Top 10 Things To Do In Zurich Old Town

Top 10 Things To Do In Zurich Old Town 

A trip to Zurich is not complete without visiting the elegant Zurich Old Town. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Zurich and it’s pretty clear to see why. Zurich Old Town has the highest concentration of clubs and bars in all of Switzerland, and also has a wide range of cultural offerings and a famous shopping mile. Whether you are heading to the Old Town in Zurich Switzerland for a party trip or to shop ‘til you drop, you will certainly come across some incredible architecture.  

To help you plan your adventure, we’ve put together our top 10 things to do in Zurich Old Town. 

1.Marvel At The Stained-Glass Windows Of Fraumünster In Zurich Old Town 

The Fraumünster is a stunning church and one of the best Zurich attractions in Old Town. It was designed by Marc Chagall, a pioneering modernist artist. The beautiful church features five stunning stained-glass windows and has been standing tall in Zurich Old Town since 853 AD. Yes, it really is that old! It was founded by German King Louis as a gift for his daughter, Hildegard. The stained-glass windows were added in the 1960s and on each glass pane there is a different vibrant colour creating a strikingly bright effect, which contrasts perfectly with Romanesque architecture. 

Address: Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland 

Tickets from 4.20CHF 

2.Wander The Streets Of Zurich City Centre 

One of our favourite things to do in Zurich is simply wander the beautiful streets of Zurich Old Town, otherwise known as Alstadt. Stroll along the flagstone lanes and cobbled streets and soak up what used to be the entire Zurich City Centre before 1983. If architecture is your thing, you’ll love the rows of 17th-century buildings that tower the streets with their colourful facades. There are various walking tours available and taking part is a great way to learn more about the historic area. 

3.Dance The Night Away At One Of Zurich Old Town’s Many Nightclubs 

Zurich old town is one of the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland, particularly if you are prone to a wild night out. The town has the highest concentration of nightclubs and bars in the whole of the country, so you will be spoilt for choice. Zurich Old Town comes to life as the sun goes down so whether you are looking for somewhere to party ‘til the early hours or enjoy a few Hopfenperles with your mates, you won’t be disappointed. 

4.See The Stuff Of Legends At Grossmünster Cathedral 

This impressive 13th-century landmark is certainly one of the top things to do in Zurich. Legend says that the Grossmünster Cathedral was built on top of the graves of the patron saints of Zurich Old Town, Regula and Felix. The breathtaking building features bronze doors designed by Otto Münch and stained-glass windows designed by Sigmar Polke. 

Address: Grossmünsterplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland 

Free entry 

5.Learn All About The Swiss-German Reformation 

Located in the cloister at Grossmünster Cathedral is the Reformation Museum. Here you can discover the fascinating history of the Swiss-German Reformation movement. The cathedral was the breeding ground for the movement back in the 16th century. You can follow the fascinating story of how Heinrich Bullinger and Huldrych Zwingli led the reformation movement in Zurich Old Town. 

Address: Grossmünsterplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland 

Free entry 

6.Soak Up Some Classical Music At Tonhalle 

Tonhalle has been hailed as one of the most prestigious concert halls in all of Europe and it stands tall in Zurich Old Town. The oldest symphony orchestra in Switzerland, Tonhalle-Orchestra, uses this concert hall as its home performance space. Tonhalle holds over 100 concerts every season, with performances from more than 100 musicians from across 20 different countries. 

Address: Claridenstrasse 7, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland 

Tickets from 20CHF 

7.Set Sail On A River Cruise From Zurich Old Town 

Take in the sights of Zurich City Centre from a new perspective with a popular river cruise. The tourist boats set sail from the National Museum and head to Lake Zurich, past Grossmünster Cathedral and the Zurich Old Town hall. If you are visiting the Swiss city between April and October, then you’re in luck as boats run daily during these months.  

Address: Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland 

Tickets from 6.60CHF 

8.Explore The Swiss National Museum 

The Swiss National Museum runs along the river peninsular and is almost palace-like. Sitting just behind the main train station in Zurich Old Town, the Swiss National Museum was built in 1898. The building itself is a stunning French Renaissance chateau with turrets, towers, and courtyards. A visit to this Zurich attraction will throw you back into the fascinating Swiss history dating right back to the Middle Ages. 

Address: Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland 

Tickets from 10CHF 

9.Grab A Sweet Treat At The Lindt & Sprungli Chocolate Factory 

Lindt chocolates are renowned all across the globe, and one of the best things to do in Zurich is visit their impressive chocolate factory. You can channel your inner Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and discover the fascinating manufacturing process of this much-loved treat. A tour of the Lindt & Sprungli Chocolate Factory will also teach you all about the rich history of Swiss chocolate. 

Address: Schokoladenplatz 1 Seestrasse 204 8802 Kilchberg 

Tickets from 15CHF 

10.Discover Famous Munch Paintings In The Kunsthaus 

The Kunsthaus in Zurich has more than 4,000 pieces of art and is one of the best things to do in Zurich if you are keen to discover Swiss artists. It isn’t just the artists of Switzerland that you will find in the Kunsthaus, but also world-famous artists from every corner of the globe. It is easy to get lost in time wandering the galleries of the Kunsthaus so give yourself a few hours for this Zurich attraction. 

Address: Heimpl. 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland 

Tickets from 18CHF 

If you’re planning a trip to Zurich Old Town, book in at one of our easyHotel locations. Zurich City Centre hotel will put you right in the centre of the action, and you can enjoy a comfortable base for your Swiss adventure.

Explore all our easyHotel locations in Zurich today.