A major Swiss city where the Old Town, the Limmat and the lake sit close to the centre; in winter Christmas markets open around town, including one inside the main station hall.
The square fills with a Christmas market and the city glows with lights — the reason to come in winter (see the Christmas market section).
June–September
Lake swimming and Alpine day trips.
Weather: Summer brings lake and river swimming and outdoor life; the 2026 Christmas markets run 19 November–23/24 December, varying by venue. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Zurich Christmas market
Zurich Christmas Markets An indoor market with over 100 stalls and a huge tree fills the main station hall; the choir-filled “Singing Christmas Tree” is a separate event.
Where
Main station hall, the square by the opera house and more
Dates
19 November–23/24 December 2026 (varies by venue)
Dates shift a little each year; check this year’s schedule at: www.zuerich.com
Don't miss in Zurich
Old Town (Altstadt) Narrow lanes and churches on both banks of the Limmat. source
Grossmünster The twin-towered church; climb a tower for views of the city and lake. source
Bahnhofstrasse The upmarket shopping street from the main station to the lake. source
Lake Zurich Lakeside promenades and boat trips. source
Where to stay in Zurich
Old Town / Hauptbahnhof
Easy airport trains and trams, close to the markets.
What to eat in Zurich
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes — Zurich’s signature dish of sliced veal in a mushroom cream sauce, served with rösti
Bircher muesli — Oats, fruit and yogurt — the breakfast created by a Zurich doctor, Bircher-Benner
Luxemburgerli — Bite-sized macarons and a classic Zurich gift
Zurich tips and things to watch out for
Zurich travel tips
The ZVV zone and ticket you need depend on your destination; check the operator’s official guide. source
Pair a lakeside walk with a boat trip on the same day; check the cruise season and times in advance. source
Good to know in Switzerland
Swiss Travel Pass and regional passes cut costs on trains, boats and mountain lifts. source
Tap water and public fountains are safe to drink. source
Watch out for in Switzerland
High mountains are cold even in summer and change fast; bring layers. source
Most shops close on Sundays except those in stations. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Zurich are still being collected, so food and transport use official prices from other cities in Switzerland (prices within one country do not differ much).
Zurich attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.
Swiss National Museum Zurich (Adult): CHF 13.00 · child CHF 0.00