Zurich Travel Guide
Overview
Switzerland's largest city and one of Europe's major financial and cultural hubs, is nestled by Lake Zurich
and surrounded by the Alps, offering a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
Beyond its global banking reputation, Zurich charms visitors with its medieval Old Town, vibrant arts scene, and pristine lakeside promenades.
Top sights include the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, the historic Grossmünster church, and the serene Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic city views.
You can also enjoy boat rides on the lake or explore local art in the Kunsthaus Zurich.
Read through this complete Zurich travel guide for more info on what to expect!
Quick Facts
Flights
As a tourist visiting Zurich, your main gateway will be Zurich Airport (ZRH) — Switzerland's busiest and most well-connected airport.
It offers direct flights to major cities across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond.
The airport is just 10 minutes from the city center by train, making it extremely convenient.
You can easily find and compare flights to Zurich using platforms like Kiwi or Skyscanner.
Budget airlines such as easyJet, Vueling,
and Eurowings also operate routes to Zurich or nearby airports like Basel (BSL).
Alternatively, if you're traveling from within Europe, consider taking a train or a FlixBus for a comfortable and scenic journey through the Alps directly into Zurich's central station.
Safety
Zurich is generally considered a very safe city for visitors, with low rates of violent crime and a strong emphasis on public safety.
However, as with many popular urban areas, petty theft and pickpocketing can occasionally occur, especially in busy spots like Bahnhofstrasse,
the main train station, and crowded tram stops.
Staying vigilant and keeping your belongings secure will help ensure a worry-free visit to this vibrant city.
Budget
Zurich tends to be more expensive than many other European cities, but with some careful planning, you can keep costs manageable.
Hostel beds generally start around 40-50 Swiss francs, while private hotel rooms typically begin at 100-130 francs.
Casual meals usually range from 15 to 30 francs.
Getting around is convenient and efficient, with an extensive network of trams, buses, and trains that connect the citys neighborhoods and nearby attractions.
Try our TravelBot for a detailed overview of activities and meal costs during a 5-day stay in Zurich.
