Canton of Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich

Zurich's old town lines both banks of the Limmat river where it leaves Lake Zurich, with medieval lanes, church towers, guild houses and some of Switzerland's best chocolate shops.

Zurich: Zurich Historic District Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour
Featured walk: Zurich Historic District Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and a global banking centre. It has been a city since Roman times, and its old town is small and well kept.

The old town and the lakeside promenades are all within easy walking distance of the main station, and trams fill in the gaps.

What makes Zurich distinctive

  • The twin towers of the Grossmünster
  • Chagall windows in the Fraumünster
  • Lakeside promenades
  • Swiss chocolate and cheese

Walking tours in Zurich

Hand-picked guided walks in Zurich, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 29 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: History walks in Zurich

Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Niederdorf

    The old town east of the river, with lanes, bars and restaurants.

  • Lindenhof area

    The quieter old town west of the river.

  • Seefeld

    Lakeside villas and parks.

  • Zurich West

    A former industrial district of bars and design shops.

Free self-guided walk

Old town, from the station to the Grossmünster

A free self-guided walk from Zurich's main station through Lindenhof and past St Peter's and the Fraumünster, then across the river to the Grossmünster and Niederdorf.

2.1 km · 6 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Old town

    From the main station via Lindenhof and St Peter's to the Fraumünster and across to the Grossmünster.

  2. Niederdorf

    Along Niederdorfstrasse and its side lanes.

  3. Lake promenade

    Along the lake from Bürkliplatz to Zürichhorn park.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Mostly flat by the river; the lanes up to Lindenhof and the university are steep.

  • Prices

    Zurich is one of the world's most expensive cities.

  • Weather

    Warm summers and cold, grey winters.

When to visit

  • Summer

    Lake swimming and outdoor bars.

  • April

    Sechseläuten, a spring festival where a snowman figure is burned.

  • December

    Christmas markets in the station and old town.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Zurich Airport is about 10 to 15 minutes from the main station by train.

  • By rail

    Fast trains run across Switzerland and to Germany, Austria, Italy and France.

Local transport

  • Trams

    Frequent trams cover the centre; many hotels give guests a free transport pass.

Questions travellers ask about Zurich

How many days do I need in Zurich?

One or two days covers the old town, the lake and a museum.

Is Zurich walkable?

Yes. The old town and the lake are a short walk from the main station.

Can you swim in Lake Zurich?

Yes. In summer the city has lake and river bathing spots.

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Country overview

Switzerland

Lakeside old towns and chocolate shops

Explore destinations

Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.