When is the best time to visit Zurich?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Winter offers Christmas markets, while the stunning Swiss summer brings lakeside fun.

What is the weather like in Zurich?

Average summer highs are around 75°F (24°C), while winter can drop to 30°F (-1°C). Rain is possible year-round, so pack layers.

What currency is used in Zurich?

The Swiss franc (CHF). While some places accept euros, expect change in francs.

What adaptor do I need for Zurich?

Switzerland uses Type C and Type J plugs, 230V supply. Bring a universal adapter if traveling from the US, UK, or Australia.

Do you tip in Zurich?

Service is usually included. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for excellent service is appreciated but not mandatory.

How many days in Zurich is enough?

2–3 days covers highlights like Old Town, museums, and Lake Zurich. Stay longer to add day trips to Lucerne or the Rhine Falls.

Is public transport free in Zurich?

No, but the Zurich Card offers unlimited rides on trams, buses, and trains, plus discounts on attractions.

What are some free things to do in Zurich?

Walk the Old Town, visit Lindenhof, or hike Uetliberg. Many churches, including Grossmünster, are free to enter.

Do I need travel insurance for Zurich?

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. Please ensure you add the details of your insurance to the MyTrafalgar portal. Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.

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Zurich tours & excursions

Name: Best of Switzerland
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 58 ZAR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (977 reviews)

Travel guide

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Discover Zurich with Trafalgar’s person-focused itineraries crafted by real travel experts. Our Zurich tours combine historic Old Town charm, shimmering lakeside scenery, and hidden cultural gems, taking you to this vibrant city, which delivers the perfect balance of heritage and modern living.

Trending Zurich tours

Save up to R7 320

A cruise with a Swiss flag on Lake Lucerne

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melted-raclette-cheese-bowl-bread-zermatt-switzerland.jpg

4.6

Best of Switzerland

9 Days

1 Country

11 Locations

9-Day Switzerland Tour of Zürich, Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lucerne

From

R58 770

Was

R65 300

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Save up to R9 290

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4.6

Contrasts of Switzerland

8 Days

1 Country

6 Locations

8-Day Switzerland Rail Tour to Zürich, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva and Lucerne

From

R69 930

Was

R77 700

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Save up to R11 130

secrets-chocolate-making-maison-cailler-broc-switzerland.jpg

4.6

Swiss Delight

9 Days

3 Countries

11 Locations

9-Day Switzerland Sightseeing Tour from Geneva to Zürich

From

R52 600

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Save up to R8 850

A scenic view of Salzburg, Austria in the wintertime

4.5

Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

8 Days

4 Countries

8 Locations

8-Day Christmas Market Tour of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

From

R42 700

View Trip

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Unedited Zurich tour reviews

Verified by

"Tour guide was fabulous"

"Loved that we were able to see all the famous highlights of Switzerland plus more unusual things as well. The itinerary really was wonderful. Thoroughly enjoyed the fact that we could pick and choose what optional excursions to do as well. All the optional that we did (most of them) were exceptional! Our tour guide was fabulous and ran the entire tour flawlessly. Overall would highly recommend this tour."

- Trusted Customer, Best of Switzerland

"Covered everything I wanted to see"

"The itinerary covered everything I wanted to see. The whole tour was amazing. I was truly overcome by the Alps, the Matterhorn and the Wounded Lion Sculpture. The evening of Swiss folklore was so fun, loved the interaction with the entertainment. The optional choices were also great and well worth doing.’"

- Trusted Customer, Switzerland and Austria

"Magical"

“The Christmas Market tour was a wonderful and magical experience. We saw so many beautiful parts of each city we visited and learned so much about the histories and cultures. Our Tour Guide was fabulous as was our Driver."

- Trusted Customer, Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

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Zurich experiences with Trafalgar

Travel with Trafalgar means you don’t just pass through, you experience the world more richly through its food, people, and traditions. Here are a few examples of what you can do on a Trafalgar tour to Zurich.

Aerial shot of Zurich Old Town in Switzerland

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

A walking tour of Zürich's Old Town with a Local Change Maker

Join a team of socially engaged guides on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience through Zürich’s Old Town. This walking tour blends history with purpose, highlighting social issues while introducing you to local changemakers. By taking part, you’ll support United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Experience on Swiss Delight.

The sun shines through iconic landmarks in Zurich

Iconic Experience

Zürich Orientation

Your Travel Director guides you through Zürich’s lakeside charms, from the elegant Bahnhofstrasse—one of the world’s most exclusive shopping avenues—to the storybook lanes of the Altstadt (Old Town). You’ll also take in sweeping views of Lake Zürich and the distant Alps, setting the scene for your time in Switzerland’s cultural capital.

Experience on Best of Switzerland.

Zurich Old Town By The Limmat River On A Sunny Summer Day In Switzerland Largest City

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Our top 5 things to do in Zurich

Reveal the best of Switzerland’s largest city, from its medieval lanes and modern culture to its lakeside landscapes and world-class art.

Stroll through Zürich’s Old Town (Altstadt)

Our Zurich tours will take you into the Altstadt, where cobblestone streets, medieval guild houses, and centuries-old churches reflect the city’s layered history. With your Travel Director, uncover hidden courtyards, quiet squares, and charming corners that bring the past to life.

Walk along Bahnhofstrasse

Stroll down the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s most famous shopping boulevard. Once a city moat, today it’s lined with luxury boutiques, cafés, and banks. It’s also one of the world’s most exclusive retail streets, perfect for a leisurely walk with your new Trafalgar travel buddies.

Cruise on Lake Zürich

Glide across the sparkling waters of Lake Zürich with the Alps in the distance. Enjoy a unique angle of the city while passing elegant villas, wooded hillsides, and locals enjoying life by the lakeshore.

Ride the Polybahn funicular

Hop aboard the historic Polybahn, a short funicular that has been climbing from Central Zürich to the ETH University terrace since 1889. The reward? Sweeping views of the Old Town, Lake Zürich, and the Alps.

Visit the Kunsthaus Zürich

Explore one of Switzerland’s top art museums, home to works spanning from medieval masters to modern icons like Picasso and Giacometti. The Kunsthaus Zürich is the city’s cultural jewel and an inspiring stop for art lovers.

Best museums in Zurich

Zurich museums capture everything from fine art and design to Switzerland’s cultural history. Whether you’re into painting, chocolate, or even clocks, the city’s museums are among its top attractions.

Kunsthaus Zürich

Home to Switzerland’s most important art collection, Kunsthaus Zürich showcases works from medieval masters to modern icons like Monet, Picasso, and Giacometti.

Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich)

Step inside a fairy-tale castle to explore Switzerland’s cultural history, from prehistoric artefacts to medieval armour and contemporary design. A must for understanding the country’s heritage.

Lindt Home of Chocolate

More than just a museum, the Lindt Home of Chocolate offers interactive exhibits, a working chocolate factory, and the world’s largest chocolate fountain. Sweet tooths won’t want to miss it.

Best food in Zurich

Zurich’s cuisine blends Swiss tradition with cosmopolitan flair. From hearty Alpine classics to sweet treats, these dishes are essential stops on Zurich tours and highlight the city’s culinary identity.

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Zurich’s signature dish, this creamy veal ragout served with rösti potatoes is a must-try on any trip to Zurich. A staple of northern Swiss cuisine, it reflects the region’s love of rich, comforting flavours.

Fondue

No Zurich travel experience is complete without sharing a bubbling pot of melted cheese fondue. Traditionally paired with crusty bread, it’s the perfect social dish to warm up during cooler evenings.

Luxemburgerli

Invented in Zurich, these delicate bite-sized macarons from Confiserie Sprüngli are world-famous. With their airy texture and inventive flavours, Luxemburgerli are the sweet face of Zurich’s dessert scene.

What to pack for a tour in Zurich

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Layered clothing

Zurich’s weather can be unpredictable, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings, especially around the lake. Pack layers so you’re comfortable whether wandering Old Town or taking day trips to the Alps.

Comfortable shoes

Zurich tours often mean exploring cobblestone streets, Bahnhofstrasse shopping, and lakeside promenades. A sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes will make your Zurich holiday far more enjoyable.

Reusable water bottle

Switzerland’s tap water is famously pure, often sourced directly from Alpine springs. Carrying a reusable bottle means you can refill from fountains across the city and reduce single-use plastics.

Universal travel adapter

For your trip to Zurich, remember that Switzerland uses plug types C and J, with a standard voltage of 230V. A universal adapter will keep your devices charged throughout your stay.

Day bag

Whether heading out on a guided Zurich excursion or a full-day trip into the mountains, a small backpack is perfect for carrying essentials like snacks, water, and an extra layer.

Seasonal gear

Zurich is one of the greenest European cities, so match its eco-conscious spirit by packing reusable bags, refillable toiletries, and sustainable travel items.