Zurich in 5 days

Switzerland's polished lakeside city: a charming old town, a crystal lake and Alpine day trips at the door. Best time to visit: May-September. Average daily budget: $180 to $300 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Altstadt (Old Town), Medieval lanes on both banks of the Limmat, with the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.

Morning: Wander the Altstadt. Explore the cobbled old town, climb the Grossmünster tower and see Chagall's windows in the Fraumünster.

Afternoon: Explore Altstadt (Old Town), Medieval lanes on both banks of the Limmat, with the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.

Evening: Lake Zurich promenade & boat. Stroll the lakefront and take a steamer cruise with the Alps on the horizon.

Eat: Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, creamy veal with rösti

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Zürich-West, A former industrial district turned hip, with viaduct shops, rooftop bars and the Frau Gerolds Garten.

Morning: Uetliberg mountain. Ride the train up Zurich's local peak for a panoramic view over the city, lake and Alps.

Afternoon: Explore Zürich-West, A former industrial district turned hip, with viaduct shops, rooftop bars and the Frau Gerolds Garten.

Evening: Swim in the lake or river. In summer, join locals at the historic Badi bathing houses or float down the Limmat.

Eat: Cheese fondue or raclette in a cosy stube

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Niederdorf, The lively, pedestrian east-bank old town packed with bars, cafés and restaurants.

Morning: The trendy viaduct arches of Im Viadukt full of design shops and a food market.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Niederdorf, The lively, pedestrian east-bank old town packed with bars, cafés and restaurants.

Evening: Rooftop drinks and city views from Frau Gerolds Garten in Zürich-West.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Luxemburgerli, featherlight mini-macarons from Sprüngli

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Seefeld & the lakefront, Upscale lakeside living with promenades, swimming spots and the Chinagarten.

Morning: The serene Chinagarten lakeside garden, a gift from sister-city Kunming.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Seefeld & the lakefront, Upscale lakeside living with promenades, swimming spots and the Chinagarten.

Evening: Lindenhof hill, a quiet square with one of the best free views over the old town.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Swiss chocolate from a historic chocolatier

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Altstadt (Old Town), Medieval lanes on both banks of the Limmat, with the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Altstadt (Old Town), then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Altstadt (Old Town), Medieval lanes on both banks of the Limmat, with the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.

Evening: Dinner at Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, creamy veal with rösti, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Altstadt (Old Town).

Eat: Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, creamy veal with rösti

Hidden gems

The trendy viaduct arches of Im Viadukt full of design shops and a food market.
Rooftop drinks and city views from Frau Gerolds Garten in Zürich-West.
The serene Chinagarten lakeside garden, a gift from sister-city Kunming.
Lindenhof hill, a quiet square with one of the best free views over the old town.

Getting around

Zurich has a superb, punctual public transport network of trams, buses, suburban trains and boats, all on one ZVV ticket; a 24-hour or 9 o'clock day pass is great value. The compact centre is very walkable, and the airport is just 10 to 15 minutes from the main station by train. A Zürich Card covers transport plus museum discounts.

Safety

Zurich is exceptionally safe, consistently ranked among the world's safest cities, and very comfortable for solo travellers including women at any hour. Crime is rare; the main caution is petty pickpocketing in nightlife areas like Langstrasse and at the main station late at night. The biggest shock for most visitors is simply how expensive everything is.

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