One Day in Zurich: Interesting Things To Do in 24 Hours

If you only have one day in Zurich, you need to visit these places to make the most of your visit. I’m going to be real; it’s tough to fit all of Zurich into just one day, but quitters never win! You should cater your trip to what you actually like to do. If you prefer food and drinks, then look for those places. If you’re more of a museum lover, there are literally tons of them located in Zurich. From nature to architecture and from food to music, Zurich is chock full of unique experiences that will leave you wanting more.

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Where To Stay in Zurich

If you want an upscale hotel in the center of everything, then I have to recommend the hotel I stayed at in Zurich. 25hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse is a tad outside the city center, but it’s still in the middle of all the action, and most importantly, it’s super close to public transit. And honestly, it’s perfect for one day in Zurich because it’s literally IN the name!

Additional perks of this hotel are that it’s pet friendly, has parking, kids stay free, and it even has laundry facilities in case you need to get a load done to avoid a smelly suitcase situation. It’s very modern, and the rooms are uniquely designed. It definitely has the boutique hotel feel without actually being one.

You should always look for accommodations with ease of access to everything you want to see and do, especially if you’re only in your destination for a limited time.

A contemporary bathroom featuring white subway tile walls and a glass-enclosed shower with a black, wall-mounted showerhead. The minimalist wooden vanity holds a white vessel sink and a large illuminated mirror with modern geometric lighting. Neatly folded towels, toiletries, and a coffee cup are arranged on the counter, with a peek into a cozy bedroom visible through the glass partition. The space feels sleek and stylish with a focus on clean lines and modern fixtures.

The exterior of a modern, black rectangular building with large, grid-like windows, housing the 25hours Hotel Langstrasse. Below the windows, a colorful marquee displays words like "welcome," "sleep," "hug," and "surprise." The hotel’s entrance is surrounded by a courtyard with outdoor seating under green and orange umbrellas, and trees lining the space. A train station and cityscape can be seen in the background, adding to the urban setting of the hotel.

A vibrant hotel lobby featuring colorful tote bags hanging from the ceiling, adding a playful and artistic touch to the space. A wooden staircase lined with lanterns on each step leads to an upper floor, creating a cozy atmosphere. The open layout includes modern seating areas with plants and eclectic decor, while natural light filters in through large windows, giving the space a welcoming and creative feel.

A leafy outdoor patio area featuring green checkered chairs and tables under a camouflage-style canopy. The space is surrounded by lush plants in large pots, creating a cozy, garden-like atmosphere. In the background, city infrastructure, including railway tracks, adds an urban contrast to the natural feel of the patio. The seating arrangement is spread out, offering a relaxing spot for guests to enjoy the outdoors.

A modern, industrial-style bar area with wooden barstools lined up along a sleek, gold-colored bar counter. A large, decorative table lamp with a green base adds warmth to the scene. In the background, a bartender is in motion behind the bar, surrounded by bottles and glassware, while a bicycle hangs from the ceiling, contributing to the eclectic and trendy decor. The ambiance combines casual seating and stylish lighting, with colorful wall art visible on the left side of the space.

PHOTO CREDIT: 25 HOURS HOTEL ZURICH LANGSTRASSE VIA HOTELS.COM

PLANNING A TRIP TO ZURICH SOON?

Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans!

Popular Tours & Activities in Zurich:

Top Places to Stay in Zurich:

Luxury: 25hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse
Mid-Range: Glärnischhof by Trinity
Budget: Vienna House by Wyndham

You Might Also Like These Global Debauchery Posts:

Getting Around in Zurich

If you are flying in, the Zurich airport is about a 10-minute train ride from the city center. Take my word for it: this is the most convenient and well-appointed airport you will ever visit. Everything is easily accessible from it, including Zurich’s public transit system.

It’s definitely possible to drive around Zurich, but that’s not my top recommendation at all, especially if you’re not used to driving European cars in European cities. The rail system is so easy that it’s almost a crime not to utilize it during your visit. One thing to note is that you might want to consider an actual Swiss rail pass if you’re planning on heading to the outskirts of Zurich.

Taxis are also easy and convenient, albeit more expensive than alternative modes of transportation. TL;DR: I’d recommend walking or railing, especially if you’re just spending one day in Zurich.

How to Spend One Day in Zurich

Get a pen and grab your travel planner because I’m about to share some of the best things to do in Zurich, Switzerland, in one day.

Visit the Old Town

This is a great free place in Zurich, where you can get lost in the local culture and experience everything unique about Zurich. This charming location hasn’t changed much over the centuries, and it spans the very blue River Limmat. Everything here is within walking distance, including super cute shops and cafes.

The Old Town is also highly picturesque; it’s the perfect spot to take all those super aesthetic photos for Instagram. Some highlights include Niederdorfstrasse, St. Peter’s Church (featuring the largest clock in Europe), and Lindenhof Hill.

A vibrant panoramic view of Zurich, Switzerland, showcasing colorful buildings, a historic bridge crossing the Limmat River, and a picturesque skyline against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Blooming trees frame the foreground, adding a touch of spring, while iconic European architecture and a church spire define the city's scenic charm.

A lively street scene in Zurich’s old town, featuring colorful buildings with outdoor café seating and signage inviting patrons. The cobblestone path is lined with small businesses and cafes, while a few people walk under a cool, cloudy sky, adding to the cozy, European ambiance.

A bright view of St. Peter's Church in Zurich, with its distinctive clock tower featuring one of the largest clock faces in Europe. The historic building is framed by lush green trees, set against a clear blue sky, highlighting the architectural charm and peaceful ambiance of the site.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Marvel at Grossmünster

Speaking of churches, this one is one of Zurich’s prominent landmarks, featuring two Romanesque twin towers boasting some of the best views of the city. Some other impressive features of the church are its intricate stained-glass windows and bronze doors.

Grossmünster has a bit of history as well, playing a significant role in diffusing the reformation in Swiss-German Switzerland. Constructed in 1100, it’s absolutely a historic building that’s seen some shit. It only costs about $2 to enter, but be warned, there are a lot of stairs (187 steps, to be exact), so you’ll definitely get a workout in.

This image shows the Grossmünster church in Zurich, Switzerland, at sunset. The twin towers of the historic Romanesque-style church are prominently featured, with the serene waters of the Limmat River in the foreground and charming old town buildings nearby.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Discover Lake Zurich

This is an iconic lake where the locals stake their claim, and it has been made a fantastic spot to sit back and enjoy the views or go for a relaxing boat ride.

If you’re feeling social, the left-hand promenade often features live local music and crowds. If you want to just be in solitude to enjoy some quiet, head to the right, and you’ll eventually reach a park where you can set up a picnic or just people-watch.

There are plenty of options to choose from if you want to experience a boat ride on Lake Zurich. The scenery surrounding the lake alone is to die for, and experiencing it by boat just makes it better.

This vibrant image captures the picturesque cityscape of Zurich, Switzerland, with a focus on the Fraumünster church and its distinctive green spire. The scene includes the turquoise waters of the Limmat River, numerous boats docked along the shore, and the backdrop of the lush, rolling hills.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Visit One of Zurich’s Many Museums

Whether you’re an art lover, sports fan, or history buff, there’s a museum for any interest in Zurich. Plus, museums are the perfect thing to do if you only have one day in Zurich because you can hit many of them in a short time.

Some interesting museums to check out are the Swiss Finance Museum, the FIFA Museum, the Swiss National Museum, the WOW Museum, the Museum Rietberg, and the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum. There are way too many to name them all. Zurich literally has a museum for everything, putting all other city’s museums to shame.

This image features the Swiss National Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, showcasing its stunning architecture with medieval-style towers and detailed stonework. The building is set against a clear blue sky, surrounded by lush greenery and well-maintained gardens.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Check Out the Zurich Opera House

The Zurich Opera House is a world-class performing arts venue in the heart of Zurich known for its beautiful exterior façade and stunning acoustics. It’s home to the Zurich Opera and Zurich Ballet and presents concerts, plays, dances, and, of course, operas.

If there’s a performance going on during your one day in Zurich, you should definitely consider attending because it’s a great experience and a popular destination for music and dance lovers from around the world.

This image showcases the Zurich Opera House illuminated beautifully at night. The grand neoclassical facade is adorned with statues and columns, with the building's lights casting a warm glow, highlighting its architectural elegance.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

If you do anything during one day in Zurich, you NEED to get yourself some Swiss Chocolate. People buy this stuff everywhere in the world, so it’s a moral obligation to have some while you’re actually IN Switzerland.

Head to any of the many Sprüngli or Läderach shops around the city center; there are a bunch in the central station or along Bahnhofstrasse. If you’re super hardcore about Swiss chocolate, visit the Lindt chocolate factory in the suburbs of Zurich.

The best way to get there is by train to Kilchberg from the central station, then it’s a short walk to the factory. Stuff your face (and your suitcase) full of these sweet Swiss concoctions.

This close-up image features an assortment of Swiss chocolates, showcasing various truffles and pralines with different textures and toppings. The chocolates are decorated with ingredients like cocoa powder, nuts, coffee beans, and vibrant green accents, highlighting their rich and indulgent appearance.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Savor Swiss Fondue

If chocolate is an obligation in Zurich, then Swiss fondue is as well. There are a multitude of fondue spots located in and around Zurich, and you should absolutely plan an evening at one of them.

Swiss fondue is simple but very filling, so get your elastic-waisted pants out of your luggage, or just plan on unbuttoning those jeans.

If you want to enjoy the experience uniquely, you can join the Zurich Fondue Tram Experience. There’s no other way to enjoy fondue here, in my humble opinion.

This appetizing image features a traditional Swiss fondue setup with a pot of melted cheese and a piece of bread dipped into it. The background includes a variety of cheeses, a baguette, figs, and two glasses of white wine, creating a cozy and inviting dining scene.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Spending More Than One Day in Zurich?

There is plenty to do! Like visiting all the most Instagrammable places in Zurich or getting off the beaten path to check out all of Zurich’s unusual things to do. Those, together with some free things to do in Zurich, there are lots to choose from for a visit lasting a few days.

If you’re an efficient traveler or just striving to be one, follow me for more advice and tips on how to experience unique destinations in a short time!