THINGS TO DO AROUND ZÜRICH
FOR YOUR PRE- OR POST-TRIP VISIT
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For even more suggestions on things to do, please visit Zuerich.com, Trip Advisor, or Timeout.
SHOPPING
Bahnhofstrasse
Home to the most expensive retailers in Europe, stretching for 1.4 kilometers, and starts from the train station and runs to the lake, going from more reasonably priced establishments to Chanel and Cartier along the way. Make sure to check out the side streets to watch them make chocolate at Läderach, and try a Luxemburgerli at Sprüngli. It’s one of the most famous shopping streets in the world.
NEIGHBORHOOD VISITS
Niederdorfli
The old town on one side of the river. Wander the tiny cobblestoned streets and enjoy the atmosphere. Make sure to find Café Voltaire, where the dada art movement was born. Grossmünster is the two-steepled church that defines Zurich’s skyline. It is the starting point of the Swiss-German protestant reformation, facing off against the Catholic Frauenmünster across the river. Check out its famous geode windows and consider climbing its towers for a lookout.
Lindenhof
Found on the other side of the river, this historical square gives you great views. Make sure to wander around the old streets and the historical site of the Roman castle, and the later Carolingian Kaiserpfalz.
ADVENTURE
Boat Tours
Explore the city by daily boat tours. Click here for different tour options.
Running
We recommend going for a run down the Limmat river or up to the lake. There are paths everywhere, especially on the same side as the institute.
Walking & Hiking
Walking around town is suggested for great views of the city. For a more adventurous walk, try hiking Uetliberg (tram 13 or 17 to Albisgütli, then follow the path straight up) or walking on Zurichberg (tram 6 to the Zoo, then go back into the woods or left along the ridge line for great views.
MUSEUMS & GARDENS
Botanical Gardens
If you enjoy spending time in botanical gardens and learning about plants, then both the Old Botanical Garden in the city center and the new botanical garden of the University of Zurich in Seefeld are worth a visit. Click here for a list of botanical gardens.
Swiss National Museum
The Swiss National Museum is in a very cool castle-looking building within walking distance of the train station. The Museum für Gestaltung is all about design and visual communication.
Kunsthaus Zürich
The Kunsthaus offers collections that include works of art from the 13th century up and until today. Check out their website for their current exhibition.
Lichthalle Maag
A museum where you can immersive yourself in art. Visit their website for more information.
RESTAURANTS
From steakhouses to Swiss brasseries and urban settings to lakeside views, there is something for everyone on our list of top-rated and must-try restaurants in Zürich.
Please note: Dinner is on your own on Saturday evening.