Number one in finance (the Zurich Stock Exchange is the fourth largest globally after New York, London and Tokyo), business, tourism, culture, advanced services, new trends, and elite shopping — Zurich is missing only the great political palaces found in Bern. But in every other respect, it keeps pace with the world’s major commercial and financial hubs.
What to Visit in Zurich
Cultural vibrancy, non-conformism, and a real passion for experimentation give Zurich a feel reminiscent of London. Although it is the cradle of Protestantism, Zurich stands out for its open, tolerant spirit. Each August, the city turns into a massive party for the Street Parade, one of the biggest techno music festivals in Europe. Zurich also nurtures an innovative, ‘moving culture’ — historic statues have been relocated from their ancient plinths in the city center to various neighborhoods so everyone can enjoy them. Even the city’s most prestigious pulpits, symbols of Protestant tradition, are now open to women preachers.
Through Zurich’s streets — once Roman, then German and French — have walked some of the greatest minds of recent centuries: Goethe, Einstein, Musil, Joyce, Mann, Wagner. Today, top minds gather at the renowned university and high-level research centers in chemistry, biology, and genetics.
A visit to Zurich reveals how this modern metropolis still preserves its historic soul. Charming districts mirror themselves in the slow-flowing Limmat river, where wooden and stone houses line the banks and corners retain an old-world charm, echoed by the rhythms and traditions that date back as far as the Bells of St. Peter’s Church.
What to See in Zurich
1 Zurich Old Town
Zurich’s old town stretches across both banks of the Limmat river. Medieval houses, winding alleys, the Zunfthaus (guild houses), and Renaissance town halls create a fascinating setting for those eager to soak up the city’s history. A guided tour makes the area’s architectural heritage and historic characters come alive. The iconic twin towers of the Grossmünster cathedral — according to legend, built by Charlemagne on the graves of Felix and Regula, Zurich’s patron saints — dominate the skyline.
Zurich Main Station: The perfect starting point for touring Zurich, Hauptbahnhof is an architectural marvel with ample parking and immediate access to the city’s large pedestrian zone. To the left, you find the medieval district and the twin towers of Grossmünster, the city’s imposing Protestant cathedral; at the end of the street lies Lake Zurich; nearby, the Limmat river adds a romantic and majestic touch. To the right, wander through the heart of Zurich’s old city, with the merchants’ squares, the pier, the bell tower of St. Peter’s Church (dating from 857 AD and featuring one of the world’s largest clock faces at 8.7 meters in diameter), and, finally, the business district and luxury shopping scene along the dazzling Bahnhofstrasse. One of Zurich’s must-sees, behind the train station, is the Landesmuseum, the Swiss National Museum, resembling a medieval fortress. Behind the museum, discover the delightful Platzspitz Park — a green oasis with century-old trees, fountains, statues of famous figures, and, in season, an explosion of colorful flowers and fragrances.
2 Niederdorf
With its narrow, car-free alleys and the Grossmünster tower as a backdrop, Niederdorf charms by day and night with petite boutiques, antique dealers, and craft workshops. This is where Zurich’s unique spirit shines through. The historic “Boutique Konditorei Schober-Péclard,” a protected landmark, is a true symbol of the city, blending history, architecture, and high-end shopping. Locals affectionately call this old Zurich quarter “Dörfli,” or little village.
Zurich Points of Interest
3 Zurich Museums
Zurich boasts 50 museums, 14 of which are devoted to art. The Kunsthaus, Zurich’s fine arts museum, houses impressive collections of paintings, sculptures, photos, and videos — including an extensive group of works by Alberto Giacometti. The Rietberg Museum is renowned for its collections of non-European art. Not far from the main station, you’ll find the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum): a castle-like structure over a century old, home to Switzerland’s largest collection of historical and cultural artifacts. Zurich’s artistic spirit extends well beyond traditional museums. Don’t miss Giacometti’s Hall at the police station, the Chagall stained glass windows at Fraumünster Church, and Jean Tinguely’s open-air Heureka sculpture on the shores of Lake Zurich.
4 Rietberg Museum
Zurich’s Rietberg Museum is Switzerland’s only museum dedicated to non-European cultures. Internationally renowned, its collection features works from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Known as the “Smaragd,” the museum stands out for its architecture, featuring a glass pavilion that perfectly integrates with the surrounding Rieterpark villas.
5 Kunsthaus Zurich
The Kunsthaus Zurich features works spanning from the 13th century to the present. Renowned for its major modern art collection and high-profile temporary exhibitions, it showcases masterpieces by Alberto Giacometti, Picasso, Monet, Chagall, and many leading Swiss contemporary artists. The New York School is represented by Pollock, Rothko, and Newman, as well as both European and American pop art. The expressive energy of the 1980s finds its voice in the works of Georg Baselitz.
6 Swiss National Museum Zurich
The Swiss National Museum houses the country’s largest historical and cultural collection. Behind over a hundred years of history, the past comes to life, showing how previous generations lived, thought, and felt. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum also tackles contemporary social issues, offering fresh perspectives. Built by Gustav Gull in 1898 to mark 50 years of the Swiss Federal Constitution, it sits between the main station and Platzspitz Park, with a whimsical, fairy-tale feel.
