8 Best Things To Do in Zurich in one Day

Last Updated on June 3, 2023 by Roslin Dwivedi

Zurich is an attractive and largest city in Switzerland. It is also called Switzerland’s financial capital. One of the best and most expensive cities to settle down in the world. Most of us start our Switzerland journey from Zurich. This makes Zurich’s airport and railway stations one of the country’s busiest. So landing on Zurich’s land, you have a day or half a day to explore this charming city. This leads to advising you on a few places you can visit while in Zurich. 

Some of the best features of Zurich:

1. The splendid views of the Alps from Lake Zurich front, 
2. Vibrant old town inhabiting the banks of the Limmat River at the city’s centre. 
3. Limmat river streams to Lake Zurich, providing mesmerising lakefronts from many locations in Altstadt. 

These are a few striking gems of the city. They are located near one another, making one day in Zurich doable on foot. 

During our Switzerland road trip , we began in Geneva and ended our trip in Zurich, we had a day and a half to explore the city.

Quick note:

While planning your visit to Zurich, you should locate District one. Where most attractions are situated. Our hotel, located within the district, granted us the opportunity to explore effortlessly. After enjoying the delicious buffet breakfast spread, we started our tour with the city’s centre. 

Best Things To Do In Zurich In A Day :

1. Zurich Hauptbahnhof

Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB) is the centre of the town. The busiest railway station in Switzerland. 

2. Bahnhofstrasse

Right in front of the Zurich HB, you have Bahnhofstrasse street. It is among the world’s most expensive avenues. This famous street is jammed with high-end brands on either side, with bustling pedestrians and tram runways in the middle. To stay on budget! Window shopping is suggested!  

Some little details:

Switzerland’s water fountains never failed to amaze me with their architecture and design. And you will find loads of attractive fountains on the streets around the city.

3. Altstadt (Old Town) 

Wander around the old town, which is split by the Limmat River. You can choose which side to explore first and just tour around. Either side of the river has cobbled streets filled with restaurants, bars, galleries and craft shops. Have fun walking on these streets, exploring small shops, veggies, open markets and fashion stores.

Quick note:

The bridges over the river Limmat connect the old town and are easy to get around. 

4. Lindenhof Hill

Wandering through the Altstadt (old town), we reached this beautiful viewpoint – Lindenhof Hill. Lindenhof Hill is a public square in the heart of the Altstadt. It features a historical Roman castle and former Imperial Palace. Just take a quick walk to the top of the hill and enjoy the views over the city. 

5. Grossmunster

One of the most visited in town, Grossmunster, is a 12th Century grand cathedral. You can climb upstairs for a magnificent sweeping view of the entire city, the turquoise Limmat River between Altstadt and the vast Lake Zurich. As for us, we also enjoyed a boat race on Lake Zurich for a brief moment while magnifying the Lake activities closely from atop the tower. 

6. Fraumunster church

Across the bridge from Grossmunster lies Fraumunster church. The unmissable blue tower of the church lurked us into this site. This 13th-century church is not the most impressive looking from the outside but preserved notable stunning stained-glass windows. 

7. Lake Zurich

The shores of Lake Zurich are surrounded by many parks and gardens. Just relax at the park, and observe people embarking or disembarking Bernese Oberland cruises. Fill your heart with the panoramic view of the Alps or simply admire the lake view with the colours of Sunset. We saved some expensive lunch money by having takeaway sandwiches alongside Lake Zurich at this fabulous place, Burkliterrasse. I recommend this place for some peaceful moments by the Lake after strolling through the busy town. 

Flohmarkt Bürkliplatz

Flohmarkt Bürkliplatz (the flea market) is close by Burkliterrasse or, say, a signal crossing away. The place is full of activities. The flea market excited me as I had never visited one before. Seeing this Flea Market, ‘The Flea Market Flip show’ popped into my mind. But of course, I was not going to buy antiques and refurbish them to sell and make more money from them like the show. Probably only if I was a Zurich resident.

But I enjoyed exploring the antiques, old furniture, essentials, antiques, fashion pieces and jewellery here. I even bought a few pieces of jewellery as a souvenir. And loved every other attractive junk on sale. I wanted to spend a long time here exploring every stall, but we could not due to limited time. But I loved it and wanted to go the next day before boarding our plane, but it did not happen. The market opens every day but is not held for long on weekends.

WHERE WE STAYED:

Motel One is one of the inexpensive hotel chains in Europe. Visiting the main attractions in Zurich is convenient due to its location.

WHERE TO EAT:

Eating for a reasonable price is not tricky in Zurich. You can easily find many takeaways and sit down restaurants of your taste. The Nagasui restaurant near our hotel served delightful Asian Cuisine in a fabulous ambience. The restaurant’s seating is arranged spaciously indoors and outdoors. 

Day tours from Zurich:

Lucern: Around 50 mins from Zurich, Lucern is one of Switzerland’s most loved cities among tourists. 

Mt.Titlis: On a revolving cable car, Summit Mt. Titlis in the Swiss Alps. 

Jungfraujoch: Jungfraujoch is one of the best excursions you will do in Switzerland. Buy the tickets in advance and reach the top of Europe by train and enjoy the excellent ice tunnels made inside the snow mountains.

Rhine Falls: Around 60 minutes from Zurich, Rhine Falls can be reached by train at ‘Neuhausen Rheinfall’ or ‘Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall’ station. 

Conclusion:

From Zurich’s old town to busy roads, to the relaxing parks at the shore of the Lake, we walked limitlessly to absorb the city’s essence. And that of with a baby. Which went so smooth that I don’t remember tackling any hassle for changing his nappies or finding a place to feed him. The locations, bright warm days kept us going, making our trip wonderful. I loved this city. I plan to spend more time by the Lake on our next visit.