Zürich Attractions Guide 2026

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Zürich.

1. 1

   Grossmünster

   landmarkAdult Church free; tower climb approx. CHF 5 (approx $6.25) · Child Tower approx. CHF 2 (approx $2.50) for children1-1.5 hours

   The Romanesque twin-towered church above the Limmat where Huldrych Zwingli launched the Swiss Reformation in 1519. Visitors can enter the nave and cloister and climb a tower for rooftop views over the old town and lake.

   Tip: The twin towers are Zürich's best-known skyline feature; the climb is around 187 steps with no lift · Look for the Romanesque crypt and the copy of the statue of Charlemagne, the church's legendary founder · Contemporary stained glass by Sigmar Polke in the nave windows is easy to miss

2. 2

   Fraumünster and the Chagall Windows

   landmarkAdult Approx. CHF 5 (approx $6.25) · Child Reduced or free for children; confirm at the entrance30-45 minutes

   A former abbey church on the west bank of the Limmat, home to five colourful stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall installed in 1970 and a tall Giacometti-designed window in the north transept.

   Tip: Photography inside is not permitted, so look carefully rather than shooting · The five Chagall windows in the choir are best seen in morning to midday light · Walk through the adjoining cloister with its murals of the city's founding legends

3. 3

   Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich)

   museumAdult CHF 13 (approx $16); reduced CHF 10 (approx $12.50) · Child Free under 162-3 hours

   Switzerland's largest cultural-history museum, housed in a fairy-tale castle-like building next to Zürich main station, with galleries covering Swiss history from prehistory to the present.

   Tip: Entry is free under 16, and Swiss Travel Pass holders enter free · Pair it with a stroll through Platzspitz park, the museum's neighbour behind the building · Start with the 'History of Switzerland' galleries to give context to what follows

4. 4

   Kunsthaus Zürich

   museumAdult Approx. CHF 25 (approx $31), varies by exhibition · Child Free for children and teens (to approx. 16)2-3 hours

   Switzerland's largest art museum, covering medieval to contemporary art with strengths in Munch, Giacometti, Impressionism and Swiss modernists, in a historic building joined to a David Chipperfield extension.

   Tip: Check the combined ticket for the collection plus any special exhibition on kunsthaus.ch · The Chipperfield extension holds the Bührle collection of Impressionist masterpieces · Look for Giacometti sculptures, which the museum holds in depth

5. 5

   Lake Zürich Promenade and Quaianlagen

   natureAdult Free · Child Free1-2 hours

   A long, tree-lined promenade along the northern end of Lake Zürich from Bürkliplatz to the Zürichhorn, with views of the Alps, swan-filled water, benches, cafés and summer lido life.

   Tip: Walk from Bürkliplatz along Utoquai to the Zürichhorn, roughly 3 km one way · Swim or sunbathe at the public lido at Utoquai in summer (small fee) · On clear days the Glarus Alps appear across the lake

6. 6

   Uetliberg (Uto Kulm) and the Zürich Panorama

   natureAdult Free (S10 train ticket approx. CHF 4.40 each way, approx $5.50) · Child Half-fare children's tickets on the S-Bahn; free under 62-4 hours

   Zürich's 870-metre house mountain, reached by direct S-Bahn train, with a viewing tower at Uto Kulm looking over the city, lake and Alps.

   Tip: Take the S10 from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to Uetliberg station (about 20 minutes) and walk 10-15 minutes up to Uto Kulm · The observation tower adds height above the forest canopy for 360-degree views · Walk down along the Planetenweg trail to Zürich Triemli or Albisgüetli for a different return

7. 7

   Lindenhof

   landmarkAdult Free · Child Free30-60 minutes

   A hilltop square under old lime trees overlooking the Limmat, once a Roman fort and Carolingian castle site, with one of the best free views in the old town.

   Tip: Climb the stepped alleys from Rathausbrücke or Schipfe · Bring a coffee and sit under the lime trees to watch the old town · Look for the Roman Turicum fortification plaque on the terrace

8. 8

   Bahnhofstrasse

   attractionAdult Free · Child Free1-2 hours

   One of the world's most expensive shopping streets, a tree-lined boulevard from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to the lake, lined with banks, watchmakers, department stores and chocolate cafés.

   Tip: Walk from the main station south to the lake, about 1.4 km · Visit Paradeplatz for Sprüngli chocolates and the tram hub · Most banks and luxury shops close on Sundays; the street is calm then

9. 9

   Zoo Zürich and the Masoala Rainforest

   attractionAdult Approx. CHF 30-34 (approx $37.50-42.50) · Child Approx. CHF 15-17 ages 6-15 (approx $19-21); free under 63-5 hours

   One of Europe's leading zoos on the Zürichberg slopes, famous for its Masoala Rainforest hall recreating Madagascar, plus a Himalayan highland and Lewa savannah.

   Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the queue · Visit the Masoala Rainforest first for the warm, humid hall when it is cold outside · Use the discounted combination with tram 6 or Zürich Card where available

10. 10

    Museum Rietberg

    museumAdult Approx. CHF 18 (approx $22.50) · Child Free for children and teens (to approx. 16)1.5-2.5 hours

    Switzerland's museum of non-European art, set in Rieterpark, with collections from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania in a historic villa and a modern glass-and-stone annex.

    Tip: Walk through Rieterpark and Villa Wesendonck, the museum's park setting · The Smaragd extension houses temporary exhibitions below ground · Combine with a stop at the lake on foot from Enge

Attractions by category

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Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path attractions worth seeking out.

Practical information

What you need to know before you go.

Hours

Most museums open 10AM-5PM or 6PM and close on Mondays; churches open daily but close for services; shops close Sundays; lakeside promenades and viewpoints are open day and night.

Fees

Museum entry typically CHF 13-25 (approx $16-31); the zoo approx. CHF 30-34 (approx $37.50-42.50); churches, parks, the Lindenhof and the lake promenade are free; the Swiss Travel Pass and the Zürich Card cover many museums and boat trips.

Best Times

May-June and September for warm weather and long days; July-August for swimming in the lake and river; December for Christmas markets and the Lucy lights on Bahnhofstrasse; a clear day is essential for Uetliberg views.

Booking

Book Kunsthaus special exhibitions, Opera tickets online ahead of time; most other sights need no reservation; buy a Zürich Card (24 or 72 hours) if visiting several museums and using public transport.

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Frequently asked questions