While Zurich is known as the financial and business capital of Switzerland, there\u2019s still plenty to see and do both in and around the city, from relaxing in peaceful parks to exploring quirky shopping areas in refurbished industrial sites.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re planning to explore the picture-perfect city of Zurich, here are the best must-see attractions you won\u2019t want to miss. <\/sup><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n#1 Lake Zurich <\/h2>\n\n\n\n Enjoy Lake Zurich along the lakeside promenade. In the summer, it\u2019s always bustling with people, including skaters, cyclists and walkers. Along the path, you\u2019ll see incredible views from the B\u00fcrkliplatz. And towards the Seefeld quarter, you\u2019ll find the splendid Chinese Garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#2 Zurich Old Town <\/h2>\n\n\n\n A visit to the Old Town (Altstadt) should be on the very top of any Zurich bucket list. District 1 is home to the Old Town and its cobblestone streets – filled with bars, classic Swiss restaurants, museums, and churches. Along the popular Limmat river promenade, you\u2019ll find exclusive boutiques, jewelers and chocolatiers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#3 Kunsthaus Z\u00fcrich & Zurich Opera House <\/h2>\n\n\n\n In Zurich, culture is always a must. If you\u2019re looking for a culturally enriching activity, swing by the Kunsthaus Z\u00fcrich and the Opera House. The Kunsthaus Z\u00fcrich is Switzerland\u2019s largest art museum, where you can marvel at the phenomenal art and sculptures of Picasso, Monet, Chagall and many more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The must-see Zurich Opera House is known for its outstanding performances. An extraordinary neoclassical building on its own, it should be at the top of your Zurich bucket list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4 Swiss Chocolate <\/h2>\n\n\n\n When thinking of Switzerland, you probably think of Swiss Chocolate! If you\u2019re in Zurich, you simply must taste the world-famous chocolate for yourself. Stop by Laderach Chocolatier and Spr\u00fcngli Boutiques in the Old Town for some samples. Or check out the Lindt Chocolate Factory and learn from master chocolatiers alongside some delicious tasting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#5 Zoo Zurich & Zoological Museum <\/h2>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for a family-friendly adventure, be sure to visit the Zurich Zoo and the Zoological Museum. All kinds of animals will compete for your attention in the Zoo\u2019s various artificial ecosystems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Zoological Museum is home to skeletons and taxidermies of hundreds of animals, even extinct ones. You can listen to animal sounds and touch their various furs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#6 Uetliberg <\/h2>\n\n\n\n Nature lovers definitely get their money\u2019s worth in Zurich, with quite a few mountains surrounding the city. Uetliberg Mountain offers several easy hiking trails, and the peak provides a panoramic view of the city below. In winter, it is THE place for sledding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for the ultimate alpine experience, take a revolving cable car up Mount Titlis, where you can mountain bike in the summer or explore ice caves in the winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A local tip is to visit Grindelwald. A magical little village surrounded by mountains and lakes, Grindelwald has the most stunning trail networks in the country. Mount Pilatus in particular is known for its legends of dragons and giants. Hike or take a cable car up to the top for some truly unforgettable views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#7 Zurich on a hot summer day <\/h2>\n\n\n\n If it\u2019s hot out, take a stroll along the Limmat River through Old Town (Altstadt) or hop on a sightseeing river cruise. Enjoy a boat ride along waterfront landmarks like the Town Hall, the National Museum and Grossm\u00fcnster church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rhine Falls should also be on your Zurich to-do list. As one of Europe\u2019s biggest waterfalls, you can take a boat ride up close and feel the enormous power of the waterfall yourself during the summer months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#8 Zurich on a rainy day <\/h2>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for the top things to do in Zurich during rainy weather, here\u2019s a local tip: visit the city\u2019s unusual museums. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Beyer Clock and Watch Museum is like no other. Located under the Beyer Clock and Watch Shop, it\u2019s difficult to find but well worth the visit. Inside, you\u2019ll learn about watchmaking and the history of time before modern watches existed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FIFA World Football Museum is a must for any football fan. Here you can learn about the history of football through various exhibitions and audio-visual experiences, and see a real World Cup trophy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 Chinese Garden & Botanical Garden <\/h2>\n\n\n\n A perfect way to escape the bustle of Zurich is paying a visit to the Chinese Garden or the Botanical Garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Located right beside Lake Zurich, the Chinese Garden is a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. It has a wonderful pond, pavilions, and a miniature palace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Botanical Garden is home to over 8,000 indoor and outdoor plants. The Garden can be easily spotted by its three giant domes – each one hosts different climate conditions, whether it\u2019s tropical, subtropical or savannah. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10 Explore Zurich West <\/h2>\n\n\n\n Originally a run-down area full of derelict warehouses, Zurich West \u2013 also called \u2018Kreis 5\u2019 or \u2018Industriequartier \u2018 \u2013 is now an alternative hub of the town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its major attraction is the Viadukt, a stretch of shops, restaurants and bars built into the arches of the old railway viaduct that runs between the bank of the river Limmat and Hardbr\u00fccke station. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frau Gerolds Garten nearby offers cute little shops, an urban garden and some seasonal attractions, such as a Saturday market in the summer and a fondue tent in the winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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