Zurich packs an incredible amount of charm into a compact and walkable city. Medieval streets, beautiful lake views, historic churches, and modern attractions make it one of Switzerland’s most exciting destinations. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or staying a few days, Zurich offers a mix of culture, nature, shopping, and unique experiences. From exploring the historic Old Town to discovering modern attractions like GamePlaza, Zurich’s interactive video game museum, there is something for every visitor.
Best things to do in Zurich during a 2–3 day trip.
Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)
Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is one of the city’s most beautiful areas. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets filled with historic buildings, cafés, and chocolate shops. Many of Zurich’s most famous landmarks are located here.
Highlights include:
- Grossmünster
The famous twin towers of Zurich’s most iconic church. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views over the city, Lake Zurich, and the surrounding Alps. - Fraumünster
Known for its stunning stained glass windows created by artist Marc Chagall. - St. Peter’s Church
Home to the largest church clock face in Europe. - Nearby Lindenhof Hill offers a peaceful viewpoint overlooking the Limmat River and the Old Town rooftops.
Enjoy Lake Zurich and the Promenade
Lake Zurich is the heart of the city and one of the most relaxing places to spend an afternoon. Visitors can:
- Take a boat cruise on Lake Zurich
- Walk along the scenic lake promenade
- Relax in parks such as Zürichhorn
- Swim at lakeside bathing areas like Seebad Utoquai or Mythenquai
- The lake area is especially beautiful in spring and summer when locals gather to enjoy the sunshine.
Hike Uetliberg for the Best View of Zurich
For the best panoramic view of the city, head to Uetliberg Mountain. A short S-Bahn train ride (about 15 minutes) brings you to the starting point of several easy hiking trails. At the top, visitors can climb the Uto Kulm viewing tower for spectacular views across Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the Alps. In winter, the mountain becomes a popular sledding destination.
Discover Zurich’s Museums
Zurich is home to many world-class museums. Some of the most popular include:
- Kunsthaus Zürich
One of Switzerland’s most important art museums, featuring works by Monet, Picasso, Giacometti, and many others. - Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich)
A castle-like museum near the main train station that explores Swiss history from prehistoric times to modern culture. - FIFA World Football Museum
A must-see for football fans, with interactive exhibits and historic memorabilia. - Lindt Home of Chocolate
A popular attraction where visitors can learn about Swiss chocolate production and enjoy tastings.
Interactive Museums in Zurich
In recent years, Zurich has also become home to a new generation of interactive museums, where visitors actively participate in the experience rather than just observing exhibits. These museums are especially popular for families, groups of friends, and visitors looking for something different.
GamePlaza – Video Game Museum Zürich
Located in Zurich Altstetten (Badenerstrasse 569), GamePlaza is Switzerland’s first dedicated video game museum. Visitors can play their way through decades of gaming history, from classic arcade machines to modern gaming systems.
Highlights include:
- Classic arcade machines such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Street Fighter
- Home consoles ranging from Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to PlayStation 5
- PC gaming stations
- Modern virtual reality experiences
- With a single ticket, visitors enjoy two hours of unlimited gaming across dozens of machines.
- GamePlaza is especially popular with families, gamers, and tourists looking for a unique indoor activity in Zurich.
WOW Museum – Room for Illusions
Another fun interactive attraction in Zurich is the WOW Museum – Room for Illusions, located near Bahnhofstrasse in the city center. The museum focuses on optical illusions, perspective tricks, and creative installations that challenge how visitors perceive reality.
Guests can explore rooms where gravity appears to change, take photos with illusion-based installations, and experience exhibits designed to play with mirrors, colors, and visual perception. The WOW Museum is particularly popular for photo opportunities and social media friendly experiences. Together with GamePlaza, these attractions highlight Zurich’s growing scene of modern, hands-on museums.
Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is one of Europe’s most famous shopping streets. Luxury brands such as Rolex, Chanel, and Cartier line the boulevard, alongside department stores like Globus. Even if you are not planning to shop, it is worth walking along the street to experience Zurich’s elegant atmosphere. The nearby Globus food hall is a great place to try Swiss specialties.
Parks, Zoos, and Family Activities
Zurich also offers many outdoor attractions perfect for families.
- Zurich Zoo
Home to the famous Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park and the impressive Masoala rainforest hall. - Botanical Garden
A peaceful and free attraction featuring plants from around the world. - Blatterwiese Park
A lakeside park with playgrounds and great views of the Alps. - For adventurous travelers, a day trip to Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, is only about 45 minutes from Zurich.
A Sample 2-Day Zurich Itinerary
- Day 1 – Historic Zurich
- Morning: Explore Old Town and visit Grossmünster
- Afternoon: Lake Zurich promenade or boat cruise
- Evening: Dinner in Old Town and a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse
- Day 2 – Nature and Interactive Experiences
- Morning: Hike Uetliberg for panoramic views
- Afternoon: Visit GamePlaza Video Game Museum or the WOW Museum – Room for Illusions
- Evening: Walk along the Limmat River or relax at a lakeside café
Zurich’s excellent tram and train network makes it easy to move around the city.
Discover Zurich Your Way
Zurich is a city that rewards curiosity. From historic landmarks and scenic lakeside walks to modern interactive attractions, there is always something new to explore. Whether you enjoy culture, nature, shopping, or gaming, Zurich offers the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. And if you are looking for something truly different during your visit, GamePlaza invites you to play your way through the history of video games. Enjoy discovering everything Zurich has to offer.
