Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Zurich?

Q: Is one day enough time in Zurich?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the historic city of Zurich, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to learn about the history of the town, go shopping, tour the famous sights and museums, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant. You'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around two to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Zurich?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Zurich, Switzerland? Most people spend two to five days in Zurich during their visit. After all, the historic city will let you learn about the history of the town, go shopping, tour the famous sights and museums, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant.

Zurich is a banking and finance hub in Europe. It's located on Lake Zurich and it has a charming old town that spreads across the Limmat River. The city has many nice waterfront promenades and cafes where you can enjoy the setting.

Do you have one or two days to visit Zurich? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Zurich?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the historic city of Zurich, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to learn about the history of the town, go shopping, tour the famous sights and museums, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant. You'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around two to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend a day in Zurich

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

A few tour suggestions include:

Zurich Walking Tour With Cruise and Aerial Cable Car ($113)
Old Town Tour with Cathedral and Collegiate Library ($41)
Zurich Old Town Walking Tour ($32)

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

A few tour suggestions include:

Zurich Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours ($155)
Zurich: Chocolate Tasting and Walking Tour with a Local ($187)

Zurich is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Zurich?

The city of Zurich boasts plenty of sights and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. A weekend is probably not enough. You'd feel rushed to see the main attractions of Zurich such as the great charming old town along with the terrific shopping. To thoroughly enjoy all that the city has to offer, you'll probably want more than just a 2 day trip. Most travelers schedule two to five days to fully experience this city. Nevertheless, if a weekend is all you can spare, we have some suggestions for your weekend getaway to Zurich below.

Zurich, Switzerland

How to spend 2 days in Zurich

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Zurich will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Shopping in Zurich is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

The public transit in Zurich is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Zurich, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.