2-Day Zurich Adventure: Nightlife and Sights for Friends Like Locals

Zurich, Switzerland

2 days

Limmat river
Cityscape of downtown
Fraumunster Church
Aerial view of the city
Historic city center with famous Fraumünster Church, Limmat river and Zürich lake

About Zurich, Switzerland

Experience the magic of Zurich, Switzerland, a city where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly. As the cultural hub of Switzerland, Zurich offers a rich blend of history, art, and nature. Explore the charming Old Town (Altstadt) with its narrow, winding streets and historic buildings. Visit the iconic Grossmünster Church, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from its tower. Indulge in world-class shopping on Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive streets. Experience the vibrant nightlife in Zurich West. Don't miss the stunning Lake Zurich, perfect for boat trips and lakeside strolls. For art lovers, over 50 museums and 100 galleries are waiting to be discovered. And of course, your trip won't be complete without tasting Swiss chocolate and cheese. Zurich is not just a city, it's a world of its own.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Old Town and Zurich West

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming Old Town (Altstadt), where you can admire the well-preserved medieval buildings and narrow, winding streets. Don't forget to check out the iconic Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style Protestant church that offers stunning views of Zurich from its twin towers.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch in a cozy restaurant in the Old Town. Try some local specialties like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce) or Rösti (Swiss-style grated and fried potatoes).

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Kunsthaus Zurich, one of the most important art museums in Switzerland. Here, you can see an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

Dinner

For dinner, indulge in some international cuisine in the trendy Zurich West district, which is known for its vibrant dining scene.

Evening

Wrap up your day with a visit to one of the many bars or clubs in Zurich West, where you can experience the city's lively nightlife and mingle with locals.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Swiss National Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts related to Swiss cultural history. The museum's impressive architecture is also worth admiring.

Lunch

Have lunch in a restaurant near Lake Zurich, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains while eating.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Lake Zurich. You can take a boat tour, go for a swim, or simply relax by the lake and enjoy the scenery.

Dinner

Enjoy a delicious dinner in a restaurant in the bustling Niederdorf district, which is known for its diverse food scene.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Opera House, where you can catch a world-class performance. After the show, head to a nearby bar for some late-night drinks and conversation.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

Grossmünster

1
Grossmünster

The Grossmünster is a Romanesque-style Protestant church in Zurich. It is one of the four major churches in the city.

Attractions
Monuments
Religious Sites
Kunsthaus Zurich

2
Kunsthaus Zurich

One of the most significant art museums in Switzerland, it holds a vast collection of modern art.

Attractions
Museums
Swiss National Museum

3
Swiss National Museum

The Swiss National Museum in Zurich is one of the most important art museums of cultural history in Europe.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Lake Zurich

4
Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich is a lake in Switzerland, extending southeast of the city of Zurich. It offers boat rides and stunning views.

Attractions
Tours
Sports
Opera House

5
Opera House

The Zurich Opera House is a major Swiss opera company based in Zurich. The Opera House offers a variety of performances including opera, ballet, and concerts. The building itself is a stunning piece of architecture, making it a must-see landmark in Zurich.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Architecture

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

A traditional dish from Zurich, it consists of sliced veal that is cooked in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce.

Raclette

Raclette

A popular Swiss dish that is especially loved in Zurich, Raclette is a semi-hard cheese that is melted and scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and onions.

Fondue

Fondue

Originating from the Alps but popular throughout Switzerland including Zurich, Fondue is a dish where bread is dipped into a pot of melted cheese.

Rösti

Rösti

A Swiss-style grated and fried potato dish that is often eaten for breakfast in Zurich.

Swiss Chocolate

Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, and Zurich is home to many chocolatiers. Swiss chocolate is known for its high quality and unique flavors.

Swiss Pastries

Zurich is known for its bakeries that serve a variety of Swiss pastries, including butterzopf, a braided bread, and nusstorte, a nut-filled pastry.

Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen

A traditional Swiss gingerbread cookie that is often enjoyed during the holiday season in Zurich.

Sausages

Sausages

Switzerland, including Zurich, is known for its variety of sausages, such as cervelat and bratwurst.

Bündner Nusstorte

Bündner Nusstorte

A traditional Swiss nut-filled pastry that is popular in Zurich. It is made with a shortcrust pastry and filled with caramelized sugar, cream, and chopped nuts.

Swiss Cheese

Switzerland is famous for its cheese, and Zurich is a great place to try varieties like Emmental, Gruyère, and Appenzeller.

Swiss Wine

Switzerland, including Zurich, is known for its high-quality local wines, particularly white wines made from the Chasselas grape.

Rivella

Rivella

A popular Swiss soft drink made from milk whey. It is a refreshing beverage often enjoyed in Zurich.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Zurich, Switzerland as a tourist is during the summer months from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city also hosts a number of festivals and events during the summer. However, if you're interested in winter sports like skiing, the winter months from December to February would be the best time to visit.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day (regional holiday)

January 2

Tue

Berchtold Day (regional holiday)

January 6

Sat

Epiphany (regional holiday)

March 1

Fri

Republic Day (Neuchâtel)

March 19

Tue

Saint Joseph's Day (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday (regional holiday)

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday (regional holiday)

April 4

Thu

Näfels Procession (Glarus)

May 1

Wed

May Day (regional holiday)

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day (regional holiday)

May 20

Mon

Pentecost Monday (regional holiday)

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi (regional holiday)

June 23

Sun

Jura Independence Day (Jura)

August 1

Thu

Swiss National Day

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary (regional holiday)

September 5

Thu

Genevese Fast (Geneva)

September 16

Mon

Federal Fast Monday (regional holiday)

September 22

Sun

Mauritius Day (Appenzell Innerrhoden)

September 25

Wed

St. Nicholas of Flüe (Obwalden)

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day (regional holiday)

December 8

Sun

Immaculate Conception (regional holiday)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day (regional holiday)

December 26

Thu

St. Stephen's Day (regional holiday)

December 31

Tue

Restoration Day (Geneva)

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Zurich has an extensive public transportation system that includes trams, buses, trains, and boats. The Zurich Card offers unlimited travel on this network within the city limits, and also includes short boat trips and excursions to the Uetliberg mountain.

Uber operates in Zurich, providing a convenient and often cost-effective way to get around the city. You can book a ride using the Uber app on your smartphone.

Zurich offers several bike rental services, including Züri rollt, a free bike rental service. You can pick up a bike from one of their many locations around the city.

If you prefer to drive, there are several car rental companies in Zurich. However, parking can be expensive and difficult to find in the city center. It's also worth noting that Zurich's city center is very walkable and well-served by public transport.

Taxis are readily available in Zurich, but they can be quite expensive. You can hail a taxi on the street, or book one in advance.

Zurich's city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking an enjoyable and practical way to get around. Many of Zurich's top attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

For trips outside of Zurich, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) offers regular train services to other Swiss cities and towns, as well as international destinations.

Lake Zurich Navigation Company operates boats on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River. These boats offer a scenic and relaxing way to travel between various points around the lake and river.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

CurrencyCHF CHF

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 144; Fire: 118; Police: 117

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type J

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Zurich, Switzerland as a first time visitor

1

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and it's known for its cleanliness and high quality of life.

2

The official language is German, but most locals also speak English, French, and Italian.

3

The local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

4

Zurich is known for being expensive. From dining out to shopping, expect to pay more than you would in other European cities.

5

Public transportation in Zurich is excellent. The city has an extensive network of trams, buses, and trains that are punctual and reliable.

6

Zurich is a very safe city, but like any other place, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

7

Tipping is not mandatory in Zurich as service charge is usually included in the bill. However, it's customary to round up the bill to the nearest franc.

8

Zurich has a temperate climate. Summers (June to August) are warm with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Winters (December to February) are cold with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 45°F (-2°C to 7°C).

9

Switzerland uses Type J plugs, so you may need a power adapter if your devices use different plugs.

10

Zurich is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

11

Switzerland is not part of the European Union, but it is part of the Schengen Area, which allows passport-free travel across 26 European countries.

12

Zurich is a very walkable city with well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian zones. It's a great way to explore the city.

13

Swiss people are generally reserved and value their privacy. It's important to respect their personal space and avoid loud behavior.

14

Zurich has strict laws against littering. Even throwing a cigarette butt on the street can result in a fine.

15

Switzerland has a high standard of healthcare. However, it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

16

Tap water in Zurich is safe to drink and of high quality. It's sourced from natural springs and lakes.

17

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places in Zurich, including bars, restaurants, and public transportation.

18

Zurich has a vibrant nightlife with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. However, noise laws are strictly enforced, so keep the noise down when outside.

19

Swiss people are punctual and value efficiency. It's important to be on time for appointments and public transportation.

20

Zurich has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. However, accommodation can be expensive, so it's recommended to book in advance.

Basic German to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hallo

Ha-lo

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Auf Wiedersehen

Owf vee-der-zane

Leaving someone

Please

Bitte

Bit-te

Asking for something

Thank you

Danke

Dahn-ke

Showing gratitude

Yes

Ja

Ya

Agreeing with someone

No

Nein

Nine

Disagreeing with someone

Excuse me

Entschuldigung

Ent-shool-dee-goong

Getting someone's attention

I'm sorry

Es tut mir leid

Es toot meer lite

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

Shprek-en zee Eng-lish

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Ich verstehe nicht

Ikh fer-shtay-uh nikht

Not understanding something

Where is the bathroom?

Wo ist die Toilette?

Vo ist dee toy-let-te

Asking for the bathroom

How much does this cost?

Wie viel kostet das?

Vee feel kos-tet das

Asking for the price of something

I would like...

Ich möchte...

Ikh mukh-te

Ordering something

Help!

Hilfe!

Hil-fe

In case of emergency

Can I have the menu, please?

Kann ich bitte die Speisekarte haben?

Kan ikh bit-te dee shpy-zay-kar-te ha-ben

Asking for the menu at a restaurant

Water

Wasser

Vas-ser

Asking for water

Beer

Bier

Beer

Ordering a beer

Wine

Wein

Vine

Ordering wine

Cheers!

Prost!

Prost

Toasting someone

Good night

Gute Nacht

Goo-te Nakht

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sweater or jacket (depending on the season)

  • Pajamas

  • Swimwear (if planning to swim)

  • Scarf, gloves and hat (if winter)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Travel size lotion

  • Sunscreen

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver’s license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash and coins

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and/or car rental reservations

  • Emergency contacts and important addresses

  • Maps and guidebooks

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Mobile phone and charger

  • Headphones

  • Camera and charger

  • Universal power adapter

  • Portable power bank

  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Bottled water

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Books or e-books for entertainment

  • Travel-size umbrella

  • Sunglasses

  • First-aid kit

  • Reusable shopping bag

Weather Conditions

Zurich, Switzerland, is a beautiful city to visit, but the weather can be quite variable, so it's important to be prepared. In general, Zurich experiences a temperate climate. Summers (June to August) are warm but not excessively hot, with temperatures typically ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). This is a great time to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or swimming in Lake Zurich. However, do remember to pack a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. Autumn (September to November) sees a drop in temperature, ranging from 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C), and increased rainfall. If you're visiting during this time, be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella. The fall foliage in Zurich is beautiful, making it a great time for photography. Winter (December to February) in Zurich can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, ranging from 25°F to 40°F (-4°C to 4°C). Snow is common, making it a great time for winter sports enthusiasts. Be sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Spring (March to May) is a transitional period with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C). The city begins to bloom during this time, offering beautiful landscapes. A light jacket and umbrella are recommended as rain showers are common. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Also, keep in mind that weather can change quickly in Zurich, so it's wise to dress in layers and always carry an umbrella. Enjoy your trip!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

5° / -2°

January is the coldest month in Zurich, with snowfall common, making it a great time for winter sports enthusiasts.

February

7° / -1°

February is still cold with occasional snow, but the days start to get a little longer.

March

13° / 1°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures slowly rising and the snow starting to melt.

April

16° / 4°

April is a pleasant month with mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

May

20° / 8°

May brings warmer temperatures and more sunshine, making it a great time to visit the city's parks and gardens.

June

25° / 11°

June is the start of summer with long, sunny days and warm temperatures, ideal for exploring the city and nearby lakes.

July

27° / 13°

July is the warmest month in Zurich, with plenty of sunshine and occasional rain showers.

August

26° / 13°

August is similar to July, with warm temperatures and occasional rain showers, perfect for outdoor activities.

September

21° / 10°

September marks the beginning of autumn, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage.

October

15° / 6°

October is a cool month with the leaves changing color, making it a picturesque time to visit.

November

10° / 2°

November is a chilly month with shorter days and the first signs of winter approaching.

December

5° / -1°

December is a cold month with snowfall, making it a magical time to visit, especially during the Christmas markets.

Did you know?

Did you know that Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, with a population of over 400,000 people?

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