Z Rich Switzerland 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Zürich, Switzerland

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Old Town

  • Morning: Arrive at Zürich Airport and take a tram (line 10) or taxi to your accommodation.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Europa Style Zürich or similar, located in the heart of the city.
  • Lunch: Try traditional Swiss cuisine at Restaurant Zeughauskeller, a cozy eatery in the Old Town.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Niederdorf, a charming quarter with narrow streets and picturesque houses.
    • Explore Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world.
    • Admire the beautiful Fraumünster Church, known for its stunning stained-glass windows designed by Chagall.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Swiss dinner at Restaurant zur Schtund, accompanied by live folk music.

Day 2: Lake Zürich and Surroundings

  • Morning:
    • Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Zürich, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
    • Visit Küsnacht, a charming lakeside town with historic buildings and picturesque streets.
  • Lunch: Savor seafood at Fischmarkt, a popular restaurant located directly on the lake shore.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore Meilen, another quaint lakeside town with beautiful vineyards and hiking trails.
    • Visit Uetliberg, a mountain offering panoramic views of Zürich and its surroundings (accessible by train).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant LaSalle, serving modern Swiss cuisine.

Day 3: Art, Culture, and Entertainment

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Kunsthaus Zürich, a renowned art museum featuring an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
    • Explore the Zürich Opera House, even if you’re not attending a performance (guided tours available).
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Markthalle im Viadukt, a trendy food hall with various vendors.
  • Afternoon:
    • Discover the Street Art Scene in Zürich’s Kreis 5 district, featuring vibrant murals and graffiti.
    • Visit the Zürich Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals from around the world.
  • Evening: Catch a performance at the Theater am Neumarkt, showcasing local and international productions.

Day 4: Mountains and Villages

  • Morning:
    • Take a day trip to Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains,” offering breathtaking views (accessible by train and cable car).
    • Visit Vitznau, a picturesque village at the foot of Rigi, with charming streets and historic buildings.
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine at Restaurant Rigi-Kulm.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the scenic hiking trails on Rigi or in the nearby Büreriet nature reserve.
    • Visit Wädenswil, a charming town with a beautiful old town and stunning views of Lake Zürich.
  • Evening: Return to Zürich and enjoy dinner at Restaurant Geronimo.

Day 5: Castles, Gardens, and More

  • Morning:
    • Visit Schloss Rapperswil, a medieval castle with stunning views of Lake Zürich (accessible by train).
    • Explore the beautiful Rapperswil Gardens, featuring over 1,000 plant species.
  • Lunch: Savor local specialties at Restaurant Schwanen in Rapperswil.
  • Afternoon:
    • Discover the Zürich Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
    • Visit the Swiss National Museum, showcasing the country’s history and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Hafenküche, offering international cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 6: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning:
    • Rent a bike and explore Zürich’s scenic cycling routes, such as the Lake Zürich Bike Trail.
    • Visit the Zürichhorn, a picturesque peninsula with beautiful views of the lake (accessible by ferry).
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Restaurant Seefeld, offering light meals and refreshments.
  • Afternoon:
    • Go hiking in the nearby Uetliberg or Pfannenstiel mountains, offering stunning views of Zürich.
    • Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Pfäffikon, a peaceful retreat from the city bustle (accessible by train).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Quai 61, serving modern Swiss cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 7: Last-Minute Explorations

  • Morning:
    • Visit any attractions or neighborhoods you haven’t had a chance to explore yet.
    • Go shopping for souvenirs or last-minute gifts.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a farewell lunch at Restaurant Bauschanzli, serving traditional Swiss cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and head back home.

Transportation

  • Zürich has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains. You can purchase a Zürich Card for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.
  • Taxis are also readily available, but more expensive than public transportation.

Tips and Essentials

  • Learn some basic German phrases to help you navigate the city.
  • Zürich is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Be prepared for unpredictable Swiss weather and pack accordingly.
  • Try traditional Swiss cuisine, such as fondue, raclette, or Zürigeschnätzlets (meatballs).
  • Don’t forget to try some delicious Swiss chocolate!

Things to Know

  • Zürich is a bilingual city, with both German and Swiss-German spoken.
  • The city has a rich history, dating back to the Roman era.
  • Zürich is home to many international organizations, including the United Nations.
  • The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the Zürich Festival or Street Food Festival.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Zürich!