Best Places to Visit in Zurich in Two Days

Staying for two days in Zurich gives travellers enough time to experience both its historic heart and its quieter scenic corners without rushing. The city is compact, the tram network covers every place you would love to visit, and most highlights are just a short walking distance, which makes planning easy. Visitors can comfortably explore Old Town, the lakeside, major churches, small cultural stops and a nearby viewpoint, all without any sort of inconvenience.

Day one usually focuses on central Zurich, where Travellers walk through the Bahnhofstrasse, continue into Altstadt, visit Grossmünster and Fraumünster, pause at Lindenhof Hill and end by the lake promenade. These areas are close to each other and offer a complete introduction to the city’s rhythm, architecture and steady movement. Day two widens the circle, adding Kunsthaus Zurich, Uetliberg, Zurich Zoo and a museum such as the Swiss National Museum or FIFA Museum for a deeper cultural experience.

For visitors searching for places to visit in Zurich in two days, the city works well because nothing requires long transfers or complicated planning. Attractions fit naturally in their route, and both days can be shaped around easy meal stops, short breaks and scenic viewpoints. Thrillophilia helps travellers plan hassle-free Zurich tour packages that offer benefits such as customisable itineraries, select meals, 24/7 support, and more.

Why Zurich Works Perfectly for a Two-Day Trip
  • A compact city layout with short walking distances
  • Excellent tram and public transport connectivity
  • Clear separation of historic, cultural, and scenic zones
  • Easy pacing without long travel transfers
Historic and Cultural Highlights
  • Bahnhofstrasse showcasing Zurich’s modern commercial heart
  • Altstadt (Old Town) with medieval streets and river views
  • Grossmünster and Fraumünster reflecting Zurich’s religious heritage
  • Lindenhof Hill offering panoramic views over the old city
Museums and Art Spaces
  • Kunsthaus Zurich featuring Swiss and European art collections
  • Swiss National Museum for history and cultural context
  • FIFA Museum highlighting global football heritage
  • Small galleries and cultural stops within walking distance
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Places to See in Zurich in 2 Days

01

Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s main city street and one of the first places travellers explore during a one-day visit. The stretch brings together luxury brands, local Swiss stores and some of the best cafés, giving visitors a quick sense of the city’s lifestyle. Popular stops include Confiserie Sprüngli, known for Luxemburgerli macarons and traditional hot chocolate, and Paradeplatz, which highlights Zurich’s financial history.

Trams pass through the street throughout the day, allowing travellers to enter Old Town, visit Lake Zurich or explore attractions. Spending time here helps visitors understand Zurich’s pace, design and everyday routines.

How to Reach: Bahnhofstrasse starts at Zürich Hauptbahnhof and is easily accessible by tram, bus, or a short walk from anywhere in Zurich city centre.

Best Time to Visit: Daytime to early evening, especially during pleasant weather or festive seasons

Highlights:
  • One of Europe’s most famous shopping streets with luxury and Swiss brands
  • Iconic cafés like Confiserie Sprüngli offering classic Swiss treats
  • Scenic walk connecting Zurich’s main station to Lake Zurich
  • Vibrant street life with trams, seasonal decorations, and cultural events
02

Old Town (Altstadt)

Old Town is where Zurich’s history unfolds through narrow streets, river crossings and public squares shaped by everyday life. Travellers walk through Altstadt to see how churches, homes and small businesses sit closely together, creating a historic centre that still feels lively rather than preserved. Landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster appear naturally along the walk, connected by short lanes and bridges, making them easy to explore.

Local bakeries, bookshops and cafés line the streets, giving travellers places to pause and spend their time peacefully. Altstadt helps visitors understand Zurich’s past while observing daily routines, making a core stop during a short stay. Altstadt helps visitors understand Zurich’s past while quietly observing daily routines, making it a core stop during a short stay and one of the most rewarding things to do in Zurich.

How to Reach: Old Town is easily accessible on foot from Bahnhofstrasse or by tram to stops like Central, Helmhaus, or Rathaus.

Best Time to Visit: Morning to early evening, when shops, cafés, and streets are most active.

Highlights:
  • Historic centre with narrow streets, bridges, and medieval architecture
  • Landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster within walking distance
  • Lively mix of local cafés, bakeries, and small shops
  • Easy walking connections along the Limmat River
03

Lake Zurich Promenade

Lake Zurich promenade moves along the city’s central lakeside and remains a traveller’s favourite stop during a one-day Zurich visit. Travellers spend time here walking along the paved shoreline, sitting near the docks, or watching boats move across the lake. Views extend across the water toward the surrounding hills, offering Zurich’s picturesque natural setting beyond the historic streets.

You can take boat cruises from Bürkliplatz and nearby piers, with short routes that pass residential neighbourhoods and lakeside towns. Many travellers include a cruise to experience the city from the water, while others stay along the promenade for a slower break between Old Town visits and sightseeing activities.

How to Reach: Reachable by tram or bus to Bürkliplatz, or by walking from Old Town or Bahnhofstrasse.

Best Time to Visit: Late morning to sunset for relaxed walks and scenic views

Highlights:
  • Peaceful lakeside walking path with open seating areas
  • Boat cruises offering views of Zurich from the water
  • Clear views of surrounding hills and lakeside neighbourhoods
  • Ideal break between Old Town sightseeing and city exploration
04

Lindenhof Hill

Lindenhof Hill is one of the best places to visit in Zurich in one day, visited by travellers for its clear views across the historic centre. From this open square, the Limmat River, nearby bridges, and church towers such as Grossmünster and Fraumünster come into view together, making it one of the city’s most picturesque viewpoints. The setting allows visitors to see how closely Zurich’s old streets and riverbanks are located within the centre.

The site also has visible remains from Zurich’s Roman past, adding historical depth to the visit. Travellers spend time here taking in the view and understanding the city’s early roots before continuing through Old Town or along the river.

How to Reach: A short uphill walk from Old Town, easily accessible on foot from Bahnhofstrasse or Central.

Best Time to Visit: Daytime for clear views across the city rooftops

Highlights:
  • Elevated viewpoint overlooking Old Town and the Limmat River
  • Clear views of Grossmünster and Fraumünster towers
  • Quiet open square ideal for short breaks
  • Roman-era remains adding historical context
05

Grossmünster

Grossmünster is one of Zurich’s most important churches and a key part of the city’s religious history. Travellers visit to see its twin towers and to understand its role in the Protestant Reformation, which shaped Zurich in the 16th century. Inside, the church features a simple stone interior, stained glass by Augusto Giacometti, and clear displays explaining its historical significance.

Visitors can climb the Karl Grossmünster tower for views over Old Town, the Limmat River and surrounding rooftops. The experience combines history and perspective, making Grossmünster a perfect stop for travellers interested in learning Zurich’s cultural richness.

How to Reach: Located in Old Town, easily reachable by walking or tram to Helmhaus or Rathaus.

Best Time to Visit: Morning to afternoon for interior visits and tower access

Highlights:
  • Iconic twin towers symbolising Zurich’s skyline
  • Key site of the Swiss Protestant Reformation
  • Panoramic views from the Karl Grossmünster tower
  • Historic interior with notable stained glass
06

Fraumünster

Fraumünster is known for its stained glass windows created by artist Marc Chagall, which draw travellers interested in art and heritage. The five large windows in the choir depict biblical themes through bold colours and light, creating one of the most recognisable interiors in Zurich. The stained glass by Augusto Giacometti adds to the artistic value of the space.

Located along the Limmat River, Fraumünster is close to Grossmünster and Old Town streets. Travellers visit for a short but memorable experience that highlights Zurich’s artistic side alongside its historic architecture, making it one of the best places to visit in Zurich .

How to Reach: Easily accessible on foot from Old Town or by tram to Helmhaus or Paradeplatz.

Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon for optimal light through the windows

Highlights:
  • Marc Chagall’s world-famous stained glass windows
  • Artistic interior combining colour, light, and history
  • Riverside location along the Limmat
  • Short, impactful visit during Old Town exploration
07

Kunsthaus Zurich

Kunsthaus Zurich is the city’s main art museum and a key stop for travellers interested in Swiss and European art. Visitors come here to see important works by Alberto Giacometti, Ferdinand Hodler and Edvard Munch, along with rotating international exhibitions. The galleries are spacious and clearly organised, allowing travellers to focus on specific collections rather than covering the entire museum.

The museum offers insight into Switzerland’s artistic development alongside well-known European movements. Many travellers include the Kunsthaus to add cultural depth to their day, spending time before continuing to nearby city sights.

How to Reach: Reachable by tram to Kunsthaus or a short walk from Old Town.

Best Time to Visit: Late morning to afternoon for a relaxed museum experience.

Highlights:
  • Major collection of Swiss and European art
  • Works by Giacometti, Hodler, and Munch
  • Spacious galleries with clear layouts
  • Cultural contrast to outdoor city sightseeing
08

Uetliberg

Uetliberg is Zurich’s most visited hilltop viewpoint and offers a mesmerising view of the city, Lake Zurich and the surrounding countryside. Travellers visit for the elevated lookout, where the contrast between the historic centre, residential districts and open green areas becomes clearly visible. The viewing tower and open platforms provide uninterrupted sightlines, especially on clear days.

Marked forest paths surround the summit, allowing visitors to spend time in natural surroundings while staying close to the city. Uetliberg is often included among places to see in Zurich in one day for travellers who want a scenic perspective that differs from churches, streets and museums.

How to Reach: Take the S10 train from Zürich Hauptbahnhof directly to Uetliberg station.

Best Time to Visit: Daytime for clear panoramic views

Highlights:
  • Hilltop viewpoint overlooking Zurich and Lake Zurich
  • Viewing tower with wide scenic perspectives
  • Forest trails surrounding the summit
  • Natural escape within easy reach of the city
09

Zurich Zoo

Zurich Zoo is located on the Zürichberg hillside and is known for its large, natural-style enclosures. Travellers visit to see animals in open habitats such as the Masoala Rainforest, Elephant Park and Kaeng Krachan Elephant enclosure. The zoo is spread across a spacious area, allowing visitors to explore peacefully. The zoo also includes themed zones for African savannah animals and alpine wildlife.

The pathways are clearly marked, making it easy to navigate for visitors. A typical visit takes two to three hours, fitting well into your itinerary. Zurich Zoo suits travellers interested in wildlife conservation, educational exhibits and outdoor exploration while staying within Zurich city limits.

How to Reach: Reachable by tram from Zurich city centre to Zoo tram stop, followed by a short walk to the entrance.

Best Time to Visit: Morning to early afternoon for active animal viewing and comfortable walking

Highlights:
  • Large natural-style enclosures with themed habitats
  • Masoala Rainforest offering an immersive indoor experience
  • Elephant Park and open savannah-style zones
  • Peaceful setting on Zürichberg with scenic surroundings
10

Swiss National Museum or FIFA Museum

The Swiss National Museum sits beside Zürich Hauptbahnhof and presents Switzerland’s history through exhibits on design, traditions, politics and everyday life. Travellers visit to understand how the country developed across regions, with displays that move from medieval artefacts to modern design objects. 

The FIFA Museum offers an alternative experience centred on global football history, featuring trophies, interactive exhibits and archival material. Travellers choosing between the two often consider personal interest, as both fit easily into two days in Zurich without requiring extended time or complex planning.

How to Reach: Swiss National Museum is directly beside Zürich Hauptbahnhof; FIFA Museum is accessible by tram to Enge or Museum für Gestaltung.

Best Time to Visit: Late morning to afternoon for a comfortable indoor visit

Highlights:
  • Swiss National Museum showcasing national history and design
  • Exhibits covering traditions, politics and everyday Swiss life
  • FIFA Museum featuring football trophies and interactive displays
  • Central locations ideal for short museum visits

People Also Ask About Zurich

  1. How should I plan my two days in Zurich for the best experience?

    The best approach to plan your two days in Zurich for the best experience is to dedicate day one to central Zurich, covering Bahnhofstrasse, Altstadt, Grossmünster, Fraumünster and Lindenhof Hill. Day two works well with cultural stops like Kunsthaus, a visit to Uetliberg and time for Zurich Zoo or a museum, depending on your interests.
  2. Are Zurich’s attractions easy to reach with public transport?

    Yes, attractions are easy to reach with the public transport system, as it is one of the most reliable transport networks in Europe. Trams and S-Bahn trains run frequently, helping travellers move smoothly between the city centre, Uetliberg, the zoo and museums. This makes two-day sightseeing simple, even for first-time visitors.
  3. Do Zurich tour packages help structure a two-day itinerary?

    Yes, packages help travellers manage timings and transfers efficiently. Platforms like Thrillophilia offer curated Zurich tour packages that keep routes organised, helping visitors enjoy both days without worrying about navigation, ticketing or complex planning.
  4. Which areas are good for breaks and meals during two days in Zurich?

    The areas good for breaks and meals during two days in Zurich are Old Town and the Bahnhofstrasse, ideal for quick cafés, while the lake promenade offers relaxed outdoor seating. Zurich West provides modern dining options. Each area offers dependable choices that suit families, couples and solo travellers looking for easy, predictable meal stops.
  5. Can I explore Zurich comfortably in two days?

    Yes, two days in Zurich are enough to see the city’s key highlights at a relaxed pace. The compact layout, dependable trams and short walking routes make it easy to explore Old Town, the lake promenade, major churches and a viewpoint without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
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