Zurich is often known as Switzerland’s financial hub, but this city is also a haven for travellers seeking charm, culture, and natural beauty.
With a sparkling lake, a picturesque old town, and mountains in the distance, whether you’re exploring the Old Town or discovering hidden corners, there’s plenty for everyone in this picturesque city.
Just over an hour’s flight from the UK, Zurich is an ideal getaway for travellers looking for a city that’s as photogenic as it is full of culture and charm.
Lake Zurich
No visit to Zurich is complete without seeing the shimmering lake, which offers more than just a picturesque view.
Summers bring joggers, paddleboarders and swimmers, while winter transforms the lakefront into a cosy wonderland.
Make sure to take a relaxing boat ride to take the whole lake in and scout out some of the best swimming spots in the area. You can board mini or short lake cruises as part of the Zurich card, which offers unlimited second-class travel throughout the city.
Once you’re back on dry land, stroll along the promenade and grab a coffee at one of the lakeside cafés or bars. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, visit Seebad Enge for a communal sauna experience with views of the Alps.
Instagram-worthy bridges
The River Limmat cuts through the city, making Zurich’s bridges as much a part of the city’s beauty as the Old Town itself.
From the iconic Münsterbrücke linking the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, to the graceful Rathausbrücke and the sweeping Quaibrücke over Lake Zurich, each has a character of its own.
By day, they frame the city’s medieval skyline, and by night, reflections of lights shimmer across the water – a photographer’s dream.
Wander Zurich’s Old Town
A maze of cobbled lanes, painted façades, and hidden courtyards, Zurich’s Old Town is a delight to explore where boutique shops sit beneath centuries-old gables, and cafés spill into pretty squares.
The Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches stand as historic icons, while luxury shopping mile Bahnhofstrasse boasts chocolate and jewellery stores alongside high-end boutiques.
Food, culture, and nightlife
Zurich boasts several world-class museums like Kunsthaus and the Swiss National Museum. While its nightlife, from riverside bars to trendy clubs, ensures the city stays vibrant after dark.
Don’t leave without trying a traditional cheese fondue or raclette – the Adler special at Swiss Chuchi restaurant, or Raclette Stube are both favourites among tourists and locals alike.
Then head to Zeughauskeller for a great selection of beers, and if you’re still hungry, try the macaroni cheese and apple strudel.
And no visit is complete without sampling Swiss chocolate, whether from a world-famous chocolatier (the Lindt Home of Chocolate offers an incredible tour and outlet shop) or a tucked-away artisanal shop, it’s an indulgence as memorable as the views.
Travel tips
A short hour and a half flight from the UK makes Zurich perfect for a weekend escape, with more than 20 flights a day operating from London at a cost of £120-150 return.
Zurich is the perfect base for your Switzerland trip, with trains to Geneva, Basel, and Bern departing its main station more frequently.
Spring and summer highlight lake activities and outdoor cafés, while autumn and winter bring festive markets and seasonal treats.
Whatever the season, Zurich is effortlessly photogenic and proves that some European cities really are as beautiful as they look online.
