zurich walking tour app

Self-Guided Free Walking Tour of Zurich: All The Highlights

Heading to Zurich and want to make the most of your time there with a free walking tour? I have planned the ideal walking tour for anyone with half a day or a whole day in Zurich.

There is so much to explore on foot in Zurich, and this tour makes the most of all the highlights in Zurich, with lots of side options for those with more time and energy!

You can start the tour from anywhere on the map, but the following is planned from the main station – Zurich HB , which is easy to reach from anywhere in and outside of Zurich.

Table of Contents

Bahnhofstrasse Shopping Street

Head out of the Bahnhofstrasse exit of the Zurich main station and cross over to Bahnhofstrasse itself. This is the busiest area of town and a place where a lot of people go shopping for clothes and food.

There are a couple of places you might want to pop into here if you like coffee or chocolate. Vicafe makes some of the best coffee in Zurich , and here at the start of Bahnhofstrasse, you can pick up a quick takeaway coffee for your walk. There are a few others around town, so you can always grab one at Bellevue or next to the Fraumünster church too.

The other notable place is the Läderach chocolate store – they sell some of the best chocolate in Zurich and Switzerland. There are actually outlets of this chain all over Zurich and Switzerland, so you don’t have to get your chocolate fix here, but you can if you have time!

Related Reading

Things to do in zurich: history, culture, and swiss delicacies, tour options.

Before we start the tour, I know some of you might still want to check out the options for a tour of Zurich with a guide. Sure, you can do this tour and still see everything. The problem is, you don’t get any background or insider info as you go along!

There are some great tours available in Zurich I wholeheartedly recommend, such as:

• A Historic Tour of Zurich (More history focused)
• Zurich City Highlights (All the Highlights)
• Zurich Scavenger Hunt (A unique spin on a tour)
• Zurich by Bus, Lake & Lindt Chocolate Museum Tour (Great Combo!)

Rennweg & Lindenhof Viewpoint

The walk along Bahnhofstrasse is really just a teaser for the stunning old town backstreets and viewpoint you are about to see. Head first up Rennweg, which is a wide shopping street that leads you slowly but surely into the true Zurich old town on this side of the Limmat.

Our first goal here is the Lindenhof park which provides a great spot for a quick break but also seriously epic views of the Limmat River, the other side of the old town, and the crown jewel of Zurich – the Grossmünster. It was also once a Roman fort, back when Zurich was just a baby. And, it was the place where the Swiss constitution was sworn in back in 1798.

You can also take a stroll around the park and check out the chess games that often take place in the back on a sunny weekend day.

From here we head deeper into the old town towards St Peter’s Church. But don’t forget to just look up and around as you walk.

There are lots of amazing old buildings, signs, details, painted rooves, and windows throughout this area.

St Peters Church & Fraumünster

You already get a peak at St Peter’s church as you exit the Lindenhof and head steeply downhill towards it. This is actually the largest clock face in the whole of Europe, so take a moment to be impressed by its sheer size. Of course, the age of this church, founded in the 9th century and being the oldest parish church in town is also something to ponder.

You can head straight to the church from here, or angle left downhill towards the river and the so-called Gemüsebrücke (vegetable bridge) where there were, and still are, weekly fresh produce markets held.

Behind St Peter’s is the next most impressive church, the Fraumünster (ladies’ church). This church was founded back in 853, if you can believe that. It was formerly an abbey for aristocratic women, hence the name.

I love hanging out at the Münsterhof square next to the church here and either taking a coffee at Vicafe or stopping at one of the other terraces for a drink in summer. The buildings around here are stunning, and it pays to take a moment to soak it all up.

Expensive Shops on Bahnhofstrasse

From the Münsterhof square, we make our way out of the old town, arriving again on Bahnhofstrasse. This time, we are at the top end where all the rich and famous do their shopping in Zurich. This is really what Bahnhofstrasse is known for.

If you want a break before continuing your walking tour here, Confissierie Sprüngli is a great stop for a bite to eat, coffee, cake or just a quick drink. They have seats outside in summer, but the main restaurant is upstairs. It’s also where you can grab one of Zurich’s most famous treats – the Luxemburgerli macarons.

The shops on Bahnhofstrasse include the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany’s, Versace, and Dior. So, you can certainly empty your Swiss bank account here quite easily. For us mere mortals, it’s a great place to window shop and watch the kinds of people who actually head into these stores.

What to Eat in Zurich (And Where To Eat It)

Lake zurich views & opera haus.

Walking further along Bahnhofstrasse you will come to a small park on your left called Bürkliplatz, but our goal is across the road at the lake. You can cross on the right-hand side of the park here, via a couple of confusing crosswalks. You will arrive at the ferry terminal, but take a quick peak on the right at Zurich’s lesser-known flower clock . It’s quite an unusual creation if you ask me, although there is also one in Geneva by the English gardens.

Now heading left/north back past the ferry terminal, walk towards Bellevue. There is a small elevated park area here where you can take some stunning pictures of Lake Zurich, and hopefully the Alps at the end of the lake. On clear days, when the so-called Foehn winds are blowing from the south, the mountains can be crystal clear here. I sometimes feel like I can reach out and touch them!

Another great spot for a break is on the left-hand side of the lake, just around the corner and right at Bellevue. There are a few small stalls where you can also grab a drink or snack here. Then walk down the stairs to the lake and take a load off, you have walked a lot already today!

Opposite this small park area is the famous Sechseläutenplatz, which is also home to Zurich’s Opera house. When there are no events being held here, Zurich provides lots of metal chairs to sit on and enjoy the hustle and bustle of daily life in this area. This is also where they burn the towering, explosive-filled figure called the Böögg in early April each year!

You can also pop into the Opera House or just take a photo, and continue on your long walk back via the other section of Zurich’s old town.

While I remember: another noteworthy stop on the other end of the square from the Opera Haus is a zany coffee shop called Felix . They have loads of cakes and treats all set in a very old-world interior.

Zurich Old Town & The Grossmunster Church

It’s time now to head back into the streets of Zurich’s old town and make our way to the Grossmünster church. There are lots of fun and unique stores in the old town, so take some time to do a little window shopping along the way to the church.

The Grossmünster stands proudly on a small hill above the Limmat river, with great views towards the other side of the river and the Fraumünster, where you were earlier in the walking tour.

The Grossmüster is known locally as “salt and pepper” because of the huge rounded towers on the top. If you take a look at the image above, I think you will see why! The modern version of the church was begun in the 12th century and completed in 1220. So, this is also a very old church by any standards.

One of the most notable parts of the church’s history is its role in the Reformation . It was here that Zwingli and Bullinger set things in motion dividing the church in Switzerland forever more.

It’s worth taking a peek inside the church. It is actually quite austere, with hard wooden benches and very little in the way of pomp.

There are some unique stain-glass windows from Sigmar Polke on the sides and some other more classic examples at the rear. And, if you are lucky, the Karlsturm church tower is open again and you can climb the 187 steps to the top for some epic views over the old town!

Niederdorfstrasse

The Grossmünster church is the gateway to Niederdorfstrasse, the most famous street in Zurich’s old town. This is actually the best section of the streets, so spend your most time here, and then veer off later on after the Swiss Chuchi restaurant.

The best part of Niederdorf for me is not only the shops, restaurants and bars on the street but also the pleasure in exploring the backstreets on the right-hand side.

This is where you should spend more of your time. Just duck into the alleyways and small side streets and you will find some amazing and unique shops, buildings and small squares. Places almost no one goes.

There are also a bunch of places to stop for a bite to eat or drinks such as

• Swiss Chuchi for fondue
• Raclette Factory for raclette
• Bodega Espanola for tapas
• Cafe & Conditorei 1842 for cake and hot chocolate
• Andorra for great beer
• Corazon for wine

And this is just a taste of what is hidden in this area.

Best Coffee In Zurich (Hip, Tasty & Fresh)

Giacometti halls or views from the eth polyterrase.

Once you get towards the last part of Niederdorf, it is time to head down to the Limmat River and walk along what is called Limmatquai. It is a lovely part of the city to stroll, stop for a coffee at a place like Gran Café Motta or even have a bite to eat at Franzos Coffee Shop .

This could be the end of your tour, but you have two great choices for a finale to this free walking tour.

• Cross over the river to the Zurich Police Station and discover the hidden gem that is Giacometti Frescos (Blüemlihalle). The painted ceilings in this building are one of a kind and a little nuts that they are in a police station. Just don’t go in while they are attending to a street demonstration as I did :> They might usher you straight out again!
• If art is not your thing, but you love epic views, and 45-degree train rides, then take the ETH Polybahn up from the end of Niederdorf (next to Starbucks). It might cost you a few bucks for the ride (you can walk back down again), but the ETH Polyterrasse offers some of the best views of Zurich, especially at sunset.

Yes, there is a whole lot more to do or see in Zurich, You could spend at least a week here getting to know this city, visiting many of its amazing museums , eating, drinking and more. However, this free self-guided walking tour is the best of the best all in one day!

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Best things to see and do in Zürich

When many people think of Switzerland, the first thing that comes to mind may be its watches, the cheeses, or its top-quality chocolate but there’s a lot more than meets the eye to its most populous city, Zürich . Although it is located in north-central Europe, this city enjoys a favorable climate that isn’t as cold as other locations and it has been recognized as one of the least polluted places in the world along with having the highest quality of life. When you explore the characteristic city of Zürich on a guided free walking tour , you’ll understand why it has received all those outstanding rewards.

If you haven’t tried a free walking tour, Zürich is the perfect city to get to know what they are all about. Choose from a selection of tours from the GuruWalk platform that will focus on popular landmarks and monuments in the city such as, the Swiss National Museum, the Zürich Museum of Art, the FIFA Headquarters Building, the Centre de Le Corbusier, the Great Minster Church, and of course the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum. Then, you could check out the city’s other charms like the great local restaurants in the Old Town of Aldstadt, stroll up to the Lindenhof Park, take a boat ride in the beautiful Lake Zürich, or visit the prettiest chocolate shop in town, the Teuscher to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

The free walking tours with a local guide in Zürich have all been rated and reviewed by other tourists who have already done them. This way, if you have any questions you can read what other people have said about both the tour route and the guide so you can find the best tour that is most interesting for you. There are tours in different languages and they are scheduled at different times of day like the morning, afternoon, and evening . Other cities with guided free walking tours that you may want to check out are Genoa, Bex, or Leipzig. 

Free walking tour near Zürich

Others cities to visit after zürich, find other guruwalks in zürich, where are you traveling to.

Zurich Map and Walks

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Zurich In One Day – A Self Guided Zurich Walking Tour

April 15 |  15 comments

If you only have one day to see Zurich or you just fancy a ready made guided wander this Zurich walking tour is for you.

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city but also is very compact and easily walkable.

My Zurich walking tour focuses on District 1 which is the city’s rather beautiful old town area, home to the majority of the cities sites. We didn’t really venture out of this area at all apart from when we visited Thermalbad Spa and Uetliberg.

At the end of the post I’ve even included a map of the walking tour for you to follow.

A Self Guided Zurich Walking Tour

This tour starts at the main train station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB for short) which is where you would have arrived into Zurich. You can venture into the station if you wish as there are many shops and restaurants inside.

If you prefer to be outdoors start your walk straight ahead of you along Bahnhofstrasse. This is Zurich’s main downtown street and one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues.

After about bout 600 metres turn right onto Augustinergasse, one of the most beautiful, historical streets in Zurich.

Once you reach the small square of Munzplatz (with the prettiest floral fountain I’d ever seen) you will see the Augustinerkirche church straight ahead of you.

Turn left onto Widdergasse then left again onto Rennweg. Rennweg was the widest street in Zurich in the Middle Ages and was especially distinguished from other streets and alleyways in Zurich due to its straightness.

When you reach the junction with Fortunagasse turn right and head up to Lindenhof hill. Lindenhof was once home to a roman castle but today provides an open green space to relax in. Here you will enjoy gorgeous views over the city.

Exit the opposite side of Lindenhof to which you entered and head straight down through the streets until you reach St Peters Church. This is a beautiful little area to relax in, very peaceful.

Continue on until you reach The Fraumünster Church and enjoy the square in which it sits lined with beautiful buildings, then head towards the river.

Turn right at the river and wander down roughly 350 meters until you reach Burkliplatz. This is the dock area where boat tours of Lake Zurich depart from and on Saturdays a flea market is held.

You will want to immediately turn left onto Quailbrucke bridge (without crossing) as this is where you get a stunning view of both Fraumunster and Grossmunster churches.

If you want views out onto Lake Zurich you have to cross the road at Burkliplatz and wander along that side instead.

Once across the bridge turn right and venture down to the quayside where you can spend some time soaking up the sun and feeding the many swans and ducks!

When you are ready continue walking along the riverfront until you can see Sechseläutenplatz across the road. Sechseläutenplatz is the largest town square in Zurich and is home to the Zurich opera house. Cross over and enjoy the square for a bit before wandering back the way you came.

Once you reach Quailbrucke bridge again don’t cross, just continue walking alongside the river. You will pass Wasserkirche on the left before reaching the Munsterbrucke bridge and the gorgeous Grossmunster church on your right. Behind the church is a little courtyard and the entrance if you wish to take a peek inside.

Head back out towards the river and this time cross over Munsterbrucke bridge. Once on the other side turn right and walk alongside the river. Here you can get stunning views of Grossmunster church.

You will walk under a covered section and then come out into a little square area behind the town hall. Cross Rathausbrücke to get back onto the other side of the river.

Cross the road and walk straight up Marktgasse street. At the top of the street turn left and walk through the cobbled street called Niederdorfstrasse full of shops, bars and restaurants.

Once you reach the junction with a street named Am Rank turn left onto it and head straight down across to the Muhlesteg pedestrian bridge. This is a love lock bridge where you can hang your padlocks!

Now you can either go back up Am Rank and turn left to finish walking along Niederdorfstrasse or just continue walking along the river front up to Bahnhofbrucke bridge.

Look across the bridge and you will see the train station where you started this wonderful walking tour of Zurich!

Map of the Self Guided Zurich Walking Tour

If you take my Zurich walking tour be sure to let me know what you think.

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Did this walking tour yesterday and really enjoyed it ! The directions were easy to follow and really felt as if we saw Zürich in our day trip- Thankyou!

Thanks for your post, we are stopping over for the afternoon as part of an Interrail tour and your suggestion was a great prompt for a very nice walk around we’ve just done. I wasn’t sure if all the right/ left directions were correct but didn’t really matter if you use a map like google map too. The sights are really nice and can be done in 2 hrs if not too distracted along the way!

Thank you so much for this tour. How long is this tour in miles and time?

Hi Jenna! My wife and I will be staying two nights in Zurich in September, on our way to Sicily. So we were thrilled to see your walking tour of the downtown area. Looks fab. We live in the Bay Area of California, so we enjoyed your perspectives on our state. (Yes, the parking is outrageous in SF.) BTW, we were in Singapore later in the same year you visited. We were blown away by the beauty and vibrancy of the city. We are looking forward to traveling again, as I’m sure you two are. Stay healthy and safe travels.

Thank you Jenna, we did the tour on a lovely sunny day in March and loved seeing all the sights on your well structured itinerary. Just one small point, the turn off from Bahnhofstrasse into Augustinergasse is a left, not right!

Hi. Is it too cold if this will be done on january?

Hi Donna, it looks like the average temperature in Zurich in January is 0 Degrees Celsius, so it will be very chilly!

Thank you so much Jenna, this really helped during my trip to Zurich last few days.

No problem Linda, I’m glad it was useful 🙂

Can this be done in the evening say from 6pm to 9pm and is it safe to do so in the month of June.

I’d say this would be better as a daytime walk, I’m not sure what the streets will be like after dark.

This was a lovely way to see Zurich in a short time. We started this walk early in the morning so had uninterrupted views, and plenty of space to move. There is sufficient time to take small detours along the way, and also to pause for coffee and food breaks. Thanks Jenna Morrissey!

Thanks James, I’m glad this post was helpful 🙂

Took about 3 hours with some side detours that I took out of curiosity. Loved it. Thank you

Glad you enjoyed it Grant 🙂

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Home » Europe » Switzerland » Zurich Walking Tour: How to Explore the City on Your Own

Zurich Walking Tour: How to Explore the City on Your Own

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: November 18, 2023

Zurich may well be one of the world’s greatest walking cities. It has a flat central district with broad strolling lanes, and pedestrian-only bridges over the Limmat River make for a perfect opportunity to do a self-guided Zurich walking tour. And because the city is so accessible to the airport, visitors can see a lot of the city even a modest Zurich layover.

For reasons I can’t explain, this may well be one of my favorite cities in Europe. Zurich just feels so right to me. It’s a blend of cosmopolitan and international with a small city and provincial life. As a result of all the international companies (banking and pharmaceutical), it attracts people from all of the world. It’s a city filled with constant festivals and street markets. And it’s just beautiful.

I’ve been here seven or eight times and love it more each time. However, with the exception of my very first trip, it has poured rain each and every time I’ve visited. If you’re in Zurich with good weather, congratulations! If not, get yourself an umbrella and get out there anyway. Despite the weather, it is still a great city!

Baggage Check

What do you do with your luggage on a Zurich layover? If you’re on a codeshare or connecting flight, your checked luggage will go straight through. If you aren’t on a codeshare flight, you may need to pick up your luggage.

If you want to dump off bags (either checked or carryon), proceed to the Luggage Service Center located within the Car Park 2 (it’s on Level 1). They have 3 different size of lockers to stowage and it’s open 24×7. You should expect to pay 10 CHF/Euros for hand luggage and carryons and 20 CHF/Euros for large suitcases. Note: Lockers ONLY accept coins (credit cards are not possible).

How to Get Into Zurich from the Airport

You have three options to get into town on your Zurich layover: taxi, train and tram. The taxi will set you back about CHF 60-70 (or, about $60) one way.

The train and tram are about equally priced. The train is one of those efficient double-decker commuter trains. It gets the job done but goes through a number of tunnels. Tram #10 follows streets and puts you at eye-level with the city. You’ll go through the modern business district, past the zoo, through the universities and end up right at the main train station.

We’ve done both the train and the tram. Despite taking a little longer, the tram lets you experience more of the city. Whichever way you go, you’ll need a ZVV ticket . The airport is in a different zone from the city center, so you’ll need a 2-zone ticket. We recommend getting an 24-hour ticket for the tram, which allows you unlimited access to all public transit, and costs CHF 14.60. There is a handy kiosk with English prompts right at the tram stand.

Self-Guided Zurich Walking Tour

The city center is very compact and most of the places to see in Zurich are right in the center along both sides of the Limmat River. Nearly every guidebook will contain some manner of a Zurich walking tour similar to the one below (including the free Zurich Guide obtained at the tourist information kiosk).

We’ve made a number of adaptations and specific turn-by-turn directions in this self-guided walking tour. Depending on how fast you walk, how many cafes you stop at and how much money you want to spend shopping in the luxury stores, this walking tour should take you about three hours.

Start your Zurich walking tour at the Hauptbahnhof – the main train station. Most city walking tours start outside the station, but actually neglect the station itself. The main train station, the Hauptbahnhof, is actually one of the busiest train stations in the world. Over 2,000 trains connect through the station daily and provide quick connections to Austria, France , Germany , and Liechtenstein .

On the main level, there’s a farmers market, which has food stalls where you can fill up for a good, cheap meal. I availed myself of the stall selling Tibetan food. The stands change every so often, but you’ll find Chinese, French crepes, Indian, and even a made-to-order salad stand..

Leaving the Hauptbahnhof station, follow the signs for Bahnhofstrasse. This pedestrian and tram-only street is Zurich’s main boulevard. Built in 1864, the 1.4km (less than a mile) street is also one of the most exclusive shopping districts in the world. The stores get nicer the closer you get to the lake. If you’re looking for designer fashions in Switzerland, this is your spot!

Walk about 3 blocks down Bahnhofstrasse and make a left on Rennweg Street. This is the iconic photo of Zurich you see in all the guide books. A holdover from the Middle Ages, this is what Zurich once looked like before modernization took hold.

These days, the street is lined with craft shops, souvenir stores and cafes. Consider stopping at one of the cafes for your morning coffee.

Before reaching the end of Rennweg Street, make a left on Fortuna-Gasse. Your objective is at the top of the hill and make a right, climbing the stairs into the Lindenhof Park.

On the left side of the park, you’ll have beautiful views of the city from the scenic overlook. Beyond the views, this little plot of land is actually historic. Here, the Zurich canton swore allegiance to the Swiss Federation in 1798 and beneath the ground are the ruins of both Celtic and Roman settlements dating back to over 1500 BC.

After enjoying the views or perhaps playing a game of chess, resume your walking tour by exiting out of Lidenhof Park the opposite way you came in (on your left). This will drop you out onto Strehl-Gasse. You’ll follow Strehlgasse down the hill until you reach the church.

The St. Peter Kirche (or St. Peter’s Church ) is a working church for the local parishioners. While tourists flock to other churches in Zurich, St. Peter’s still keeps the feel of a local church. What St. Peter’s has is the largest church clock in Europe. You’ll be able to tell the time all over the city because of the clock on the steeple.

Leaving the church square, take a left onto Weggen-Gasse, which will drop you out onto Strehl-Gasse, where you will make a right. This will turn into Storchengasse and you’ll pass by a number of luxury shops. If you’re inclined to drop big money, you might consider spending some time in the Valentino store. At the end of the street, you’ll find a large square, Munsterhof.

The large church in front of you is the Fraumunster . The church was founded as a Benedictine Abbey in 853. The church is best known for its glass windows by Marc Chagall. You’ll get a better view of the church later on this walking tour.

Continue your walking tour by making a right on Post-Strasse, which is immediately opposite the entrance to the church. At the end of the street is Paradeplatz. Before the completion of the train station, this unremarkable square was Zurich’s transit hub, and the largest stagecoach hub in Europe.

The horses are long gone and these days, locals congregate here waiting to catch trams out to other parts of the city. However, visitors should not miss the Confis erie Sprungli chocolate shop on the corner. Swiss chocolate seems like a cliché, but the café at Sprungli makes a great rest spot.

Make a left and continue walking down Bahnhofstrasse to the lake. The lake is city’s heart and soul. The cool breezes of the lake moderate the temperatures in the city. If the weather is good, you should definitely consider a boat trip. Boat trips on Lake Zurich last between 90 minutes and two hours, and are available several times a day. The weather hasn’t cooperated for me, so I’ve never had the chance to do the boat trip.

Turn to your left, cross over the Quaibrucke bridge to the other side. As you walk across the bridge, stay on the lake side, enjoying the mountain views. Once across the bridge, cross the street and double back onto the bridge to enjoy views of the city and the marina.

At the first street, Utoquai, make a left and follow the street north as it turns into Limmatquai, the main street on this side of the river. At the first bridge, Munsterbrucke, walk out onto the bridge and you can take pictures of the Fraumunster church and the heart of Zurich. This site of the Fraumunster church is more photogenic than the side by the square.

Continue across the bridge (so you’re back on the original side where you started) to Wuhre, the small pedestrian lane running right up the river. Walk up the river and you’ll have a beautiful view of the Grossmunster church with its twin neo-Gothic tours. The church itself dates from the 1220 and was built in the Romanesque style.

At the far end of the Wuhre pedestrian lane, make a right and cross the Rathaus Bridge. On the right, jutting out into the river is the Rathaus, or old city hall. Built in 1698 in the Renaissance/Baroque style, this city hall bears witness to the city’s influence over the years.

If you want to visit inside the Grossmunster church, make a right and head up the steps. If you are skipping the inside of the church, continue straight up the narrow lane called Marktgasse.

The complexion of the city changes once you get one block away from the river. This narrow pedestrian-only street is filled with stores and restaurants. Make a right walking a block or two soaking up the ambiance before doubling back and walking in the other direction.

As you walk along the street, its name will change several times: Marktgasse, then Stussihofstatt, before ultimately becoming Niederdorf-strasse. This is where Zurich comes to eat, hit the bars or meet up with friends. If you’re doing this walking tour on a Zurich layover, consider eating here before heading back to the airport.

Working your way up Niederdorfstrasse, you’ll cross a main street called Muhlegasse. The rest of Niederdorf gets a little cheesy. There are a couple made-for-tourist fondue places, a Chinese restaurant and even a strip club.

At the far end of Niederdorfstrasse, make a left, cross the street and you’ll be on the Bahnhof-Brucke. You’ve just made a complete loop on your Zurich walking tour.

If you’re doing this walking tour on a Zurich layover, you can cross the bridge and go back to the train station. Or, if you took Tram 10 from the airport, you can pick it up on this side of the river too (at the Central tram stop immediately in front of the Starbucks).

Long Zurich Layovers

If you have long overnight layover, we suggest staying at one of the many Zurich airport hotels (check current prices here) , but spending as much of your day in the city as possible. Start with this Zurich walking tour and then find a museum to visit or take a cruise on the lake.

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

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Friday 20th of March 2020

Hi. You wrote that of the 7 or 8 times you've been to Zurich, it was raining except for just one time. Is Zurich rainy all year? What months has least rainfall outside of summer season? Thanks in advance.

Lance Longwell

Saturday 21st of March 2020

To be honest, I have absolutely no idea. To me, it seems like there is always rain in Zurich. I've seen lots of people go and have beautiful weather. Laura's sister went last May and had amazing weather. I guess it's just my bad luck.

Thursday 13th of February 2020

I will be in Zurich for just over half a day and am really looking forward to this trip. This blog is awesome. Can you tell me how long this walk should take? I am not a fast walker and stop frequently to take photographs. I have about 4-5 hours and I am hoping I will be able to make this with some time to spare at cafes and perhaps some shops.

We tend to be pretty slow as well because stop and take lots of pictures for this blog. I'd say the walk itself could be done in about 2 1/2 hours. It probably took us about 4 hours or so with all of the stops. Please note, you wouldn't have time to do a cruise on the lake with that amount of time. Instead, just focus on the walk. Hope you enjoy!

Wednesday 4th of September 2019

This guide was very helpful. We really enjoyed getting to know the city. I had printed a compact version of the google street map so it made the whole thing pretty easy. We even found the Tibetan food vendor in the train station and enjoyed the momo dumplings. I told the Tibetan lady how we found her and she photographed my printed tour sheets. (the tour says the markets are on the main level but it is actually down the escalators from where you catch the trains; that was a little confusing). We were there in August and the weather was delightful. We took the boat ride on the lake the following day ( 1 1/2 hour for about $8USD) and then circled back to some of the places that were our favorites from the tour.

So glad this was helpful! Sounds like you had a little better weather for your Zurich tour than we did!

Saturday 24th of August 2019

This is a very helpful guide, indeed ! May I ask you for one thing ? Can you add here a google link showing the walking paths you outlined in your article above ? The names are somewhat confusing to me. Thanks !

Friday 30th of August 2019

At some point, we'll try to add some sort of walking tour of Zurich map.

shirley ternes

Wednesday 11th of July 2018

traveling to Zurich in September. This wass very helpful. Thanks

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Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour

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Our two-day detour to Zurich, Switzerland was more about meeting up with longtime friends than it was about visiting the city itself. However, that didn’t keep us from discovering the best sights of the Zurich Old Town on a Zurich walking tour!

We devised a Zurich self-guided walking tour that would take us through the pristine city, down the shopping lanes, to a few churches and viewpoints  – while still allowing enough time for lunch, chocolates and a few beers. Come along with us and see the sights on our Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour. 

About this Free Zurich Walking Tour

We love creating our own free walking tours in cities where we can set our pace, make detours and stop at any places along the route that catch our eye. Our outlined Zurich Old Town Walking Tour is ideal for visitors – like us – who enjoy discovering destinations on their own two feet. 

Zurich Walking Tour Map and Directions

What makes this one of the best walking tours in Zurich that you can complete on your own is that we include a link to Google Maps for each stop – making it easy to route your way from one sight to the next.

However, keep in mind that you will need an internet connection to use the links. We use a Pocket WiFi device to stay connected while traveling abroad (in fact, we wouldn’t travel without it!). 

Additionally, we have included a Zurich Old Town Walking Map at the end of this article that offers an overview of our sightseeing Zurich walk. 

City Tour of Zurich: Sight Info

To provide fun facts about each sight of our Zurich city tour, we have also included links for information. Visitors interested in learning about each Zurich attraction can simply click and read about it while on the self guided walking tour. 

More Walking Tours Zurich

Our Zurich Free Walking Tour is a self-guided adventure to the top sights in the city. Fellow travelers who would rather join a guided walking tour have many options. We highlight a few of the highly rated Guided Walking Tours of Zurich after we share the details of our Zurich Walking Tour Free Route. 

Our Zurich sightseeing focused on the sights in the center of town. There are many Zurich tourist attractions – and our list includes 12 things to see in Zurich. Our Zurich walking tour route is about 3 miles long (mostly flat), which should take about an hour without any stops.

Even if you only have one day in Zurich, our walking tour is a great way to get an introduction to the city!

#1 Bahnhofstrasse

We started our Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour at the Paradeplatz tram station in the city center { MAP }. Heading north on Bahnhofstrasse , we gawked at the expensive watches glittering in the window displays.

The street is flooded with fashionable retailers, posh boutiques, fine architecture and a bevy of Swiss Banks. The famous shopping street is a Zurich must see! 

#2 Detour onto Augustinergasse and Rennweg Street

On our Zurich city tour, we were sidetracked more than once by the colorful streets in the center. We turned right down the bright and colorful Augustinergasse { MAP } .

At Widdergasse we turned left…and left again onto Rennweg  { MAP }, which was the main thoroughfare during the Middle Ages and features quaint craft houses. We followed Rennweg north to where it meets back up with Bahnhofstrasse.

#3 Zurich Bahnhofplatz

The Zurich Bahnhofplatz { MAP } is the next stop on our Zurich Self Guided Walking Tour. Ranking as the biggest train station in Switzerland and one of the busiest train stations in the world, the station marks the north end of Zurich Old Town (or Zurich Altstadt ). 

Top Tip : If you are traveling to the city on a day trip and arriving by train, you can begin your Walking Tour Zurich Old Town route at the station. Continue from the station to the next sight – and then visit the first sights on our list at the end of the tour, which circles back to the heart of the Old Town. 

#4 Central Polybahn

From the main train station, continue our Zurich free tour by crossing the Limmat River on the Bahnhofbrucke Brigde . Head to the funicular, Central Polybahn { MAP }, for a ride up the hill to a lookout point. (Unfortunately, it was one of the few Zurich sights that was closed during our visit, so you will have to let us know how the view is!).

#5 Niederdorfstrasse

Continuing our Zuirch Old Town walking tour, we turned south on Niederdorfstrasse { MAP }, a pedestrian street in the Zurich Old Town filled with cafes, restaurants and bars. It was perfect timing because we were getting hungry for lunch!

Kris decided on a kebab, and I found a café near Stussihofstatt serving traditional dishes, deli-style, which are loaded up into containers and paid for by weight. I opted for an inexpensive Zurich lunch special: bratwurst with a roll and mustard for $6.50 – and I couldn’t resist adding the creamy potatoes au gratin to my meal for about $2 more.

#6 Zurich Rathaus & River Views

Walking back to the Limmat River, by the Zurich Town Hall ( Rathaus ) { MAP }, we couldn’t stop taking pictures of the idyllic waterfront buildings.

There, we were approached by a woman who told us that the flag flying above the front door of Town Hall indicated that the local government was in session and that we were free to go in to watch the proceedings.

We passed through security and then walked upstairs to a balcony overlooking a beautiful room filled with a (surprisingly) casual bunch of politicians. Taking a peek inside the Rathaus is one of the best free things to do in Zurich (besides our free walking tour Zurich, of course!).

#7 Grossmunster

Next up on our Zurich itinerary: the Grossmunster Cathedral { MAP }. Built in 1220, the Cathedral is one of the top Zurich tourist attractions. The two towers were added in 1787 and the 187 steps can be climbed for great views (for a small fee).

The interior of the Grossmunster is rather plain, but has bright stained glass windows. A crypt beneath the altar houses an original sculpture from one of the towers.

#8 Lake Zurich and Opernhaus Zurich

Continuing on our Zurich one day tour, we walked south to Lake Zurich and the Zurich Opera House ( Opernhaus Zurich ) { MAP }. On the lakeside, a man played the traditional Swiss alphorn for tips.

Behind him, on the lake, dozens of swans were gliding on the water and in the background the majestic snowcapped Swiss Alps completed the idyllic scene.

#9 Limmat Riverwalk and St. Peter Church

We could have continued walking along the lake, but there were more Zurich Old Town attractions we wanted to see. We crossed back to the west side of the river at Quaibrucke Bridge { MAP } and strolled along the water.

We cut into the old city center near St. Peter Church { MAP }, which has the largest church clock in all of Europe.

#10 Lindenhof

We wound through the tangle of streets up to Lindenhof , { MAP } a raised park with views over the river and one of the best places to visit in Zurich. Two men played bocce ball, a younger group contemplated the next move on the giant chess board and several others sat along the wall enjoying the pleasant view of Zurich and the soaring Swiss Alps in the distance.

#11 Zuirch Chocolate Shop: Confiserie Teuscher

There is a long  history of chocolate production in the city – and touring Zurich wouldn’t be complete without a taste of chocolate! 

During your Zurich self-guided walking tour you will undoubtedly pass by numerous chocolate shops, but we recommend seeking out Confiserie Teuscher { MAP }.

Colorfully decorated for Easter, it was difficult to tell if it was a chocolate shop or a florist, but the sweet scent of cocoa floated out the door. Unable to resist the temptation any longer, we splurged for three truffles: caramel, Grand Marnier and the store’s signature Champagne. 

Top Tip : Join the Chocolate and Sweets Walking Tour for a more indulgent taste of Zurich!

#12 Zeughauskeller

We ended our ‘Zurich in a day’ tour at Zeughauskeller { MAP } for a pint of local beer.

Built in 1487, the building was used as an armory, but in 1926 it was transformed into a place for social gathering and beer drinking. The old-time, Zurich beer hall atmosphere survives today.

Thoughts on our Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour

We felt we got a great introduction to the beauty of the city with our Zurich self-guided walking tour. In the bustling metropolis of historic buildings, clock towers and row houses, the people and trams move at a fast pace.

At the same time, the distant Alps, wide river, open squares and iconic fountains slow things down a bit. The scenic diversity creates a pleasant atmosphere that is ideal for a stroll on a Zurich walking tour.

Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

This Zurich city map highlights the top places to visit in Zurich in 1 day (as outlined above). Print (or screenshot) this Zurich sightseeing map to help you find your way on our Self-Guided Walking Tour Zurich. 

For a Zurich walking tour map with turn-by-turn directions, use this link to our Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour on Google Maps .

Visitors can also pick up a paper map of Zurich, Switzerland at the Main Station Tourist Office – or buy one  before you set off for your trip!

More Zurich City Tours

We have outlined an easy-to-follow Walking Tour of Zurich for visitors who would like to discover at their own pace. That said, there are several guided tours in Zurich that can enhance a trip to the city. 

Zurich Tours

These Zurich guided tours help tourists gain a better understanding of the history and sights in Zurich. We are highlighting a few of the most popular tours in Zurich. 

Guided Walking Tours Zurich

A highly rated Zurich Guided Walking Tour, participants are led through the picturesque streets by a local tour guide. The tour is in English and great for first-time visitors who want a guided introduction to Zurich. Find out more!

Private Tour of Zurich

Travelers who wish to have a private Zurich walking tour can hire a guide to uncover the sights with them exclusively. On a 2-hour private walking tour – like this one – visitors get to see the highlights with the focused attention of a local guide. 

That said, travelers with weary feet can also opt for a private Zurich tour by Tuk Tuk ! The 1.5-hour Tuk Tuk Guided Tour Zurich features top Old Town sights in an eco-friendly ride. 

Self Guided Zurich Audio Tour

Visitors who want the freedom to tour at their own pace, but would like a voice to guide them through the streets can opt for the popular (and inexpensive) audio tour that you download to your mobile device. 

Free Tour Zurich

Want guided Zurich sightseeing tours for free? There are several companies that offers a free walk of Zurich, but the guides on these free Zurich walks do work for tips. If you forgo a Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour in favor of a guided free walking tour Zurich, just be prepared to pay the guide a tip. 

Zurich Day Trips

With mountains, lakes and picturesque towns, there are many day trips from Zurich to the surrounding regions, which can be found (and booked in advance) with a trusted site like Viator .

Some of the most popular Zurich day tours include Coach Tours , a Swiss Alps Day Trip , Jungfraujoch , and a Lucerne and lake cruise trip . 

Also traveling to Basel, Switzerland !? Find the best things to do!

Travel Tips for your Trip to Zurich, Switzerland

Now that you know what to see in Zurich, we have a few additional Zurich travel tips that will help you plan your trip to Switzerland!

Zurich Card

The Zurich Card is available for 24 or 72 hours and includes free or reduced admission into museums, as well as free public transportation and other discounts. 

Where To Stay in Zurich

There are many places to stay in Zurich – from hotels to hostels to holiday apartments. While we think the best place to stay in Zurich is in the heart of the city, accommodations are pricey. 

Zurich Short Term Apartments

During our visit to Zurich, we stayed in a super Airbnb Apartment . In general, we have found that staying in apartments is less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and more space. 

However, short trips of just a few days can incur big Airbnb fees – so be sure to price out your options before booking. 

Hotels in Zurich

There are many Zurich hotels to choose from in (or close to) the city center – and you can start your search here .

You can also check rates and availability for these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip to Switzerland.

• Baur au Lac  
• Widder Hotel   
• Storchen Zürich Lifestyle Boutique Hotel

Zurich Hostels

For more affordable accommodations, check out the hostels in Zurich . These hostels get high ratings from guests: Zurich Youth Hostel and Oldtown Hostel Otter . 

Getting To Zurich

Zurich can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSetting Fools, after all!) and we flew into Zurich from Zagreb, Croatia and departed to Ljubljana, Slovenia .

Fly to Zurich

Zurich can be easily reached by plane from several top European cities like Amsterdam , London , Paris , and Frankfurt , as well as US gateways like New York , Chicago , Boston , Washington DC , and San Francisco !

The Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest international airport in Switzerland and is located 10km north of the Zurich Old Town. 

When we start our search for affordable plane tickets , we look for the best deals on airline tickets on Skyscanner.

Zurich by Train, Bus or Car

To get between destinations when flights are not feasable, we usually rely on public transportation and take trains or buses – of which there are several to Zurich.

Use Rail Europe to find train tickets and our preferred bus company is FlixBus – as it is economical, clean and comfortable (and sometimes has on-board wifi, seat-back entertainment, refreshments and a toilet).

We aren’t keen on driving abroad, but renting a car can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people) – and having a car allows for greater discovery. Before making a reservation, read all of our Car Rental Tips .

Before You Go To Zurich: What To Pack

Our final tips cover what to pack for your Zurich trip. You can find our complete packing list and top packing hacks on our dedicated Travel Packing blog page. 

Walking Shoes

If you are embarking on a Zurich walking tour, you will need to pack a pair of comfortable travel shoes ! I wear versatile, lightweight sneakers when I travel – and Kris is comfortable in his Merrell trail shoes (even for city navigation).

Travel Camera

Zurich is a beautiful city – so make sure you bring a travel camera that will take exceptional photos! We use a reliable and affordable camera – the Canon Rebel – with an 18-135mm lens . It’s great camera for beginners and comes with heaps of accessories. 

Zurich Map and Guidebook

It’s much easier to get around any city when you understand the layout – and a guidebook can help, too. We recommend buying a city map and guidebook before your vacation to Zurich.

Whether traveling with a backpack or suitcase , when out exploring cities, we like to carry a day pack where we can stow everything we need – like a water bottle and sunscreen  – along with our camera, wallet and keys. Find out which we prefer in our Best Day Pack for Travel blog post. 

Switzerland Trip Insurance

Travel insurance may cover delayed flights, lost luggage and even illness abroad . If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip to Zurich, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Planning a Trip to Zurich, Switzerland

We have outlined a perfect Zurich City Walking Tour – but we know there is a lot more to planning a trip. As you make reservations and plan what sights to see, be sure to keep track of the details of your trip in a travel planner. With our Printable Travel Planner you can get started right now! 

Start planning your trip to Switzerland ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

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Zurich in a nutshell – one-afternoon self-guided walking tour

Can you believe that in more than 6 years of living in Switzerland, I do not have a single blog post about Zurich, the largest Swiss city? Although I’ve been here several times (even once long before I knew that Switzerland would one day become our home). So all I have to do is correct this mistake immediately and introduce you to this bustling city, which is in a way beautiful in all seasons.

Getting to Zurich

With a large train station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof) and an international airport, Zurich is the main transport hub in Switzerland. If you go here by train , it is most likely that your train connection will spit you out directly on the busy Zurich HB .

If you go here by car : there are several parking houses in the city center and I would like to warn you in advance that parking here can be quite expensive on weekdays (even 5 CHF/hour). During our recent trip, we used the Urania parking house that is pretty close to the old town, where on Sundays and holidays, parking fees cost a pleasant 2 francs per hour.

A brief history of Zurich

It should come as no surprise that the area was first fortified in the first century by the Romans , who called it Turicum . Just as Rome has its Romulus and Remus, so Zurich has its two holy patrons : the siblings Felix and Regula , who were Roman Christians, deserters from the Theban Legion, which was encamped in 286 in Valais. The siblings made their way through Glarus to Zurich, where they were captured and executed by beheading.

In 1351, Zurich joined the Swiss Confederation , and during the Middle Ages, the city became rich, mainly due to textiles and banking. The town reached its peak in the 16th century when the first reformer Huldrych Zwingli was the first to accept the Reformation.

In 2020, Zurich was declared the most expensive city in the world * . Many banking and financial institutions have their headquarters here, which makes it one of the world’s largest financial centers.

Tour of the Old Town

There are undoubtedly many tourist attractions in Zurich, but the tour on the following lines focuses on the sights in the city center . It’s quite small and compact , but you can easily get lost in a tangle of narrow cobbled streets. The old town is bordered by the central train station in the north, Lake Zürich in the south, and spreads a few blocks east and west from the Limmat River that runs through the city and divides the old town into two sections. Btw. The Limmat River flows out of the lake after flowing through the lake as it flows into the lake like the Linth River.

The route of our tour was given by the “hunt” for the fountains full of roses, which were prepared here over Easter by the local Reformed Church. There were a total of 7 fountains and they were located on both banks of the Limmat River near the main tourist attractions of the Old Town (especially churches), so the route can perfectly serve first-time visitors of Zurich .

1. Niederdorf

From Parkhaus Urania we crossed Rudolf-Brun-Brücke (by the way, Rudolf Brun was the mayor of Zurich in the 14th century, who handed over power over the city from the merchant nobility to the local craft guilds) to the eastern bank of the Limmat river to the part known as Niederdorf , or Dörfli . It is known for being full of cafes, shops, but also picturesque nooks.

2. Grossmünster Cathedral

Through Marktgasse and Münstergasse we reached the Grossmünster Cathedral. The church was founded by Charlemagne in the ninth century , but it acquired its present appearance as a three-nave basilica between 1100 and 1220. According to excavations, there was a Roman cemetery with the relics of Saints Felix and Regula . Yeah, the two siblings I mentioned above (and I’ll mention them a few more times). Here was the place where they passed away. But not only that, it makes Grossmünster one of the city’s most famous sights. In the 16th century, the preacher and rioter Huldrych Zwingli began his campaign against the Catholic Church, and so the Reformation reached Zurich. Admission to the cathedral and its crypt is free and photography is not permitted here. The crypt under the altar contains the original statue of Charlemagne from the 15th century, which was removed from one of the towers. For 5 francs you can climb 187 steps to the Karlsturm tower and enjoy wonderful views of the city.

3. Wasserkirche church

With a stone’s throw from Grossmünster stands another important church – the Wasserkirche, a late Gothic church originally standing on a separate island. It was at this place that Felix and Regula were executed. Legend has it (nothing for the faint of heart, so if you don’t have a strong stomach, skip the following lines) that even though their heads were cut off here, they were miraculously able to get up, took their severed heads in their hands and took another 40 steps uphill (ie to today’s Grossmünster), where they knelt, prayed to God, and then passed away.

4. Frauenbad

We crossed the Münstrerbrücke and reached the left bank of the Limmat river at Stadthausquai . Here is a wooden building – Frauenbad (aka Women’s bath). This Art Nouveau open-air bathing facility, built between 1881 and 1887, remains the exclusive domain of female guests to this day.

5. Bürkliplatz

Bürkliplatz square is the mainhub, where you will find the main boat station, the bus, and the tram stops, which meet right where the farmers’ market takes place every Tuesday and Friday morning, and the antiques market on Saturdays.

6. Lakeside promenade

You can’t make a mistake if you decide to see Zurich and its surroundings from the deck of a cruise ship. It is a pleasant and comfortable break from walking through the streets of a busy city. The short cruise lasts about 1.5 hours and costs CHF 8.80 (half with Halb-tax). During this cruise, one of the stops is Kilchberg, where you can get off and visit the Lindt chocolate factory (link below). The mini-cruise costs CHF 6.80. More information here . A cruise at sunset is also very beautiful.

7. Fraumünster Church

From Bürkliplatz, we took Fraumünsterstrasse towards the Fraumünster church, which is another important church in the city. In 853, the first Benedictine female convent was founded here. Inside you can see the famous stained glass windows of the Russian painter of Jewish origin Marc Chagall. For CHF 5 you can take an audio-guide tour of the church and the crypt. Btw. This church also has something to do with saints Felix and Regula – in 874, the crypt was built here to store their remains.

8. Münsterhof

The Münsterhof is the largest square in Zurich’s Old Town and is surrounded by medieval buildings.

9. St. Peter’s church

From the Münsterhof you can head to the St. Peter’s church. With a diameter of 8.7 m , the church clock is the biggest clock face in Europe . However, we went through the alleys of Storchengasse (to the famous Hotel Storchen) and then continued Strehlgasse until we joined the famous Augustinergasse.

10. Augustinergasse

Augustinergasse is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and most photographed streets in Zurich. The street is lined with multicolored histori, with one cuter than the other.

11. Bahnhofstrasse

The Augustinergasse opens onto the famous Bahnhofstrasse. The busy Bahnhofstrasse is the main street in Zurich and one of the most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues in the world. Every year, on the last but one Thursday of November, the Lucy lights – 23,000 light crystals spread over a distance of one kilometer – light up here, announcing the beginning of the Advent period.

12. Lindenhof

When you turn right from Bahnhofstrasse at the Jelmoli department store to Oetenbachgasse, and then once again to Lindenhofstrasse, you reach the Lindenhof lookout point. It was here in Roman times that there was a customs post. Today it offers beautiful views of the Zurich skyline. And from here it’s a few steps back to the Urania parking house.

In conclusion

It is quite clear to me that it was beyong my power to include all the landmarks, cool bars and trendy restaurants that you could/should visit in Zurich into this post. But that was not my goal. I just wanted to outline a detailed overview of where to go if you are in Zurich for the first time and would like to see the best of it. But if you have tips on places that you would recommend to me and the readers of this blog, do not hesitate to send them to me!

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WELCOME TO ZURICH

Discover zurich through the eyes of a local, all public tours ➜ all private tours ➜.

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Home » Destinations » Cities & Villages

Zürich City Walking Tour for Families

• Zürich City , Zürich Region

• Last Updated: 6 Apr 2017
• By Tanya, Founder of Swiss Family Fun

If you buy something through a link here, we may earn a commission. See our disclosure policy . Note that p rices and opening times may change without notice.

There are many great Zurich walking tours, but kids need more than pretty buildings and history to keep them happy. So my route below points out features for families, like playgrounds, chocolate shops, open spaces for running, toy shops, etc. I use same route as the official city tours, so you can get the detail historical info from those tours and add on my family tips. This walk is great for both locals and visitors any time of year. 

Overview of Route

I am not going to reinvent the wheel. This route is basically the same as the official city tour posted on signboards around town and covers the same areas as the Free Walk Zurich  tour, which I highly recommend. But I’ve marked all the family friendly stuff on this map.

The route starts and ends at the Zurich main train station but you could start anywhere along the route and abandon it when the kids get tired. Click on the map to see an interactive version and print it.

If you want more historical and cultural info for your tour, there are lots of Zurich walking tours online, many available as phone apps.

• Free Walk Zurich – excellent free walking tour, but please tip
• Zurich tourism lists many Zurich city apps here .
• My Switzerland City Guide App
• GPSmyCity has a Zurich app with walking tours

On the trail…

When you leave the Zurich main station, you’ll be on the busy Bahnhofstrasse, where there are lots of shops and trams going by. Don’t worry, this is the busiest part of the walk. Most of it is in pedestrian-only zones.

Follow the map to turn east on Uraniastrasse and walk to the bridge over the river.

Detour: If you have a stroller and need to avoid stairs, turn on the street just before the Schweizer Heimatwerk, head up the hill on the cobblestone street, veering left and following signs up to the Lindenhof. It should look like this.

Otherwise, when you reach the bridge, turn south on Henri-Steg right after Schweizer Heimatwerk, as shown below.

Follow this path along the river for a bit. Along the “Schipfe” there is a nice area with benches and some room to run.

Right after these benches, take a hard right and head up the hill on these stairs.

On your right behind a gate, is this playground.

Turn left and walk up to the  Lindenhof, a big park with a lovely view of the east side of Zurich.  It has  lots of room for kids to safely run around.

There is a swing set and big chess board at the back of the Lindenhof.

Cross the park and head down into the old town.

Follow the map through the old town, taking a short detour to the Rathaus bridge, which has a nice view up and down the river.

Go back into the old town and head west to St. Peter’s church (right below) with the biggest clockface in Europe and another plaza for running around. There is also a drinking fountain. Next stop, Augustinergasse , one of the most photographed streets in Zurich with the fun multi-colored buildings lining the street.

You are back on the Bahnhofstrasse briefly. Head south to Paradeplatz and stop at Sprüngli to browse chocolate and pick up a few Luxembourgli cookies. Kids usually get a free one after you order.

Head east to the Fraumunster and peek in to see the famous Chagall stained glass windows. With kids, I like to walk through the courtyard next to the Fraumunster that is filled with murals that tell the story of this place.

As you exit the Fraumünster, enjoy the view across the river of the Grossmünster. We’ll go there in a bit, but for now, turn right and head south along the river. If you need a shortcut for the kids, simply cross the bridge and head straight to the Grossmünster and rejoin the map there.

Walking down river.

Just before reaching the lake, the Bürkliplatz plaza is on your right. On Tuesday and Friday mornings, you’ll find a farmer’s market here.

Turn east and cross the bridge. Take some pics from the bridge.

After the bridge, follow the map to Oberdorfstrasse and window shop as you head north. We love Pinocchio toy store, a fun books and toys shop, with all sorts of retro stuff.

The street ends at the Grossmünster , which has a beautiful plaza, aka Zwingliplatz. We love this small model of the church out front provided so sightless people can feel the architecture of the building.

Head north through the Niederdorf neighborhood. Stop at Cafe Schober , a Zurich institution, for a delicious hot chocolate.

Turn east and walk up to Spielgasse passing this lovely fountain.

Then passing this quiet square.

This playground is next to the square.

Take a detour to Rechberg gardens (see on map), gorgeous formal gardens maintained by the university.

Head back into the Niederdorf, turning north on the narrow Predigergasse.

This street ends at the Prediger nice church with a beautiful sundial.

Walk west into the neighborhood to the Niederdorfplaza.

One of the walls has this interesting painting of old Zurich.

Head north several blocks to the Polybahn funicular. If you already have a city tram ticket, it works for the Polybahn too. Ride up to get a view.

At the top of the Polybahn, turn right and walk to the ETH Polyterrace for another great view of Zurich, this time looking west. Plenty of room for the kids to run around safely.

Take a little detour to the free Natural History Museum .

Ride back down the Polybahn and walk back to the Zurich main station. Hope you enjoyed the walk!

More Zurich city walks here…

• TAGS: City Walk

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3 Responses

This was a wonderful walking tour for our family of four with two young kids. You wrote it very clearly and the directions were quite easy to follow even through we were not from this country. Thank you for making this free and publicly available to visiting parents.

Glad you had a nice time!

• Pingback: Our itinerary while visiting Switzerland 12 Oct to 19 Oct 2017 | Sie Travel

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Hi! I’m Tanya and our family has been living & hiking in Switzerland since 2005, collecting dozens of fun hikes and activities for all ages and abilities. More about us…

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Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

• Sightseeing in Zurich´s impressive old town 
• Explore quaint alleyways and discover hidden gems 
• Tour guide with extensive knowledge

50% discount with the Zürich Card

• 24 or 72 hours
• Public transportation included
• Free admission to museums
• Over 50 discounts

What do Einstein, James Joyce and Wagner have in common? All three were residents of Zurich. But it´s not only great minds who are captivated by this lakeside city with its well-preserved old town - people from all over the world have always flocked to the thriving metropolis.

On a two-hour walk through the old town, we go searching for clues to the city´s past in its hidden alleyways and picturesque squares. Together, we uncover the secrets of Bahnhofstrasse, find out what a "procession axis" is, and visit a church with a minute-hand that jumps a record-breaking half meter every minute. This popular tour is filled with numerous astonishing and amusing anecdotes and has plenty to offer both visitors and locals alike.

For school classes of public schools (primary and secondary) we offer a reduction of 10%. Please contact us via the contact form for more information.

Time and Duration

Available on the following days, additional information.

Meeting point: In front of the Tourist Information at the main train station

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Walking Tour Zürich

Zürich Tourismus Im Hauptbahnhof 8001 Zürich Phone  +41 (0)44 215 40 00 zuerich.com

The narrow, cobbled streets of Zürich's Old City were once home to many key figures in the Swiss Reformation. Their former residences and businesses are not open to the public, but most bear German historical markers. An easy walking tour encompasses them all.

The Zähringerplatz in front of the Prediger Church incorporates a memorial to Christopher Froschauer; across the street stands the Froschauer family's 16th-century print house. Froschauer printed many of Zwingli's texts; in 1535 the printer published the first English Bible in Europe, the same Zürich Bibles that traveled with the Pilgrims to the New World. Follow Predigergasse to 5 Neumarkt, the former house of Konrad Grebel who, along with Felix Manz, founded Anabaptism. Walk along Neumarkt and south on Münstergasse to the Zwingliplatz, across from the Grossmünster, where Zwingli's successor Heinrich Bullinger lived in 1536. Successive generations of Grossmünster ministers lived there up until 1833. Within view of the Zwingliplatz at the corner of Neustadtgasse and Kirchgasse is the Haus zur Sul, the residence of Zwingli himself from 1522-25. If you follow Neustadtgasse south to 8 Trittligasse, you'll find "Zum Friesenberg", the home of Zwingli's widow and children from 1533-39. Follow Trittligasse west to the Limmat Riverbank. Beside the Wasserkirche stands the Zwingli Monument, depicting a rather stern-looking Reformer with his Bible and a sword. Cross the Limmat River by way of the Rathausbrücke. Head north along Schipfe until you arrive at the water-level marker where, in 1527, Felix Manz was executed by drowning for preaching Anabaptist theology.

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Zürich Tourismus Im Hauptbahnhof 8001  Zürich Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)44 215 40 00 [email protected] zuerich.com Show Route

Zürich Tourismus Im Hauptbahnhof 8001 Zürich Phone  +41 (0)44 215 40 00 zuerich.com Show Route

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