How to Spend an Enjoyable One Day in Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is home to various attractions, so it can be hard to know where to start when visiting for only one day. Luckily, plenty of places and activities will let you experience the best this city has to offer while still fitting into your schedule. If you are wondering how to spend one day in Zurich, Switzerland, we have some ideas.

How to Spend One Day in Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich offers an array of places to explore and since it is such a walkable city, you will have an easy time checking it out on foot!

Here is a guide on how you can make the most of one day in Zurich.

In Old Town, Zurich, you’ll find shops and restaurants representing every corner of Switzerland from traditional Swiss bakeries to casual German restaurants.

Be sure to get lost in the winding streets and explore everything Old Town has to offer.

While you can tour Old Town on your own if you really want to learn about the history, consider taking a guided walking tour.

Grossmünster

The Grossmünster Church, one of the most famous landmarks in Zurich is where you should start your day.

Once a monastery, it now houses a Reformation museum in the cloister.

It also offers some of the most beautiful views of Old Town if you are willing to climb the 187 steps that lead up to the viewing platform.

Münsterhof

Just across the bridge from Grossmünster is Münsterhof, the largest town square within Old Town.

You will find it surrounded by colorful medieval buildings.

It is here that you will find Fraumünster church.

Fraumünster

Visit the Gothic-style Fraumünster (Church of Our Lady). Once a monastery, its religious imagery, including stained glass, was destroyed during the Reformation.

During the 20th century, it was reconstructed and beautiful glass windows by Russian-French modernist artist Marc Chagall were added along with frescos by Paul Bodmer in Fraumünster’s former cloisters.

Only cash is accepted and there is no photography allowed.

Rathaus

The city’s town hall dates to the 1690s and was built right over the water.

The three-story Renaissance-style building is open to the public and inside you will find objects and art that detail Zurich’s political history.

Paradeplatz

Next head to the Paradeplatz square, one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in Switzerland.

This is where you will find high-end retail stores and headquarters to the most famous financial institutions.

Switzerland is not only famous for its banks but also for its chocolate.

You will find the world-famous Sprüngli Cafe in this section of Zurich. It has been operating in Zurich since 1836.

Swiss National Museum

Spend the afternoon visiting the largest museum in Switzerland.

If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, you can take the public transportation over to the Swiss National Museum for free.

The museum’s collection of art and artifacts spans thousands of years and items come from all over the world.

Visitors will find everything from ancient artifacts and Renaissance paintings to vintage clothing.

There are also several state-of-the-art interactive exhibits that showcase Swiss history and culture.

Zurich is a wonderful city, with a beautiful history and plenty of things to see & do. While one day in Zurich doesn’t allow you to do everything, it does give you the chance to see Old Town, visit a chocolate shop and learn about the history of Switzerland.

Should You Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is a great option if you are traveling to more than one destination in Switzerland.

It gives visitors unlimited access to public trains, buses, and boats to over 90 cities and towns.

Pass holders also get free entrance to 500+ museums, discounted city tours, and access to private and scenic trains with a pre-requisite seat reservation.

There are two types of Swiss Travel Pass: Continuous and Flexi, with an option to choose from 3, 4, 8, and 15 days.