1. Grossmunster (Great Minster): This is the most important landmark in the history of the Swiss Protestant Reformation movement. The twin towers of this 12th-century church pierce through the clear blue skies and offer fantastic views of the city. Inside, the church is adorned with beautiful stained glass paintings; gothic artworks, huge bronzed doors, and bricked walls. There is a crypt inside the church where you can see the original statue of Charlemagne, the founder of the Protestant order.
Location: Grossmünsterplatz, 8001, Zurich.
Entry Fee/Price: There is no entry fee.
Timings:
- November to February: Monday-Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm
- March to October:Every day (except Sunday) 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
2. Zurich Zoo: This amazing zoo has over 300 species of animals and birds living in habitats that are created closely on the lines of their natural habitats. You will see amazing mimicked natural spaces like seacoast, mountainous cloud forest, savannah & grassland, tropical rainforest, desert & steppe, etc. The zoo houses exotic animals like Emu, Laughing Kookaburra, Rainbow Lorikeet, Southern Screamers, etc. There are beautiful waterworks, ponds, and lush thickets inside.
Location: Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland
Entry Fee/Price: CHF 26, INR 1912
Timings:
- March to October: Every day from 10:00 am to 6 pm
- November to February: Every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
3. Zurich Lake: Probably the most famous attraction in Zurich, this beautiful crustal-like lake is amongst the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. The Lake, nestled amidst the cantons of Schwyz, St. Gallen, and Zurich, it is an amazing place to soak in the crisp mountain breeze and the stunning scenery. There are plenty of fun things that one can do here right from watersports, swimming, bathing, lake cruise, etc. Enjoy skating at the rinks at Wadenswil and Kusnacht. Don’t miss to try fresh butter-fried fish at the cafes near the Lake.
Location: The Lake extends on the southeast part of the city
Entry Fee/Price: CHF 8, INR 588
Timings: The Lake can be visited anytime.
4. Lindenhof: One of the most-visited places in Zurich, Lindenhof is not only a stunning garden but also an epicentre of major historical events in the country. This is where once a 4th-century Roman fort stood, which gave way to a palace in the 9th-century built by Charlemagne’s grandson.
The place is loved for its tree-covered walkways, views of the Limmat and the Old Town area, and tranquil ambience interspersed only by chirping birds. This is one of the best places to enjoy a spot of sun picnicking with the family. Join the city’s chess enthusiasts for a game of chess at the giant chessboard inside the garden.
Location: Old Town area between Limmat and Bahnhofstrasse.
Entry Fee/Price: There is no admission fee.
Timings: Can be visited anytime.
5. Fraumunster: Another important place that shaped Swiss history, this church was established in the year 853. Translating to ‘Church of our Lady’, this church was founded by Emperor Ludwig especially for the female aristocracy of Europe as a convent to stay and worship. It still has remains of the original church in the crypt.
You will see stunning stained glass paintings by Marc Chagall, as a five part series that depict scenes from the life of Christ, an angel signalling the world’s end and portraits of Moses & Jacob. The best time to view these paintings is during the morning hours as the sun rays falling on them illuminate the church in a million colours.
Location: Munsterhof 2, 8001.
Entry Fee/Price: CHF 5, INR 368
Timings:
- November to February: Every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- March to October: Every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
6. Rosenhof Crafts Market: The best way, its said, to experience a place is to visit its marketplaces. This craft market is a buzzing melting pot of sellers who come here from all over Switzerland to sell their authentic Swiss wares. Pick up antiques, handicrafts, wools, jewellery, paintings, Swiss bells, and ceramic homeware. There are plenty of street-side cafes and shacks that offer delicious local fare like hot chocolates, crepes, pastries, lattes, and chocolates to fill you up after a fun day of shopping.
Location: Weingasse, 8001, Zurich.
Entry Fee/Price: None
Timings:
- November to February: Every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
7. Botanical Garden: The perfect place to take a respite from the crowds at the usual tourist places, the Botanical Garden is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Inside, you will see glass domes that look straight out of a sci-fi movie. These are actually greenhouses that house thousands of varieties of flowers, plants, and trees. Once you’ve explored the gardens, take a breather near the pond where the only sounds that you will hear will be croaking frogs and chirping critters.
Location: University of Zurich grounds, 8008, Zurich.
Entry Fee/Price: Admission is free.
Timings:
- March to September: Monday-Friday- 7:00 am to 7:00 pm; Weekends and public holidays: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- October to February: Monday-Friday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; Weekends and public holidays: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
8. Ulrich Zwingli Monument: This monument is dedicated to Huldrych Zwingli, one of the most important reformers in Switzerland. He was an intriguing figure who earned the wrath of the pope for this fiery writings in the 15th century. This monument was established in the late 18th century is one of the most visited places in Zurich. Huldrych’s statue is located in the southern part of Wasserkirche. One hand of the statue holds a sword and the other hand holds a bible beautifully depicting his conjoined roles as a warrior and a preacher.
Location: Limmatquai 20, 8001, Zurich.
Entry Fee/Price: There is no entry fee.
Timings: Can be visited anytime.
9. Old Town: Your Zurich visit is incomplete without seeing the charming old town area that seems to have stopped in the Renaissance era. Amidst the intriguing hidden alleys and cobbled streets that take you back to the middle ages, you will see amazing buildings like the 14th-century Lombard money changer, Lenin’s house, the 13th-century Grimmenturm, and the charming church building complete with ornate ironwork and bricked walls. No wonder, this stunning place was the residence of Einstein, Wagner, and James Joyce. Don’t miss visiting the beautiful antique shops and cafes here.
Location: Both sides of the Limmat River.
Entry Fee/Price: No entry fee.