Zurich Travel Guide

Start with a river-to-lake walk

From Zurich HB, make your way towards Lindenhof, cross into the lanes on the east bank and continue towards Bellevue. This gives you a first look at the centre without committing to a timed visit. Leave room for sitting by the water rather than treating the walk as a checklist.

On a second day, choose one direction: an art visit, Zurich-West, or a longer lake outing. A distant hotel can work well if it sits on that route. It is less useful if every meal or evening walk starts with a train back into town.

Buy the right airport ticket

Use the ZVV zone map for your accommodation's actual stop. Airport to central Zurich generally needs three fare zones because city zone 110 counts double. The published adult second-class three-zone single is CHF 7.20, valid for one hour. The fare table shows the other categories.

Enter the destination in the machine or app rather than choosing a zone count from memory. A 24-hour option is worth comparing if you will make several journeys, but only buy the coverage you need.

A short uphill trip, with a walking alternative

The Polybahn connects Central with the university area. It is included in an eligible zone 110 ticket; a separate single has its own tariff. The terrace is a useful place to pause, and you can walk up if you prefer. Check operation on the day, particularly around maintenance periods.

Keep lake time simple

A public shore walk costs nothing, but swimming facilities and boat products vary. Choose a designated bathing place, follow its rules and check whether it charges admission. River swimming is not an interchangeable alternative to a supervised pool.

For boats, use the operator's scheduled-service information and your ticket's area of validity. A dinner cruise is a different purchase. Bring a snack if you want a low-cost afternoon, and use refill points only where the water is marked or confirmed as suitable for drinking.

Before heading onwards

Zurich HB is a useful starting point for Lucerne, Basel or Lugano. Save the full connection, including the final local stop, before leaving your accommodation.