If you are planning a trip to Zurich, this guide highlights 10 places worth visiting, with GamePlaza proudly placed at number one. For each destination, we also include how to get there and the best time to visit when it is usually more crowded or quieter.
1. GamePlaza – Zurich’s Interactive Video Game Museum
GamePlaza is our top recommendation because it offers something different from traditional sightseeing. Located at Badenerstrasse 569, 8048 Zürich, on the first floor, GamePlaza is an interactive video game museum where visitors can discover the history of gaming through hands-on play. The museum is especially suitable for families, gamers, and tourists who want an indoor activity in Zurich with a playful and nostalgic atmosphere.
How to go there:
the easiest option is public transport. GamePlaza is about a 5-minute walk from Tram 2 or Bus 89, stop “Kappeli.” If you come by car, parking is available at Parkhaus Letzipark or Buckhauserstrasse 36 Parking, but public transport is strongly recommended because parking is limited.
Best time to visit:
GamePlaza is usually quieter on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, while Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday, weekends, and school holidays tend to be busier. Tickets are time-based and valid from the full hour, and the number of visitors per time slot is limited, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
2. Old Town (Altstadt)
Zurich’s Old Town is one of the city’s most atmospheric districts, full of narrow lanes, historic buildings, cafés, and river views. It is the kind of place where visitors can feel the city’s medieval charm while still being in the heart of modern Zurich. Walking here gives a strong impression of the city’s history and urban character.
How to go there:
Altstadt is easy to reach on foot from central Zurich, and it is also accessible by tram from many parts of the city. Many visitors start their walk near the Limmat River and continue into the inner lanes.
Best time to visit:
the quietest and most photogenic time is usually in the morning, while pre-sunset offers beautiful light but slightly more people. Weekdays are generally calmer than weekends, when the area becomes much more active with tourists and local visitors.
3. Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is one of the city’s most relaxing and scenic places, with open water, walking paths, and a calm lakeside atmosphere. It is ideal for those who want fresh air, a boat ride, or a peaceful break from city sightseeing. The lake adds an important natural side to Zurich’s urban identity.
How to go there:
the lake is centrally located and easy to reach from many parts of the city by tram, train, or on foot depending on which lakeside section you want to visit. The promenade areas are especially convenient for visitors staying in central Zurich.
Best time to visit: early morning and weekday afternoons are usually quieter, while sunny weekends and late afternoons are more crowded. Warm weather brings more local activity, so expect more people during summer and on public holidays.
4. Grossmünster
Grossmünster is one of Zurich’s most famous landmarks, known for its twin towers and strong historical presence. The church is an important symbol of the city and offers both cultural significance and architectural interest. It is a must-see for travelers who want to understand Zurich’s historical identity.
How to go there:
Grossmünster is located in the Old Town area and can be reached easily on foot from central Zurich or by tram to the nearby city center stops. Many visitors include it as part of a walking route through Altstadt.
Best time to visit:
mornings are usually quieter, especially on weekdays, while midday and weekend hours tend to be busier with sightseeing traffic. If you want a calmer experience, arrive early before the main tourist flow begins.
5. Fraumünster
Fraumünster is another iconic Zurich church and is especially admired for its stained-glass windows and elegant interior. It offers a more refined and artistic experience than many visitors expect from a city church. This makes it an excellent stop for anyone interested in art, architecture, and Swiss heritage.
How to go there:
Fraumünster is also in the central Old Town area and is easily reached on foot from Bahnhofstrasse, the river, or nearby tram stops. It is often visited together with Grossmünster because both are in the same sightseeing zone.
Best time to visit:
the quietest time is usually in the morning on weekdays, while later in the day and during tourist season it becomes more active. Since it is often included in city walking routes, expect more visitors around lunch hours.
6. Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s most famous shopping street and one of the most elegant boulevards in Europe. It is lined with luxury boutiques, department stores, cafés, and banks, making it a good place for both shopping and sightseeing. Even if you do not plan to buy anything, the street is worth seeing for its polished city atmosphere.
How to go there:
Bahnhofstrasse begins near Zurich Main Station and stretches into the city center, so it is very easy to reach by train, tram, or on foot. Most visitors can simply walk there from central accommodations or from the Old Town.
Best time to visit:
weekday mornings are usually quieter, while Saturday afternoons and holiday periods are the busiest. If you prefer a more relaxed stroll and easier access to shop windows and cafés, visit earlier in the day.
7. Lindenhof
Lindenhof is a peaceful hilltop area in the middle of Zurich that offers open views over the city and a quiet place to rest. It has a calm atmosphere that makes it feel different from the busy streets below. Visitors often enjoy it as a short but rewarding stop during an Old Town walk.
How to go there:
Lindenhof is best reached on foot from the Old Town and central Zurich because it is part of the historic city core. It works well as a short uphill stop during a self-guided walking route.
Best time to visit:
mornings and late afternoons are usually the most pleasant, with fewer people and softer light for photos. It is generally calmer than major tourist streets, but it can still get busier around sunset.
8. Uetliberg
Uetliberg is Zurich’s local mountain and one of the best places in the city for panoramic views. It offers hiking trails, forest paths, and lookout points that give visitors a fresh perspective on Zurich and the Alps. For travelers who enjoy nature and photography, it is a highly recommended destination.
How to go there:
Uetliberg is typically reached by train from Zurich, followed by a short walk to the viewpoints and trail areas. It is one of the easiest nature escapes from the city center.
Best time to visit:
early morning is best if you want a quieter experience and clearer views, while weekends and clear sunset hours can be much busier. Good weather naturally attracts more visitors, especially in spring and summer.
9. Kunsthaus Zürich
Kunsthaus Zürich is one of the most important art museums in Switzerland and a major cultural stop in the city. Its collection includes Swiss and international works, making it attractive for art lovers and first-time visitors alike. It adds an educational and thoughtful dimension to any Zurich itinerary.
How to go there:
the museum is located in central Zurich and is easy to reach by tram or on foot from the Old Town and Bahnhofstrasse area. Its central position makes it convenient to combine with other city attractions.
Best time to visit:
weekday mornings are usually quieter and better for a slower visit, while weekends and special exhibitions draw larger crowds. If you want more space and a calmer museum experience, avoid peak weekend hours.
10. Zurich Zoo
Zurich Zoo is a popular destination for families and anyone who enjoys wildlife and conservation. It offers a well-designed visitor experience with educational value and a wide variety of animals. The zoo provides a different pace from central Zurich and is a good addition for a full-day city trip.
How to go there:
Zurich Zoo is reachable by public transport from the city center, and many visitors use tram connections to get there comfortably. It is a straightforward destination for half-day or full-day planning.
Best time to visit:
weekdays are usually quieter, especially in the morning, while weekends, school holidays, and warm weather days tend to be busier. Families often visit during midday, so early arrival helps avoid the largest crowds.
Why Zurich Works So Well
Zurich is special because it gives travelers variety without making the city feel overwhelming. You can spend one day enjoying history, another day by the lake, and another day at GamePlaza for an interactive indoor experience. That balance is exactly why Zurich remains one of the most attractive city destinations in Switzerland.
From GamePlaza’s perspective, Zurich is not only about traditional sightseeing. It is also about discovering places that are fun, memorable, and worth sharing with friends or family. That is why a visit to Zurich feels complete only when it includes both the city’s classic landmarks and a playful stop like GamePlaza.
