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Zürich

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Aerial view of historic Zurich city center with famous Fraumunster Church and river Limmat at Lake Zurich from Grossmunster Church on a sunny day with clouds in summer, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland

©canadastock/Shutterstock

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Overview

Culturally vibrant, efficiently run and attractively set at the meeting of river and lake, Zürich is has emerged as one of Central Europe's hippest destinations.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Limmat, Münsterbridge, Frauenmünster church

    Fraumünster

    Zürich

    This 13th-century church is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows, designed by the Russian-Jewish master Marc Chagall (1887–1985), who executed…

  • Zurich, Switzerland, November 14, 2019: Art museum Kunsthaus.; Shutterstock ID 1583236660; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial ; full: POI Image Update

    Kunsthaus

    Zürich

    Zürich’s impressive fine-arts gallery boasts a rich collection of largely European art. It stretches from the Middle Ages through a mix of Old Masters to…

  • Zoologisches Museum, Arctic section (and tropical birds)

    Zoological Museum

    Zürich

    Dinosaur skeletons, giant mammoths, sloths – the hands-on Zoological Museum of the University of Zürich is home to 1500 stuffed animals, with interactive…

  • Skutulentensammlung, entrance

    Sukkulenten-Sammlung

    Zürich

    Zürich is home to one of the largest collections of succulents in the world: more than 4500 species from more than 78 families. With seven greenhouses, an…

  • Josefwiese, with the Prime tower (left) in the background, and amateur soccer teams playing after work

    Josefwiese

    Zürich

    An atmospheric Kreis 5 park, in the shadow of a towering smokestack and railway viaduct, this family-friendly place has huge grassy expanses and a…

  • Focus Terra, foyer

    Focus Terra

    Zürich

    This hands-on university museum reveals the treasures of the earth, explaining what makes volcanoes erupt, where gems come from and what fossils tell us…

  • Grossmünster

    Grossmünster

    Zürich

    Founded by Charlemagne in the 9th century (but heavily reworked since), Zürich's twin-towered landmark cathedral sits directly across the river from…

  • Schweizerisches Landesmuseum

    Schweizerisches Landesmuseum

    Zürich

    Inside a purpose-built cross between a mansion and a castle sprawls this eclectic and imaginatively presented museum. The permanent collection offers an…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Zürich has world-class museums, a diverse social scene and a lakeside culture that’s hard to beat. Here’s how to sample it all.

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Best Time to Visit

Whether you’re in search of winter sports or a budget trip, these are the best times to visit Zürich.

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Things to Know

From transportation to etiquette, and local treats to try, follow our top tips to enjoy a smooth and authentic visit to Zürich.

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Transportation

With electric trams, free bicycles and scenic ferries, Zürich is a pleasure to get around. Here are our top tips for navigating the Swiss city.

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Free Things to Do

It's easy to spend your money in Zürich. Fortunately, there are plenty of free things to do too. Here are the best of them.

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Best Neighborhoods

Zürich is a city that seamlessly blends history, innovation, and natural beauty. This guide will help you choose where to base yourself.

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Day Trips

After enjoying the cultural riches of Zürich, take a day trip to admire Alpine peaks, medieval cities, superb art and more.

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Money and Costs

Stretch your budget further in Zürich with these top money-saving tips.

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Traveling with Kids

Zürich, nestled between a river and a lake, is great for families, offering plenty of green space and many opportunities to enjoy Swiss culture.

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5 Shops

In our 5 Shops series, we’ll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world's best cities. From food markets and…

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