Sightseeing in Zürich

Although Zürich is highly industrialized, the skies remain clear since the factories are powered by electricity. Zürich is situated between the wooded slopes of the Uetliberg and the Zürichberg, and the southern portion of the city is divided by the River Limmat. It’s here, where the Limmat meets Lake Zürich, that visitors can take a sailboat excursion on the lake. This city is ideal for exploring in an unhurried fashion and the Old Town is a great place to people-watch and window shop.

Churches

Besides the fountains, churches are Zürich’s main landmarks. Most significant and impressive are the Fraumünster, Grossmünster, and St. Peterskirche – each with its own contrasting styles.

The Fraumünster was built in the 13th century to replace a convent for noblewomen, which had been there since 853. It has been greatly modernized since then. Among other things, the artist Marc Chagall designed the... See more

The Grossmünster was built between 1100 and 1250 on the site of a ninth-century church, and is dedicated to the patron saints of Zürich. Artist Augusto Giacometti designed its stained-glass windows. It’s found at Zwingliplatz... See more

St. Peterskirch is one of the oldest in Europe and has the largest clock face of any church in Europe. Built in the 13th century, the church was altered and the clock added in 1705. The clock is 28.6 feet in diameter and the minute... See more

Landmarks & Historic Sites

The Rathaus is Zürich’s Renaissance town hall that dates back to the 1600s. The richly ornamented building is still the seat of city and cantonal parliaments. There are no tours of the interior, so you’ll have to be content with... See more

Museums

The Bellerive showcases displays of modern art, including those by William Morris, Emile Galle, Diego Giacometti and Sonia Delaunay, to name a few. A rich commercial art collection is on permanent display... See more

Johann Jacobs began a coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate and biscuit business in 1895 in Bremen, Germany, and the name Jacobs soon became synonymous with coffee throughout most of Europe. This museum was founded in his honor in 1984 by his great-grandson.The Johann Jacobs Museum... See more

Kunsthaus Zürich is a museum of fine arts displaying paintings, sculptures and graphic arts, mostly from the 19th and 20th centuries, many by Swiss artists. Highlights are the Dada collection, works by Munch, Giacometti... See more

The Rietberg Museum is housed in VillaWesendonck, a beautiful mansion in Rieter Park with a view of the lake. The permanent collection features non-European art, including famous works from India, China, Africa and... See more

Schweizerisches Landesmuseum – The Swiss National Museum – is housed in a 19th-century castle, and details the history of Switzerland from prehistoric and Roman times through the Confederation. One particularly interesting exhibit is a display of arms and armor with... See more

The Zoologisches Museum is part of the University of Zürich and has displays relating to all aspects of the animal kingdom. Popular attractions include hands-on exhibits with sophisticated microscopes and... See more

The Zürich Toy Museum provides an impressive display of toys from centuries past. This museum (Zurcher Spielzeugmuseum) appeals to kids of all ages, as it houses over 1,200 antique toys from all... See more

Parks & Gardens

Belvoir Park is the city’s largest park, and it offers spectacular floral displays and pleasant walks. Take Tram 7 to Billoweg or walk from Bellevueplatz along the west side of the lake.

Zürich's Chinagarten is one of the most significant Chinese gardens outside China. Beautiful plush gardens are highlighted by Chinese pavilions of various shapes and sizes and white zigzag bridges, complemented by a wonderful tea house, where visitors can sample... See more

The Old Botanical Garden, belonging to Zürich University, contains more than a million and a half plants. Take a pleasant walk either through the gardens or in the wooded area nearby... See more

Quayside Park runs alongside the promenade, ending at the rhododendron garden at Zürichhorn, home to a sculpture by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. It’s a great place for walking. In summer, you can swim in designated areas... See more

The Zürich Zoo is superb, featuring more than 350 species from around the world, and including an aquarium and open-air aviary, along with special enclosures for red pandas, snow leopards, clouded leopards, tigers and Indian ... See more