Zurich is an idyllic year-round destination against the backdrop of the spectacular Swiss Alps. Here is what to see and do in Zurich.

As Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich is an idyllic year-round destination against the backdrop of the spectacular Swiss Alps. In the summer, you can boat on Lake Zurich, bike and walk in the city, swim in the lakes and rivers, explore the nearby mountains, and relax in expansive outdoor space. Winter brings a unique charm, too, with some of Europe’s best ski resorts less than 90 minutes away, warm mineral springs for soaking, and a vast array of cultural experiences. Although it’s an ideal base while exploring the rest of Switzerland, it’s well worth spending a few days discovering Zurich’s charm.

Exploring the Town

Zurich is a quintessential storybook lakefront town, with Lake Zurich on one end and the Limmat River winding its way through Old Town past the massive Grossmünster (meaning “great minister”) church founded in the 8th century by Charlemagne. Climb to the top of the Karlsturm (the southern tower of Grossmünster) to see the city and look across the river for the inspiring tower of Fraumünster Zurich, which dates back to 853. Be sure to cross the river for a visit to gaze quietly at the stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall.

Pro Tip: To explore the whole town, you can also book car service at Traserbas.com.

Grossmünster. Photo by Christian Beutler Copyright Zürich Tourism

As you explore, notice the fountains everywhere – about 1,225 public fountains in the city, each offering clean drinking water. Also, walk up the winding cobbled drives on the Right Shore to Lindenhof Park, an ideal spot to see down the river to Lake Zurich and the snow-capped Alps.

In the summer months, visit bathing areas along the river and lake by day, and be sure to return in the evenings when the baths transform into “Badi bars” (open-air bars) offering cocktails and entertainment.

Seebad Enge Badi-Bar at night. Photo by Alex Buschor copyright Zürich Tourism

The city boasts 50 museums and more than 100 galleries. The National Museum Zurich, located behind the Main Station (Hauptbahnhof, or HB Zurich for short), houses Switzerland’s largest cultural history collection. It’s a great place to get the first glimpse of Zurich’s rich history.

Guided walking tours offer a chance to learn the city’s history while discovering local favorites. I recommend purchasing a Zurich Card from the tourist information booth at HB Zurich or the Zurich Airport. With the card, you get up to 50 percent off on tours and unlimited travel on Zurich’s public transportation, including buses, boats, trains, trams, and cableways.

Winter Wonderland

You can best experience Zurich’s winter magic at one of the many Christmas markets from mid-November through Christmas Eve. The Hauptbahnhof Christkindlimarkt is the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe, with more than 160 stalls and a larger-than-life tree decorated with 7,000 Swarovski crystals.

Weihnachtsmarket at Hauptbahnhof. Photo by Mario Modena copyright Zürich Tourism

Zurich’s oldest Christmas market is outdoors in the center of Niederdorf in Old Town. For something different, check out Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz, the largest Christmas market overall (indoor and outdoor), with 100 chalets selling upcycled products and ice skating for all ages.

Promenade around Lake Zürich in winter. Photo by Christian Beutler copyright Zürich Tourism

Winter is also the ideal time to enjoy a Swiss classic: fondue. While it’s available year-round, there’s something warm and soothing about a traditional Swiss fondue of rich wine and cheese sauce served with housemade pickles and bread.

Famous Swiss Fondue. Photo by Elisabeth Real copyright Zürich Tourism

Another Swiss classic is Zürcher Geschnetzeltes – sliced veal in a white wine cream sauce – served with a side of rösti potatoes. In addition to traditional dishes, Zurich is home to more than 2,000 restaurants with international cuisine.

Luxury Shopping in Zurich

For retail lovers, Zurich is a shopper’s paradise. Stroll down Bahnhofstrasse – the main downtown street and one of the world’s most exclusive shopping avenues – to discover luxury brands. If you want to take home a Swiss timepiece, step into watch retailer Bucherer and pick top Swiss brands, or go to nearby flagship Piaget or Mont Blanc.

Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse. Photo copyright Zürich Tourism

For fashion finds, stop into Maison Gassmann, an iconic department store housed in a historic Bahnhofstrasse building. Nearby Grieder, situated inside a Gothic building, is also popular for everything from clothing to housewares. If you prefer more traditional shops, wind along Old Town’s cobbled streets, where you can find boutiques filled with clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts.

Stay & Soak

B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa, located on Zurich’s Left Shore, is quiet and hip, only about five minutes by train from Hauptbahnhof and three tram stops to shopping at Paradeplatz, an area at the center of Bahnhofstrasse. B2 is located in what was once Switzerland’s largest brewery, the Hürlimann Brewery.

B2 Boutique Hotels + Spa bedroom and bathroom. Photo courtesy B2 Boutique Hotels + Spa

Order local bites, sample wine and beer, and enjoy complimentary brunch each morning in the wine library, surrounded by 33,000 collectible books and chandeliers made from original Hürlimann beer bottles. All 60 rooms and suites are unique, with paintings reflecting the building’s industrial heritage and classic design elements.

B2 Boutique Hotels + Spa Wine Library. Photo courtesy B2 Boutique Hotels + Spa

Go downstairs to Thermal Bath & Spa Zurich, where you can bathe under hundred-year-old stone arches. Soak in the wooden mineral pools or follow the Irish-Roman circuit, where you soak your way through 10 water stations toward ultimate relaxation.

Thermalbad & Spa Zürich. Photo copyright Thermalbad & Spa Zürich, Adrien Barakat Photography

The rooftop boasts an open-air infinity pool with breathtaking panoramic views overlooking Zurich. Hotel guests can access the spa through a private elevator and receive a 50 percent discount on admission to the spa, plus access to the pool.

Rooftop pool. Thermalbad & Spa Zürich. Photo copyright Thermalbad & Spa Zürich, Adrien Barakat Photography

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Visiting Zurich

Zurich really is a bit of a fairytale destination. The city has a vibrancy that somehow blends with a laid-back vibe. It is a great spot to stay for a while as you explore the area. Let Wander With Wonder be your guide when searching for more things to see and do while visiting Europe.