Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, seamlessly blends rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant modern attractions. Nestled along the shores of Lake Zurich and framed by the distant Alps, the city boasts a charming Old Town with medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks like the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches. Beyond its historical sites, Zurich is a haven for nature lovers, offering scenic boat cruises, picturesque hiking trails, and easy access to nearby mountain excursions. The city is also a cultural and financial hub, home to world-class museums, luxury shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, and a thriving culinary scene. Whether you’re drawn to Zurich’s past, its outdoor adventures, or its cosmopolitan energy, this dynamic city offers something for every traveler.
The Same
Both the Dinks and the Family visited Zurich as part of a multi-country trip. The Dinks had much more time to explore the city than the Family but there are still some experiences that overlapped.
Explore the Old Town (Altstadt): Wander through the historic streets of Zurich’s Old Town, where medieval buildings, charming squares, and narrow alleyways await.
- Grossmünster – This iconic twin-towered church is a symbol of Zurich and offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.
- Fraumünster – Known for its breathtaking stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall, this church blends history with artistic beauty.
- St. Peter’s Church – Famous for having the largest church clock face in Europe, it’s a standout landmark in the city skyline.
- Hidden Courtyards – Tucked between narrow streets, these charming spots offer peaceful retreats and glimpses into Zurich’s past.
- Colorful Guild Houses – Once the homes of powerful medieval trade guilds, these historic buildings now add character and color to the Old Town.
- Limmat River Views – The river runs through Altstadt, providing scenic walkways and picture-perfect spots to relax or snap a photo.
Getting Around: With as expensive as everything in Zurich is, getting around doesn’t haven’t to be. The Zurich card is best deal for not only getting around but includes a lake cruise and river cruise. We used it for free admission to the Swiss National museum and discounts on the Lindt and FIFA museums.
Local Cuisine
From bustling city markets to serene countryside cafes, their travel preferences diverge. Nevertheless, their shared curiosity for local gastronomy consistently leads them to uncover the essence of each destination through its food. Swiss cuisine offers a delightful array of dishes that reflect its diverse cultural influences and regional specialties.
- Fondue: A quintessential Swiss dish, fondue involves dipping pieces of bread into a pot of melted cheese mixed with white wine and garlic. It’s a communal dining experience best enjoyed with friends or family.
- Raclette: Another popular cheese dish, Raclette involves melting a wheel of Raclette cheese and scraping off the melted part onto boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions. It’s a cozy winter dish enjoyed across Switzerland.
- Chocolate: Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, with brands like Lindt and Toblerone originating from here. Try a variety of Swiss chocolates, from milk to dark, pralines, and truffles.
The DINKs
We were blessed with several days in Zurich which allowed us to do so much. Even with that time, we definitely want to return and explore more.
Visit the Swiss National Museum: Discover Switzerland’s cultural heritage at the Swiss National Museum, housed in a stunning castle-like building near Zurich’s main train station. Explore exhibits showcasing Swiss history, art, and culture, including artifacts ranging from medieval weapons to traditional Swiss costumes. We enjoyed learning about the creation of the Red Cross.
FIFA Museum: The FIFA World Football Museum celebrates the rich history and global impact of football (soccer). The museum showcases a wide range of exhibits, interactive displays, and memorabilia related to the sport, including historic jerseys, trophies, and artifacts. Visitors can explore the evolution of football through various multimedia installations, interactive games, and immersive experiences. Learn about the history of the FIFA World Cup, iconic players and teams, and the cultural significance of football around the world.
Lindt Chocolate Factory: Located in Kilchberg, just outside of Zurich, the Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolate Factory offers a delicious and indulgent experience for chocolate lovers. Discover the secrets behind Lindt’s renowned Swiss chocolate through guided tours of the factory. During the tour, visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process, from cocoa bean to finished product, and witness the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating each delectable treat. The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to sample a variety of Lindt chocolates, including freshly made truffles, pralines, and signature chocolate bars. Indulge your taste buds as you savor the rich flavors and smooth textures of Swiss chocolate. My husband didn’t believe me when I told him it was all you can eat chocolate. If you don’t leave with a stomach ache then you didn’t do it right. All kidding aside, it was a fun tour we would highly recommend. We used our Zurich pass to get there via train and then left via lake boat.
A cruise on Lake Zurich is a delightful way to experience the beauty of the city and its surroundings from a unique perspective. As you glide across the tranquil waters of Lake Zurich, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city skyline, the surrounding hillsides, and the distant Alps. Capture postcard-worthy photos of landmarks such as the Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and Zurich’s picturesque waterfront.
The best part about the pass is you can get a multi-day one so that you can take your time. Stop off at some of the small towns walk around and have lunch. There is a couple cruise options included in the Zurich pass, we made sure to do the longest available so we could see it all and enjoy some time on the water with some wine. But we also leveraged the shorter ones for some transportation between attractions.
Take a Cruise on the Limmat River: Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Limmat River, which flows through the heart of Zurich’s Old Town. Admire the city’s landmarks from a different perspective as you glide along the water, passing under historic bridges and past charming waterfront buildings.
As you cruise along the Limmat River, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Zurich’s historic Old Town, charming bridges, and iconic landmarks such as the Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and St. Peter’s Church. Capture memorable photos of the city’s skyline and waterfront architecture from the water.
This too is included in your Zurich pass for free. It started raining a little so we decided to hop on it since it is covered and it was a nice overview while we waited for the rain to stop and we could continue exploring.
The Family
We spent most of our time in Switzerland in the country side and only spent a day in the city of Zurich prior to our departure.
Summary
Zurich left a lasting impression on both the DINKs and the Family, even if their time in the city differed. With its blend of rich history, outdoor beauty, and modern cosmopolitan flair, Zurich is more than just a gateway city — it’s a destination worth savoring. Whether you’re spending several days exploring museums, taking scenic cruises, and indulging in all-you-can-eat Lindt chocolate, or squeezing in a day before heading to the Swiss countryside, the city offers a well-rounded taste of Swiss culture. With efficient transportation, stunning waterfront views, and plenty of local flavor, Zurich proves to be a memorable stop for any kind of traveler.
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