10 Things To Do In Zürich If You're Visiting For The First Time

Go On A River CruiseGlide past guild houses, the town hall, the Lindenhof fortress and the spires of the Grossmünster on a boat trip on the Limmat River. The view of the picturesque old town and Lake Zürich affords a good opportunity for photos.Brush Up Your History At The LandesmuseumHoused in a 19th-century stone building, the permanent collection of the Landesmuseum takes visitors through the country’s eclectic history from the Middle Ages to the present day. Don’t miss the original 1862 edition of Henry Dunant’s account of the Battle of Solférino when you're here.Look At Artworks In The KunsthausThe Kunsthaus has one of the largest art collections in Switzerland, including works by Vincent van Gogh, Oscar-Claude Monet and Marc Chagall. Join a guided tour to learn about art-historical contexts or let the artworks inspire you to create something of your own.Stroll Through NiederdorfNiederdorf is part of Zürich’s old town and is fondly known as Dörfli (little village). The area’s cobbled pedestrian alleyways harbour contemporary artists’ galleries, upmarket artisan shops, cafés, delis, old taverns and bars.Swim In A ‘Badi’The open-air public baths of Zürich, known as badi, are an integral part of daily life during the summer. They come with sunbathing areas, showers and changing rooms so you can relax and soak in the convivial atmosphere.Trek To UetlibergAt 870m above sea level, Uetliberg gives an impressive panoramic view of the city, the lake and the Alps. The most popular time to go is in November when the summit is above the blanket of fog that envelops the city.Explore Zürich-WestWhere ships were once built and engines bolted together now stands a colourful mix of delicatessens, studio galleries, and sport and fashion boutiques. Check out the Viadukt Arches which were built in 1894.Climb The Freitag TowerWith 19 stacked shipping containers rising 26m into the air, the Freitag Tower has the world’s largest collection of individually recycled Freitag bags (1,600). On the roof, you will get a commanding view of the former industrial quarter.Cycle Around ZürichWhether you’re interested in exploring the urban metropolis of the city, the shores of deep-blue lakes or dense forests, consider getting on a cycle to see them all. Pay for one from bike hire stations and get pedalling.Eat At The World’s Oldest Vegetarian RestaurantThe bright and airy interiors of Haus Hiltl opened in 1898, making it the oldest meat-free restaurant in the world according to Guinness. Enjoy a buffet spread of imaginative salads, pasta dishes and mezze-style creations here.10 Places To Visit In Switzerland You Didn't Know AboutRead more