Obviously, there are far more than 10 tourist attractions in Zurich, but this list points out the absolute highlights, nobody should miss. Visit the places in Zurich that tell the exciting history of the city, see the beautiful parks and green spaces in the middle of the Old Town and enjoy the breathtaking views from the numerous overlooks, and you will experience Zurich’s true character and beauty.
Art lovers may also want to visit the Kunsthaus Zürich with its masterpieces and the Rietberg Museum, Switzerland’s biggest museum of non-European cultures.
Grossmünster
The twin towers of the Grossmünster are not only Zurich’s most prominent landmark, visitors can also climb up the Karlsturm and enjoy a breathtaking view over the city.
Fraumünster – a Church in the Old Town With Windows by Chagall and Giacometti
Founded in 853 by King Louis the German, this church with its convent was inhabited by the female members of the aristocracy of Europe. The convent enjoyed the patronage of kings and the abbess the right to mint coins in Zurich until well into the 13th century. Ownership of the church and convent passed to the city of Zurich after the Reformation.
Important architectural features include the Romanesque chancel and the high vaulted transept. The nave was last renovated in 1911.
Its most stunning treasures are the stained glass windows: those in the north transept are by Augusto Giacometti and the five-part cycle in the chancel and rosette in the southern transept the works of Marc Chagall. The cloister also reveals a series of frescos by Paul Bodmer.
Uetliberg – Zurich’s Very Own Mountain
At 2,850 feet above sea level, Uetliberg towers over the rooftops of Zürich. The mountain affords an impressive panoramic view of the city, the lake and the Alps.
The Uetliberg is particularly popular in November, as its summit is often above the blanket of fog that can cover the city at this time of year. In the winter, the hiking trails to the summit are converted into sledding runs.
In summer, there’s plenty to discover on well-marked hiking routes, a mountain bike route, and on the Planet Trail. This two-hour walk from Uetliberg to Felsenegg (Adliswil) takes you on a fascinating tour through a model of our solar system.
Bahnhofstrasse – Zurich’s Shopping Boulevard
The world-renowned shopping boulevard was created after construction of Zurich’s Main Railway Station. At the spot where city moats were 150 years ago, today it connects Lake Zurich with the Main Railway Station on a length of 1.4 kilometers (0.87 miles).
You find numerous boutiques, department stores and timepiece stores here, as well as at Paradeplatz – the Swiss banking center. Bahnhofstrasse is just as popular with locals and visitors, and it is always worth a visit. You can stroll relaxed along the lake in the summer as well as enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate at every corner in the winter.
Rennweg and Augustinergasse lead off from Bahnhofstrasse into the picturesque old town.
