Is Zurich Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Your Swiss Vacation Should Include This City

You dream of a Swiss getaway, complete with mountain vistas, adorable chalets and all the cheese and chocolate you can eat. Where, then, does a cosmopolitan experience fit into your adventure?

For many, Zurich is simply a place to land before exploring whimsical Swiss villages. There's far more to Zurich than its airport, however, and if you neglect to explore this city in all its glory, you'll miss out on a major piece of Switzerland's culture.

Founded by Romans (and once known as Turicum), Zurich became a free city in the early 1200s, able to govern itself. This independent streak has remained strong, along with the city's heritage as a key center of trade and culture. The city's fascinating history is etched in every neighborhood, with medieval and Renaissance architecture prominently featured in the Old Town and beyond.

Today, Zurich is Switzerland's financial hub, not to mention, a fascinating cultural center that captures a distinct side of the Swiss experience. It provides the perfect way to begin or cap off your dream Switzerland adventure.

Zurich may be the largest city in Switzerland, and yet, it still doesn't receive the love it deserves from travelers. Many simply pass through on their way to smaller, but better-known towns like Lucerne, Grindelwald or Zermatt. This would be a mistake, however, and Zurich boasts a cosmopolitan feel that's often lacking in other Swiss cities and is a top experience for every vacation in Switzerland.

Here are some of the top reasons to take a trip to Zurich during your vacation in Switzerland:

Getty Images / imageBROKER/Moritz Wolf

Spend a day meandering the cobblestone walkways in the heart of Zurich. You will stumble upon unexpectedly beautiful displays, like the Giacometti Frescos at the city police headquarters entrance and the colorful houses along Augustinergasse.

Other highlights include the historic town hall, the twin-towered Grossmünster cathedral and the trendy shops of the Limmatquai. If you want to learn even more about the Old Town and its architecture, be sure to book a guided tour.

Getty Images / Ed Lallo

If you truly want to understand what makes Switzerland unique, you'll dedicate several hours to the National Museum Zurich. The building itself is stunning, but the real treasures lie inside, where you can spend all day learning about Switzerland's fascinating history.

Interactive exhibits are plentiful, with a family-friendly exhibit taking you on a "magic carpet ride through history." Other exhibits include items from prehistoric times, with the "Simply Zurich" section promising a multimedia experience made possible by state-of-the-art technology.

Getty Images / Ed Lallo

As Switzerland's largest art museum, Zurich's Kunsthaus promises to spark curiosity, introducing you to artistic works spanning over 800 years. From Impressionist to contemporary works, this vast museum has something to please every type of art enthusiast. Many iconic artists' works are represented here, including Van Gogh and Monet.

Kunsthaus may be the largest art museum in the area, but it's not the only local source of artistic inspiration. If you have time to spare, stop by the beautiful Museum Rietberg, where you'll find a wide range of artifacts on display within a historic villa. You're also welcome to wander the surrounding Rieterpark, where you'll find plenty of flowers and even a statue of Richard Wagner.

Getty Images / joe daniel price

The elevated plaza known as the Lindenhof promises a relaxing experience, complete with expansive city views and plenty of shade. This historically significant site was once home to a Roman fort, and later, the palace of Charlemagne's grandson. What's more, the Helvetic Constitution oath was sealed at the Lindenhof in 1798.

These days, the Lindenhof inspires relaxation and reflection. It's adjacent to a sizable children's playground and also located near several of Zurich's finest shops and restaurants. This is the perfect place to take a break during a busy day and simply enjoy Zurich's lovely views and distinct atmosphere.

Getty Images / Mel Yates

It's no secret that chocolate is a big deal in Switzerland. This is where milk chocolate originated, and to this day, many prominent chocolatiers remain committed to this tiny country. World-class chocolates are readily available at any grocery store, with many vacationers gravitating towards local chains like Coop or Migros because they're so easy to navigate.

You may be familiar with Lindt, but it's worth branching out and trying local specialties. If you prefer an upscale chocolate experience, stop by local favorites like Bachmann, Läderach or Max Chocolatier. You can check out several chocolate hot spots while taking a guided tour. This is the ultimate souvenir, so don't forget to purchase a few extra chocolates for loved ones.

Getty Images / Naris Visitsin

Zurich may not be Switzerland's most mountainous area, but there are still local peaks worth exploring. The most easily accessible is Uetliberg, which has been referred to as "Zurich's very own mountain." The mountain's viewing tower includes a gorgeous observation deck, where you can pause to take pictures or simply enjoy the scenery.

This area is best explored while hiking, with the Planetenweg, in particular, providing a memorable trek. This planet-themed trail is a family favorite, demonstrating the vastness of the solar system with to-scale models of all the planets.

Looking to avoid the Uetliberg crowds? During a busy weekend, you may find a more serene experience at the lesser-known Käferberg. This wooded mountain may be small, but its trails are downright beautiful. Playgrounds and gardens make this an especially family-friendly hiking area.

Getty Images / Lighthouse Films

Soccer is a big deal in Switzerland and its legacy is thoroughly celebrated at the FIFA Museum, which highlights the cultural impact of the sport across the globe. The museum's most visually impressive exhibit is arguably the collection of uniforms known as the "Rainbow," where club shirts are arranged by color.

Soccer enthusiasts are even more entranced by the timeline, which traces the sport's history and reveals how the rules of the game have changed over time. The FIFA World Cup Gallery brings one of the most important sporting events to life, while the pinball area brings an interactive element to the museum.

Getty Images / Elena Popova

Spend a delightful day at Zurich's zoo, which is downright enchanting. This well-maintained zoo features expansive and stunning habitats, which, although requiring quite a bit of walking, are a delight to explore.

Different sections reflect various geographic regions, such as grasslands or the rain forest. The elephant house is a definite highlight, even offering underwater views that reveal what it looks like when Asiatic elephants go swimming. The Zoolino provides the ultimate petting zoo experience, including memorable encounters with pigs and pygmy goats.

Zoo Zurich can draw a crowd, so check schedules, look ahead and purchase tickets ahead of time.

Getty Images / Luis Alvarez

Chocolate may be the ultimate Swiss souvenir, but if you're intrigued by local fashion, you can't go wrong with a visit to the unique mall known as ShopVille. Housed in a train station, this bustling center offers a fun shopping experience spanning three floors and hundreds of shops. Search for comfy sleepwear at Calida, cosmetics at KIKO Milano or books at Orell Fusli.

Additional shopping opportunities can be found at Sihlcity, which occupies a former paper mill and remains architecturally intriguing to this day. Sihlcity is known, in part, for its sizable movie theater and for the concert space known as Papiersaal. Retail highlights include recreational items at Ochsner Sport, trendy clothing at ANOUK and adorable children's items at Okaidi.

Getty Images / Achim Thomae

Plan your excursions carefully and don't assume that, because Switzerland is small, you can turn any outing into a day trip; due to the mountains, routes aren't always as direct as you might assume. The rail journey is just as entertaining as any attractions you'll explore upon arrival.

Getty Images / imageBROKER/Markus Mainka

Zurich's world-class transportation is worth experiencing simply because it's so impressive. The trains operated by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are not only immaculate, but also punctual and downright comfy. These trains make getting around Zurich (and Switzerland) simple. In fact, due to parking complications, it's generally better to stick with public transit.

Even seemingly remote destinations on the outskirts of the city are easily reached via transit. This includes not only Switzerland's legendary trains, but also a vast tram network, along with buses, bikes and easily walkable neighborhoods.

If you plan on exploring other parts of Switzerland, invest in a Swiss Travel Pass, which grants the ultimate in travel flexibility. With the right travel pass, you can step on and off the trains and even gondolas at your leisure.

Getty Images / Markus Gebauer Photography

Zurich is a year-round wonderland, and ultimately, the 'right' time to visit comes down to your personal priorities and your aesthetic vision. Keep in mind that, while snow-covered beauty can be expected throughout much of Switzerland, winter tends to be comparatively dark and dreary in Zurich.

Still, local festivals and events may make a wintertime visit feel worthwhile, especially if you plan a holiday getaway. The Christmas markets, although not as well-known as legendary markets in Germany, are still worth exploring, promising a festive atmosphere and plenty of yuletide excitement.

Depending on the year, February or March brings the quirks of ZüriCarneval to the heart of Zurich, bringing an urban element to Switzerland's beloved Carnival or Fasnacht festivities.

In early spring, Zurich offers a nice alternative to the often muddy Swiss villages, where favorite hikes may remain off-limits, but skiing conditions may no longer be ideal. This is when Zurich comes alive with floral displays, with cherry blossoms taking over Rieterpark and Villa Patumbah. Summer is a busy time, offering endless swimming and boating opportunities along with open-air music.

Feeling inspired? By now, you should know why a trip to Zurich is worthwhile, you just need to clarify how to plan your dream getaway. AAA has all the answers so you can get started.

As the European Union places greater restrictions on visitors outside the Schengen Area, extra steps are required beyond simply obtaining a passport. Starting in 2026, many vacationers will need to navigate the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Thankfully, the application can easily be completed online.

Set aside those Euros and prepare to adapt to a different currency system; in Switzerland, payments involve the franc (CHF). That being said, you won't need cash most of the time; while this is sometimes necessary in remote Swiss villages, nearly any business in Zurich will accept credit cards.

Switzerland can have high prices. These can be difficult to escape; you'll quickly notice that, compared to neighboring countries such as Austria or Italy, the prices for food or accommodations feel unusually high.

The good news? At times, Zurich can feel downright affordable compared to other Swiss destinations. Many of the best activities (such as hiking) are free of charge or covered with the Swiss Travel Pass. You can also score AAA discounts on many travel essentials, allowing for a surprisingly affordable Swiss getaway.

Zurich may not offer the charming chalet experiences you expect from a Swiss vacation, but its immaculate hotels and other accommodations are appealing in their own right. Many offer helpful amenities such as full kitchens or swimming pools, which are less common outside of the big city.

Many people select hotels based on location, but in Zurich, every neighborhood has its own unique appeal. Access to the Old Town is always appealing, although some of Zurich's most beautiful hotels are situated further to the south, along the sparkling Lake Zurich. Options worth exploring include:

Getty Images / svjetlana

Cheese and chocolate attract all the attention, but when you crave a hearty meal, you can look to Zurich's restaurants to deliver distinctly Swiss flavors and dining traditions. Fondue is one of the nation's best-known culinary exports, and, in Zurich, you'll find no shortage of opportunities to sample this memorable delicacy.

Also worth trying: an alpine dish known as raclette, which features rich melted cheese atop boiled potatoes. The local delicacy rösti brings a crispier approach to serving potatoes. These dishes have alpine associations but are strongly represented in Zurich. For a more Zurich-specific meal, however, you will want to order Geschnetzeltes, which features veal and a creamy sauce.

Zurich cuisine certainly isn't limited to Swiss delicacies; fusion restaurants are common here, as are Italian-inspired eats. These can be enjoyed at the Giesserei, which occupies a former warehouse. Highlights at the Giesserei include gazpacho and risotto. If you crave Mediterranean cuisine, look no further than Med D'Oro, which offers wonderfully fresh salads and ceviche.

If you’re inspired to start planning a Swiss vacation, make sure you talk to the AAA Travel experts. They can help you find the accommodations you want, plan an itinerary and much more.

Whether you’re traveling halfway around the world or just down the road, if you’re a AAA member, you can get exclusive discounts on lodging, rental cars and a whole lot more.