Welcome to Zurich!
Each page opens with an inspirational video. If you have the time, sit back and enjoy. These filmmakers have an incredible passion for travel and we want to share their talent. After watching, we hope to give you a reason to read on….
*Video Plays Once~Click 1X to Pause
About Zurich
Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zürich. It is located in north-central Switzerland, at the northwestern tip of Lake Zürich. As of January 2020, the municipality has 434,335 inhabitants, Zürich is a hub for railways, roads, and air traffic. Both Zurich Airport and Zürich’s main railway station are the largest and busiest in the country.
Many museums and art galleries can be found in the city, including the Swiss National Museum and Kunsthaus. Schauspielhaus Zürich is considered to be one of the most important theatres in the German-speaking world.
Zürich is among the world’s largest financial centres despite having a relatively small population. The city is home to many financial institutions and banking companies.
A special thank you to Gaetan Piolot, an incredibly talented videographer. Be sure to click the links above to check out his other work.
City Planning Guide
Maps & Other Resources
Visit the GPS My City website: for self-guided walks in Zurich. This site also contains information on some of the best places to see. You can even read about and choose the sites to create your own custom map. The maps cover everything from historical landmarks to world-class museums, charming neighborhoods and shopping. You will also find many articles that are super helpful as you plan your trip.
“GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities” can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store or Google Play to your mobile phone or tablet. Each walk comes with a detailed tour map as well as photos and background information for the featured attractions. It also works offline. Find out more by clicking Explore More below.
Eat Play & Stay
Explore more about the wonderful places to see, great restaurants and amazing accommodation in Zurich! We have chosen one of our favorites for each. Click on the title to learn more, and click Explore More for other options.
Feel free to click on the slide or the icon at the top right to stop and the arrow to continue.
This restaurant is ranked as #1 in the city of Lisbon. There is good reason too! Take a look at some of the wonderful options. For an affordable and tasty way to start the day, check out Le Bonne Crepe. You won't be disappointed. Also check it out on Tripadvisor. But click Explore More for their website.
Located in a former convent in the Chiado district, the ambiance, service and food are top notch! There is a great variety, including many fish and beef options. Cocktails are terrific and you must try the Orange Souffle for dessert. Suggestion: Grab a bit here and then head to head out for Fado! Click on the title for more information or Explore More for other options (and don't forgot to click on James Blick's Lisbon Food Tour video below).
We always look for great rooftop bars and restaurants, and outdoor spaces with ambiance, when visiting a city like Lisbon. You cannot go wrong with either choice. Be sure to click on the title of Santa Bica as we wanted to include this as well. It is a casual atmosphere with authentic food. You will not be sorry to visit either or both on your next trip to Lisbon!
this steakhouse has a wonderful atmosphere and great reviews. Time Out Lisbon rates it very highly as well. For a special night out, consider this! Go to Time Out Lisbon or the Fork for other suggetions.
We always advise a free or low cost walking tour when first arriving in a new city. We always look to see if "With Locals" offers tours in the city we are visiting, These tour guides offer personalized tours at affordable prices. You can also look for Free Walking Tours https://freetourportugal.com/. Check out With Locals by clicking Explore More. Whether you grab a tour or not, catch the famous Tram 28 for a scenic trolly ride through the neighborhood of Alfama. Check out ticket info and routes by visiting https://www.lisbonportugaltourism.com/
transportation/tram-28-route-and-stops.html
When looking for activities in a new city, we always suggest finding ways to stay with , eat with or do activities with locals. It is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of the region. It is oftentimes, life changing. This activity is in that category. Spend an evening with Hugo as he shares the wonderful flavors, aromas and the culture of Lisbon. Hugo has been a home host since 2010. You will see from the reviews that is not just a food experience but a way to meet others from around the world and be welcomed by a local.
Lisbon The Belém Tower, located where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic. Its white stonework is stunning. It was built in 1515 as a beacon and fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. At one point, It served as a prison. It is most recognized as the departure point for many of the “voyages of discovery”. Not far from there, on the waterfront, is a the DIscovery Monument commemorating the explorers that left Portugal for the new world.VIsit this iconic tower on the waterfront, walk over to the monument, take in the view of sailboats on the harbor, and then head over for a Patais de Belen (custard patais).
Built in 1902 by a student of Gustave Eiffel. Santa Justa Elevator is a sight that offers wonderful views. Some folks comment that it is not worth the money but there are ways around waiting in line. Use the back entrance (next to the old church with no roof), though, and you'll enter at the top elevator level and pay just 1.5 Euros to go up the stairs. Nearby is the Carm Convent (the ruins have been in place since the earthquake of 1755).
This guest house is is in one of the most prime locations in all of Lisbon, along with being one of the most affordable. If you are lucky enough to book the room with the balcony, you will be able to see the Sao Jorge Castle, as well as the Carmo Convent and Santa Justa Elevator which is right next door. Take breakfast on the balcony and enjoy this amazing city! Check it out on Booking.com
For an incredible view and amazing location, you must check out this place. The reviews are wonderful. Location is perfect! For 2-3 people, this is ideal. Airbnb offers a lot of terrific apartments that are within walking distance to many attractions. Be sure to check out Airbnb for other options as well.
This guest house is a former 19th Century palace is located about 650 feet from the Chiado neighborhood. The interior is classic and modern with the ambiance of years past. This is a very affordable option on Booking.com anywhere between $100-$160.
For the most comprehensive travel guides out there, click Trip Savvy and Culture Trip below! These travel sites hire local writers and expert travelers to share the most relevant articles and best tips in the industry! Branding belongs to each respecitve company.
Get Your Guide Options
Local Spotlight
Zurich Travel Guide ~ Attache
Alex Hunter is the best at giving the ins and out of a city in a matter of minutes. We learned so much from him when traveling to London and Barcelona! Be sure to check out his other helpful videos by clicing below.
Zurich Travel Guide
Our favorite Swiss Vloggers have outline the top things to do in their city, Zurich! They have a wealth of knowledge and passion for all things Swiss. Catch their other videos on these pages or click Explore More to see all of their tips for traveling to this incredible country.
Top Things to Do in Zurich
Must Do Travel is a great video series that shares the top attractions in various destinations around the world. Be sure to check out their other helpful videos.
More on Zurich...
Bernina Express!
For an unforgettable experience in a glass ceiling trainline, consider taking the Bernina Express through the alps in Switzerland or even into Italy! You can use as a day trip while in Switzerland or even as the passage way to Milan and other cities in Italy. Flying the Nest are an adorable couple that take you on the journey and share the stunning scenery and quaint towns along the way.
Holidays to Switzerland Blog
Carolyn Schönafinger visited Switzerland over 30 years ago and fell in love. She is a frequent traveler who has a great passion for this incredible country. Be sure to check out her blog and podcast on Zurich by clicking Explore More. The site is very helpful and you will find many other planning tolls as well.
Switzerland's Great Cities
Rick Steves takes us through some of the best cities in northern Switzerland including Zurich and Bern. If you have a few minutes, it is worth catching as he always brings in a local. Be sure to check out his Zurich Travel Guide for other videos, articles ,podcasts.
Holiday to Switzerland
Podcast
Visiting Zurich
Carolyn Schonafinger has a helpful podcast that takes the listener on a journey across Switzerland. She interviews locals that are passionate about the area. Check out the link to access the podcast and learn and get details on this episode.
explore
Lucerne
Off the Beaten Path ~ Day Trips
The Traveling
Swiss~Day Trips
The Traveling Swiss are an amazing international couple that have some great videos on all things Switzerland and beyond. They have extensive knowledge about Zurich and surrounding area.Be sure to click below to check out these videos.
Day Trips
Holidays to Switzerland blog has some great ideas on day trips from Zurich. Check out their blog post to get some great suggestions.
The Traveling
Swiss~Lucerne
Teh Traveling Swiss are an amazing international couple that have some great videos on all things Switzerland and beyond. They have extensive knowledge about Zurich and surrounding area.Be sure to click below to check out these videos.
Travel to Lucerne
Holidays to Switzerland blog has numerous destination guides for places all over Switzerland. You must check it out by clicking Explore More.
Holiday to Switzerland
Podcast
Things to do in Lucerne
Carolyn Schonafinger has a helpful podcast that takes the listener on a journey across Switzerland. She interviews locals that are passionate about the area. Check out the link to access the podcast and learn and get details on this episode.
Virtual Walking Tour ~ Zurich
by Jeka Kiriloff
