How to Spend 24 Hours in Zurich

Zurich isn’t my favorite of the Swiss cities that I’ve been to, but it does have it’s moments.

Wondering where to find them?

I only spent a day in Zurich, and here’s where we made use of our short time there:

1.     Hang around Bellevue 

 My mom and I, after a seven-hour plane ride, were itching for a cup of coffee. We hopped onto the tram from the airport, saw this quintessential Zurich view…

The classic view of Zurich from the tram; July 2018

 … and then popped into a place for a cup. 

 We realized that the area was cute; filled with shops and little picturesque places to pop a squat and soak up the surrounding mountains.

Near Bellevue Platz in Zurich, Switzerland; July 2018.

2.     Snap a picture of Zurich’s Opera House

 The Opera house is nearby. It’s not the most jaw-dropping one I’ve seen, but it’s still worth a quick shot.

Opera House in Zurich; July 2018.

3.     Take in the Scenery 

While I still preferred Lucerne, on this trip, Zurich is still Switzerland: enclosed by mountains and inevitably enchanting. Definitely take a moment to look at what’s around you, people watch, and breathe in the florals.

View of Fraumünster Church in Zurich, Switzerland in July 2018.

4.     Enjoy a café 

Never been to Switzerland? Sit down and enjoy the famous fondue. Just be prepared to pay through the roof prices. Even though you’ve only got 24 hours, I think Zurich has some good places to eat, as it’s a bigger Swiss city.

One of the many adorable places you can sit at in Zurich.

 A fancy plant-based place I can recommend is Martkuche. Is expensive, but one of those places that’s fun to try – and I think worthwhile to try if you’ve only got a day in Zurich.

5.     Buy some Swiss Chocolate while you can

Take it from me: one of my biggest travel tips is to never buy something from a gift store that you could get from the grocery store for a fraction of the price… and it’s usually the exact same thing, or better.

I’ve brought back lots of Swiss chocolate bars for my mom during my travels, but this one, Ragusa, has remained her favorite. 

Never shop for Swiss Chocolate in gift shops; go to the grocery store for the stuff that they eat… and you’ll also get more bang for your buck. In Switzerland, a country notorious for being so expensive, that matters!

6.     Climb up Lindenhof

 This is without a doubt the most beautiful, and easily accessible view of Zurich. The clock towers, the teal water, the mountains… if you only have 24 hours in Zurich, pleeeaassseee make sure this one is at the top of your list.

View from Lindenhof in July 2018

And there you have it: my top picks if you’ve only got 24 hours in Zurich. If you’re looking for other things to do in Switzerland, click here.