Zürich is Switzerland's largest city and the capital of the canton of Zürich, set on the northern tip of Lake Zürich where the Limmat river leaves the lake, with the Alps visible on clear days. It combines a medieval old town, world-class museums, lakeside swimming, and the luxury shopping of Bahnhofstrasse with famously punctual public transport and very high prices.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Lindenhof Terrace over the Limmat
A tree-shaded terrace on a hill in the old town, looking across the Limmat to the Grossmünster, Rathaus and Niederdorf rooftops.
Best time: Golden hour in the late afternoon, when the sun lights the Grossmünster towers
Tip: Shoot from the parapet looking east for the Grossmünster and Limmat frame. · Arrive before sunset to find a spot on the wall. · Include the chestnut trees as a foreground frame.
Grossmünster Karlsturm Tower View
The climb up the south tower of the Grossmünster gives a view over the old town, the Limmat, Lake Zürich and the Alps.
Best time: Late afternoon and early evening in clear weather
Tip: Climb the tower stairs early in the day to avoid queues at the narrow top. · Shoot through the open arches, not the glass. · Check the current tower opening hours and fee at the church.
ETH Polyterrasse Skyline View
A terrace in front of the ETH main building with a wide panorama over the old town, the Limmat and the Alps beyond.
Best time: Sunset and blue hour, when the old town lights come on
Tip: Take the Polybahn funicular up from Central. · Frame the Grossmünster and Fraumünster towers on the skyline. · Return at blue hour for lit buildings.
Uetliberg Uto Kulm Tower Sunrise and Sunset
A lookout tower on the Uetliberg summit with panoramic views over the city, the lake and the Alps; a favourite for sunrise, sunset and inversion fog days.
Best time: Sunrise and sunset; fog-sea mornings in autumn and winter
Tip: Check the weather webcam: a fog inversion gives dramatic cloud seas. · Bring a head torch for the descent after sunset. · Take the S10 to the terminus and walk 20 minutes.
Quaibrücke Lake and Alps at Sunset
The bridge at the lake outflow gives a view of the lake, the Alps, the Limmat and the old town in a single frame.
Best time: Sunset in clear weather, with the sun setting over the Albis chain
Tip: Shoot toward the lake from the middle of the bridge. · Use a polarizing filter to deepen the sky and lake. · Arrive an hour before sunset for a position.
Bürkliplatz Lakefront and Boats
The main lakeside landing, with steamboats, swans and the Alps in the distance; the Zürichsee promenade begins here.
Best time: Sunrise and sunset; Saturday morning flea market adds street life
Tip: Photograph the ZSG boats at the landing. · Use long exposures for smooth water at dusk. · Visit on Saturday morning in season for the market.
Zürichhorn Park and Chinese Garden
A lakeside park with lawns, the Chinese Garden and open views to the Alps and across the lake, quiet and good for sunsets and reflections.
Best time: Late afternoon and sunset with the Alps on the horizon
Tip: Use the willow trees as a foreground frame. · Check Chinese Garden opening times and fee. · Visit at sunset for lake colours.
Fraumünster and Münsterhof
The slender spire of the Fraumünster rises over the Münsterhof square, with the Chagall windows inside and the guild houses around.
Best time: Morning light on the spire and the square; midday for interior stained glass
Tip: Check church photography rules before entering. · Shoot the spire from the Münsterhof corners. · Add the Limmat reflection for detail.
Augustinergasse Medieval Lane
A narrow cobbled lane in the old town lined with painted houses and oriel windows, one of the city's most photogenic streets.
Best time: Early morning when the lane is empty
Tip: Photograph the oriel windows with a wide lens. · Arrive early for empty cobbles. · Add a boutique shopfront as foreground.
Niederdorf and Rathausbrücke
The Limmatquai riverfront, Rathaus and the lanes of the Niederdorf make a rich subject, especially in the evening.
Best time: Evening and blue hour for lit facades and reflections
Tip: Shoot the Rathaus reflection from the bridge. · Wander into the side lanes for street scenes. · Visit in December for market lights.
Im Viadukt and Prime Tower, Zürich West
Railway arches converted into shops and markets, with the Prime Tower and the industrial-chic Zürich West skyline nearby.
Best time: Blue hour and night for lit arches and the tower
Tip: Shoot the arches along their length for a leading-line shot. · Use blue hour for the Prime Tower. · Include a tram for motion.
Oberer Letten Riverside at Golden Hour
The Limmat riverbank at the Letten baths, with sunbathers, swimmers and the evening light on the water.
Best time: Golden hour in summer
Tip: Respect swimmers' privacy; avoid close portraits without consent. · Shoot downstream at sunset. · Use a long exposure for smooth water.
Schanzengraben Moat and Botanical Quay
A quiet old moat canal with willows and mature trees, close to the Bahnhofstrasse, with reflections and autumn colour.
Best time: Early morning and autumn colour
Tip: Shoot reflections in the canal on windless mornings. · Look for willow branches as frames. · Combine with a walk to the Lindenhof.
Rhine Falls from Schloss Laufen (day trip)
A viewing terrace on the Zürich bank gives a close view of the Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe, a day trip from the city.
Best time: Morning and midday, when the sun lights the spray; late spring for peak flow
Tip: Cover the camera: spray is heavy at the lower platform. · Use ND filters for silky water. · Go early to avoid crowds at the platforms.
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Zürich's strengths.
Sunrise photography
Bürkliplatz lakefront, Uetliberg tower, Schanzengraben moat on calm mornings
Sunset photography
Quaibrücke, Zürichhorn, Oberer Letten riverside, Uto Kulm
Architecture photography
Lindenhof, Grossmünster tower, Fraumünster, ETH Polyterrasse, Im Viadukt and Prime Tower
Street photography
Augustinergasse, Niederdorf and Rathausbrücke
Nature photography
Zürichhorn park, Schanzengraben, Uetliberg ridge, Rhine Falls
Night photography
Quaibrücke, Niederdorf lights, Prime Tower and Im Viadukt at blue hour
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Sunrise
- About 8:00 AM in winter and 5:50 AM in summer, good for calm lake reflections at Bürkliplatz
- Midday
- Best for the Rhine Falls spray and interior stained glass; harsh on the old town
- Sunset
- About 4:45 PM in winter and 9:20 PM in summer, best at the lake and Uetliberg
- Blue Hour
- 20-40 minutes after sunset for the lit old town, the lake bridges and Zürich West
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset) for warm, directional light.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious or cultural contexts.
Carry spare batteries and storage — opportunities for great shots appear unexpectedly.