Zurich Guidebook

Quick facts

• Currency: Swiss franc (CHF). Switzerland does not use the euro, and prices are high. Cards are widely accepted.
• Language: German, spoken in the Swiss German dialect. English is widely spoken.
• Time zone: Central European Time (CET/CEST).
• Power outlets: Type C/J, 230V. Bring an adapter if your plug is different.
• Tipping: Service is included in prices. Rounding up or leaving a small amount is appreciated.

When to go

Late spring through early fall (May-September) is the best time for the lake, the Old Town, and day trips.

Summer is warm enough for swimming in the lake and the river, and is the busiest period.

Winters are cold, with Christmas markets in December and views from Uetliberg that can be foggy.

What to pack

• Comfortable shoes for walking cobbled lanes and hills.
• A light rain jacket or umbrella; showers are common.
• Layers, and warm clothes in winter.
• A refillable water bottle - the city has many public fountains.

Getting there & around

• From the airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH) is about 10 km north of the center. Frequent trains reach the main station in around 10-15 minutes.
• Public transport: One ticket system covers trams, buses, trains, and boats on the lake. The Zurich Card bundles transport with museum discounts.
• On foot: The Old Town and the lakefront are compact and easy to walk.
• Trains: Swiss trains are punctual, and the main station is the hub for day trips such as the Rhine Falls.

Good to know before you go

• Zurich is expensive, so budget for food and attractions and look into a Zurich Card if you plan to use many museums.
• Most shops close on Sundays, apart from those in the main station.
• Many museums close on Mondays, so check opening days.
• Tap water is excellent, and the city is very safe for visitors.

Neighborhoods to know

• The Old Town: Narrow lanes on both sides of the Limmat, with the main churches and the Niederdorf.
• Lindenhof: A quiet hilltop square with views over the river and the Old Town.
• The lakefront: Promenades, swimming spots, and the boat landings at Bürkliplatz.

Don't miss in Zurich

• Grossmünster: The twin-towered church where the Swiss Reformation began.
• Fraumünster: A church with stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall.
• Kunsthaus Zurich and the Swiss National Museum: A major art museum, and Swiss history in a castle-like building.
• Uetliberg and the Rhine Falls: A hilltop view by train, and Europe's largest plain waterfall.