What To Do On A Layover In Zurich

So, you’ve got a few hours to spare in Zurich and can’t stand the thought of people-watching in the airport lounge? The city’s airport is only a 10-minute train ride from the city centre, giving you ample time to explore Switzerland’s largest city.

If you have three hours…

Many of Zurich’s main attractions are within walking distance of one another, so three hours is plenty of time. Start off your whistle-stop tour with a stroll along the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s and Switzerland’s premier shopping street that’s packed with designer brands. After your window-shopping urges are sated, and if you have time to spare, continue to the historic old town and explore the Grossmünster and Fraumünster, the city’s twin churches that are separated by the historic Münsterbrüke bridge.

1. If you have five hours…

You’ll find yourself with plenty of time to tick off a fair few of Zurich’s top attractions, including the Bahnhofstrasse and the historic old town. The remainder of your time would be well spent exploring the Swiss National Museum. There is no better place to get the complete low-down on Swiss cultural history from its very beginnings up until now. Alternatively, if your visit lands on a market day, you can pop by one or two to pick up a bargain, an unusual souvenir or try a local delicacy.

Swiss National Museum, Museumstrasse 2, Zurich, Switzerland, +41 44 218 65 11

With seven hours to spare, you can get out of the city centre, after visiting its highlights, and take a stroll through one of Zurich’s parks, wander along the lakeside or take a boat tour of the city (weather permitting). You’ll also have time to visit some of the districts outside of the city centre, such as Zurich West, home to the Im Viadukt, an alternative to the Bahnhofstrasse, and Frau Gerold’s Garten, a hip place to enjoy lunch or a drink.

Markthalle Im Viadukt, Limmatstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland

Frau Gerolds Garten, Geroldstrasse 23/23a, Zurich, Switzerland

If you have 12 hours…

You’ll be able to explore most of Zurich’s main sites in the city centre and beyond. If you’re the nature-loving type, why not use the time to take a trip up the Uetliberg, Zurich’s local mountain. In spring, the mountain is particularly beautiful when the wildflowers are in bloom. At the top, you’ll have a wonderful panoramic of the city, Lake Zurich and stretching to the Alps beyond. Back in Zurich, you can also indulge your taste buds with a trip to one of the city’s best Swiss restaurants to try some traditional dishes such as fondue or Zurcher Geschnetzeltes, a local speciality.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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