1 Day Zooming through Zürich
TRAVEL DATE: MAY 30-31, 2023 | EST. READING TIME: 14 MIN
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Zürich Customized Map (Google Maps)
Planning to spend time in the largest Swiss city before venturing into the countryside?
If you’re spending a single day in Zürich, odds are you flew into the international airport and will be venturing elsewhere in the country shortly. While it may not offer the dazzling scenery found elsewhere in Switzerland, don’t let the urban nature of this destination fool you—exploring Zürich is a worthwhile endeavor, even if you only have half a day to spare!
Renowned as a global financial hub, Zürich is a magnet for business moguls and culture enthusiasts. Walking around the urban oasis you’ll simultaneously find remnants of the city’s medieval past nestled alongside modern shopping centers with global luxuries. As with other Swiss cities, you can expect the watches, cheese—and especially the chocolate—to be absolutely divine as you make your way through Zürich!
One Day Zürich Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped Zürich travel guide of how to spend one day in the city:
9:30 - 10:00 AM: ☕ Supercharge your day with a homemade pastry and coffee from John Baker (30 min)
10:00 - 11:30 AM: ⌚ Shop Bahnhofstrasse for quintessential Swiss goodies like luxury watches (1 hr 30 min)
11:36 - 11:52 AM: 🚍 Commute via a quick bus ride to the lakeside chocolate museum (16 min)
12:00 - 1:15 PM: 🍫 Begin your Zürich activities with a tour of Lindt Home of Chocolate (1 hr 15 min)
1:15 - 1:36 PM: 🚏 Travel back to the center of the city to continue your sightseeing (21 min)
1:36 - 1:56 PM: ⛪ Admire the green spire of Fraumünster (20 min)
1:56 - 2:20 PM: 🛐 Bear witness to the twin towers of Grossmünster (24 min)
2:20 - 2:47 PM: 🕰️ See the largest clock face in Europe upon St. Peter’s Church (27 min)
2:47 - 3:35 PM: 🧺 Enjoy a picnic in the park overlooking the city scenery at Lindenhof (48 min)
3:35 - 3:55 PM: 🗝️ Attach a love lock to the famous Mühlsteg bridge (20 min)
5:30 - 7:00 PM: 🫕 Dip your fork into a bowl of steamy fondue at Le Dézaley (1 hr 30 min)
How to Get Around Switzerland?
Before we dive into the specifics of travel to Zürich Switzerland, it’s important to make sure you’re properly equipped to travel around the country as a whole. Regardless of your preferred mode of transportation, be sure to download SBB Mobile: Switzerland’s most popular public transport app and your key to success in navigating the country. Within the simple interface you’ll find customizable time tables with suggested routes between locations which you can use to purchase your tickets and get relevant transit information while on the move.
Depending on the specifics of your itinerary, the Swiss Travel Pass could be a huge cost saver — and save you the headache of purchasing tickets every time you commute. This single pass gives you unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, on top of free admission to more than 500 museums with a 50% discount on common mountain excursions. If Zürich is your first and last stop in Switzerland—you likely won’t need this pass—however, if you’re flying into the largest city as a jumping off point for further exploration into nearby natural escapes like Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken, then you should certainly investigate the potential cost savings here.
When purchasing a pass you’ll need to choose between two variations: the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex, with the former, cheaper option valid through consecutive days of travel while the latter, more expensive option can be activated on freely selectable days within the month. You’ll need to figure out the destinations you plan to visit in advance to determine which of these options will be the most cost-effective for you. As a general guideline, if you’re in Switzerland for less than 2 weeks, the regular Swiss Travel Pass will likely suffice.
Pro Tip:
If you’re under 25, you can buy the Swiss Travel Pass Youth or Swiss Travel Pass Flex Youth for even cheaper rates, with a 30% discount on the regular pass prices. Both ticket types have the same conditions as their full price counterparts.
Once you’ve determined which pass type is best for your itinerary, select the offering that’s equal to or greater than the number of days you’ll spend in Switzerland: 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 day tickets are offered across all pass types. Since as the number of days included in the pass increases, the itemized cost per day decreases, it’s worth doing some quick math to find the cheapest option per day. For example, you’d actually be paying less per day to buy an 8-day pass for a 7-day trip, instead of buying one 3-day pass and one 4-day pass.
Your final decision lies between a first or second class ticket. There was hardly any difference between the two car classes in the trains I boarded (and I was able to sneak into some first class seats with my second class tickets), so I’d recommend going with the cheaper, second class pass. If you’re traveling during peak season and anticipate hordes of other tourists riding the same transit, however, the first class pass may be worthwhile.
Where to Stay in Zürich?
CENTRAL STAY: Hotel Limmathof (190 CHF for one night, split among two people)
If you’re looking for accommodation that connects with major public transportation routes while conveniently located centrally to the city’s iconic landmarks at unbeatable low prices, look no further than Hotel Limmathof! Situated in the heart of Zürich’s Old Town, this historic home serves business and leisure travelers alike. As you continue on your journey through Switzerland, you won’t have to travel too far since the Zürich HB transit station is just a quick five minute walk across the river! From there, Zürich Airport (ZRH) can be reached with regular 10-minute direct connections heading to the Flughafen Zürich stop. The Central tram stop is also located directly in front of the hotel, which can provide 30-minute direct connections to the airport departing every 10 to 15 minutes.
During our stay, we enjoyed a double room comprising one of the many 62 rooms of the hotel distributed across two houses. All rooms come equipped with a private bathroom, more than 50 channels available on a flat screen TV, a desk with reading lamp, and all the other fixings you’d expect from an affordable, down-to-earth offering. The double room had the perfect amount of comfortable space for the two of us—even as we battled our fevers in bed—and if desired these larger rooms are available on request for single traveler use.
What to Do in Zürich?
Breakfast - John Baker
FROM: Hotel Limmathof (Limmatquai 142, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland)
TO: John Baker (Bahnhofstrasse 9, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland)
TRANSPORTATION: walk 16 minutes following the Limmat River down, crossing over at Rathausbrücke, and then heading down and around St. Peter’s Church until you intersect with Bahnhofstrasse
Begin your Zürich Switzerland itinerary at John Baker on Bahnhofstrasse, a local scratch kitchen who’s mission is summed up with their slogan: “for our daily bread.” At John Baker, every product you see is homemade using sustainable ingredients acquired from fair production, and crafted every day by employees who see their work as a form of art. Offering free sourdough starter to bread enthusiasts who’d like to give a shot at baking their own loaf, John’s is truly a community centerpiece.
I went simple with a classic croissant and latte, but whatever morsel peaks your fancy from the glass display is surely to be a flaky masterpiece.
Bahnhofstrasse
After breakfast, continue your walk down one of the world's most exclusive and luxurious shopping streets: Bahnhofstrasse. Home to high-end boutiques, designer stores, and flagship outlets of international brands, alongside global names like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada you’ll find a concentration of prestigious Swiss watchmakers including Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Bucherer. Unless you came to Switzerland with the intent of acquiring one of these fabled time-pieces, this will likely be more of a window shopping experience as opposed to intentional perusing.
Originally a humble street called "Fröschengraben," Bahnhofstrasse was transformed in the mid-19th century after the fortifications of Zürich were demolished. Today, the elegant, tree-lined promenade is lined with significant cultural landmarks, including the Urania Observatory and the Swiss National Museum—if you have time to spare both of these exhibits could make an excellent educational stop during your day in Zürich.
Lindt Home of Chocolate
FROM: Bahnhofstrasse (Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland)
TO: Lindt Home of Chocolate (Schokoladenplatz 1, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland)
TRANSPORTATION: Bürkliplatz stop → Kilchberg ZH, Lindt & Sprüngli stop (bus 165, 13 min, 11 stops, CHF 11.60)
Conveniently connected to other parts of the city, you’ll continue your adventure departing from the central street towards Lake Zürich via the trams or buses encompassing the area’s efficient public transport system.
A trip to Zürich wouldn’t be complete without a stop at chocolate heaven, also known as the Lindt Home of Chocolate. This state-of-the-art interactive museum offers visitors immersive Zürich Switzerland travel experiences in the world of chocolate, educating enthusiasts on the history of chocolate, its production process, and the story of Lindt.
Upon stepping into the museum, you’ll likely smell it before you see it: the world’s largest chocolate fountain. This spectacular 30-foot display is more than a popular photo spot, as the center stream features literal liquid chocolate cascading down the imaginary drip into an overflowing truffle. The constantly running cocoa waterfall emits a sugary aroma that fills the surrounding foyer, tantalizing your taste buds before you begin a sensory exploration into all things chocolate.
Depending on your preference, you can wander through the Lindt exhibits at your own pace with detailed commentary provided by a free audio guide, or you can sign up for guided tours providing in-depth knowledge about the cocoa journey from bean to bar. Regardless of how you peruse the museum, inside you’ll find experiences celebrating the rich heritage of Lindt, a brand synonymous with Swiss chocolate excellence since 1845. Explorations into the history of chocolate compositions and innovations over time live alongside sustainable initiatives detailing the company’s ethical sourcing of cocoa beans and environmentally friendly production practices. If you thought you knew everything about chocolate, think again—I’m a frequent consumer of this sweet confection and left the Lindt showcase with a newfound appreciation for the immense labor involved in producing chocolate varieties along with the legacy of chocolatier contributions who have shaped the industry into the global orchestration that it is today.
The obvious, undeniable highlight of visiting a chocolate museum is that you’re bound to taste a lot of chocolate. I was stunned at the sheer amount of free tastings offered to visitors—from unlimited spoons to scoop up dark, milk, and white varieties of liquid chocolates to chunks of exotic flavors enhanced with hints of orange, lime, and chili to literally as many handfuls of Lindt truffles as you can stuff in your purse on the way out. Given the specificity with which I remember this experience, you can imagine the copious amounts of chocolate I consumed which promptly triggered a stomach ache. Enter this museum with more wisdom than I and remember that just because there’s endless chocolate in front of you, you don’t have to eat it all at once!
If you’re interested in a more hands-on experience, visitors can also participate in chocolate-making workshops where you’ll learn from master chocolatiers and create your own chocolate masterpieces to take home. Whether you’d like to craft fine bars, champagne truffles, or chocolate figures and lollipops, there’s sure to be a walk-in course suited to your sweet tooth!
Fraumünster
FROM: Lindt Home of Chocolate (Schokoladenplatz 1, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland)
TO: Fraumünster (Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland)
TRANSPORTATION: Kilchberg ZH, Lindt & Sprüngli stop → Bürkliplatz stop (bus 165, 13 min, 11 stops, CHF 11.60)
After commuting back to the center of Zürich, walk five minutes down the river from the bus stop to reach Fraumünster. Founded in 853 by King Louis the German for his daughter, this landmark initially served as a convent for aristocratic women. As such, the abbess of Fraumünster had significant influence over the region in the Middle Ages, holding various economic powers such as minting coins and controlling markets.
Today, the church is noted for its blended Romanesque and Gothic architecture, notably featuring a tall, slender spire made of copper which has henceforth turned green. Five large stained glass windows displaying biblical stories also decorate the structure with distinctive color themes. Inside you’ll find a series of frescoes by Paul Bodmer, depicting the legend of the founding of the abbey and the city's patron saints: Felix and Regula. If you’d like to tour the inside of the church, included in the CHF 5 entrance fee is admission to the underlying crypt museum, showcasing a 1,200-year multimedia exhibition of city and church history including the oldest remains of the Fraumünster Abbey. Entry is offered most days between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with entry prohibited 15 minutes before closing.
Pro Tip:
If you plan to tour the inside of Grossmünster as well, a combined ticket for CHF 8 can be purchased, offering access and audio guides to both historic sites.
Grossmünster
A three minute walk over Münsterbrücke will bring you to Grossmünster, a slightly younger church with origins dating back to the early 12th century. According to legend, Grossmünster was founded by Charlemagne, who discovered the graves of Zürich's patron saints at the site. Playing a crucial role in the Swiss Reformation, central Reformation figure Huldrych Zwingli preached at Grossmünster starting in 1519, with his reforms leading to significant changes in church governance in Zürich Switzerland and beyond.
The church is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, featuring twin towers adorned with modern stained glass windows which now serve as a distinctive part of Zürich's skyline. Inside you’ll find important historical elements, including the original seated figure of Charlemagne from the south tower in the 12th-century crypt and biblical texts which were examined for sources of truth during reformer disputations against the reigning church authority. With an entrance fee of CHF 5, Grossmünster is open to visitors between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM every day except Sunday, in which reduced hours from 1:00 to 6:00 PM are offered.
Pro Tip:
One of the lesser known Zürich Switzerland travel tips, the base entry fee allows visitors to climb the 187 steps up to the Karlsturm—or Charles Tower—for panoramic views over the city.
St. Peter’s Church
Journeying six minutes down Münstergasse and across Rathausbrücke will bring you to the final church in this roundup of infamous Zürich features: St. Peter's Church. With origins dating back to the early medieval period, the current building was consecrated in 1706 but stands on the site of earlier churches, with evidence suggesting the remains date back as early as the 9th century. Rudolf Brun, the first independent mayor of Zürich, is buried in St. Peter's Church, adding to its historical significance. Similar to the previous landmarks you’ve observed, the church played an important role in the city's religious and civic life over the past centuries. Most notably, however, is the tower which boasts the largest church clock face in Europe.
Similar to Fraumünster Church, you’ll observe a blend of Romanesque and Baroque elements including a simply elegant interior, with a notable wooden pulpit and galleries that can be observed for free. The church is open every day from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM with extended hours on weekdays.
Lindenhof
A three minute jaunt down Schlüsselgasse will bring you to Lindenhof, a peaceful green oasis and one of the best places to visit in Zürich Switzerland. Originally the site of a Roman fort and then a significant medieval settlement where the region’s citizens took their oath, the park is a foundational site in Zürich's historical transformation from a Roman outpost to a modern global city. In the 9th century, Charlemagne's grandson, Louis the German, built a palace here, marking the area as a center of power and governance in the early history of Zürich Switzerland.
Aside from the remains of a Roman tombstone and medieval artifacts, today you’ll find stunning panoramic views of Zürich’s old town from an elevated position across the Limmat River. A tranquil escape from the bustling city streets, its shaded paths, ancient trees, and benches continue to be a venue for chess games, open-air events, and social gatherings.
To properly enjoy this site of relaxing leisure, I recommend securing snacks from the nearby Coop supermarket so you can experience a picnic in the park like a local. Watch boats glide over the river and pedestrians stroll down the opposing walkway as you indulge in Swiss specialities during a quick break.
Mühlsteg
Continue on your way with a seven minute walk down Bahnhofquai to Mühlsteg, the bridge is famous for its "love locks.” As a symbol of their enduring love, couples attach padlocks to the railings and throw the keys into the river. If you’re visiting the city with a lover and would like to do the same, opportunistic salesmen are known to frequent the area with locks, or you could pop into nearby hardware store Garnier et Linker to select from a wider variety.
While attaching your lock, admire the picturesque view of the Limmat River and the surrounding areas, including iconic Zürich landmarks you’ve already seen up close like the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches.
Dinner - Le Dézaley
FROM: Hotel Limmathof (Limmatquai 142, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland)
TO: Le Dézaley (Römergasse 9, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland)
TRANSPORTATION: walk 10 minutes down Limmatquai by following the river south
By this point in the afternoon, my best friend and I revealed to each other that we were both feeling awful. It may have been the insane 2-country, 5-city itinerary we’d followed over the past ten days, but nevertheless we both ended up returning to bed to nurse our fevers. The cheese fondue we planned to eat was replaced with Domino’s cheese pizza, but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on this experience at Le Dézaley. Taking its name from the famous wine region in the heart of Lavaux, this whitewashed restaurant with a garden aesthetic has been open since 1902, serving up traditional home-style Swiss cuisine like fondue, rösti, and sausages for over 120 years.
Their world-famous cheese fondue is made from mature Surchoix cheeses, offered in truffle and morel varieties, and is one of the reasons why many guests from all over the world visit this spot every year.
How Much Does One Day in Zürich Cost?
If you travel to Zürich for just one day you’re in luck — you don’t have to pay for a hotel room! Following the above itinerary led the cost of a one-day trip to Zürich to be $218.73 for me as a recent grad on a budget:
Lodging
$97.89 - one night in Hotel Limmathof, split amongst two people
Transportation
$77.56 - one-way SBB train ticket from Interlaken West to Zürich HB
Food
$10.65 - pastry and coffee from John Baker
$2.22 - sparkling water from a vending machine
Activities
$14.46 - one Lindt Chocolate Tour ticket
Souvenirs
$15.95 - box of Läderach chocolate from the Zürich airport
If you’re already in Zürich you can forgo the train ticket. I actually spent my “one day” in Zürich as two half days, arriving in the afternoon after traveling from Interlaken and departing from Zürich Airport the next morning. Assuming you’re actually spending a single day in Zürich, you won’t require a hotel room like I did. If you’re on a tighter budget, consider cutting out souvenirs—otherwise this is a relatively inexpensive itinerary!
Assuming you don’t find yourself sick in bed halfway through the day, you’ll also want to factor in the cost of your lunch and dinner—unless you plan to survive off handfuls of Lindt truffles like we did! If you have more time on your hands, you may want to account for the cost of additional attractions.
What to Wear in Zürich?
Zurich's chic fashion scene is a blend of refined sophistication and contemporary flair, reflecting the city's identity as both a global financial hub and a cultural center. Embrace a polished yet practical style that can transition seamlessly from business meetings to social outings.
Within this elegant yet modern fashion landscape, neutral colors like black, navy, and gray dominate. Effortlessly blend amongst the locals by crafting outfits which pair refined simplicity with a touch of contemporary edge. Smart and sophisticated workwear-inspired aesthetics are seen in the bustling financial district, while innovative fabrics comprising well-tailored trendy pieces prevent the ensemble from feeling too stuffy. Regardless of the season, always aim for a balance of style and practicality, as the city’s climate requires a versatile wardrobe:
Sharp Blazers
well-tailored blazers with modern cuts provide a sleek, professional appearance suitable for the city's business vibe
Cashmere Sweaters
high-quality cashmere offers both warmth and style, allowing for comfort without compromising on elegance
Tailored Trousers
smart trousers are just as functional as they are chic, balancing style and practicality for your walk around the city
Contemporary Sneakers
add a modern twist to traditional businesswear with trendy sneakers that contrast against your classic base
Leather Handbags
embrace the minimalist local look of clean lines by carrying a quality leather handbag with subtle edgy details
Sophisticated Watches
if you have a special timepiece saved, show it off in a city that will appreciate your simple yet sophisticated styling
Is Switzerland Worth the Hype?
Switzerland may be notorious as one of the most expensive countries to travel to in Europe—yet this is only further evidence that it’s completely worth the hype. Why else would tourists keep coming back, and through every single season, if visiting this costly country didn’t live up to their wildest hopes and dreams?
Switzerland’s breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, impeccable infrastructure, and commitment to sustainability solidifies its standing as a premier travel destination. The snowy peaks and pristine lakes of the magnificent Swiss Alps offer an unmatched natural experience for daring globetrotters and outdoor enthusiasts alike, while cosmopolitan visitors will find modern sophistication within the charming cities scattered amongst the rest of the country’s natural scenery. In my personal experience, Switzerland's commitment to quality is the secret sauce that elevates every facet of the country; this dedicated attentiveness is evident in the efficient transport system, apparent cleanliness, widespread safety, and delectable culinary delights pervasive throughout. Ensuring an indulgent and comfortable travel experience for all, Swiss conscientiousness extends to their hospitality, from which you can always expect a warm welcome and sense of ease.
The four days I spent zooming through Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and Zürich were not nearly enough, and I’ll surely be booking a flight back as soon as the moment is right. I’ve raved about the merits of Switzerland to all my friends and family and the same message is true for you: visit Switzerland and you will not be disappointed!
