- 1. Swiss National Museum
- 2. Grossmunster Church
- 3. Lake Zurich
- 4. Kunsthaus Museum
- 5. Bahnhofstrasse
- 6. Rietberg Museum
- 7. Fraumunster Church
- 8. St. Peter's Church
- 9. Zurichhorn Park
- 10. FIFA Museum
A fairytale-like building from 1898 is home to Switzerland’s greatest museum. It’s located behind Zurich’s main train station, and takes visitors from prehistory to the present, through unique exhibits that range from archaeological finds to a rich selection of gothic art, to historic photography.
Tickets: Swiss National Museum
Official Website: www.nationalmuseum.ch
The main reason to visit this romanesque church is to climb 187 steps to the top of one of its twin towers, considered the city’s most recognized landmark. Architectural details to look for include the carved portal featuring medieval columns, a crypt dating back to the 11th century, and modern stained glass windows added in 1932.
Official Website: www.grossmuenster.ch
When the sun is shining, everyone heads towards the lake. In the summer, the lakeside promenade is the site of festivals and fairs, and is always a popular spot for a stroll. Be sure to hop on one of the boats offering cruises.
Locate it on the map: Lake Zurich
Zurich’s most important modern art collection includes pieces by Monet, Munch, Picasso and Warhol. It’s on display together with an equally notable collection of art dating from the 15th century to the present.
Official Website: www.kunsthaus.ch
One of the world’s greatest shopping streets, it’s about one mile in length (1.4km), linking the city’s main train station and Lake Zurich. Closer to the station are department stores and the more accessible international chains, while the end by the lake is home to the more exclusive brands. In between is Paradeplatz, a tram junction that’s one of the world’s main financial centers, home to the main offices of the large Swiss banks.
Official Website: www.bahnhofstrasse-zuerich.ch
Locate it on the map: Bahnhofstrasse
A world-renowned collection of non-European art is on display in a building surrounded by a pleasant park. There are pieces from Africa, Asia and the Americas, some of them dating back thousands of years to ancient Egypt and China.
Official Website: www.rietberg.ch
Founded in 853, this church has fine stained glass windows, added in 1970 and designed by Marc Chagall. Since 2016 it is possible to visit the oldest part of the building, the crypt, which had been hidden since 1900, and now presents an exhibition on the history of Zurich and the Reformation.
Official Website: www.fraumuenster.ch
Zurich’s oldest church dates back to the 9th century, and is known for its large clock measuring 28.5ft (8.7m) in diameter. Another extraordinary feature are the tower’s five bells, added in 1880, and weighing as much as 6,000kg.
Official Website: www.st-peter-zh.ch
Featuring a walled Chinese garden, this lakeside park is a popular spot throughout the year. It’s also where you find the Pavillon Le Corbusier, a museum dedicated to design and to the work of Swiss architect Le Corbusier, who designed the building with a “free-floating roof” shortly before his death in 1965.
Locate it on the map: Zurichhorn Park
This museum has been drawing crowds since 2016, showing the original World Cup trophy, the history of football (soccer) through interactive displays, and the national jerseys of all FIFA members. No football fan can miss it.
Official Website: www.fifamuseum.com
