Experiences along the Grand Tour in Zurich

Zurich Zoo, located on the Zürichberg, is home to around 350 animal species in near-natural habitats. As a modern, scientifically managed zoo, its primary goal is the preservation of nature. It works towards this goal in four equally important areas: Species conservation, nature conservation, education and research.

Irchelpark is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy being surrounded by nature. Trees and bushes shield this relaxing retreat from the streets surrounding it. It’s not uncommon to cross paths with students of the University of Zurich’s Irchel Campus here. The institution’s buildings are set in an enchanting location in the upper part of the park.

The Kunsthaus Zürich is the largest art museum in Switzerland. In the classic Moser Building and David Chipperfield's modern new building, you will discover works from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Zurich's local mountain at 871 meters offers you a magnificent view over the city, the lake and the Alps. Hike along the Planet Trail, discover bike trails, ski down into the valley in winter – or simply enjoy the view.

The 70,000 m2 Rieterpark is Zurich's largest and most impressive landscaped garden and is set in the district of Zurich Enge near Lake Zurich.

At the National Museum Zurich, you can explore Swiss history from archaeology to the present day – visit permanent and special exhibitions, take part in guided tours and workshops and discover a collection of over 870,000 objects.

The natural pond is part of the Zurich Wilderness Park.

Four collections – Poster, Design, Graphics and Applied Art – encompass more than 500,000 objects at the Museum für Gestaltung. Switzerland’s foremost museum of design and visual communication is also one of the leading institutions in Europe, known for its fascinating temporary exhibitions.

Take the Polybahn from Zurich Central to the Polyterrasse of ETH. The red funicular is a piece of Zurich's city history and takes you up above the rooftops of the old town in 100 seconds.

From Urs Fischer and Yoko Ono to Ugo Rondinone: the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst is completely devoted to contemporary art – and the Löwenbräu-Areal is the perfect location for it.

Between Lindenhof, Niederdorf, and Grossmünster lies Zurich’s historic center. Discover winding streets and squares, historic buildings and guild houses, as well as cafés that shape the charm of Zurich’s Old Town.

In the last 10 years the industrial wasteland to the west of Zurich has grown into a new bright lights district: The blue-green shimmering Prime Tower, the University of Arts on the Toni-Areal and newly awakened life beneath the arched viaducts. And the nicest way to view all this and the constantly made changes is on foot or by bicycle.

A train ride with an over 100 years old steam train! The "Zürcher Museumsbahn" offers this unique event which will make the stay in and around Zurich even more rememberable.

Steamboats operate scheduled services on eight of Switzerland's lakes today. Thanks to donations, the “Stadt Zürich” and “Stadt Rapperswil” have also been saved from the scrapyard. The two paddle steamers were renovated between 2003 and May 2006, and are now in use almost every day.

The Grossmünster is Zurich's landmark. You will visit the Romanesque church, climb the Karlsturm and discover the medieval stained glass windows – right in the heart of the old town, between Limmat and Niederdorf.

In the green parks around the lower basin of the lake, there’s always something going on in the summer months. Inline skaters, water sports enthusiasts, jewellery sellers and street artists all gather here to create a colourful scene. Anyone looking for peace and quiet will be able to escape the hustle and bustle on the Zürichhorn at the end of the lakeside promenade, in the wonderful Chinese Garden.

This gem among the parks of Zurich was built in the middle of the beautiful park for a high-classicist style villa at the start of the 19th century. Today, this villa is home to the renowned Belvoirpark hotel management school and a restaurant.

The Adliswil cable car takes you up to 800 metres to Felsenegg in 5 minutes. Hiking trails and a magnificent panorama over Lake Zurich, the city and the Alps await you here.