Best attractions in Zurich: Top 27

The Swiss city of Zurich is a place where time stood still. Zurich sights have preserved their natural integrity and authenticity. Therefore, before your trip, it is recommended to get acquainted with what to see in Zurich, by reading this material.

What is the first thing to see in Zurich?

First of all, before planning a trip to Switzerland, it is best to read a number of thematic materials that will allow the tourist to better understand the historical past of this unique mountainous country. Since Zurich is extremely diverse in outstanding places, a few days may not be enough. In this case, hotels in Zurich will help you not only to spend time in a chic and luxurious environment, but also to visit the best attractions in Switzerland.

1. Old Town

The Altstadt or Old Town is a distinctive district that encompasses the main historical part of Zurich. Statistically, the population of the district is 1.5% of the total population of Zurich. Zurich’s main attractions can briefly be characterized as constituting a single complex, which is located within the Old Town. Historically, the development of the city began precisely in the heart of Old Zurich, where Roman subjects founded their fortifications.

2. Paradeplatz square

A trip to fabulous Zurich should definitely start with the notorious square, which is a huge tramway hub. The historical past of the site is not so varied, and previously, it was the location of a quite ordinary livestock market. After, at the time of military drills and exercises, the square was renamed with the same name. At the moment, the rating of the place is especially off the charts when the wonderful time of Christmas arrives. So, the square is decorated with lots of luminescent garlands and decorations.

3. Burkleiplatz

Potential solutions to the itinerary problem, are the recommendations of tourists who have visited this place, so the question of what to see in Zurich in 1 day will fall away by itself. In any case, it would be not only disrespectful but also sinful to overlook the world-famous Burkleiplatz. The square is used not only as a decorative addition to the urban architecture, but also a place where a lot of sports and cultural events are often held. Its close proximity to the city’s lake and the presence of an observation platform make it an attractive place for endless streams of curious tourists.

4. Bahnhofstrasse

Bankhofstrasse tops the list of the most expensive shopping places in Europe and the world. The central location of the city is actually full of high-end, global brand outlets. However, just a few hundred years ago, on the site of the famous street were medieval fortifications, which over time were demolished and the ditch, formed between them, successfully transformed into a flat surface.

Official website: https://www.bahnhofstrasse

5. Langstrasse

If a tour group trip is too boring, it’s safe to visit the prototypical Red Light Street, which is located in the fourth quarter of the city. This wicked and slightly gloomy place will immerse visitors in the authentic life of the lower classes. The long street is filled with entertainment venues as well as places not entirely safe for the average person. Nevertheless, the street of red lights in Zurich, nevertheless, is recommended to visit, because similar places in the world are very few.

6. City Hall

Truly the main attraction of Zurich and a peculiar symbol of this fabulous city is the city hall. The architectural structure was erected in 1698, when Switzerland was experiencing its historical “dawn”. Located on the banks of the Limmat River, the town hall combines the best features of Baroque architecture. Moreover, the interior decoration as well as the facade of the building has been preserved. The decorations and decorations inside the building, a unique and rare ceramic stove are relics that keep the secret of the great city.

7. Grossmunster

Excursions in Zurich absolutely always include a plan to visit the male monastery of Grossmunster. According to a well-known legend, the founder of the temple was the outstanding historical figure and ruler Charlemagne. Thus, at one time, the monastery was a kind of prototype of a similar women’s monastery, which is located on the other side of the river. The European Reformation movement also affected Switzerland, so the convent was originally in the Romanesque architectural style.

Official website: https://www.grossmuenster

8. St. Peter’s Church

Reviews of this historically valuable place fully justify the reputation of the church. The historical antecedents of the church are extremely rich. Founded in the 9th century, the church was originally built in the Romanesque style, after, in the thousandth year, the church was replaced by a new Romanesque architectural cell of the city. Two hundred years later, the structure was again restored in the late Romanesque style, in which it remains today. Curiously enough, it was in the vault of the church that Zurich’s first independent mayor was buried.

9. Fraumuenster Church

Interesting places in Zurich have not only a unique and fascinating view, but a full-fledged historical factual background. The current Catholic church in Zurich, was erected by order of King Louis, who, in turn, did the same according to the wishes of his daughter Hidelgarde. Throughout its history, the monastery has undergone many visual changes and additions. Moreover, the work on the temple’s stained-glass windows was done by the national painter Marc Chagall.

Official website: https://www.fraumuenster

10. Zurich Opera House

The legendary status of the structure was earned when the brilliant, fantastic German composer Richard Wagner worked within the walls of the theater. Many cultural events are held in the theater. The exterior of the building is white in the neoclassical architectural style. In addition, the facade of the theater is decorated with busts of German classics of the musical era of the same name.

Official website: https://www.opernhaus

11. City Art Gallery

In the question: What to visit in Zurich, the City Art Gallery is a must. Designed by Carl Moser in the early 20th century, the gallery offers visitors a selection of outstanding works of art by German masters of the past centuries. Art connoisseurs are sure to take note of all the luxury and beauty of the place.

Official website: http://kunsthallezurich

12. Rietberg Museum

The sights of Zurich are, above all, a collection of precious monuments of European culture. The Rietberg Museum is the only non-European cultural museum of its kind. The museum’s exhibition is housed in three separate museum buildings. A selection of installations includes extraordinary works from India, China, Africa and Japan. In addition, the museum has an exhibition of Southern European art.

Official website: http://www.rietberg

13. Swiss National Museum

Sightseeings of Switzerland as well as rare exhibits of the country’s cultural heritage can be seen in the largest museum in Zurich. Old Zurich is represented by an ornate and unusual building in the style of eclecticism. Architecturally, the building was built in the form of a chateau and corresponds to the peculiarities of the French Renaissance style. The museum exhibition is represented by the exhibition sessions about the historical past of Switzerland and the city.

Official website: https://www.nationalmuseum

14. The Beyer Clock Museum

Isn’t the Swiss watch the main attraction of the country? The answer to this and other questions can be found in the unique quality of watches made by Beyer. The company’s clock museum is located on the basement floor directly in the brand’s store. The vintage and rare models of watches will naturally fascinate even the experienced tourist.

Official website: https://www.beyer-ch.com

15. Toy Museum

A complete immersion in the atmosphere of the carefree period of childhood and childishness is provided by the Toy Museum in Zurich. Once upon a time, Carl Weber, who was particularly fond of tiny toys, decided that throwing away this kind of beauty was not only inappropriate, but also slightly blasphemous. As a result, since the 19th century, the place has been home to an enormous collection of the rarest artifacts.

Official website: http://zurcher-spielzeugmuseum

16. Schprungli’s Confectionery

This pastry shop in the heart of Zurich is well known outside Switzerland. The long history of the brand has allowed it to accumulate and implement an invaluable experience in the production of delicious desserts and fine chocolate. More than 170 years of existence have brought the confectionery the status of an elite establishment.

Official website: https://www.spruengli.

17. FIFA Football Museum

This is not a review of bookmakers, but just a one-of-a-kind FIFA museum. Located in the Swiss city of Zurich, the museum combines exhibits on the sporting theme of soccer. Golden balls, soccer uniforms and much more.

Official website: http://www.fifamuseum.com/

18. Urania Observatory

A unique, domed structure that certainly stands out against the classic European architecture of Zurich, allowing you to enjoy a stunning view of the night sky. In addition, the powerful telescope gives you a close-up view of constellations and celestial bodies of amazing beauty.

19. Zurich Railway Station

Guides in Zurich start their city tours from this quite ordinary place. However, the beauty of the Swiss railway station astonishes everyone. The facade of the building is decorated with bizarre figures of people. And the modern filling of the interior space makes the place truly European.

Official website: https://www.sbb.ch/en

20. Poliban Funicular

In the literal sense of “what to see in Zurich”, there is a hint of the Polibahn funicular. Despite the peculiarly authentic nature of the streetcar, the cable car is a very reliable means of transportation. The tourist interest is due to the possibility not only to feel the presence of the distant 19th century, but to enjoy the unique panorama of Zurich.

Zurich sights: What else can I see in Zurich?

Zurich sights photos with names and descriptions are listed above, however, this does not mean that the most interesting places of the city are exhausted. So, there are many places, where to go in Zurich is strongly and urgently recommended.

21. Chinese garden in Zurich

In gratitude for China’s assistance, the city of Kunming presented Zurich with a piece of its own historical value - an amazing garden.

22. Zurich Zoo

A visit to the local zoo, will give little tourists as well as adults a lot of impressions of the great variety of rare animals.

Official website: https://www.zoo.ch/en

23. The Old Botanical Gardens

Under the patronage of the University of Zurich, the Old Botanical Garden displays rare plant species that benefit the microclimate of this natural and natural place.

24. Lindenhof quarter

Historic value of the city, the Lindenhof quarter is situated on the left bank of the city river. Thus, according to tradition, many religious ordinances were performed in this place, as well as mass gatherings of the city’s inhabitants.

25. Limmat River

The river is about 36 kilometers long. The Limmat River is an unmistakable part of historic Zurich and harmoniously complements the image of the city.

26. Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich is one of Switzerland’s cleanest lakes. The picturesque body of water attracts not only lovers of leisure activities, but also those who prefer a relaxing holiday in nature. The lake is also noteworthy because it was here that pile structures were first discovered.

27. Uttliberg mountain

Mount Utliberg is a proud semblance of the grandeur of the Swiss state. The hotel and observation deck located at the top, will give you the opportunity to enjoy a picturesque panorama of the waking city.

Zurich is a realm of historical wealth of art and architecture. It is a complete and irrevocable immersion in the European abyss of perfection. Read also about sights of Lausanne and be inspired for further travels in Switzerland.

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• Switzerland