Planning a weekend trip to Zurich? Check out our Zurich travel guide for the best things to do in Zurich in 2 days with this epic two-day Zurich Itinerary. While Zurich isn’t the cheapest destination, it is a city well worth visiting, and we’ve got some top tips to save money so you can enjoy Zurich on a budget! If you can spend several days in Zurich to explore the city that would be best, but if you only have 2 days in Zurich that is enough to see the highlights and have a fabulous weekend.
This is a guest post written by local expert Aurimas from Go Look Explore, with edits and additions by Claire
Why Go to Zurich?
Known as a global centre for banking and finance, the city of Zurich lies on a beautiful lake, near the mountains and is one of the most liveable cities in the world. It’s the major city of Switzerland, a clean and wealthy country with low crime rates.
Zurich is a very cosmopolitan city where ex-pats and students from all over the world live and work. With its fascinating lake views, the city is also very artsy and full of street art. You can enjoy all of the culture and city life while being on the doorstep of a beautiful lake and countryside. It has the best of both worlds!
Check out some of the best things to do in Zurich:
Zurich Money Saving Tip
If you plan to visit several attractions in Zurich, then check out the Zurich Card which includes:
When is the Best Time to Visit Zurich?
June – August: The peak months to visit Zurich is during summer – from June to August. Though the weather is pleasant during these months, everything is more expensive, including flights and accommodation and it is expected that the city is crowded as these are the months when masses of tourists visit the city.
September – November: These are the autumn season for Zurich, and because the weather is starting to get cold, there are fewer crowds. It is a good season to explore the city because of the colourful trees as the leaves turn, and hotels and flights aren’t as expensive during the summer season.
December – February: These are the off-peak season months when the city isn’t crowded as the summer, but it can get extremely cold. Flights and hotels are cheaper during these months as demand drops with the temperatures! On the plus side, if you’re a big fan of shopping, there are often big sales in many stores and shops if you visit in January, so you can shop until you drop!
March – May: These are spring months in Zurich, and the weather is still fresh, but it’s not peak season yet, so it’s not that expensive and crowded and can be a very lovely time to plan a trip to Zurich.
READ MORE: The Best Time to Visit Europe
How Many Days in Zurich is Enough?
Spending a weekend in Zurich is enough to get a good taster of what the city has to offer, and you can enjoy the best things to do in Zurich in two days quite easily. That said, of course spending another day or two will give you more time to explore Zurich and really make the most of your visit.
For the purposes of this Zurich itinerary, I’ve included a day trip from Zurich on the second day, but if you prefer to stay in the city on both days, there is more than enough to keep you busy in Zurich for two full days!
Money in Zurich
The currency in Zurich is the Swiss Franc (CHF) as is the rest of Switzerland. Cash and credit cards are widely accepted, but please take note that credit card transactions abroad may add extra charges to your card, so it is best to call your bank before you leave to make sure about your purchases.
Alternatively, consider opening a travel bank account with Wise, so you can exchange money online and save a lot on unnecessary fees. You can also get a travel credit card from Wise so you can pay with card or withdraw cash while you are travelling at rates much better than you might expect.
Zurich Budget Travel Tips
- A refillable water bottle comes in handy as there are tons of drinking fountains around Zurich so you can save money and reduce your plastic waste.
- Department store cafes serve cheaper and fresher meals compared to restaurants.
- Mediterranean restaurants also serve more affordable food.
- Buy the Zurich card to save on public transportation and museum entrance fees.
Travel Safely
- Leave valuables at home and don't keep all your money and credit cards in one place. I love hidden pocket clothing like this travel scarf for stashing my cash and passport or a belt with a hidden pocket. Read more about how to hide money while travelling.
- Bring a water bottle with a built-in filter so you can safely drink water from any fresh water source while saving money and reducing plastic use. I take my Water-to-Go bottle with me everywhere!
- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I always buy travel insurance and was very glad I had insurance when I had my laptop and passport stolen in Ecuador! Consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like trip cancellation, emergency medical, lost luggage and stolen items, as well as adventure sports and activities and more.
- I chose World Nomads Travel Insurance for my recent backpacking trip to Australia and New Zealand. They offer travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families and you can get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road
As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Where to Stay for a Weekend in Zurich
While choosing your accommodation, always consider the location of the hotel/hostel. Finding a hotel near District 1 and near the train stations is the most convenient so that you can quickly get around the city. However, if you have the Zurich Card you can find cheaper accommodation outside the centre, and use the Zurich card to get free public transport into the city.
Cheap Accommodation in Zurich
Even hostels in Zurich aren’t cheap, but at least Zurich Youth Hostel gets great reviews for the friendly staff, clean rooms and filling breakfast. You’ll need to take the tram into the city centre, so it is probably worth getting the Zurich Card for transport. Choose from shared dorm rooms or private rooms. >>>CHECK PRICES
Capsule Hotel – Alpine Garden Zurich Airport is a cross between a hostel and a hotel, where you sleep in pods in large shared bedrooms. It’s very convenient for the city, as there are frequent trains direct from the airport to the city centre, but breakfast isn’t included. >>>CHECK PRICES
Gasthaus zum Guten Glück is a relatively cheap and clean guesthouse offering private bedrooms with shared bathrooms. It’s closer to the city centre than most budget options and gets great reviews for cleanliness. Breakfast is available at an extra cost from the cafe downstairs. >>>CHECK PRICES
Hotels in Zurich
Montmartre is a clean and modern hotel in the centre of Zurich, with spacious bedrooms a seating area and a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the street. Guests love the location, friendly staff and the cafe and bistro downstairs. >>>CHECK PRICES
For a real splurge, check out B2 Boutique Hotel Zürich, a stunning hotel in a former brewery in the centre of Zurich. For an additional charge, you can use the public thermal bath and spa, and swimming pools. Breakfast is included, and Swiss tapas and a wide range of different wines are served at the on-site lounge. There is also a gorgeous library in the hotel, filled with 33,000 books to enjoy! >>>CHECK PRICES
Apartments & Airbnb in Zurich
The Pastorini Furnished Apartment is a tastefully decorated modern apartment just outside the city centre. The kitchen is fully equipped and has a dishwasher, fridge, washing machine, oven and stove to use. It is close to transport links, as well as supermarkets and restaurants so you can cook your own meals or eat out. >>>CHECK PRICES
Getting around Zurich
Most of the best tourist spots in Zurich are located in District 1, so walking might be the best way to explore each corner of this fascinating city. If you don’t want to walk and prefer to save more time, you can opt to ride a train or a bus (included in the Zurich Card).
Taxis are expensive, just like any other city in the world, so if you’re trying to save some money, avoid it as much as possible.
Making the Most of Your Zurich Itinerary
Zurich is one of the best cities to get the authentic feeling of Switzerland, with lively culture, delicious food, rich history, and breathtaking natural wonders surrounding the city. This two-day Zurich itinerary will give you all!
On day one, you’re going to immerse yourself in a diverse and colourful culture by visiting museums, watching opera performances, and just strolling around the old town to get the vibe of the city.
Day two is more reserved for outdoor activities and visiting surrounding nature, so be sure to treat yourself with some delicious Rosti and mouth-watering fondue to keep your energy up!
Our Zurich 2 day itinerary is designed for you to be able to enjoy exploring the city by yourself, but if you prefer to take a tour of Zurich, these are some of the most popular options for Zurich tours and activities:
- 4-Hour City Tour by Ferry, Cable Car and Coach
- City Tour, Cruise, and Lindt Home of Chocolate Visit
- Highlights Walking Tour with a Local Guide
- 2 Hours Sightseeing Bus Tour
- Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket
How to Spend 2 Days in Zurich
Zurich Itinerary Day 1:
On your first day, make sure you get a good breakfast first before starting your tour. Although food in Switzerland can be expensive, a good breakfast always starts the day brighter!
Head to Felsenegg
Felsenegg is at the top of a mountain overlooking Zurich. Going here by cable car is so much fun and you can enjoy an awesome aerial view of the city, and the trip is included in the Zurich City Card.
To get there, take the S4 train in the direction of Langnau-Gattikon and get off at Adliswil, a trip of about 15 minutes. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the cable car valley station, which is well-signed. The cable car leaves every 15 minutes for Felsenegg and is free if you have a zone transport pass.
At the top, there is a restaurant to enjoy the view of the city and have a coffee if you like. There are many walking trails at Felsenegg to explore. You can follow the path to Uetliberg if you want a decent walk, which takes an hour and 35 minutes. To go back to the city centre from Uetliberg, take the SB10 train to Zurich Main Station.
Visit the Swiss National Museum
A couple of minutes’ walk from the main train station is the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich in German), which serves as one of the most essential museums showcasing the cultural history of Europe. You can learn about significant historical events that happened in Europe during the last centuries.
Everything is there – from the ancient era all the way to dark middle ages and gothic period. The museum itself features a breath-taking architecture that transports you back in time and is well worth fitting into your Zurich 2 day itinerary.
Walk around Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is Zürich’s main downtown street, and one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues. If you’re a shopping addict, then you can’t miss this attractive street filled with every shop you can possibly imagine. From handcrafted watches to gourmet chocolates, this place has it all!
Explore Rennweg
Another place to go shopping or window shopping is Rennweg, a medieval main road which is now part of the inner-city pedestrian zone of Zürich, Switzerland. The word Rennweg in medieval German means a street where horses were moved. There are no horses today, just busy shoppers!
Lindenhof Hill for Panoramic View of Zurich
Lindenhof hill sits in the heart of the old town and features a historical Roman castle and former Imperial Palace. Just take a quick walk to the top of the hill and enjoy the views over the city.
Go to Church
The two famous Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches are key Zurich landmarks and are also important additions to any Zurich itinerary.
Fraumünster is a stunning church with a single green spire and features on many Zurich guide books and postcards. It is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. It costs 5 CHF to go inside, but is worth it!
On the other side of the Limmat River, Grossmünster twin-towered Romanesque cathedral is free to enter but you can pay a small fee to go up one of the church towers for lovely views over the city and the lake, and even as far as the Glarus Alps on a clear day.
A Night at the Opera – Opernhaus Zurich
The best way to end the day is by watching a world-class opera or ballet performance. Open since 1891, the Opernhaus Zurich is the main venue for opera and ballet performances in the city. As they say, your trip wouldn’t be complete if you come to Zurich if you do not enjoy a concert at Opernhaus Zurich!
Zurich Itinerary Day 2
Visit Rhine falls and Stein Am Rhein (Half day tour)
Rhine Falls is considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It is located on the High Rhine close to the town Schaffhausen, about 40 minutes’ drive outside Zurich. You can travel there independently, or book a tour which includes transport.
The beautiful natural wonder was slowly created during the last ice age. Falls are roughly 150 meters wide and 23 meters high, so prepare your camera! Several guides can help you with booking a tour of this majestic falls.
After the falls, you can visit the medieval town of Stein Am Rhein. It is a small town, west of Lake Constance in northeast Switzerland. It’s known for its half-timbered medieval houses with painted facades, clustered around Rathausplatz in the old town.
For a complete and authentic experience, be sure to check some exciting things to do in Schaffhausen, which can easily take a full day of your time. From Rhine falls and iconic old town to Munot castle and IWC watch museum, Schaffhausen has it all!
Enjoy Zurich Lake
After your grand tour of the Rhine falls and Stein Am Rhein, you can go back to Zurich and visit the Lake Zurich in the heart of the city. It’s right at the end of both Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorfstrasse, so it’s easy to find, and you’ll end up watching the sunset here.
Explore any side of the lake, soaking up the breath-taking views of the distant Alps and surrounding forests that keep Zurich cool in the summer. There’s a lake bathing area where you can take a dip during summer.
You can also get a drink and swim in the evening, which is the perfect way to finish your weekend in Zurich.
Other Things to Do in Zurich
Lindt Chocolate Museum
You might be surprised to see that the Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum didn’t make it into our Zurich itinerary, so if you are a chocolate lover you may well want to add this to your Zurich must-visit list! Here you can learn about the history of Swiss chocolate, participate in chocolate-making workshops, and, of course, sample delicious Swiss chocolates!
Kunsthaus Art Museum
Art enthusiasts should visit the Kunsthaus Zurich, one of Switzerland’s most important art museums. It houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, and many others.
Relax at Thermal Baths
Unwind and rejuvenate at one of Zurich’s thermal baths. While thermal baths in Zurich might not be as well known as Budapest, you can still enjoy the soothing hot water, saunas, and wellness facilities at Thermalbad & Spa Zurich.
More Day Trips from Zurich
If you have an extra day in Zurich or prefer to explore further afield, there are some fabulous Zurich day trips to enjoy. While you can travel independently, these tours include transport and a scheduled itinerary to help you to make the most of your day:
- Bus Day Trip to Heidiland and Liechtenstein
- Day Trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken
- Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
- Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour
- Lucerne and Engelberg Full-Day Tour
- Black Forest, Titisee, and Rhine Falls Bus Day Trip
Doesn’t this sound like a fabulous Zurich itinerary? With just 2 days in Zurich, you can get a wonderful introduction to Switzerland and enjoy a wonderful Zurich city break. I can’t wait to go and see for myself!
About the Author
Aurimas is a passionate hiker, currently residing in Switzerland. He loves to explore the hidden corners of the Swiss Alps, peaks and villages. You can follow his adventures on his blog Go Look Explore, and on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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Wow! The view from the mountain and the Rhine falls look awesome! Just have been to the airport of Zurich.
Best regards,
Tobias
Zurich is one of the top places in the world to venture.Thanks for sharing this amazing itinerary!
Thanks so much for reading!
This is such a great two-day itinerary! Thanks for sharing