Free
Lake Zurich
Yes, you can swim in it. Yes, it really is that clean. No, the swans are not impressed by you.
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Grüezi, traveller
Zurich, but the version you actually came for.
z.zuerich is the tourist sibling of a.zuerich. Same blue, same precision — fewer forms, more lake. Here's what to see, what to eat and how to ride the tram without being That Person.
423
Public fountains you can drink from
2 °C → 24 °C
Lake temp, depending on bravery
4
National languages (English is the 5th)
1,200+
Restaurants. Yes, really.
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Language
Swiss German · English widely spoken
Emergency
112 · Police 117 · Ambulance 144
Tap water
Drinkable. Brag-worthy.
What to see
Six things, zero regrets.
Walk it
Old Town (Altstadt)
Cobblestones, guild houses, and the kind of clock towers that make your phone camera weep with joy.
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CHF 5
Grossmünster
Twin-towered church where Zwingli kicked off the Swiss Reformation. 187 steps up, one stunning view down.
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Free (mostly)
Bahnhofstrasse
One of the world's most expensive shopping streets. Window-shopping is, thankfully, still free.
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Train + hike
Uetliberg
Zurich's house mountain. 20 minutes by train, 2 hours of bragging rights on Instagram.
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Free
Lindenhof
A quiet little hill with the best free view in town. Locals play chess here. Don't interrupt.
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Eat & drink
Order this, thank us later.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Veal in creamy mushroom sauce with Rösti. The city's edible passport stamp.
Fondue
Melted cheese, bread on sticks, no judgement. Drink white wine or tea — never cold water.
Luxemburgerli
Tiny macarons from Sprüngli. Buy more than you think. You'll regret buying fewer.
Tap Water
Free, delicious, glacier-fed. Refill your bottle at any of the 1,200+ public fountains.
Getting around
The tram is your new best friend.
From the airport
Train to Zürich HB in 10–15 minutes, every few minutes, around the clock. No taxi needed.
Zürich Card
Free public transport + free or discounted entry to most museums. 24h CHF 27 / 72h CHF 53.
On foot
The old town is small and very walkable. Most highlights are within a 25-minute stroll.
By bike
Borrow a bike for free at Züri rollt (deposit required). Bike lanes are everywhere.
By boat
ZVV tickets work on lake boats too. A 1.5h round-trip is the cheapest cruise in Switzerland.
Punctuality
A tram is 'late' after 60 seconds. Set your watch — actually, never mind, theirs is right.
Survival tips
The unwritten rules, now written down.
Public transport just works
Trams, buses, boats, trains and even the funicular run on one ticket (ZVV). Buy before you board. Inspectors are real and unsmiling.
Cash or card? Both.
Almost everywhere takes card and Twint. Carry a few Swiss Francs for markets, tipping and the occasional vintage tram conductor.
Sundays are sacred
Most shops close. Museums, cafés, lakes and mountains stay open. Plan groceries on Saturday or use station shops.
Recycling is a personality
Trash goes in official Züri-Sack bags. PET, glass and paper are sorted. When in doubt, ask – Zürchers love explaining this.
Quiet hours are real
After 22:00 and all day Sunday: no loud music, no laundry, no vacuuming. Yes, neighbours will notice.
Tipping
Service is included. Round up or add 5–10% if you loved it. No one will chase you down the street either way.