It offers a surprising organization that makes life easier for visitors and has a wide range of tourist attractions.
The largest city in Switzerland is cosmopolitan and seems to move lightly between the modern and the traditional , which is an extra invitation to get to know this charming city that is practically on the border with Germany.
We’ve created a complete guide, with tips on transportation, accommodation, food and tourism, so you can enjoy everything Zurich has to offer. Check out!
Zurich, Switzerland : top tips for accommodation and destinations in the area
The first impression that many travelers have when they arrive in Zurich, Switzerland, is of an extremely organized place : it is easy to find your way around and move around the city.
It may not seem like much, but it makes all the difference in a tourist’s life! Especially if it means spending less time and money on unnecessary trips.
To help you plan an unforgettable trip, check out our practical guide to a Switzerland itinerary with the best accommodation and tourism tips.
Transportation in Zurich, Switzerland
The main means of transport in Switzerland’s largest city is the train: you can purchase a Swiss Pass to use the local public transport service.
If you prefer to have more freedom, a good alternative may be to rent a car . Thus, it is possible to define your own travel itinerary and have more independence of schedules.
Documents for traveling to Switzerland
Brazilians who are going to visit Switzerland do not need a visa for trips with a maximum duration of three months. On the other hand, it is mandatory to take out travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
In addition, you need to provide the necessary documents to visit Europe : a passport valid for six months, proof of tickets and accommodation, or an invitation letter.
The visitor must also prove that he has sufficient financial resources to visit the country, such as cash, credit card, bank statements, among others.
How is the weather in Zurich, Switzerland ?
Zurich, Switzerland, is a city that has very well defined seasons.
Winter is rigorous and has a lot of snow and cold . Temperatures are between -2°C and -5°C, so it’s best to pack heavy clothes if you visit Zurich in December.
If you’re not a fan of snow and prefer walks outdoors, summer may be the best alternative : between June and September, the temperature averages between 13°C and 25°C.
For those who want to travel on a budget, the only way out is the mid-season: in autumn and spring it is easier to escape the high prices of the high season and enjoy less crowded tourist attractions.
Tourism in Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich ranks among Switzerland’s top tourist spots , and it’s not hard to see why. The city is extremely clean and organized, with great options for nightlife and more than 50 museums.
Where to eat in Zurich?
Can’t wait to try the exquisite Swiss gastronomy ? So get ready to get to know a city that has countless restaurant options, for every taste!
The friendly Terrasse restaurant, for example, specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and has an acclaimed wine list. The Gertrudhof, in turn, is a reference in the Cordon Bleu.
If you prefer a very different experience, visit Restaurant Viadukt , located in the modern Im Viadukt, in the west of the city: a kind of shopping mall and open-air fair , in the ruins of a viaduct.
You can’t miss trying the legendary Swiss chocolate : Laderach has excellent options, in units all over Zurich, and Sprüngli specializes in Swiss sweets!
To discover the most typical dishes of Swiss cuisine, visit the Zeughauskeller.
Accommodation in Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland is a very touristy city, and that means travelers have plenty of options for accommodation.
The city is very well organized and you won’t have any problems moving between the hotel and the main tourist attractions. A good tip is to choose an establishment in the central region .
Check out our accommodation suggestions in Zurich!
Sorell Hotel Rutli
The Sorell Hotel Rutli is a friendly three star hotel located right in the center of Zurich , close to the main train station.
The advantage is that the tourist can walk to some of the main attractions of the city, such as Lake Zurich, the Opera, among others.
Basel Swiss Quality Hotel
Also in the three-star category, the Basilea Swiss Quality Hotel is a comfortable and affordable alternative.
Guests can take advantage of free Wi-Fi, concierge and laundry services, in-room safes and a hotel bar.
Hotel St.Gotthard
The four-star Hotel St.Gotthard is located on Zurich’s main street, the luxurious Bahnhofstrasse, and is close to some of the city’s main sights, such as the Hauptbahnhof and Lindenhof.
Guests are also entitled to a continental breakfast, room and concierge service, as well as air conditioning and high-speed Wi-Fi in the rooms.
Hotel Adler
With panoramic views of the city, Hotel Adler is a three-star option close to popular tourist attractions such as the Landesmuseum, Limmatquai and Lindenhof.
The big difference is that this hotel is located in the old part of the city, with a very special charm!
ibis budget
The Ibis Zürich City-West is one of the cheapest accommodation alternatives in Zurich, with simple but comfortable and very clean facilities.
Among the advantages are the service in Portuguese and the location close to markets, banks, restaurants and many bars.
25hours
Another four-star option, 25hours is located on the famous Langstrasse, close to the center of Zurich and many restaurants and sights.
The continental breakfast, brunch style, and the high-level decor are the great differentials of this establishment.
Cities near Zurich to visit
Zurich is a charming and surprising city, as are many other tourist destinations in Switzerland .
As we are talking about a country that has one of the best public transports in the world , the advantage is that you won’t spend a lot of time or money to get to know other cities close to Zurich . Check out!
Bern
Bern, Switzerland is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Political capital, the city has a historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , with several preserved buildings, bridges and churches.
The city breathes history: founded in the 12th century, Bern has a good part of its monuments and medieval buildings preserved in the Altstadt region, the Old Town.
One of the main attractions of the Swiss capital is the Albert Einstein House , as well as the friendly Bear Park, home to many teddy bears, which are the symbol of the city.
You can take the train from Zurich to Bern: the journey takes just over an hour and tickets can be purchased in advance.
Lucerne
Considered the capital of “German Switzerland”, Lucerne is a medieval city , with an immense wall, almost 900 meters long and 9 meters wide, built in the 14th century.
The rustic appearance of the city, which is bathed by the Vierwaldstättersee lake, contrasts with the fast pace of contemporary society, with many cultural and artistic events and attractions everywhere.
The train journey from Zurich to Lucerne takes just over 40 minutes and you can buy tickets in advance online or at local points of sale.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is a typically Alpine town, surrounded by pine trees as far as the eye can see and the imposing Swiss Alps, close to the border with Italy.
The environment is ideal for skiing and winter sports, in addition to having one of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole country.
The city is considered the birthplace of winter tourism in the Swiss Alps and has hosted two editions of the Winter Olympic Games.
Do you know how to get from Zurich to St. Moritz? By train, of course! The route passes by the famous Glacier Express and can be done in about 3h30.
Ticket prices vary according to the chosen class, day and travel route.
Munich
The capital of Bavaria is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is just a short drive from Zurich.
For this reason, many visitors decide to combine their visit to Switzerland with this charming destination in neighboring Germany.
Did you know that you can take a train or bus to visit Munich for a very affordable price? The secret is to anticipate!
Many companies offer the journey from Munich to Zurich by train, which takes about 4 hours: this means that if you buy your ticket in advance, you have a great chance of getting a nice discount!
When in Bavaria, be sure to try the famous German beers and visit the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle!