Are you thinking about visiting Zurich, Switzerland? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Zurich worth visiting?
Zurich is worth visiting for two to five days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Zurich is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Conde Nast's Best Cities in Europe. 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.
Zurich, Switzerland
Reasons to Visit Zurich
Historical Sights
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.
Shopping
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.
Museums
Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.
Food
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.
Nightlife
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.
Music
There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.
Is Zurich worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (70°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (81°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Zurich, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, admire the historic sights, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Summer Weather in Zurich
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| August | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| September | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Zurich worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Zurich. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse around the old town, and browse through museums. Also, you can check out the live music scene.
Autumn Weather in Zurich
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| November | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Is Zurich worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Zurich. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Zurich can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (37°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you'll be able to grab some drinks at a bar and listen to some live music.
Winter Weather in Zurich
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| February | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Is Zurich worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Zurich, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the historic old town, the live music, and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Zurich
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| June | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Related
What is Zurich most famous for?
Zurich is most famous for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. The city is very popular for its historical sights and shopping. It's also known for museums, food, nightlife, and music. It is often described as liberal, beautiful, and historic.
What is the most famous sight in Zurich?
The most popular sight in Zurich is The Grossmünster. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Zurich on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Grossmünster and other attractions here.
How touristy is Zurich? Is it a popular city to visit?
Zurich is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private City Tour & Photoshoot with a Local in Zurich: $233
- Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $129
- Zurich Private Walking & Photo Tour: $112
- Private Half-Day Tour to the Rhine Falls with Pick-up at Hotel: $223
- Private Magic Waterfall Adventure Tour to Rhine Falls with Pickup: $268
- Circular City Tour: $44
- Zürich High Line Tour: $36
- Ethical Chocolate Tour: $100
How long should I spend in Zurich?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Zurich is two to five days. Since Zurich has a variety of activities such as historical sights and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Zurich?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Zurich?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Zurich?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.