A One Day Itinerary in Zurich, Switzerland: The City on the Lake

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Surrounded by mountains, Switzerland’s largest city gently slopes down to the shores of Lake Zurich. Founded by the Romans in the 2nd century, Zurich has a rich history, but it’s the city’s vibrant cosmopolitan buzz which captivates the hearts of travelers today.

After a weekend skiing through the Alps, a few days trundling through conifer forests or skimming along the glistening waters of Obersee, a one day itinerary in Zurich eases you back into reality with elegance and finesse. Oozing the stereotypical charm and sophistication Switzerland is famed for, Zurich runs with such seamless efficiency, its easy to forget that this is one of Europe’s financial super hubs.

Of course, you don’t have to have been exploring Switzerland’s natural wonders to enjoy this one day in Zurich itinerary. If you’ve yet to set foot in the land of cheese, chocolate and cuckoo clocks, Zurich is the perfect introduction.

When to visit Zurich

As Switzerland’s biggest and busiest city, there’s never a bad time to visit Zurich. Attractions and museums are open year-round, and there’s always plenty going on. If you’re a fan of warmer weather, summer (June to September) is the best time to visit Zurich. Summer temperatures are higher than you might expect, hovering around 24°C (75°F) and there’s a packed calendar of festivals and events.

That said, my favorite time to visit Zurich, and Switzerland as a whole, is during the chillier winter months. There’s something special about gazing up at the snow-capped peaks and watching the lake reflect the winter sun. Zurich is also one of the best cities in Europe in the run up to Christmas.

Getting to Zurich

By air

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is Switzerland’s main international gateway. With several daily flights from dozens of European hubs, it’s easy to undertake this one day itinerary in Zurich as a standalone trip. If you’re coming from further afield, Zurich sees regular services from a number of North American cities, the Middle East and Asia. With so many airlines serving Zurich, it pays to compare options before you book.

From the airport, it’s a quick ten-minute train journey to the city center with up to 13 trains per hour. There are also numerous car rental outlets available, which is particularly handy if Zurich is the starting point for a Swiss adventure. Taxis and ridesharing services (including Lyft and Uber) are readily accessible.

By land

Aside from driving, and Switzerland is one of the ultimate European road trip destinations, Zurich is easy to reach by public transport. In fact, the Swiss transport network is resoundingly good. Switzerland’s state owned railway company, Swiss Federal Railways (branded as SBB CHF FFS) run the second most punctual network in the world. It’s second only to Japan. Aside from domestic services, there are several daily international trains from destinations in Austria, France, Germany and Italy.

Is Zurich in Europe?

Although Switzerland is most definitely in Europe geographically, it is not a member of the European Union. This has relatively little impact on travelers, although one big difference between Switzerland and the majority of EU member states is the currency. If you’re undertaking this one day itinerary for Zurich as part of a longer European trip, you’ll need to exchange some Euros for Swiss Francs (CHF).

Of course, it’s always a good idea to have a small amount of local currency wherever you travel to, but almost everywhere in Zurich accepts credit and debit cards.

Despite not being part of the EU, Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Area. This means that there are no additional entry requirements. If you require a visa to enter the EU, you will require the same visa to enter Switzerland. If you’re arriving in Zurich from another Schengen country, there will be no passport checks upon arrival.

One Day Itinerary in Zurich, Switzerland

9 am: Breakfast at Café Felix

A local institution since 1932, there’s no place better to kick off this one day itinerary in Zurich than Café Felix. It may have garnered favor amongst visitors from afar in recent years, but Café Felix is no tourist trap. Still owned by the same family who opened the doors over 90 years ago, their lavish cakes and flaky pastries have earned them a loyal following of local regulars.

Of course, if you prefer a healthier option, there are plenty of choices available, including a divine homemade muesli.

10 am: Take a Cruise on Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich (Zurichsee in German) is not only beautiful, but it’s two lakes in one. The northern part of the lake, closest to the city, is Lake Zurich, whilst the southernmost part is technically Obersee. There’s no distinct boundary between the two, natural or otherwise. One thing is for sure, though: no one day in Zurich itinerary would be complete without hopping aboard a boat.

One-hour pleasure cruises depart from Burkliplatz in the city center every hour. Alternatively, treat yourself to a private cruise with included cocktails in a classic wooden boat.

11 am: Uncover Swiss History

The Landesmuseum, or Swiss National Museum, is the place to go to delve into Zurich’s past. Open daily except Mondays, the museum covers Swiss history from prehistoric times to the modern day. Permanent exhibitions include a chronological journey through Switzerland as well as a detailed look at Zurich’s growth into the cultural and economic hub it is today.

A highlight for 2025 is Techno, a temporary exhibit dedicated to the culture behind techno music.

1 pm: Sample Zurich’s Most Famous Dish

Every city has that dish. Whilst Switzerland shares much of its culinary identity with neighboring Germany, it has no shortage of unique national dishes. If you only try one Swiss specialty during this one day itinerary in Zurich, make it Zuricher Geschnetzeltes.

Made with thin strips of veal sauteed in butter with white wine and mushroom sauce, Zuricher Geschnetzeltes is best served with a traditional Swiss potato rosti. To sample the real thing, head to Zeughauskeller.

2 pm: The Home of Chocolate

It was right here in Switzerland in 1875 that the first solid milk chocolate was invented. Daniel Peter, a Swiss confectioner, created the recipe using condensed milk. Another Swiss invention, condensed milk was the brainchild of one Henri Nestle, the man who founded what is now one of the largest chocolatiers in the world.

The next stop on our one day itinerary in Zurich is a chocolate lover’s dream. Lindt’s Home of Chocolate is Switzerland’s largest chocolate museum and home to it’s largest chocolate shop. The museum takes you on a journey through the cacao plantations of Central America, through the factory where the magic happens to the finished product, with plenty of free samples along the way.

Travel tip: Book tickets in advance to save time on arrival and secure a slot during busy periods. The Home of Chocolate is 20-minutes south of Zurich; bus 165 from the city center stops right outside the door.

4 pm: The Home of Football

Cheese and chocolate may be Switzerland’s most famous exports, but football (soccer) fans will know Zurich for another reason altogether. Home to the global headquarters of FIFA, the FIFA Museum is one of the city’s most loved attractions. Open Tuesday through Sunday until 1800, it’s well worth booking your tickets ahead of time.

The museum’s permanent exhibit tells the story of association football from it’s beginnings in the United Kingdom to the global phenomenon it is today. The highlight, the World Cup Gallery, has everything from Pele’s 1958 final shirt to trophies from both the World Cup and Women’s World Cup. Make sure you stop by the cinema to replay some of football’s finest moments.

5 pm: Indulge in some Retail Therapy

If there is one thing that will become apparent from the very start of this one day itinerary in Zurich, it’s that Switzerland isn’t cheap. If you measure prices by the infamous Big Mac Index, Switzerland is the most expensive country in the world.

With such wealth, it’s hardly surprising that Zurich is teeming with designer brands. Thanks to Switzerland not being part of the EU, almost every visitor can enjoy tax-free shopping. Just make sure you keep hold of your receipts and get a VAT refund form when you spend.

If there’s only one shop you go to on this one day itinerary in Zurich, make it Beyer. The longest standing watch store in Switzerland, Beyer first opened their doors over 260 years ago. Even if you don’t need a new watch, window shopping in Zurich is in a league of its own.

Travel tip: Banhofstrasse, lined with luxury boutiques and big name brands, is Zurich’s number one shopping street.

7 pm: Fondue Time

There’s a common misconception that fondue is French. As divine as French food is, this is one invention they can’t take the credit for. Fondue was invented by Anna Margaretha in Zurich in 1699.

Fondue, the name now given to any dish where food is dipped into a pot of hot liquid before being eaten, originally referred specifically to cheese fondue. Made from a mix of Swiss cheese and wine, the liquid is decanted into a fondue pot which is placed in front of diners on a hotplate or small stove. The fondue is accompanied by various foods (often meat, vegetables and bread) which are then dipped into the liquid.

For a fondue experience to remember, book a table at Zunfthaus zue Meissen. Occupying a beautiful stately house on the River Limmat, Zunfthaus zue Meissen’s menu changes with the seasons. No matter when you visit, you can be sure to find an authentic cheese fondue, and a delicious chocolate one if you’re craving more.

For an even more special experience, consider a private fondue experience with a local family. Alongside a classic Swiss fondue, you’ll enjoy a glass of bubbly, wine pairings and a homemade meringue to finish.

9 pm: Zurich’s Glamorous Nightlife

For the perfect ending to your one day itinerary in Zurich, head back out to explore the city after dark. Zurich is swanky and stylish by day; it’s no less so by night. Jazz club Moods is one of Zurich’s most celebrated music venues with nightly sessions. Alternatively, catch a performance at Zurich’s 19th century opera house.

If a relaxing glass of wine is more your style, Le Hall at the luxurious Baur du Lac hotel is the perfect setting. For a drink with a view, the rooftop bar at La Muna offers a stunning vista of Lake Zurich.

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