Known to locals and rail nerds alike as Zurich HB, this train station is Switzerland’s largest and possibly its busiest overachiever. Thanks to Zurich’s prime perch in the heart of Europe, HB has long been the continent’s commuter magnet, currently juggling over 2,000 trains a day like it’s just another Tuesday.

Nestled between the charming wrinkles of the Old Town and flanked by the Limmat and Sihl Rivers, this station even has a river running under it. Yes, the Sihl cruises through a tunnel beneath the platforms like it’s got a ticket too. And speaking of platforms, Zurich HB runs on two levels-one up top, one down below-with a fully functional shopping mall called ShopVille connecting the two.

The station’s railway roots go back to 1847, when the very first Zurich terminal linked to Baden via the Swiss Northern Railway. But as train traffic multiplied like clockwork, the city had to go big. The grand 1871 upgrade produced a neo-Renaissance beauty with soaring arches, stylish lobbies, and even a statue out front of Alfred Escher, the man who made Swiss trains cool before it was cool.

Modern tweaks followed: electrified lines in the early 1900s, computer-controlled signals in the 60s-because even old souls need fresh software. Today, Zurich HB is more than a transit point; it’s a full-blown railway cathedral with shopping, history, and a river casually flowing underneath. All aboard!

The Swiss National Museum is one of the key art museums of cultural history in the world. The museum was born out of the desire to create a national museum which would be the treasure of the young federal state of Switzerland. Nation Councilmember Salomon Vogelin proposed the construction of a national museum, and, after much debate, a site in Zurich was selected. The building that houses the museum was constructed in 1989. Gustav Gull, a Swiss architect and teacher, designed the building to look like a French Renaissance city chateau.

The museum features a wide range of art and the visitor will see a sample from ancient times and the Middle Ages up to 20th-century. Some of the more unique collections in the museum include a gothic art section, liturgical wooden sculpture, carved alters and chivalry-related art. There is also a section on the history of Switzerland that displays traditional costumes and clothing. The section on Swiss furniture design is a nice juxtaposition to the older items in the space. The museum features regularly rotating exhibits.

Why You Should Visit:
To learn about all aspects of Swiss history – from religion, demographics, archeology, industry to even topographical evolution and more.
The archaeology exhibition is particularly impressive thanks to the animated/interactive displays.

Stepping out of Zurich HB, you can't miss Station Street-Zurich’s grand catwalk for wallets with stamina and shoes built for cobblestone. This is the city’s main shopping artery, mostly reserved for pedestrians and trams, which means you’ll be dodging Gucci bags, not taxis. Lined with luxury boutiques and upscale restaurants, this is where Swiss precision meets retail therapy.

The stroll kicks off right outside the station, on Station Square, because Zurich doesn’t believe in metaphors when it comes to names. From there, Station Street marches south all the way to Lake Zurich, finishing at the ever-charming Burkli Square.

Along the way, you’ll saunter past Parade Square, the golden triangle of Swiss finance where the banks are so rich that even the pigeons have portfolios... This real estate is notoriously expensive, which is why the air here smells vaguely of money and truffle oil.

Fun fact: Station Street was born in the 1870s when Zurich’s medieval moats were filled in to make room for the modern city. In short, they replaced water defenses with window shopping-and honestly, that feels like progress.

In essence, Station Street is old Zurich’s nerve center. From here, charming streets like Rennweg and Augustinergasse twist off into postcard-perfect scenes, packed with shops, cafés, and just enough historical flair to justify your souvenir splurge.

If you need a break from luxury price tags, dive into ShopVille, the underground mall beneath the train station. It's got food, gifts, and treats for mere mortals-plus it's open on Sundays, unlike most of Zurich.

So, whenever you're in Zurich and feel like buying, browsing, or just people-watching with a pastry in hand, Station Street-the most stylish stampede of trams and shoppers in Switzerland-can deliver all of this.

Pro tips:
Trams are your best friend-so, hop on, hop off, and explore with the grace of a local who knows not to jaywalk. In winter, treat yourself to rooftop mulled wine and steaming hot chocolate. In summer, trade the boutiques for a lakeside stroll and watch the world glide by...

A symbol of quality, freshness, variety, and overall excellence, when it comes to chocolate-making, the premium manufacturer of finest handcrafted Swiss chocolate Läderach was founded in Ennenda (Switzerland) in 1962 by Rudolph Läderach. Since 2018, this family-owned business has been run by the third generation of Läderach chocolatiers, maintaining the tradition of discovery and innovation.

In 1970, Rudolf Läderach Jr. invented a revolutionary process of manufacturing thin-walled hollow balls for truffles, rendering the professional manufacture of chocolate truffles easier and significantly improving their quality, taste and texture. In 2008 the company launched a new brand “Läderach Chocolatier Suisse” timed with the opening of show confectioneries in their spacious boutiques on Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich and Spitalgasse in Bern. In 2018, Elias Läderach of the the world-famous family beat 19 international competitors to win the title of World Chocolate Masters in Paris.

The inventor of FrischSchoggi (Fresh Chocolate), MaClair, Mini Mousses and other finest premium chocolates and pralines with incomparable tastes, today Läderach stands not only for finest premium products, but also for a family-minded social responsibility, fostering ecological thinking.

All Läderach chocolates are handcrafted masterpieces made of handpicked and selected ingredients, with great passion and professional handcraft ensuring their utmost quality.

Perched above the Old Town of Zurich like a quiet, leafy crown, Lindenhof is both a park and a time machine with a view. And it's not just where the city began-it’s where the city still comes to breathe...

This peaceful hilltop was once the site of a Roman fortress, complete with ten towers and walls thick enough to make modern builders weep. The Romans got busy here in the 2nd century, but by the 9th, Louis the German decided the crumbling castle needed a royal facelift. Sadly, by the 13th century, the whole thing was abandoned, and locals did what locals do best-recycled the stones for new projects. Eco-friendly before it was cool...

And no, Zurich’s ancient swagger didn’t start with Roman togas and centurions. Long before Rome flexed its empire, Neolithic and Bronze Age folks had already claimed this hill as prime real estate. Back then, the Sihl River liked to flood the surrounding lands, and the elevated Lindenhof was the safe (and dry) bet.

Fast forward to the 1700s, and Lindenhof reinvented itself as a public park. The early crowd-pleaser, it was primarily about archery and crossbow contests that drew visitors in those days (indeed, nothing like a bit of target practice to go with your afternoon stroll...).

Nowadays, keep an eye out for the Hedwig Fountain, built in 1912 to honor one of Zurich’s boldest deceptions. During the 1292 siege by Duke Albert I, the city’s women donned full battle gear and manned the ramparts, while the men were off fighting elsewhere. The ruse worked, and Zurich lived to tell the tale. Today, Hedwig and her helmet still stand proudly in the park, thanks to sculptor Gustav Siber.

Apart from all the attractions inside, Lindenhof gives you panoramic eye-candy of Zurich’s rooftops, rivers, and lake-all in one relaxed snapshot. It’s the city’s breathing room, ideal for a pause between museum marathons and shopping sprees. Kids can run wild on the playgrounds, and for the tactically inclined, there’s an outdoor chessboard waiting to test your strategy.

Oh, and if you’re lucky, you might stumble onto a festival or event-just ask at the tourism office.

Insider tip:
Check out the replica of a Roman tombstone that first mentioned Turicum-Zurich’s name back when Latin was all the rage. The original is at the Swiss National Museum, but Lindenhof’s got its own copy for on-the-spot admiration...

Saint Peter's Church-Zurich’s oldest temple-is also, quite possibly, the city’s most punctual landmark. Built in the 9th century, this beauty has seen more centuries than your local pub’s clock has seen beers. And speaking of clocks, St. Peter’s claims the biggest clock face in all of Europe. At a whopping 8.6 meters in diameter, its minute hand alone is longer than most compact cars. No excuse for being late around here...

The church got some facelifts over the years-first in the 13th century and again in the 1700s-because, indeed, medieval landmarks deserve a little renovation every now and then. Until 1911, a firewatcher lived in the steeple, popping his head out the window four times an hour to scan for smoke. If flames were spotted, he’d wave a flag in the direction of the danger-simple, low-tech, and surprisingly effective. Thus, unlike many of its European cousins, Zurich avoided catastrophic fires. It turns out that medieval flag signals are not just for parades...

Inside the church, you’ll find a Baroque nave paired with a Romanesque choir-like architectural speed dating through the centuries. Look closely at the faded murals, and you might spot a saint lurking in the shadows. Above the pulpit, the name of God appears in Hebrew, a nod to the Reformation’s love for the Bible’s original languages. Think of it as ancient theological street cred...

Now here’s the kicker: Saint Peter’s Church has shared custody. The City of Zurich owns the tower, while the Swiss Reformed Church parish holds the rights to the bells, the belfry, and the staircase. It is, indeed, church co-parenting at its finest...

Tip for the savvy traveler: Admire it up close, but for peak Instagram potential, cross the river-the church is even prettier from a distance.

The Church of Our Lady-or Fraumünster if you're feeling Swiss about it-is easily one of Zurich’s most eye-catching landmarks, thanks to that graceful blue spire that insists on being in every skyline photo. Founded way back in 853 by Emperor Louis the German for his daughter Hildegard (talk about a royal housewarming gift), this wasn’t an average cloistered convent. No, the abbess here wasn’t just praying and gardening-she was running the show. In medieval Zurich, she held market rights, minted coins, and had a firm grip on city affairs. Basically, before Zurich was ruled by bankers in suits, it was partly governed by nuns with serious executive power.

By 874, they’d added a basilica complete with a crypt that now houses Zurich’s patron saints, Felix and Regula-because a great city can certainly benefit from a couple of martyred siblings watching over it. But the good times for the abbey came to an end in 1524 during the Reformation. The last abbess handed the keys over to the city, and most of the religious art was either taken down or..., well, aggressively removed.

Today, people come not just for the medieval intrigue, but for the stunning mashup of Gothic architecture and Baroque flair. And then-boom-the stained glass. In the 1970s, none other than Marc Chagall himself stepped in and created five towering windows for the choir. Each one tells a biblical story in bold, glowing color. The “Prophet” window is all reds and oranges and righteous fire. Across from it are “Jacob,” “Christ,” and “Zion” in cooler, gentler hues, and the “Law” window fit to impress even Moses himself.

Also remarkable is the vibrant window near the entrance by Augusto Giacometti, adding another layer of artistic prestige to the church’s interior. So now it doubles as an accidental art museum.

If you're visiting, do grab the audio guide-it’s included with the ticket and actually quite good. You’ll get the full story, minus the Latin. Entry fees vary, and remember: while photos of the interior are generally allowed, pictures of the Chagall windows are strictly prohibited. Your phone will be tempted, but resist. Oh, and be sure to bring some Swiss francs, too-they still like their cash here.

So, whether you’re into saints, stained glass, or just need a break from the Station Street, the Church of Our Lady is a peaceful detour into Zurich’s soul-with a splash of color and a whole lot of history.

Founded in 1836 by Rudolf Sprüngli, this sweet empire began churning out chocolate long before Zurich became a global banking giant (talking about priorities...). Indeed, Confiserie Sprüngli is one of the city's oldest and most luxurious confectioners, but the real showstopper here isn’t chocolate. What is, is the dainty, dangerously addictive “Luxemburgerli” macarons, invented by a homesick Luxembourger in the kitchen. These pastel treats have gone from petit four to cult status, faster than you can say “truffle overload.”

In 1892, Sprüngli’s chocolate-making arm went its own way (think conscious uncoupling, but with more cocoa) and became Lindt & Sprüngli. That’s right, the silky squares of Lindt you know and love-they’re the rebel offspring. Meanwhile, Confiserie Sprüngli stayed put, happily crafting pralines, Grand Cru truffles, and enough sugar-coated temptation to derail any diet.

Fast forward to today, and the business is still family-run, now in its sixth generation. You’ll find Sprüngli shops sprinkled around Zurich like edible jewels-inside the main train station and twice along Station Street, at No. 21 and No. 67.

But the real gem is the Parade Square café at Station Street 21. Picture this: a salon of elegance where Zurich’s high-society grandmothers sip coffee with diamond-studded discretion. Legend whispers that young bachelors used to signal their availability to the ladies by discreetly flipping their coffee spoons-a sort of edible Tinder for the silk-scarf set... Though Sprüngli’s director insists it’s just a myth born of stricter times, when the women of status had few public places to converse without raising eyebrows.

So, next time you're here, mind your spoon-just in case folklore decides to make a comeback...

Now, if Zurich’s skyline had a king of the hill, it would probably be the Great Minster-standing tall, proud, and unmistakably Romanesque. It’s one of the city’s four major churches, rubbing historic shoulders with The Church of Our Lady, Preacher's Church, and Saint Peter's Church. But this one’s got some serious theological swagger.

Legend credits none other than Emperor Charlemagne-yes, that Charles the Great-with commissioning the place. Construction kicked off around 1100, and after about 120 years of medieval bricklaying, the Great Minster was born.

But here’s where it gets spicy: in the early 1500s, this church didn’t just host sermons-it became ground zero for the Swiss-German Reformation. Huldrych Zwingli, local priest and full-time disruptor, began preaching bold new ideas in 1520. By 1523, after winning a couple of intense theological debates, Zurich officially seceded from the Pope.

Zwingli’s influence ran deep. In 1524, the interior of the Great Minster underwent a makeover-with religious imagery, altars, and even the organ stripped away. Fasting was declared optional. Mass got rewritten. Celibacy-rethought. Church music? Well… eventually it made a comeback. What’s left is a beautifully bare, historically loaded space that tells the story of faith meeting reform head-on.

And speaking of Charles the Great, you’ll spot him again as a statue perched on the southern tower-sword in hand, crown slipping stylishly off his head like a medieval mic drop. The man unified a good chunk of Europe and even lent his name to the word “king” in many languages. Not bad for a guy in stone.

Okay, the church may seem a little plain inside-but don’t let that fool you. The stained-glass windows made from sliced agate are pure magic. The Carolus Magnus statue is iconic. And the front door alone could earn its own Instagram account.

Tip:
Feeling ambitious? Climb the tower-just 180+ steps up. No lift, no turning back. But once you’re up there, the views of Zurich are unbeatable, and best of all, you can catch your breath for as long as you like.

Niederdorf Street-known to locals simply as Niederdorf, or more affectionately as Dörfli (which means "little village")-is Zurich’s cobblestoned catwalk where medieval mischief meets modern-day people-watching. Tucked into the east side of the Old Town, just across the Limmat River, this pedestrian stretch is part time machine, part open-air stage, and full-time charmer.

Back in the day, this was the artisans’ turf. Imagine hammering, shouting, bargaining, and maybe the odd scandal whispered over a barrel of ale. Many of the buildings here date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, and if you squint, you might see a medieval merchant leaning out a timbered window-or maybe it’s just a tourist in vintage Instagram mode...

Fast forward to now, and Dörfli’s still buzzing, only the tools of the trade have changed. Out are the blacksmiths, and in are the chocolate-makers, bookshop keepers, and espresso artists. During the day, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, pick up a quirky souvenir, or get delightfully lost in a narrow alley that probably leads to a surprise fountain or a tiny wine bar. By night, the whole street slips into something more comfortable-live music, clinking glasses, laughter in at least five different languages, and bars that don’t mind if you stay a little longer.

The fun starts just opposite Zurich’s main train station and runs parallel to Limmatquai-the riverside promenade one block over, where the views are breezy and the vibes are park-like. Down at the southern end, you'll spot the Great Minster-Zurich’s twin-towered Romanesque giant, looking ever so stoic, while the rest of us have fondue.

Speaking of food: Dörfli delivers too. From bubbling Swiss cheese pots to globally inspired bites, there’s plenty to keep your fork busy. And if you're lucky, a street performer or accordionist might just soundtrack your evening.

Oh, and don’t miss the Dörfli Festival in late August-Zurich's answer to “what if a whole street threw a party?” Music, food, and good vibes guaranteed.

So, go ahead-make good use of your walking shoes, follow the sound of clinking glasses, and let Niederdorf work its old-world magic on you.

The Gates of Hell, located at the Kunsthaus Zurich, stands as a significant sculptural achievement by the renowned French artist Auguste Rodin. Inspired by Dante Alighieri's "The Inferno," this monumental work delves into a dark portrayal of the afterlife, depicting various damned souls in intricate detail. With dimensions reaching six meters in height, four meters in width, and extending one meter in depth, the sculpture showcases Rodin's expertise in form and emotion.

Commissioned in 1880 by the Directorate of Fine Arts, Rodin's Gates of Hell project was expected to take five years. However, Rodin surpassed expectations, spending 37 years perfecting the composition until his death, showcasing his dedication to his craft. The bronze cast housed in Zurich, acquired by the museum in 1947, features 186 figures adorning the gate, with variations in size ranging from 15 centimeters to over a meter, each contributing to the narrative complexity.

Beyond its sheer scale and emotional resonance, the Gates of Hell holds significance for its impact on Rodin's subsequent works. Several figures from the composition were later developed into standalone sculptures, solidifying Rodin's legacy in the art world. Examples include "The Thinker," "The Kiss," "Ugolino and His Children," and "The Three Shades," showcasing Rodin's innovative approach where elements of a larger work gain individual recognition.

Various casts of the Gates of Hell are displayed worldwide, including at Stanford University in California and the Rodin Gallery in Korea, while the original plaster resides at the Rodin Museum in Paris. Its presence at the Kunsthaus Zurich provides a unique opportunity to engage with Rodin's profound interpretation of Dante's narrative, making it a pivotal work in modern sculpture studies.

Tip:
Look around at the back to see how the castings were put together. Really quite amazing!

The Zürich Opera House (Opernhaus) is a hub for culture and art in Zürich. It has been home to the Zürich Opera since its establishment in 1891 and also hosts the Bernhard-Theater Zürich and the Zürich Ballet. Its excellence in opera was recognized with the "Opera Company of the Year" award at the 2014 International Opera Awards, highlighting its impact on the global opera scene.

The roots of the Zürich Opera House date back to the Aktientheater, Zürich's first permanent theater built in 1834. Richard Wagner found refuge and artistic inspiration here during his exile from Germany. After the Aktientheater was destroyed by fire in 1890, the Stadttheater Zürich was constructed in a remarkably short span of 16 months by esteemed Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer. It was Europe's first opera house with electric lighting and symbolized a revival in architecture and culture.

Until the Bernhard Theater was built in 1925 for plays, the Zürich Opera House was the main venue for drama, opera, and music performances. Its history includes a renaming of the Zürich Opera House in 1964 and a significant renovation from 1982 to 1984, which faced local opposition and led to street riots. Despite these challenges, the opera house was beautifully restored, featuring a Neoclassical façade and a Neorococo auditorium. The busts of Weber, Wagner, Mozart, Shiller, Shakespeare, and Goethe adorn the building. The auditorium space seats over 1,200 people.

Today, the Zürich Opera House offers a variety of events, including concerts by its Philharmonia orchestra, matinees, Lieder evenings, and children's shows. Despite past challenges, it remains a cultural gem in Zürich, captivating audiences with its dynamic performances and historical charm.

Why You Should Visit:
The building itself is beautiful and part of Zurich's landscape, while the setting by the lake is just delightful.
As the theatre is rather small, you are much closer to the stage, compared to other opera houses.
Most days have no dress code, and no one really cares about the attire – another huge plus compared to other opera houses.

Burkli-Zurich’s unofficial front porch, main square, and tram central all rolled into one. If you're looking for a place where the city gently slips off its shoes and enjoys the lake breeze, this is it. With a steady hum of trams passing through, it's where urban bustle meets lakeside leisure, and somehow, they get along quite nicely.

Just to the north, under the shade of well-behaved trees, is Stadthausanlage-a leafy square that hosts some of the city’s most delicious negotiations: veggies, cheese, flowers, and bread, all vying for your attention at the local market. In the middle, a classic music pavilion nods politely to passersby, often with a soundtrack to match.

From here, Station Street marches north like a well-dressed soldier, ready to lead you straight into Zurich’s high-end shopping world-credit cards beware...

But back to Burkli Square. It’s not just the transport hub or the snack stand heaven (though the bratwurst game is strong). It is also your launch pad for scenic lake cruises and water taxis-because, yes, Zurich knows how to do traffic with style.

To the east, the elegant Quay Bridge crosses the Limmat like a well-dressed Victorian gentleman. Nearby, the Seeuferanlage lakefront park stretches out invitingly, complete with an arboretum and aviary. Nature and relaxation? Yes, and yes.

And don't miss the statue of Ganymede at the lake overlook-it’s a dramatic bronze moment of myth-meets-modernity, with the young man being whisked away by Zeus’s eagle, as you do on an average Zurich afternoon...

Just a short stroll east, you'll run into the Geiserbrunnen, a beefy 1911 sculpture by Jakob Brüllmann, where a man appears to be in intense negotiation-or maybe just wrestling-with a bull. Either way, it's got the energy of a protein bar ad.

Burkli Square is not just a place to pass through-it’s a place to pause, snack, stare at some art, and maybe catch a boat. So, linger a little. Zurich doesn’t mind...