Things to Do in Zurich

A raised, tree-lined square on the site of a Roman fort and later a medieval imperial palace. The main draw is the view over the old town, the Limmat river, and the Grossmünster church.

🕐 Always open

💡 Go early on a weekday morning to get a bench facing the river before the crowds and chess players arrive.

One of Europe's major art museums. The ground-floor permanent collection of Swiss art from the 15th to 19th centuries is free to enter (no ticket needed) and includes works by Fuseli and Hodler.

🕐 Tue–Wed 10:00–18:00, Thu 10:00–20:00, Fri–Sun 10:00–18:00, closed Mon

💡 The free area is limited to the first floor galleries only; the paid upper floors hold the modern masters. Spend 30–45 minutes here, then walk the short distance to Niederdorf for lunch.

Interactive museum dedicated to football history, with exhibits on World Cup trophies, iconic matches, and memorabilia. Entry is 24 CHF, but the ground-floor shop and free mini-exhibition area are open to all.

🕐 Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun 10:00–17:00, closed Mon

💡 To skip the ticket cost, enter via the main lobby and walk straight to the 'Football Planet' zone on the ground floor — it has interactive games and a replica trophy for photos. Avoid the overpriced café.

A museum of non-European art housed in three villas set in a rippling park with mature trees. The 4 CHf permanent collection fee is waived on Wednesdays, and the park itself is free always. Notable for its African and Asian sculpture.

🕐 Museum open Wed 10:00–17:00 (free), otherwise 10:00–17:00 Tue–Sun, closed Mon. Park open daily until dusk.

💡 Go on a Wednesday for free entry to the permanent galleries, then wander the park's winding paths down to the pond. The tram no. 7 from Bellevue drops you at the gate.

A calm, classical Chinese garden on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich, gifted by Zurich's sister city Kunming. Small but beautifully composed with water features, pavilions, and bonsai trees.

🕐 Apr–Oct 09:00–18:30 (closes earlier in shoulder months)

💡 Costs 4 CHF entry. Best on a sunny afternoon when the light hits the red pavilion. Pair it with a lakeside walk along the Seepromenade.