Zurich Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Trip Planning
Is Zurich worth visiting? Yes, but it’s often more of a base for exploring other parts of Switzerland. It’s great for a couple of days to see the city and then use the excellent public transport to do day trips.
How many days should I spend in Zurich? Most travelers suggest 1-3 days in Zurich proper is enough.
Zurich vs. Geneva? Zurich is generally preferred for its livelier atmosphere, more things to do, and better central location for day trips.
How expensive is Zurich? Extremely expensive. Travelers consistently mention it as one of the most expensive cities they’ve visited.
Is it possible to visit Zurich on a budget? Yes, but you have to be very strategic. Think free activities, cooking your own food from grocery stores (Coop/Migros), and using day passes for transport.
What’s a realistic daily budget for food? Expect to spend at least CHF 20 for a simple lunch, but a full meal at a restaurant can easily be CHF 40 or more.
Is Zurich a good base for a week-long trip to Switzerland? Yes, it’s a popular choice because of its excellent train connections to other major cities and scenic locations.
What’s the best time of year to visit Zurich? September and early October are often recommended for good weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is also popular but can be very hot and crowded.
Are there any free things to do in Zurich? Yes, plenty! Free walking tours, parks, swimming in the lake, and walking through the Old Town are all free.
Do I need to speak German? No, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Things to See and Do
What are the top must-see sights in Zurich? The Old Town (Altstadt), Lindenhof Hill, Lake Zurich, Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and Bahnhofstrasse.
What’s the deal with Lindenhof Hill? It’s a small hill in the Old Town with a beautiful, panoramic view of the city, the Limmat River, and the old city rooftops.
Is the Lindt Home of Chocolate worth it? Yes, many travelers highly recommend it, especially for the all-you-can-eat chocolate section.
What’s the best way to see the city on a short layover? Walk from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) through the Old Town, across the bridges, and down to the lake.
What are some less touristy places to see? The area around Lochergut, the Viadukt arches, and Hardbrücke offer a more local, hipster vibe.
Is it worth taking a boat cruise on Lake Zurich? Yes, a boat trip is a popular recommendation for a scenic, relaxing activity.
Where can I get a great view of the city? Üetliberg, the city’s local mountain, is a top recommendation. The train goes almost all the way to the top.
Any recommendations for museums? Kunsthaus Zürich (art museum) and the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) are frequently mentioned.
What is Frau Gerolds Garten? An outdoor urban garden space with shops, bars, and food stalls, particularly popular in the summer.
Is the FIFA Museum good? It’s a popular choice for soccer fans and is located close to the main train station.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near the city? Üetliberg and the walking path along the Sihl river are great options.
What about a free bike rental service? “Züri Rollt” offers free bike rentals near the main train station.
What is Bahnhofstrasse like? It’s the main shopping street, known for its high-end luxury brands. Great for window shopping.
Are there any unique experiences to be had? One traveler suggested visiting the “Teehütte Fallätsche” on Sundays for a hidden gem experience.
Is there a good place to go for a swim? The public swimming areas (badis) along the lake and river are very popular in the summer.
Food and Drink
What traditional Swiss food should I try in Zurich? Fondue and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes are common suggestions.
Where can I find budget-friendly food? Look for Coop or Migros supermarkets, which have restaurants or food counters with affordable options. Manor Food Court is also a good choice.
Any good Swiss restaurants that aren’t too touristy? Zum Kropf is suggested as a local alternative to the more touristy Zeughauskeller.
What’s a good place for a quick, cheap meal? Kebab shops (“Mit+Ohne” is a recommendation), and take-away options from supermarkets.
Where can I find good vegan/vegetarian food? Hiltl and Tibits are famous vegetarian buffet restaurants. KLE and Marktkuche are also mentioned.
Where can I get good hot chocolate? Sprüngli is a classic, high-end chocolate shop with great hot chocolate and macarons.
What are some good spots for a beer? Rheinfelder Bierhalle and Frau Gerolds Garten are popular for beer.
What are some good local bars? The area around Langstrasse is known for its nightlife and bars.
Any recommendations for a fancy dinner? The travelers list includes Restaurant Bauernschänke and Restaurant Schönau.
Where can I find great pizza? San Genarro, Miracle, and Scala are mentioned.
What’s a good breakfast or brunch spot? Babu’s and Zum Guten Glück are popular choices.
Any good ramen recommendations? Ooki and MIKI are mentioned as top choices.
Are there any good food tours? Not specifically, but exploring the different food spots recommended by locals is a great way to create your own.
What about a specific market? The Bridge near the train station is a newer, more upscale food court.
Are there good spots for dessert? Gelaterie di Berna for ice cream and Vollenweider for macarons.
Is it acceptable to drink tap water? Yes, the tap water in Zurich is safe and delicious to drink.
Any advice on dining out with kids? Look for places with outdoor seating or a more casual atmosphere, as many restaurants can be quite formal and pricey.
Is it necessary to make reservations for restaurants? For popular restaurants, especially on weekends, it’s highly recommended.
What’s the tipping culture like? Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. A small tip is usually a good gesture.
What’s the best place for a quick coffee? “Z am Park” is a suggested chill spot for coffee.
Where can I find a “local” meal? Look for restaurants that serve traditional food in the city’s less touristy neighborhoods.
Is it rude to take a long time over a meal? No, lingering over a meal is a common and accepted part of dining culture.
Are there any “all-you-can-eat” options? Tibits is a buffet-style restaurant where you pay by the weight of your food.
What about a good Cordon Bleu? Gertrudhof is recommended for Cordon Bleu.
Are there many international food options? Yes, Zurich has a very diverse and international food scene.
Public Transportation
How do I use public transport in Zurich? Download the SBB app. The system is very integrated and reliable, connecting trains, trams, buses, and boats.
Is a Zurich Card or travel pass worth it? It depends on your itinerary. For a few days, a day pass or a Saver Day Pass might be cheaper than a multi-day card.
What is the Zurich Card? It provides free public transport and entry to most museums and attractions in the city.
What’s a Saver Day Pass? A discounted day pass for the entire country that you must buy in advance.
Is the Half Fare Card a good idea? Only if you plan on doing a lot of train travel within Switzerland. It halves the price of all tickets.
What’s the easiest way to get from the airport to the city center? The train is the fastest and most convenient option.
Is Zurich’s public transport system really that good? Yes, travelers rave about its reliability, thorough coverage, and seamless integration.
Do I need to validate my ticket? With the SBB app, the ticket is on your phone. If you buy a paper ticket, you need to validate it at the machine.
Can I pay with a credit card on public transport? Yes, ticket machines accept credit cards. The apps are even easier.
What if I get caught without a ticket? Fines are very expensive and not worth the risk. Always buy a ticket.
Day Trips from Zurich
What are the best day trips from Zurich? Lucerne, Rhine Falls, Rapperswil, and Einsiedeln are popular suggestions.
Is it possible to visit the Alps as a day trip? Yes, though some of the most famous locations like Lauterbrunnen and Zermatt are a long day trip. The canton of Glarus or Graubünden are also good options.
How do I get to Lucerne from Zurich? It’s about a 1-hour train ride.
What should I do on a day trip to Lucerne? Walk around the old town, visit the Chapel Bridge, and consider a trip up Mount Pilatus or Rigi.
Are the Rhine Falls worth it? Yes, it’s a popular and impressive natural attraction easily accessible from Zurich.
Any day trip suggestions for nature lovers that aren’t intense hikes? Rapperswil and the boat cruise on Lake Zurich are perfect.
What about a day trip to Liechtenstein? It’s a popular and easy trip. Take the train to Sargans and then a bus to Vaduz.
Is it worth staying outside of Zurich and commuting in? Some people recommend it for a more affordable stay, but others say the commuting time can be a hassle.
Can I visit another country as a day trip? Yes, Liechtenstein is a popular option.
What’s a good day trip for kids? Juckerfarm (in season), the Bruderhaus Area in Winterthur with its animals, and the historic train ride from Hinwil to Bauma are all suggested.
Nightlife and Socializing
What’s the nightlife like in Zurich? It’s a bit scattered but has good options. The area around Langstrasse is known for its bars and clubs.
What are some good clubs to check out? Hive, Gonzo, Plaza, and Zukunft are mentioned.
Any recommendations for a more relaxed evening? Grabbing drinks at a lakeside bar like Rimini Bar or visiting a bar in the Old Town.
Is it hard to meet people? Zurich can be a bit reserved, but there are many expat groups and social events if you seek them out.
Are there any stand-up comedy or theater venues? Yes, Zurich has a good arts and culture scene with various venues.
What about the bar scene? The area around Lochergut has a number of bars and the Old Town has many smaller, cozy spots.
Is Zurich a good city for a solo traveler? Yes, it’s a very safe city and easy to navigate alone.
Are there any quirky places for a night out? Les Halles is a popular spot for its unique, eclectic vibe.
What about live music? Rote Fabrik is mentioned as a place for an alternative evening program.
Do I need to book tickets for nightlife in advance? It’s a good idea for popular clubs on weekends, especially.
Practical Advice
What’s the currency in Zurich? The Swiss Franc (CHF). While some places accept Euros, it’s best to pay in CHF.
Do I need to carry cash? No, most places accept credit cards. However, having a small amount of cash can be useful for small purchases.
How do I find a good hotel or accommodation? Travelers suggest using standard booking websites, but also recommend considering a stay outside the city center for better prices.
Is Zurich safe? Yes, it is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world.
What’s the etiquette for crossing the street? Wait for the green light. Drivers and trams will not stop for you otherwise.
Is it worth renting a car? Not for exploring the city itself, as public transport is excellent. It can be useful for day trips, but parking is expensive.
Where can I store luggage? There are lockers at the main train station (Hauptbahnhof).
What should I pack? Layers are key, as the weather can change quickly. Pack good walking shoes.
What about phone service? You can buy a local SIM card or rely on international roaming.
Is the water in the fountains drinkable? In most cases, yes. Look for a sign that says “Kein Trinkwasser” (No drinking water) if you’re unsure.
What are the opening hours like? Shops and restaurants often close earlier than in other major cities, especially on Sundays.
How do I get to the airport? The train from Hauptbahnhof to Zurich Airport (ZRH) is very frequent and takes about 10-15 minutes.
What is a “Kebab mit alles”? “Kebab with everything,” a common phrase for a cheap and delicious kebab sandwich.
Are there any specific scams to be aware of? Scams are rare, but always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Are there any free tours? Yes, some tour operators offer free walking tours of the city, which work on a tip-based system.
What is the best way to get around the city center? Walking is the best way to explore the Old Town.
Is it easy to find a public restroom? Yes, they are available in train stations and some public areas, though they may require a small fee.
What’s the best souvenir to buy? Chocolate (from Sprüngli or Lindt) and Swiss watches are classic choices.
What are the most common mistakes tourists make? Underestimating the cost of food and not taking advantage of the excellent public transport.
Any final advice? “Just explore Zurich by Tram and walking, there are many nice places and hidden gems, explore by yourself, there are no dangerous districts or so.”