Zürich

Zurich’s Old Town stretches along both sides of the Limmat River, with narrow cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Explore winding lanes, peek into small shops, and visit landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster (two of Zurich’s most famous churches). Famous former residents of the area include Einstein, James Joyce, and Richard Wagner.

St Peter’s Church is one of four main churches in the Old Town, alongside Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and Predigerkirche. Inside, traces of earlier foundations can still be seen under the choir. The tower holds the largest clock face in Europe, measuring 8.7 metres across — it’s hard to miss when walking through the Old Town.

Lindenhof is a quiet hill and public square in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town, offering views over Grossmünster, Rathaus, and the Limmat River. Explore the square, play a game of giant chess, or just sit by the fountain and watch the city move below. The site has a long history, once home to a Roman and later Carolingian fortress, around which Zurich grew. Today, it’s a calm spot where locals and visitors alike stop for a break from the streets nearby.

Grossmünster is a Romanesque church with twin towers that stand out across Zurich’s skyline. It’s historically important as the place where Ulrich Zwingli started the Reformation. Visitors can climb one of the towers for a view over the Old Town and the Limmat River, and notice details, such as the modern stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti.

A visit to Zurich is not complete without a walk along the Bahnhofstrasse. It’s often listed among the priciest shopping streets in the world, something you’ll realise as soon as you see the window displays. Bahnhofstrasse runs from the main station down to the lake and is home to big international brands and Swiss department stores. Even though it is known for luxury labels, there are a few everyday shops mixed in as well. If you prefer smaller, independent places, the side streets and nearby Old Town have more variety.

Kunsthaus Zürich is the city’s main art museum, home to one of Switzerland’s most important collections. Inside, you’ll find everything from medieval panels and Dutch masters to works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, and Monet.

The Chinese Garden sits at Zürichhorn by the lake, a gift from Zurich’s sister city, Kunming. Inside are pavilions, small bridges, and a pond with koi, all arranged in a traditional style. It’s not big, so expect a short wander rather than a full outing, but it’s a calm spot to step away from the lake path for a few minutes.

Lake Zurich runs 40 kilometres from the city to the Glarner Alps. Boats leave from Bürkliplatz to nearby towns, but it’s just as nice to stick to the promenade, watch rowers glide past, and grab a coffee at a waterside café. In summer, locals swim or picnic along the banks, so it’s easy to join in or just sit and watch the activity.

Zürich’s most iconic shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse, stretches from the main train station down to Lake Zurich and is a true magnet for fashionistas and luxury lovers. The boulevard is lined with high-end boutiques, designer labels, Swiss watchmakers, and flagship stores of international brands. Side streets and arcades also hide smaller shops, jewelers, and specialty stores. Even if you’re not planning on buying, strolling along the Bahnhofstrasse offers a quintessential Zürich experience.

Schweizer Heimatwerk represents the finest Swiss handicrafts, blending tradition with contemporary design. The shop offers a wide range of products, from home décor and textiles to kitchenware and souvenirs. It’s a favourite among visitors looking to take home authentic Swiss craftsmanship.

A landmark Swiss department store with more than a century of heritage, the Zürich flagship on Bahnhofstrasse spans five floors and offers fashion, beauty, home & lifestyle goods. The ground‑floor 'Luxury Boulevard' presents top brands under one roof, while the basement food hall showcases global gourmet products known for quality and indulgence.

Held every Saturday at Helvetiaplatz and the adjacent Kanzleistrasse area, the Kanzlei Flea Market is Zurich’s most well‑known flea market. With up to 400 stalls of second‑hand goods, you’ll find everything from furniture and vintage cameras to leather bags and jewellery. It opens around 7:20 am and runs until about 4 pm rain or shine. If you’re a bargain hunter or just curious, arriving early gives you the best pick of the pile.

On Theaterstrasse, Vollenweider Chocolatier Confiseur opens a window onto more than 80 years of Swiss chocolate craftsmanship. The shop showcases handmade chocolates, truffles, and macarons produced by the family-owned workshop nearby in Winterthur, blending classic recipes with inventive flavours. It’s a wonderful stop for anyone seeking authentic Swiss treats or special souvenirs to take home.

Once an industrial paper mill, Sihlcity has been converted into Zürich’s largest shopping and leisure centre. The complex houses around 80 shops offering everything from fashion and cosmetics to electronics, alongside restaurants, a hotel, a spa, and a cinema.

Step into the birthplace of Dada at Cabaret Voltaire, where the spirit of the avant-garde is alive and thriving. By day, the shop downstairs offers books, art prints, and quirky objects from both the Dada movement and young designers, a perfect stop for unusual souvenirs. Evenings bring live jazz, a vibrant café and bar, and a creative atmosphere that reflects the building’s rich artistic history.

This revitalised district is perfect for a leisurely stroll among its unique shops, selling everything from local designer labels to international fashion and a mix of vintage and high-end pieces. Beneath the railway arches, you'll find a market hall with over 30 vendors, where you can pick up fresh produce or simply enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the cosy cafés lining the arches.