2 days in Zurich with the old town and lake
Use your first day to follow the Limmat through the old town, then give the second day to art and the lake. This route groups sights by location so you spend little time on transport. Stay flexible about the boat departure and church visits, and leave enough room for a proper lunch between walks.
At a glance
- Where to stay
- Base yourself in Niederdorf for an easy walk to the river crossings and the first morning's sights. Choose a room away from restaurant terraces if you prefer quiet evenings, and check whether your accommodation has a lift.
- Book ahead
- A table at a traditional restaurant, Hotels in December
- Other lengths
- 3 days 4 days
Day 1: Two banks of the old town
- Morning
- Start at Grossmünster, then follow Münstergasse through Niederdorf. Climb the church tower if it is open and you are comfortable with stairs. Continue toward Central along the east bank, keeping the river as your guide.
- Afternoon
- Cross to the west bank and climb to Lindenhof through the lanes above the Limmat. Descend toward St Peter, then continue to Fraumünster for the Chagall windows. Check church access before arranging your afternoon around the visit.
- Evening
- Walk from Münsterbrücke toward Rathausbrücke as the light fades. This short river circuit lets you see the church towers from below after visiting them earlier. Finish in Niederdorf, where dinner can be followed by a short walk back.
- Dinner
- Book Zeughauskeller for a traditional dinner and order a sausage dish with rösti if available.
Day 2: Art followed by open water
- Morning
- Give Kunsthaus Zürich the morning rather than squeezing it between other sights. Choose a few collections that interest you and allow time for the modern wing. Check the official site for opening hours before fixing your two-day order.
- Afternoon
- Walk down toward Bellevue and cross Quaibrücke to Bürkliplatz. Choose a short lake sailing that fits the remaining afternoon, checking its return time before boarding. Afterwards, follow Bahnhofstrasse inland for a different route back toward the old town.
- Evening
- Return to the waterfront around Bellevue for a gentle walk along Utoquai. Turn back when you have had enough rather than committing to a long lakeside circuit. The promenade makes a relaxed finish after the museum and boat.
- Dinner
- Choose a casual restaurant near Bellevue and order a seasonal vegetable dish or lake fish if it appears on the menu.
Tips for 2 days in Zurich
- Check the Kunsthaus opening day first, then swap the two days if necessary so the museum fits your visit.
- Choose the lake sailing by its full route and return time, since a departure from Bürkliplatz does not guarantee a short round trip.
- Wear shoes that grip on steps and cobbles, especially on the lanes leading up to Lindenhof.
2 days in Zurich with the old town and lake
Can I do this itinerary on foot?
Most of the route is walkable, with the boat as an optional journey. Use a tram if the walk between the Kunsthaus and waterfront feels too long.
Which day should I change if it rains?
Keep the Kunsthaus for the wetter period and shorten the waterfront walk. Visit the churches between showers, checking their opening hours first.
Do I need to book the churches?
Check each church's official visitor information for current entry arrangements. Services can affect access, and the tower visit may have separate conditions.
Is a lake boat essential?
No. You can use the same afternoon for the promenade between Bellevue and Zürichhorn, with time to stop beside the water.