Things to see and do in Zurich
Zurich combines urban life with nature and history – a lively metropolis on the shores of Lake Zurich, surrounded by rolling hills and green recreational areas. In the charming old town with its winding alleys, historic guild houses, and modern cafés, tradition meets contemporary lifestyle. Along the Limmat River, on the lake promenades, or high above the city with a view from the Uetliberg, you can feel the special blend of tranquility and dynamism. Zurich is ideal for culture lovers, design enthusiasts, and connoisseurs, as well as anyone who wants to experience the perfect balance of city life and nature.
A Gate to Paradise travel expert will help you plan your dream trip to Zurich and integrate the city harmoniously into your individual itinerary – authentic, well thought-out and tailored to your personal travel pace.
Polybahn
One of the oldest funicular railways in Europe
Rechberg Garden
A magnificent baroque garden from the 18th century
Rapperswil
The rose town by lake zürich
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Every journey is unique. That’s why we don’t view your plans as a static package, but as a meticulously crafted design made up of exclusive elements, which we tailor perfectly to your personal needs. The result is a bespoke itinerary that remains just as flexible as your wishes once you’re there.
If you already have an itinerary in mind or have made some initial bookings, we’ll pick up exactly where you need us. We refine your existing vision through a professional travel audit, checking the logic and quality, and supplement your planning with hand-picked hotels or hidden gems not found in any guidebook. From the initial inspiration to the curated playlist playing in the background, we refine your plans in a modular, uncompromising way, with a love of detail.
Practical information for your trip
Two to three days are usually ideal for Zurich. This gives you enough time to explore the old town with its historic streets, stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, enjoy Lake Zurich, and visit one of the museums. If you wish, you can also take a trip to the surrounding area, for example to Rapperswil on the upper Lake Zurich, known for its castle, old town, and beautiful lake promenade. Three days are therefore recommended for a relaxed city break plus a day trip, while two days are sufficient for a compact city break.
The official language in Zurich is German, or more precisely Swiss German in everyday life. However, standard German is usually understood and spoken in shops, restaurants, and official institutions.
In addition, many people in Zurich speak English, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and when dealing with international contacts. French, Italian, and other languages are less common, but are also present to some extent due to the city’s international orientation.
Yes, Zurich is very easy to explore on foot. The city center, especially the old town, is compact and the main sights, shops, and restaurants are close together.
Walks along Bahnhofstrasse, Lake Zurich, or through the winding alleys of the old town are ideal for pedestrians. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there are cobblestones and slight inclines in some parts of the old town. This allows you to explore the city at your leisure without having to rely on public transportation.
