Zurich Things to Do

A hugely popular winter destination thanks to its vibrant Christmas markets and dazzling New Year’s celebrations, Zurich‘s unbeatable transport connections make it a great base for checking out Switzerland’s legendary ski resorts, many of which are reachable by train. Here’s a run down of the best options.

Zurich is so charming and stimulating that it would be possible to live a fulfilling life without ever leaving it. However, variety is the spice of life and broadened horizons are always desirable. If you’re staying in Switzerland’s largest city and you want to get out for a short jaunt, there is much to choose from.

Running from Zurich’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof) right down to the lake, the Bahnhofstrasse is arguably the best place to shop anywhere in Switzerland. To be fair, much of central Zurich is a consumer’s paradise, but the Bahnhofstrasse is the beating heart of it all.

The tours and tourist destinations in the Bündner Herrschaft area are known collectively as Heidiland, travelers with children and/or the young at heart won’t want to miss the pleasures of one of the many guided day trips that are based out of Zurich.

Located on the opposite end of the lake from Zurich (and accessible via S-Bahn rail link), Rapperswil, the famed City of Roses, makes an excellent spring or summer day trip from Switzerland’s largest city. The town owes its nickname to its famous rose gardens, but also on hand are the Rapperswil Castle, the deer park on the Lindenhof and the picturesque Old Town perched atop a rocky hill at the bay of Kempraten.