Best for friends in Zürich

The Grossmünster is one of Zurich’s most iconic landmarks, recognized for its Romanesque architecture and historical significance. This ancient church played a pivotal role during the Reformation when Huldrych Zwingli was appointed its people's priest in 1519. Climbing the church’s tower rewards visitors with a sweeping view of Zurich’s rooftops and the surrounding landscape. Despite its steep, narrow stairs, the ascent offers a memorable perspective on the city’s history and skyline.

Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s premier shopping avenue, where luxury brands and elegant storefronts line the street. Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, the lively atmosphere, beautiful fountains, and tree-lined sidewalks make it a delightful urban experience.

Hidden in plain sight at Sechseläutenplatz, the Zurich Opera House has been enchanting audiences since 1891. This grand venue isn’t just about the soaring performances; it’s a hub where ballet, drama, and world-class opera converge. With its recent accolade as the 'Opera Company of the Year' in 2014, catching a show here promises an evening of cultural magic. Students can snag last-minute tickets as cheap as Fr. 45, making it a tempting stop for music lovers and night owls alike.

Perched on a moraine hill in Zurich's historic core, Lindenhof offers visitors a scenic glimpse into the city’s ancient origins. This elevated public square is built on a site that once housed a Roman castle and later a Carolingian royal palace, making it a cornerstone of Zurich’s development. Surrounded by remnants from prehistoric, Roman, and medieval eras, Lindenhof is both a peaceful retreat and a site of national heritage, offering panoramic views over the city and the Limmat River.

The Kunsthaus Zürich is Switzerland’s largest art museum, offering an extensive collection that spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. Housed in a complex of historic and modern buildings, including the new Chipperfield extension opened in 2021, it showcases works by Swiss masters like Alberto Giacometti and Ferdinand Hodler, as well as internationally acclaimed artists. The museum’s diverse collection and ongoing exhibitions make it a cultural highlight for art lovers, though some areas may be temporarily closed during renovations.

St. Peter’s Church, perched on a hill in Zurich’s Old Town, is one of the city’s most iconic religious landmarks. Close to Lindenhof, it stands out with its massive clock tower featuring the largest church clock face in Europe. As one of the original churches of Zurich, it has witnessed centuries of history and remains a vital part of the city’s spiritual and historical landscape.

The Zurich Zoo, perched on the Zürichberg, is a wild sanctuary packed with over 2,200 creatures spanning 300 species. Since opening in 1929, it has become a hub of conservation and curiosity—famous for its Masoala Rainforest Hall and the first European breeding success of Galápagos tortoises. A place where wildlife lovers and families alike can uncover the secrets of the animal kingdom.

Niederdorf pulses with Zürich’s youthful energy, featuring charming cobbled streets lined with galleries, cafes, and vibrant bars. It’s a hub for cultural exploration and socializing, perfect for those seeking a lively urban experience.

Riding the Polybahn funicular offers a charming glimpse into Zurich’s history and daily life. Since 1889, this historic cable car has transported locals and visitors up to the ETH, providing stunning vistas of the city from its terrace. It’s a quintessential experience that combines practical transit with scenic beauty, perfect for those seeking an authentic local perspective.

The Münsterbrücke is a key pedestrian and traffic bridge spanning the Limmat River in Zurich. Recognized as a site of national and regional importance, it connects the historic parts of the city and derives its name from Zurich’s renowned minsters, Fraumünster and Grossmünster. Walking across this bridge offers scenic views of the river and the city’s skyline, making it a practical yet picturesque route for visitors exploring Zurich’s historic core.

Rieterpark, nestled in the heart of Zurich, is a historic green space renowned for its elegant landscaping and cultural significance. It was here that the composer Richard Wagner resided at Villa Wesendonck from 1849 to 1858, crafting some of his most celebrated works. A visit to Rieterpark offers a blend of natural beauty and musical history, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a reflective pause.

The Arboretum in Zurich is a lush, mysterious botanical sanctuary along the lakefront, part of the famed Quaianlagen promenade. Beyond its collection of rare trees and plants, it hides a secret world of bird care at the Vogelpflegestation and a lakeside lido with a sauna—an offbeat retreat where nature and curious explorers converge.

Utoquai’s Seebad in Zurich is a cherished public bathing spot, part of the historic lakeside promenade built between 1881 and 1887. This lakeside haven offers a relaxing retreat for swimmers and sunbathers alike, with scenic views of the lake and a peaceful atmosphere that captures the city’s maritime charm. It remains a popular destination for locals seeking leisure and refreshment by the water.

Perched high above Zurich, Käferberg (at 571 meters) and Waidberg (at 601 meters) form a mysterious range of wooded hills that overlook the city’s skyline, the shimmering Zürichsee, and the lush Albis chain. These summits offer an offbeat escape, revealing panoramic views of the Limmat Valley and the Zürcher Unterland, inviting explorers to discover Zurich’s often-overlooked natural heights.

Sechseläutenplatz stands as Zurich’s largest town square, a bustling hub that hosts the city’s traditional spring celebration, Sechseläuten, every April. Surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes, this open space is central to Zurich’s social and cultural life. Its name echoes the festive spirit of the holiday, which has been celebrated for centuries, making it a focal point for locals and visitors alike to gather, relax, and enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere.

Münsterhof, nestled within Zurich’s old town, is a charming square lined with medieval buildings, offering a glimpse into the city’s historic soul. As the largest square in the Altstadt, it’s a peaceful spot to soak in the centuries-old architecture and imagine Zurich’s bustling past, right at the heart of its ancient streets.

Bürkliplatz stands as a central hub in Zurich’s cityscape, renowned for its scenic location along the lake and its role as a transportation nexus. Surrounded by parks, promenades, and the historic Stadthausanlage, it connects the city’s bustling streets with the tranquil waters of Lake Zurich. The square is also the starting point for boat tours and a lively venue for markets and cultural events, named after the engineer Arnold Bürkli who designed the lakefront improvements.

Spanning the Zurich outflow of Lake Zurich, the Quaibrücke is more than just a bridge—it’s a lively artery of the city. Built between 1881 and 1887, this 121-meter-long structure carries trams, cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, connecting Bellevue with Bürkliplatz. With its bustling traffic and scenic views of the lake and city, it embodies Zurich’s vibrant urban pulse.

Liebfrauenkirche is Zurich’s prominent Catholic church situated on Weinbergstrasse, near the main train station. Built between 1893 and 1894 in a Romanesque Revival style, it is regarded as one of Switzerland’s finest examples of early Christian architecture. The church is dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, and serves as a spiritual center for the local Catholic community amid the city’s bustling urban environment.

Paradeplatz, the glittering heart of Zurich’s financial district, is where Swiss wealth is on full display. Surrounded by the grandeur of Bahnhofstrasse, it hosts the headquarters of UBS and Credit Suisse, alongside luxury hotels, iconic cafes, and art galleries. This bustling square is a magnet for those intrigued by the city’s high-stakes world and elegant social scene.

Perched at 701 meters above sea level, Adlisberg is a lush, wooded hill that provides a scenic overlook of Zurich and Lake Zurich. This tranquil mountain offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views and immerse themselves in nature’s serenity just a short drive from Zurich’s urban heartbeat.

Stretching across the Limmat River, the Rathausbrücke, affectionately known as Gmüesbrugg or the 'vegetable bridge,' is a lively pedestrian crossing at the heart of Zurich’s old town. Erected in 1893 by the town hall, this charming bridge echoes with memories of the bustling vegetable market that once thrived here. Today, it’s a vibrant hub connecting Limmatquai with the Weinplatz square and the historic Schipfe quarter—perfect for those seeking a scenic stroll through Zurich’s bustling streets.

The Wasserkirche, located along the right bank of the Limmat in Zurich’s Old Town, is a site rich in history and cultural significance. Originally situated on a small island in the river—hence the name—it no longer retains its insular position due to urban development. Historically, before the Reformation, this church played a pivotal role in venerating Zurich's patron saints, Felix and Regula, marking the site of their execution. Today, it stands as a testament to the city’s medieval past, nestled amidst the bustling streets near the Limmatquai and Münsterbrücke.

Perched above Zurich, the Zürichberg offers a scenic escape with sweeping views over Lake Zurich. Rising to nearly 680 meters, this wooded hill is dotted with mansions, restaurants, and the Zurich Zoo. Accessible via several tram lines, funiculars, and railways, it’s a perfect spot for outdoor recreation, cultural explorations, or simply soaking in the city’s natural beauty.