Zurich tours and tickets
Zurich is a city of lakes, churches and museums, and it needs little advance booking. The main plans are boat trips on the lake, a visit to the Kunsthaus, and day trips to Lucerne and the Rhine Falls. The old town, Lindenhof and the lakefront are free. Restaurants and December hotels are the things to reserve.
Book these first
- A table at a traditional restaurant
- 1 to 2 weeks ahead. The best-known rooms fill at weekends, and more so in December.
- Hotels in December
- 2 to 3 months ahead. Christmas market weekends sell out, and rooms near the old town go first.
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Churches and palaces
Grossmünster
The twin-towered church of the Reformation, with a tower climb for a view over the old town and a Romanesque crypt. Entry to the church is free, and the tower has a ticket.
Which to pick. Visit in the morning and climb the tower. A guide is optional but helps with the Reformation story.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorFraumünster and the Chagall windows
A church with five stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, in a choir lit by the colors. Entry has a small fee, and photography is not allowed.
Which to pick. Go in the late morning for the best light on the glass. No guide is needed, and photography is not allowed inside.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Museums and galleries
Kunsthaus Zürich
The city's main art museum, with works from the Middle Ages to modern times, including Giacometti, Monet and Munch, in a mix of old and new buildings near the old town.
Which to pick. Buy a ticket online or at the door. Allow two or three hours, and use the audio guide if you would like some help choosing rooms.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSwiss National Museum
A museum of Swiss history and culture in a castle-like building next to the station. Exhibitions cover the country from prehistory to the present.
Which to pick. Buy at the door. It is a good option for a wet day, and the permanent exhibitions give a clear overview of the country.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorLindt Home of Chocolate
A museum and factory visit about chocolate in Kilchberg, on the lake, with a chocolate fountain and tastings. Timed tickets apply.
Which to pick. Book a timed slot, because weekends and school holidays fill. Take the train or the lake boat there, which is part of the fun.
A few days aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
On the water
Lake Zurich boat
Boats run on the lake from the Bürkliplatz pier, from short city trips to longer cruises to Rapperswil. Evening cruises are also offered.
Which to pick. Buy at the pier. A day pass on the public transport network includes some boats.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSwimming in the lake and river
Public lido baths on the lake and the river Limmat, free or low cost, with a food stall culture in summer.
Which to pick. Bring a towel and go on a warm afternoon. No booking is needed, and the lido baths open from late spring.
Not needed, entry is freeTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Lucerne
A lake city with a covered wooden bridge and an old town, about 45 minutes by train. Boats and mountain trips leave from there.
Which to pick. Take the train and decide on the day. Book a mountain trip ahead in summer.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorRhine Falls at Schaffhausen
The largest waterfall in Europe by volume, about an hour by train. Boat rides take you to the rock in the middle.
Which to pick. Go by train and buy the boat ticket on the spot. Wear a waterproof layer, since the spray reaches the viewing paths.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorUetliberg
The city's local mountain, reached by a short train from the main station, with a viewing tower at the top and walking paths along the ridge and down to the lake.
Which to pick. Take the train up and walk down. Pick a clear day, since the view depends on the weather.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Zurich
- ZürichCARDA card for free public transport, free or reduced entry to many museums, and lake boat discounts. It suits a short, museum-heavy visit. Compare the included list with your plans before buying. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Zurich
Is Zurich expensive for sightseeing?
Entry fees are moderate, but meals and transport add up. A day pass for transport and a city card can save money.
Is the ZürichCARD worth it?
If you plan several museums and use public transport, it can pay for itself. For two or three sights, single tickets are enough.
Do I need to book the Lindt museum?
Yes, a timed slot is needed, especially at weekends and in school holidays, because the numbers inside the museum are limited.
Is Lucerne better as a day trip or an overnight?
A day trip works well, as the train takes about 45 minutes. Stay overnight if you want mountain excursions.
Can I swim in the lake?
Yes, the lake and river are clean and swimmable in summer. Use the public baths for safety.
What can wait until I arrive?
The old town, churches, lake boats, Uetliberg and the Kunsthaus can be done on the day. Book restaurants, December hotels and any Lindt visit first.