This Zurich travel guide covers everything for a first visit to Switzerland’s largest city. Zurich is clean, green and compact: a medieval Old Town on both banks of the Limmat river, a swimmable lake, a mountain viewpoint reachable by train, and the Alps on the horizon.
Summer is perfect for lake swimming and outdoor cafés; December brings Christmas markets. Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so smart tickets and supermarket meals help. Pakistani passport holders need a Schengen visa; flights from Pakistan connect once via the Gulf or Istanbul.
Getting into Zurich from the airport
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is only about 10 km from the city, with a train station right under the terminal and trains every few minutes.
Buy tickets from the SBB app or the machines; a 24-hour ZVV ticket for zones 110 and 121 covers the airport and the whole city.
| Airport to Zurich HB | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Train (S-Bahn, IC or IR) | 10–15 min | about CHF 7 |
| Tram 10 | 35–40 min | about CHF 7 |
| Taxi | 15–25 min | CHF 60–80 |
Top sights to see in Zurich
Most sights are within walking distance of the main station (Zurich HB).
The twin-towered church that defines the skyline; climb the tower for the view.
45 min · tower about CHF 6Cobbled lanes of Niederdorf and Augustinergasse with guild houses.
2 hours · freeA leafy hill with the best view over the Limmat and the Old Town.
20 min · freePromenades, swimming baths in summer and boat cruises all year.
Cruise from about CHF 9Zurich’s own mountain, 25 minutes by train, with views of the Alps.
Half day · train ticketOne of the world’s most famous shopping streets, from the station to the lake.
1 hour · freeSwitzerland’s leading art museum, from Monet to Giacometti.
2 hours · about CHF 24Europe’s most powerful waterfall, about an hour by train.
Half day · boat extraFood to try in Zurich
Share a cheese fondue or raclette, try rösti (crispy potato cakes), Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in cream sauce) and Luxemburgerli macarons from Sprüngli, plus Swiss chocolate of course. Restaurants are expensive; supermarkets such as Coop and Migros sell good ready meals and salads.
Halal kebab shops, Turkish and South Asian restaurants are common around Langstrasse and in Kreis 4 and 5. Ask whether fondue contains white wine — it usually does. Several mosques serve the city’s Muslim community.
Getting around: trams, trains and boats
Zurich’s trams are frequent, punctual and cover the whole city; the S-Bahn trains reach the suburbs and Uetliberg. Tickets are valid on trams, buses, trains and lake boats within the zones you buy. Children under 6 travel free.
The centre is very walkable, and bikes can be borrowed through the city’s bike-share. Taxis are among the most expensive in Europe, so use them only when needed.
Safety and local tips
Zurich is one of the safest cities in Europe. Take normal care with bags at the main station and around Langstrasse at night.
Swiss francs are used, not euros — some shops accept euros but give change in francs at a poor rate. Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tap water and the many public fountains are drinkable. Sundays are quiet: most shops close, except at the main station.
Where to stay in Zurich
Hotels are expensive — staying a few tram stops out saves money.
Historic and central, walk everywhere.
Mid to luxuryBest for day trips and the airport train.
Mid-rangeModern hotels, creative bars and good tram links.
Mid-rangeCheaper hotels, 6 minutes by train to the centre and close to the airport.
Budget to midBest time to visit Zurich
June to September is the best time to visit Zurich: warm days around 20–25 °C, swimming in the lake and river baths, and easy day trips into the Alps.
December brings cosy Christmas markets, and January to March is ski season in the nearby mountains. Spring and autumn are mild and quieter — good for lower hotel prices in this expensive city.
A 3-day plan for Zurich
Day 1: Walk the Old Town, Lindenhof and the Grossmünster, then Bahnhofstrasse to the lake and a short boat cruise at sunset. Day 2: Kunsthaus in the morning, lunch in Zurich West, and the afternoon on Uetliberg for Alpine views. Day 3: Day trip to the Rhine Falls, or to Lucerne and Mount Rigi or Pilatus for snow-capped scenery.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Zurich?
Two to three days cover the city and the lake; add days for Lucerne, the Rhine Falls or the Alps.
Do Pakistanis need a visa for Switzerland?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders need a Schengen visa, applied for through the Swiss visa centre before travel.
Is Zurich expensive?
Very. Save with the Zurich Card, supermarket meals and free sights like the Old Town, the lake and Lindenhof.
Is there halal food in Zurich?
Yes, especially around Langstrasse in Kreis 4 and 5, with Turkish, Middle Eastern and South Asian restaurants.
Can I pay with euros in Zurich?
Sometimes, but change comes in francs at a poor rate. Use a card or Swiss francs.
Prices and transport details were checked 12 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.