5 Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland (Even if You’re Short on Time)
When traveling, sometimes you don’t have enough time to do everything—especially if you’re just passing through. That was our situation on our recent trip to Zurich, Switzerland. On this stop of our Octoberfest road trip through Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, we found five must-do activities in Zurich that are perfect if you’re short on time. Plus, we’re sharing some bonus stops outside the city!
1. Indulge in Chocolate at Lindt Home of Chocolate
No trip to Switzerland is complete without chocolate! At Lindt Home of Chocolate, you’re greeted by a massive chocolate fountain in the modern lobby. The audio tour shares the history of Lindt and what makes their chocolate so special—but let’s be honest, the main attraction is the unlimited chocolate samples.
Cost: $11 USD (book in advance—tickets sell out quickly!)
We picked up enough chocolate to last the entire trip and even brought some home.
2. Take a Limmat River Sightseeing Cruise
The Limmat River cruise is like a water taxi, letting you hop on and off at three stops along the city. The boats sit low on the water, giving a unique perspective of Zurich.
Cost: $5 USD for a round trip (or use the Zurich City Pass for 24- or 72-hour public transport, including discounts on museums and attractions).
If you have more time, consider stopping at the Le Corbusier Pavilion, a must-see on your next visit.
3. Explore Historic Zurich by Foot
Zurich’s main areas are very walkable. Wander through winding side streets and follow the clock towers to discover history. Key highlights:
St. Peter’s Church: Built around 1000 AD, it has the largest church clock face in Europe.
Fraumünster Church: Opened in 853 AD, located near lively outdoor beer gardens.
4. Enjoy Swiss Food & Drinks
Keep an eye out for pop-up beer gardens, a local favorite. We stopped at one outside Fraumünster Church, enjoyed live music, and sampled local beers.
For dinner, we booked Zeughausteller, a former armory with amazing Swiss cuisine. Make reservations ahead of time to avoid waiting. Vegetarian options were surprisingly delicious!
5. Bonus Stops Outside Zurich
If you have a little more time, consider these nearby highlights:
Rhine Falls: The most powerful waterfall in Europe, with photo ops and a boat ride to a small island in the falls.
Stein am Rhein: A tiny town with architecture dating back to 1000 AD. Walking through the archways feels like stepping back in time, and the town is incredibly photogenic.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Hotel Seegarten Zurich, which accommodated three people and included breakfast. While parking wasn’t included, there’s a nearby garage. Total cost per person for one day in Zurich: ~$185 USD, mostly for lodging.
Final Thoughts
Even if you only have one day in Zurich, these five activities will give you a taste of Swiss culture, history, and cuisine. From chocolate to castles and beer gardens, there’s something for every traveler.
Stay tuned as we continue our Octoberfest road trip across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland!
