present.