zurich free tours

Best things to see and do in Zürich

When many people think of Switzerland, the first thing that comes to mind may be its watches, the cheeses, or its top-quality chocolate but there’s a lot more than meets the eye to its most populous city, Zürich . Although it is located in north-central Europe, this city enjoys a favorable climate that isn’t as cold as other locations and it has been recognized as one of the least polluted places in the world along with having the highest quality of life. When you explore the characteristic city of Zürich on a guided free walking tour , you’ll understand why it has received all those outstanding rewards.

If you haven’t tried a free walking tour, Zürich is the perfect city to get to know what they are all about. Choose from a selection of tours from the GuruWalk platform that will focus on popular landmarks and monuments in the city such as, the Swiss National Museum, the Zürich Museum of Art, the FIFA Headquarters Building, the Centre de Le Corbusier, the Great Minster Church, and of course the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum. Then, you could check out the city’s other charms like the great local restaurants in the Old Town of Aldstadt, stroll up to the Lindenhof Park, take a boat ride in the beautiful Lake Zürich, or visit the prettiest chocolate shop in town, the Teuscher to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

The free walking tours with a local guide in Zürich have all been rated and reviewed by other tourists who have already done them. This way, if you have any questions you can read what other people have said about both the tour route and the guide so you can find the best tour that is most interesting for you. There are tours in different languages and they are scheduled at different times of day like the morning, afternoon, and evening . Other cities with guided free walking tours that you may want to check out are Genoa, Bex, or Leipzig. 

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Zurich walking tours

Free Walk Switzerland Birchstrasse 11 8057 Zürich

The volunteer guides take their guests on a free stroll through the city and show them the town they live in. Every free walking tour is personal and different: architects take guests through the Langstrasse area or Zurich-West, bankers prefer the financial centre, and students choose the university.

General information

Group & pricing information, booking information.

Free Walk Switzerland Birchstrasse 11 8057  Zürich Switzerland

Mobile phone  +41 (0)77 405 89 66 [email protected] Show Route

Free Walk Switzerland Birchstrasse 11 8057 Zürich Show Route

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Zürich Tourismus Im Hauptbahnhof 8001  Zürich +41 (0)44 215 40 00 [email protected] Website

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Free Zürich Original Walking Tour

Explore Zurich through a Different Lens

Found in the Northcentral parts of Switzerland, Zurich is the largest city in the country. If you’re a fan of train rides then you better hop in on our free Zurich walking tour. The city possesses one of the largest street parades and festivals in the world with over one million visitors each year. So don’t worry the beautiful city of Zurich is looking forward to meeting you too.

Our Free Zurich original tour is an invitation to explore the depths of the historical world of Zurich. This city is the site of important historical structures and sites dating back centuries. On this free Zurich walking tour, we will explore the depths of history the city has to offer. Prepare to be enthralled as our tour guides thrill you with the interesting stories behind each remarkable stop.

Why Tour with Us

• Diverse Destinations: With expertise in local culture and modern art, our diverse destinations bring you an authenticity beyond the reach of any other travel company
• Perfect Prices: Our prices are perfectly tailored for an idyllic, interesting, and immersive discovery of the city in a different lens
• Terrific Tour Guide: Each tour guide brings something unique to the table – one of which is being terrific!
• Scenic Sights: When traveling, scenic sights are a must that even we cannot compromise.
• Fast Booking: Create your own booking in less than 5 minutes through our user-friendly websites and guides
• Instant Support: Travelling gives rise to queries, concerns, and doubts; so, we make sure that we’re always here to put your mind at ease

Perfect for:

• Backpackers
• Adventurers

TIP: If you’re looking for where to find the finest live music, the best clubs to go to, and the best restaurants to eat in we’ll make sure you get all the inside info!

To get a complete nightlife experience, Join us for our Free Zurich Pub Crawl and experience the vibrant activities in the city when the sunsets.

N.B.: The tour may take one of the several routes through the city depending on the guide, the needs of the group, and the weather on the day.

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Free Walking Tour Zurich

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Free Walking Tour Zurich

General information.

Starting time

11:00 am / 6:00 pm

Tip only basis

Free walking tour Zurich walks you through Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a major hub for both business and tourism. With its beautiful lake and riverfront, Zurich is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as swimming, sailing, and cycling. The city is also known for its world-class museums, galleries, and cultural events, including the Zurich Film Festival and the Zurich Opera House. Visitors can explore the city’s many shopping and dining options or take a stroll through one of its many parks and gardens. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic city experience or a relaxing getaway, Zurich is a destination that has it all.

Meet your guide at the Bahnhofstrasse.

Tip only basis. You must tip your guide at the end of the tour. It is recommended to tip from 10 to 20 euros per person.

Free walking tour Zurich begins at the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most famous shopping streets in Switzerland. This street is lined with designer shops, boutiques, and cafes, and is a great place to take in the sights and sounds of the city.  

Next, head to the Grossmünster, a Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th century. This church is one of the most important landmarks in Zurich and offers stunning views of the city and the nearby lake.

Read more...

Continuing on, you’ll come across the Fraumünster, another important church in Zurich. This church is famous for its stained glass windows, which were designed by famous Swiss artist Marc Chagall.  

Walking along the banks of the Limmat River, you’ll come across the famous Quaibrücke, a bridge that connects the old town and the new town. This bridge is one of the most important landmarks in Zurich and offers stunning views of the city and the nearby lake.  

Next, visit the Kunsthaus Zurich, one of the largest art museums in Switzerland. This museum is home to a vast collection of art from around the world, including works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet.  

End your tour at the Lake Zurich, one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in Switzerland. This lake is surrounded by stunning mountains and is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and hiking.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum of participants.

The maximum of participants is 15 people.

Can I book a private walking tour?

Yes, you can book a private walking tour by contacting us straight via email.

Can I bring my children?

Yes, in Free Tour Zurich everyone is welcome.

What should I bring?

Check out the weather on the day of the tour to make sure you bring an umbrella in case it’s raining. Bring comfortable shoes, cash and a big smile.

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Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Our two-day detour to Zurich, Switzerland was more about meeting up with longtime friends than it was about visiting the city itself. However, that didn’t keep us from discovering the best sights of the Old Town on a Zurich Walking Tour!

We devised a Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour that would take us through the pristine city. Beginning down the famous shopping streets, then to a few churches and viewpoints. All while allowing enough time for lunch, chocolates and beers!

About this Free Zurich Walking Tour

We love creating our own free walking tours in cities where we can set our pace, make detours and stop at any places that catch our eye. Our outlined Zurich Old Town Walking Tour is ideal for visitors – like us – who enjoy discovering destinations on their own two feet. 

Zurich Walking Tour Map and Directions

What makes this one of the best walking tours in Zurich that you can complete it on your own. We include a pin drop for each stop – making it easy to route your way from one sight to the next.

However, keep in mind that you will need an internet connection. We use a Pocket WiFi device to stay connected while traveling abroad. In fact, we would literally be lost without it!

Additionally, we have included a Zurich Old Town Walking Map at the end of this article. It offers an overview of our sightseeing Zurich walk that is simple to follow.

More Walking Tours of Zurich

Our Zurich Free Walking Tour is a self-guided adventure to the top sights in the city. Fellow travelers who would rather join a guided walking tour have many options. We highlight a few of the highly rated Guided Walking Tours of Zurich after we share the details of our Zurich Walking Tour Free Route. 

Our Zurich sightseeing focused on the sights in the center of town. While there are many tourist attractions – our list includes 12 top things to see in Zurich. Our Zurich walking tour route is about 3 miles long (mostly flat), which should take about an hour to complete without any stops.

Even if you only have one day in Zurich, our walking tour is a great way to get an introduction to the city!

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Zurich Walking Tour for your trip to Switzerland!

#1 Bahnhofstrasse

{ MAP } We started our Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour at the Paradeplatz tram station in the city center. Heading north on Bahnhofstrasse, we gawked at the expensive watches glittering in the window displays.

The street is flooded with fashionable retailers, posh boutiques, fine architecture and a bevy of Swiss Banks. The famous shopping street is a Zurich must see! 

#2 Detour onto Augustinergasse and Rennweg Street

{ MAP }  On our Zurich city tour, we were sidetracked more than once by the colorful streets in the center. We turned right down the bright and colorful Augustinergasse.

{ MAP } At Widdergasse we turned left…and left again onto Rennweg. This was the main thoroughfare during the Middle Ages and features quaint craft houses. We followed Rennweg north to where it meets back up with Bahnhofstrasse.

#3 Zurich Bahnhofplatz

{ MAP } The Bahnhofplatz is the next stop on our Zurich Self Guided Walking Tour. Ranking as the biggest train station in Switzerland and one of the busiest in the world, it also marks the north end of Zurich Old Town (or Zurich Altstadt ). 

Top Tip : If you are traveling to the city on a day trip and arriving by train, you can begin your Walking Tour Zurich Old Town route here. Continue from the station to the next sight – and then visit the first sights on our list at the end of the tour, which circles back to the heart of the Old Town. 

#4 Central Polybahn

{ MAP } From the main train station, continue our Zurich free tour by crossing the Limmat River on the Bahnhofbrucke Brigde. Head to the funicular, Central Polybahn, for a ride up the hill to a lookout point. Unfortunately, it was one of the few Zurich sights that was closed during our visit, so you will have to let us know how the view is!

#5 Niederdorfstrasse

{ MAP } Continuing our Zurich Old Town walking tour, we turned south on Niederdorfstrasse, a pedestrian street filled with cafes, restaurants and bars. It was perfect timing because we were getting hungry for lunch!

Kris decided on a kebab, and I found a café near Stussihofstatt serving traditional dishes, deli-style, which are loaded up into containers and paid for by weight. I opted for an inexpensive Zurich lunch special: bratwurst with a roll and mustard for $6.50. However, I couldn’t resist adding the creamy potatoes au gratin to my meal for about $2 more!

#6 Zurich Rathaus & River Views

{ MAP }, Walking back to the Limmat River, by the Zurich Town Hall (Rathaus), we couldn’t stop taking pictures of the idyllic waterfront buildings.

There, we were approached by a woman who told us that the flag flying above the front door of Town Hall indicated that the local government was in session. She also said that we were free to go in to watch the proceedings.

We passed through security and then walked upstairs to a balcony overlooking a beautiful room. it was filled with a (surprisingly) casual bunch of politicians. Taking a peek inside the Rathaus is one of the best free things to do in Zurich (besides our walking tour Zurich, of course!).

#7 Grossmunster

{ MAP } Next up on our Zurich itinerary: the Grossmunster Cathedral. Built in 1220, the Cathedral is one of the top Zurich tourist attractions. The two towers were added in 1787 and the 187 steps can be climbed for great views (for a small fee).

The interior of the Grossmunster is rather plain, but has bright stained glass windows. A crypt beneath the altar houses an original sculpture from one of the towers.

#8 Lake Zurich and Opernhaus Zurich

{ MAP } Continuing on our Zurich one day tour, we walked south to Lake Zurich and the Opera House (Opernhaus Zurich). On the lakeside, a man played the traditional Swiss alphorn for tips.

Behind him, on the lake, dozens of swans were gliding on the water and in the background the majestic snowcapped Swiss Alps completed the idyllic scene.

#9 Limmat Riverwalk and St. Peter Church

{ MAP } While we could have continued walking along the lake, there were more Zurich Old Town attractions we wanted to see! Crossing back to the west side of the river at Quaibrucke Bridge, we strolled along the water.

{ MAP } We cut into the old city center near St. Peter Church, which has the largest church clock in all of Europe.

#10 Lindenhof

{ MAP } We wound through the tangle of streets up to Lindenhof. A raised park with views over the river and one of the best places to visit in Zurich. Two men played bocce ball, a younger group contemplated the next move on the giant chess board. Several others sat along the wall enjoying the pleasant view of Zurich and the soaring Swiss Alps in the distance.

#11 Zurich Chocolate Shop: Confiserie Teuscher

{ MAP } There is a long history of chocolate production in the city. Touring Zurich wouldn’t be complete without a taste of chocolate! 

During your Zurich self-guided walking tour you will undoubtedly pass by numerous chocolate shops. However, we recommend seeking out Confiserie Teuscher.

Colorfully decorated for Easter, it was difficult to tell if it was a chocolate shop or a florist, but the sweet scent of cocoa floated out the door. Unable to resist the temptation any longer, we splurged for three truffles: caramel, Grand Marnier and the store’s signature Champagne. 

Top Tip : Join the Chocolate and Sweets Walking Tour for a more indulgent taste of Zurich!

#12 Zeughauskeller

{ MAP } We ended our ‘Zurich in a day’ tour at Zeughauskeller for a pint of local beer. Built in 1487, the building was used as an armory. Then in 1926 it was transformed into a place for social gathering and beer drinking. The old-time, Zurich beer hall atmosphere survives today.

Thoughts on our Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour

We felt we got a great introduction to the beautiful city with our Zurich self-guided walking tour. In the bustling metropolis of historic buildings, clock towers and row houses, the people and trams move at a fast pace.

At the same time, the distant Alps, wide river, open squares and iconic fountains slow things down a bit. The scenic diversity creates a pleasant atmosphere that is ideal for a stroll on a Zurich walking tour.

Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

This Zurich city map highlights the top places to visit in Zurich in 1 day. For a Zurich walking tour map with turn-by-turn directions, use this link to our Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour.

Visitors can also pick up a paper map of Zurich, Switzerland at the Main Station Tourist Office. Also consider buying one  before you set off for your trip!

More Zurich City Tours

We have outlined an easy-to-follow Walking Tour of Zurich for visitors who would like to discover at their own pace. That said, there are several guided tours in Zurich that can enhance a trip to the city. 

Zurich Tours

These Zurich guided tours help tourists gain a better understanding of the history and sights. We are highlighting a few of the most popular tours in Zurich. 

Guided Walking Tours Zurich

A highly rated Zurich Guided Walking Tour, participants are led through the picturesque streets by a local guide. The tour is in English and great for first-time visitors who want a guided introduction to Zurich. Find out more!

Private Tour of Zurich

Travelers who wish to have a private Zurich walking tour can hire a guide to uncover the sights with them exclusively. On a 2-hour private walking tour – like this one – visitors get to see the highlights with the focused attention of a local guide. 

That said, travelers with weary feet can also opt for a private Zurich tour by Tuk Tuk ! The 1.5-hour Tuk Tuk Guided Tour Zurich features top Old Town sights in an eco-friendly ride. 

Self Guided Zurich Audio Tour

Visitors who want the freedom to tour at their own pace, but would like a voice to guide them through the streets can opt for the popular (and inexpensive) audio tour that you download to your mobile device. 

Free Tour Zurich

Want guided Zurich sightseeing tours for free? There are several companies that offers a free walk of Zurich, but the guides do work for tips. If you forgo our Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour in favor of a guided free walk, just be prepared to pay a tip. 

Zurich Day Trips

With mountains, lakes and picturesque towns, there are many day trips from Zurich to the surrounding regions. These can be found (and booked in advance) with a trusted site like Viator .

Some of the most popular Zurich day tours include Coach Tours , a Swiss Alps Day Trip , Jungfraujoch , and a Lucerne and Lake Cruise Trip . 

Also traveling to Basel, Switzerland !? Find the best things to do!

Travel Tips for your Trip to Zurich, Switzerland

Now that you know what to see in Zurich, we have a few additional travel tips that will help you plan your trip to Switzerland!

Zurich Card

The Zurich Card is available for 24 or 72 hours and includes free or reduced admission into museums, as well as free public transportation and other discounts. 

Where To Stay in Zurich

There are many places to stay in Zurich – from hotels to hostels to holiday apartments. While we think the best place to stay in Zurich is in the heart of the city, accommodations are pricey. 

Zurich Short Term Apartments

During our visit to Zurich, we stayed in a super Airbnb Apartment . In general, we have found that staying in apartments is less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and more space. 

However, short trips of just a few days can incur big Airbnb fees. So be sure to price out your options before booking. 

Hotels in Zurich

There are many Zurich hotels to choose from in (or close to) the city center – you can start your search here .

You can also check rates and availability for these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip to Switzerland.

• Baur au Lac  
• Widder Hotel   
• Storchen Zürich Lifestyle Boutique Hotel

Zurich Hostels

For more affordable accommodations, check out the hostels in Zurich . These hostels get high ratings from guests: Zurich Youth Hostel and Oldtown Hostel Otter . 

Getting To Zurich

Zurich can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying, we are JetSetting Fools, after all! We flew into Zurich from Zagreb, Croatia and departed to Ljubljana, Slovenia .

Fly to Zurich

Zurich can be easily reached by plane from several top European cities like Amsterdam , London , Paris , and Frankfurt . As well as US gateways like New York , Chicago , Boston , Washington DC , and San Francisco !

The Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest international airport in Switzerland and is located 6 miles north of the Zurich Old Town. 

When we start our search for affordable plane tickets , we look for the best deals on airline tickets on Skyscanner.

Zurich by Train, Bus or Car

To get between destinations when flights are not feasible, we usually rely on public transportation. These include trains or buses – of which there are several to Zurich.

Use Rail Europe to find train tickets. Our preferred bus company is FlixBus . It is economical, clean and comfortable (and sometimes has on-board Wi-Fi, seat-back entertainment, refreshments and a toilet).

We aren’t keen on driving abroad, but renting a car can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people). Having a car allows for greater discovery. Before making a reservation, read all of our Car Rental Tips .

Before You Go To Zurich: What To Pack

Our final tips cover what to pack for your Zurich trip. You can find our complete packing list and top packing hacks on our dedicated Travel Packing page. 

Walking Shoes

If you are embarking on a Zurich walking tour, you will need to pack a pair of comfortable travel shoes ! I wear versatile, lightweight trainers when I travel. Kris is most comfortable in Merrell Trail Shoes .

Travel Camera

Zurich is a beautiful city – so make sure you bring a travel camera that will take exceptional photos! We use a reliable and affordable camera – the Canon Rebel – with an 18-135mm lens . It’s great camera for beginners and comes with heaps of accessories. 

Zurich Map and Guidebook

It’s much easier to get around any city when you understand the layout. We recommend buying a city map and guidebook before your vacation to Zurich.

Whether traveling with a backpack or suitcase , we like to carry a day pack where we can stow everything we need. Such as a water bottle and sunscreen  – along with our camera, wallet and keys. Find out which we prefer in our Best Day Pack for Travel article.

Switzerland Trip Insurance

Travel insurance may cover delayed flights, lost luggage and even illness abroad . If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your trip to Zurich, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Planning a Trip to Zurich, Switzerland

As you make reservations and plan what sights to see, be sure to keep track of the details. With our Printable Travel Planner you can get started right now! 

Start planning your trip to Switzerland ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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The 13 best free things to do in Zürich

Apr 21, 2023 • 6 min read

Save your pennies with these top tips on things to do in Zürich for free © Alexey Fedorenko / Shutterstock

Regularly named one of the most expensive cities in the world,  Zürich isn’t the first place you’d think of for a bargain city break.

With its classy designer shops, once-in-a-lifetime restaurants and eye-watering entry fees, it’s easy to empty your wallet in Zürich without much effort. Fortunately, the financial powerhouse has plenty to do for absolutely nothing as well. From stuffed sloths and succulent collections to river swimming pools and Rembrandt, here’s a guide to what to do for free in Zürich.

1. Stroll through the tropics at the city’s Botanical Gardens

One of the best free experiences in the city is a visit to one or both of the University of Zürich’s  Botanical Gardens . The original garden, dating from 1837, sits on a hill in the city center and contains numerous exotic trees as well as a palm house and a medieval herb garden named in honor of a 16th century Zürich doctor who knew a thing or two about medicinal plants.

Planning tip:  If it looks like rain – or even if it doesn’t – head to the "new" (it was built in the 1970s) complex at Seefeld, whose domed greenhouses are the main attraction. Home to around 7000 plant species, including ferns, orchids, cacti, tulip trees and bromeliads, these steamy tropical greenhouses can belie the weather outside.

2. Time your visit right to see Zürich’s art for free

Appreciating Zürich’s great art for nothing is currently rather easy. The contemporary – and often controversial –  Migros Museum  is running an "Acts of Friendship" exhibit, which is free for all to visit until September. As for the Kunsthaus , visitors can ogle works by Rembrandt, Manet, Warhol, Van Gogh and Swiss native Giacometti for free on Wednesdays (although special exhibits still require a paid-for ticket).

Planning tip: Entry to Kunsthaus is free at all times to under 17s.

3. Explore the city by bike

Zürich is eminently walkable, but if you want to get about faster yet avoid public transportation  costs, pick up a free bicycle from  Züri Rollt . You do have to pay a deposit, but it’s fully refunded when you return the bike at the end of the day. In the meantime, you have two wheels with which to explore the banks of the Limmat, the industrial maze of Züri West and – if your legs can cope – the undulating alleys of the Old Town.

4. Survey the city’s urban sprawl from the Freitag tower

For something a little less storybook, head to the industrial quarter of Zürich West where  Freitag (a homegrown brand that creates stylish bags from recycled seat belts, old tarpaulins and used bicycle inner tubes) has a flagship store made entirely of shipping containers. Its colorful tower, consisting of nine of these containers stacked one on top of another, is a modern landmark in the city and free to visit.

It’s quite a climb up the many flights of stairs to the top, and the rough, slightly rickety nature of the tower is a little unnerving, but your reward is the fascinating view – a sprawling mesh of roads, railways, warehouses and office blocks punctuated by the occasional surprise, such as the wave pool of surf center Urban Surf.

5. Take a dip in a river swimming pool

You can swim in Lake Zürich for free, but the real action takes place in the city’s river pools. Catering to adventurous swimmers, the  Lower Letten Pool makes the most of a quick current, while the  Upper Letten Pool is a tad more relaxed with a 400m-long (1312ft) swimming canal and diving board. The historic  Schanzengraben River Pool , which opened in 1864, is on a secluded river bend but is men-only. Open to everyone is  Werdisnel , a small island in the Limmat that is hugely popular in summer for its swimming pools, barbecue areas and grassy areas for sunbathing.

Planning tip:  It's free to use the lockers, but you'll want to bring your own padlock.

6. Go birdwatching in the city center

Thanks to  Voliere Zürich , ornithologists don’t have to head into the wild for some prime birdwatching; instead they can stay in the city and see a number of exotic breeds for free. Taking in injured birds since its inception in 1898, this bird sanctuary and aviary on the Mythenquai has helped rescue parakeets, toucans and everything in-between.

7. Enjoy a free drink with a knockout view at Lindenhof

The knotted narrow alleyways of Zürich’s Old Town wend their way up to Lindenhof , an old Roman fortification with views across the Limmat River. Take a rest on a bench facing the view and quench your thirst for absolutely nada by filling up your water bottle at the pretty stone fountain – it’s just one of many across the city which provide drinking water on tap. If you’re lucky, you might even get some entertainment thrown in for nothing, too – chess and pétanque enthusiasts often come here to play.

8. Visit the University of Zürich’s museums

Dinosaur skeletons, giant mammoths, stuffed sloths and countless insects – the hands-on  Zoological Museum of the University of Zürich is home to 1500 animals with interactive exhibits that allow visitors to listen to whales sing or get up close to insects with a magnifying glass. The university’s Archaeological Collection ,  Paleontological Museum (which houses fossils from the Unesco World Heritage site of Monte San Giorgio in southern Switzerland) and museum of earth sciences,  focusTerra , are all free too.

Planning tip:  The Zoological Museum's in-house cinema shows free nature films in German twice daily. 

9. Go cactus crazy at the Succulent Plant Collection

It sounds like the answer to a quiz question, but with more than 4400 species from 79 different plant families, Zürich is home to one of the largest collections of succulents in the world. With seven greenhouses, an outdoor rockery, and cacti, agaves, aloes and pennyworts in all manner of shapes and sizes, the  Succulent Plant Collection is free and full of surprises.

10. Visit James Joyce’s grave

The famed Irish author James Joyce wrote Ulysses in Zürich before he died in the city in 1941. The  James Joyce Foundation hosts free meetings and readings that delve into the author’s best-known works, including Finnegans Wake . Joyce is buried at the city's Kirche Fluntern graveyard, where a statue of the writer sits and thinks with a pencil in one hand and a book in the other.

11. Enter the wild in Langenberg Wildlife Park

For a break from the city, head to  Langenberg Wildlife Park , west of Lake Zürich, where the wolves, brown bears, lynxes, deer and elks roam among large forested enclosures. A 2km-long (1.2-mile-long) Forest Adventure Trail leads visitors through the forest itself via 12 interactive stations, and is accessible every day of the year, even when the visitor center is shut.

12. Climb Uetliberg, Zürich’s mini mountain

By lofty Swiss standards, Zürich’s local mountain Uetliberg stands nearer the shins of its contemporaries than their shoulders, but at 871m (2857ft) above sea level, the rolling, forest-roofed rumps are a pine-packed playground for hikers and bikers. It’s especially popular in autumn as its summit sits above the fog that sometimes encases the city. Climb the  viewing tower for an extra special panorama.

13. Go behind the scenes at FC Zürich

Sports fans will want to check out FCZ museum , which is devoted entirely to FC Zürich. Seven themed zones trace the football club’s history since it was founded in 1896, exploring the team’s highs and lows as well as the development of football in Switzerland. It’s illustrated with photography, films, trophies and trouvailles.

Planning tip:  The much bigger and flashier  FIFA World Football Museum is also in Zürich and children up to six can get in for free, however they must be accompanied by a paying adult.

This article was first published Jan 24, 2018 and updated Apr 21, 2023.

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ZURICH BANK TOUR

Facts and rumours about the zurich bank scene.

•  Check the dates , meeting next to Credit Suisse at Paradeplatz
•  See Paradeplatz, the banks around Paradeplatz and Bahnhofstrasse, some private banks as well as the hotels where deals happen.
•  1.5 hours tour
•  Free tour, please sign up

Free Walk Zurich does not assume any liability for accidents, thefts or any other damage during the walk. © (copyright) by Free Walking Tours Zurich. Free Walking Tours Zurich is a non-profit organization registered as an association under Swiss law. Free Walking Tours Zurich is a climate neutral organization. Free Walking Tours Zurich is part of Free Walking Tours Switzerland. Impressum .

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

• Sightseeing in Zurich´s impressive old town 
• Explore quaint alleyways and discover hidden gems 
• Tour guide with extensive knowledge

50% discount with the Zürich Card

• 24 or 72 hours
• Public transportation included
• Free admission to museums
• Over 50 discounts

What do Einstein, James Joyce and Wagner have in common? All three were residents of Zurich. But it´s not only great minds who are captivated by this lakeside city with its well-preserved old town - people from all over the world have always flocked to the thriving metropolis.

On a two-hour walk through the old town, we go searching for clues to the city´s past in its hidden alleyways and picturesque squares. Together, we uncover the secrets of Bahnhofstrasse, find out what a "procession axis" is, and visit a church with a minute-hand that jumps a record-breaking half meter every minute. This popular tour is filled with numerous astonishing and amusing anecdotes and has plenty to offer both visitors and locals alike.

During the 2024 Cycling and Para-Cycling Road World Championships (25 to 29.09.2024), there will be no public walking tours of Zurich's Old Town. Instead, the  Zurich-West tour  will provide insights into Zurich's vibrant west. 

For school classes of public schools (primary and secondary) we offer a reduction of 10%. Please contact us via the contact form for more information.

Time and Duration

Available on the following days, additional information.

Meeting point: In front of the Tourist Information at the main train station

Contact & Starting Point