3-Day Zurich Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Explore Old Town
    Start your day at Grossmünster church (9am-6pm) with its beautiful stained-glass windows and iconic twin towers. Then, walk over to the Fraumünster church (10am-5pm) to see the famous Chagall windows. After that, stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town to discover quaint boutiques, cafes, and watchmakers. End your day with a visit to the Swiss National Museum (10am-5pm) to learn about the country's history and culture.

    This walking route is approximately 3.6km and will take 2-3 hours depending on how much time you spend at each location.

  2. Day 2: Get outdoors
    Start your day at the Zurich Zoo (9am-6pm) to see over 360 animal species in a beautifully designed landscape. Next, head to Uetliberg mountain for stunning views of the city and lake (8am-11pm) on a short train ride up. Take a picnic and enjoy the views before hiking down the trail to the bottom. End your day with a refreshing swim at the Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen (9am-8pm) swim club.

    This journey will take about 1 hour by public transportation (including train and bus) and 3 hours for hiking and swimming. Bring sunscreen, hat, and comfortable shoes.

  3. Day 3: Modern Zurich
    Start your day at the FIFA World Football Museum (10am-6pm) and witness the evolution of soccer from its humble beginnings to today's global phenomenon. Next, take a stroll along the pretty Limmatquai river promenade or book a boat tour (9am-7pm) to see the city's architecture from a new perspective. End your day at the Zürich Opera House (11am-8pm) and catch the latest performance by some of the world's most talented artists.

    This walking route is approximately 3.1km and will take 3-4 hours depending on how much time you spend at each location. Boat tour will take an extra 1-2 hours.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Grossmünster (1 hour, free)
  • Fraumünster (45 minutes, free)
  • Swiss National Museum (2 hours, 10 CHF)
  • Zurich Zoo (3 hours, 28 CHF)
  • Uetliberg (4 hours, 20 CHF for round trip train ticket)
  • Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen (2 hours, 10 CHF entrance fee)
  • FIFA World Football Museum (1-2 hours, 20 CHF)
  • Zürich Opera House (2-3 hours, tickets start at 50 CHF)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 138 CHF

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby cities like Lucerne or hiking in the Swiss Alps. If you have less time, consider skipping the beach and boat tour from Day 2 or choosing fewer locations from the other days. Additionally, be sure to check the weather and dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Public transportation is a cost-effective and efficient way of getting around the city, but walking is also a great option for shorter distances.

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