Is Zurich Worth Visiting? Best Things to Do in Zurich Switzerland

Is Switzerland safe for solo female travelers? In this week’s Solo Girls Guide, my friend Anna from Expert World Travel has created the ultimate Switzerland solo travel guide. Anna shares everything from the best things to do in Zurich in one day to lodging recommendations and safety tips!

There are many can’t-miss Switzerland solo travel experiences—from nature and architecture to history and food, there are endless fun things to do in Zurich. Perched on the shores of Lake Zurich, this city is the perfect blend of urban life and the outdoors. It’s also solo-traveler-friendly with brightly lit streets, convenient transportation, and many things to do day and night. If you’re wondering, “Is Zurich safe for solo female travelers?” Anna will answer all your questions about safety.

Regardless of how long you stay in Switzerland, you’ll never run out of things to do in Zurich.

Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress. 
Best Zurich Tours: Click here to check out the top Zurich tours
Best Zurich Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Zurich
Best Zurich Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Zurich

Why is Zurich Worth Visiting?

Zurich has much to offer for couples, families, and friend groups, but it’s an ideal destination for solo travelers. With an efficient public transportation system and walkable city structure, Zurich is easy to navigate and quickly familiarize yourself. Walking is one of my favorite ways to explore a new city, and Zurich is the perfect place. There are Zurich accommodations for all budgets and travel preferences, which makes it an affordable place to visit. Of course, you can’t miss all the fun and unique things to do in Zurich!

Best Things to Do in Zurich Switzerland

1. Join a Walking Tour

The easiest, best, and cheapest way to get your bearings is a free walking tour around Zurich. There are many options, and you’ll see other tourists sightseeing the city’s most important landmarks. Tours usually take around two hours, so bring water and snacks. They are an excellent option for a quick overview of the city and mark places you want to return to and explore further.

2. Hike to the Top of the Uetliberg

One of the most scenic things to do in Zurich in one day is hike to the top of Uetliberg. This Zurich mountain rises 2,850 feet above sea level and is accessible via train (tram N°13 towards Albisgüetli) or trekking from Triemli (tram or train stop).

There are two well-marked paths you can take. Take the Laternenpfad Trail for a relatively easy hike—it’s steep but leads directly through the forest to the lookout. For a physical challenge, opt for the Denzlerweg Trail. While this path also goes into the forest, it utilizes several stairs and a ladder-and-chain setup to get over the final rock. If you want a more relaxed excursion, take the train to Ringlikon. From there, it’s a gentle 40-minute climb to the overlook.

Whichever way you decide, the paths are marked and relatively well-lit for an evening hike. The only hiking equipment I recommend is a good pair of sturdy shoes or boots. At the top, you’ll see fantastic city, lake, and mountain views. Don’t forget your camera!

3. Go Ice Skating

Switzerland has many fun summer activities, but some of the best things to do in Zurich occur during winter. Winter in Switzerland means one thing: snow sports. Many tourists hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding, but ice skating is a less strenuous option that’s just as fun. There are several ice skating rinks in Zurich—some are open year-round, while others are seasonal.

4. Explore Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich is a can’t-miss sight—strolling along the banks is a breathtaking experience. You can try several physical activities here, like stand-up paddling, wakeboarding, and boating. I suggest visiting some of the nearby swimming baths. Visit Bade Enge and wait until dark when it turns into a bar.

Several restaurants are ideally situated to enjoy magnificent lake views while munching on excellent food. One of the most popular picks is Lake Side at Zurihorn. To keep things simple and more budget-friendly, lay out a blanket and have a small picnic while watching the sunset.

5. Visit Bahnhofstrasse

Home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world, Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse neighborhood is lined with exclusive, high-end stores. From the world’s top designers to private boutique brands, Bahnhofstrasse is the shopping mecca of Zurich. Expect to drop a pretty penny shopping here—save money by strolling down the street to admire the architecture and window displays without going into any shops. It’s interesting to see the latest luxury fashion and possibly find a fancy souvenir from your trip.

6. Learn Local History at the Swiss National Museum

I highly suggest spending several hours at the Landesmuseum, the Swiss National Museum, to see some of Switzerland’s most significant art collections. You’ll see fascinating and educational displays of prehistoric paintings, artifacts, and sculptures. If museum-hopping is your thing, you’ll have no trouble finding things to do in Zurich in one day since the city is famous for its museums and art galleries.

7. Walk Through Old Town

Every city in Switzerland has a unique historic area, and Zurich’s Old Town is split in two by the Limmat River, which leads out of Lake Zurich. The western bank, Lindenhof, is most famous for Lindenhof Hill, a public park with jaw-dropping views.

On the east bank are Brunnenturm and Napfgasse, built in the late Middle Ages. These areas are lined with charming cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings. Another popular destination is Niederdorf, a pedestrian zone with daytime shops day and nighttime bars. Whether you want a one-of-a-kind culinary experience or a cup of coffee to enjoy while people-watching, Old Town has something for everyone.

8. Wander Around the Historic Churches

Zurich has many picturesque churches boasting impressive architecture. The most famous landmark is the Grossmunster, which is said to have been built atop the city’s patron saints, Felix and Regula. There’s also the Fraumunster, sometimes called the Women’s Church. It features five stained glass windows in the chancel created by March Chagall, offering a visual feast. You can also visit St. Peter Kirche, the city’s oldest Parish church.

Zurich Nightlife

Zurich comes alive after dark, and the city has excellent nightlife for solo travelers. The city has some of the hottest nightclubs in Switzerland, from intimate, exclusive bars to massive venues open until dawn. Zurich nightclubs are known to be relatively safe, depending on how hard you plan to party. Crowds get rowdy later into the night—if you want to hit up the more popular clubs, go with friends.

If you’re not interested in a wild night, the best way to enjoy Zurich nightlife is with a cocktail from one of the many rooftop bars along Lake Zurich. Places like Bauschänzli and Barfussbar offer excellent views of the lake and Alps alongside tasty food and cocktails.

You can also spend your evening at outdoor pools along Lake Zurich, which transform into low-key lounges after sunset. I recommend Rimini Bar or Seebad Enge, some of the best in the city, at any time of day.

Take a sunset cruise on the lake or Limmat River for a relaxing, romantic night in Zurich. These tours usually include meals, beginning in the late afternoon, just before the golden hour.

Getting Around Zurich

You’ll never have problems navigating Zurich, as Switzerland is famous for its straightforward public transportation. The local transport system website has all the tram, bus, and rail network schedules and information. If you’re visiting other countries, consider the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you access to almost every option imaginable. Given how costly rail travel is in Switzerland, it’s worth checking out.

You can also find many bike rental stores around Zurich. Since many places in Zurich are walkable, riding a bike makes things easier and much more fun. Also, watch for “Züri rollt” stations, which offer free bikes. There’s a 20 CHF deposit, and you’ll need to present a valid ID—you can’t reserve them in advance, so try to arrive at the stations early. You can’t go biking all night, though, since most stations close by 9:30 p.m.

Public transport stays open until late on weekends, but hiring an Uber is easy. While ridesharing is more expensive than other options, it’s the safest and most convenient option after a night of partying.

Walking around Zurich is pretty simple and safe, even at night. Some areas, such as Langstrasse and Hardbrucke, are lined with bars and clubs, making them rowdy places. While Zurich is one of the safest cities you can visit alone, humans are unpredictable, so it’s best not to walk alone late at night.

Getting From Zurich Airport to the City Center

Getting from the Zurich airport to the city center is very easy with public transportation, and there are several options of varying costs. Here are the different ways to travel from the airport to downtown Zurich.

1. Taxi

If you are in a rush and don’t want to handle public transport, take a taxi from the airport to the Zurich city center. The ride is usually about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. There are marked taxi ranks at Arrivals 1 and 2, and you can expect to pay around 50–70 CHF. You may have to pay an extra fee if you have a lot of luggage. Because of this, taxis in Zurich can get pricey.

2. Airport Train

This is the fastest way to get from the airport to downtown Zurich during rush hour. The airport trains run every five to 10 minutes from Zurich Airport to Zurich Main Station. Rides are available daily from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. S-Bahn lines S2 and S16 will also take you to Zurich Main Station in 10 minutes. A single ticket usually costs 6.80 CHF for adults.

3. Hotel Shuttle Bus

If you have booked a hotel in Zurich, confirm if they provide a complimentary shuffle bus service. Many do, so it is always worth asking!

Best Area to Stay in Zurich First Time Visiting

Zurich offers many accommodation options for a wide range of budgets. However, “budget” accommodations in Zurich are still expensive compared to other countries. Several great Airbnb homes and apartments offer a more unique city stay. These lodging options are stylish and modern, making them a pricier choice. Hostels are great options to meet like-minded adventurers if you’re traveling alone and want to make friends.

Want money off your first Airbnb booking? Click here.

Claire: If you are backpacking in Switzerland you should check out these Swiss Alps Villages, so cool!

LADYs First Hotel is a trendy and comfortable place for female tourists. Although men can book rooms, specific facilities, such as the wellness center, are women-only.

Another all-female accommodation pick is Josephine’s Guesthouse. Josephine’s offers night and monthly room rates in the heart of the city. They also offer women in emergencies a safe place to stay, making it an inviting and trustworthy option.

LADYs First and Josephine’s Guesthouse are run by the same management. They also have a budget-friendly accommodation called Hotel Marta in Zähringerstrasse. The rooms are modern and stylish, with minimalist interiors, and breakfast is included in the rates.

Other nice hotels:

Hotel Alexander Zurich Old Town
Opera Hotel Zürich
Zurich Youth Hostel

Is Zurich Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Few places are considered safer than Zurich—even the city’s “worst” areas, including the red light district, are pretty safe. Zurich locals are very law-abiding, respectful, and generally helpful. During your Switzerland solo travel experience, you will be comfortable and confident navigating the city.

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings to avoid dangerous situations. While wearing expensive accessories or cameras won’t turn many heads in Zurich, I suggest keeping them hidden and being mindful of your belongings. Zurich is safe, but the city isn’t 100% crime-free.

When walking around the city, you must have some form of identity on you, as Swiss law requires. Instead of carrying around your passport, make a copy to use with another form of identification, like a driver’s license. This way, you won’t worry about misplacing your passport. If you’re a student, it’s also good to bring your school ID for discounts.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?

The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Zurich Travel Guide Planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Zurich?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Europe which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Europe on Amazon here.

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Zurich?

I strongly recommend using Bookaway. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Zurich?

I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack. 

Best Things to Do in Zurich Switzerland: Final Thoughts

Zurich and Switzerland are very safe places for solo travelers to visit year-round. Regardless of age, race, or gender, everyone can find fun things to do in Zurich. Is Switzerland safe for solo female travelers? Yes! Taking a trip to Zurich is comfortable and easy. From the exceptional accommodations and transportation to the endless outdoor adventures and areas to explore, Zurich is a phenomenal city.

Anna’s Bio

Anna was born to explore, having studied languages all her life. Although she has traveled the world, she now calls Switzerland home and writes about her experiences on her travel blog with her husband.

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