If you’ve traveled a lot across Europe, Zurich in Switzerland might not be the most captivating city to explore in terms of ancient art and architecture. However, this city does have an unusual cityscape and historic charm that may be of interest to you. Its unique character arises from a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and the genuine natural beauty of the clear water of Lake Zurich and the turquoise sparkle of the Limmat River, creating a beautiful landscape that appeals to a discerning eye. Located in Switzerland, Zurich is a global center for banks and finance, so it’s both a pricey and wealthy city to explore.

Unfortunately, I lost most of my video and photo files traveling back from Europe, but I still have a few to show you the highlights of the city.

Key dates:

Major Sightseeing Attractions: Altstadt (Old Town)

The Grossmünster: the reformed church

The Grossmünster is the main attraction in Zurich, standing tall above other buildings on the bank of the river. Its architecture is predominantly Romanesque, evident in this church’s thick walls, the semi-circular arches of arcades, sturdy structural pillars, and huge twin towers. These towers, piercing the skyline, have become the city’s most prominent landmark. If you climb the towers, you’ll see panoramic views of the city and the distant Alps. Do it close to sunset to capture the evening colors. As a tourist, check the working hours of the church too because of its scheduled renovations between 2025 and 2029.

Construction of the present structure commenced around 1100, with its inauguration taking place in approximately 1220. The Grossmünster origins can be traced back to a Carolingian church, possibly commissioned by Charlemagne around 810 CE. The edifice was erected on the site of an earlier Carolingian church. Within the church and its cloister, Romanesque capitals, often featuring grotesque carvings, offer glimpses into medieval art styles of the region. Later, the church underwent further architectural evolution, with the addition of neo-Gothic tops to its towers, completed in 1787. This followed a fire in 1763 that had destroyed the original wooden steeples. The church’s construction utilized a local material, Bollinger Sandstein.  

The foundation for the two towers seen today was built in the 18th century by Johann Vögeli and Johannes Haggenmiller. One of the twin towers, the Karlsturm, features a viewing platform accessible by climbing 187 steps, rewarding visitors with sweeping panoramic views of the Old Town and Lake Zurich.

Beneath the church lies the Romanesque crypt, dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries, the largest of its kind in Switzerland. This crypt houses a 15th-century statue of Charlemagne. Legend recounts that Charlemagne himself discovered the graves of Felix and Regula, Zurich’s patron saints, here. The church became the place where Huldrych Zwingli initiated the Swiss-German Reformation in 1520. His successor, Heinrich Bullinger, continued these pivotal reforms. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Grossmünster functioned as a monastery church, constantly vying for prominence with the Fraumünster across the Limmat River. The theological school, once attached to the abbey, eventually formed the nucleus of Zurich University.

Culturally, the Grossmünster is a symbol of Reformed Zurich. The Reformation, which began here, profoundly impacted art and architecture in Protestant churches across Switzerland, leading to the removal of religious decorations and a focus on the simplicity of plain walls. Therefore, the Grossmünster looks reserved in its artistic decorum, and this art style is not my favorite as I gravitate towards baroque and classical art. Its art elements include abstract stained-glass windows designed by Augusto Giacometti, added in 1932, a precursor to abstract art. In 2009, the church added modern stained glass created by the renowned German artist, Sigmar Polke, featuring vivid agate designs and depictions of the Old Testament figures. The ornate bronze doors, created by Otto Münch in 1935 and 1950, depict scenes from Swiss history and the Reformation. There is a beautiful organ inside the church, decorated with little golden angel figures.

 The Fraumünster Church

On the opposite bank of the Limmat River stands the Fraumünster Church, another historic landmark of Zurich with its distinct turquoise spire. While its current architectural style is predominantly Gothic, the church was originally built in the Romanesque style starting from the mid-9th century. The history of the Fraumünster dates back to 853 AD when it was founded by King Louis the German for his daughter Hildegard, who became the first abbess. It served as a Benedictine convent for aristocratic women from across Europe, enjoying royal patronage, including the right to mint coins.

The Romanesque choir dates back to 1250. The church’s slender blue-green copper spire was added fairly late, in 1732. Beneath the choir lies a cool crypt dating back to the 9th century that reveals archaeological remnants, including ancient Roman walls, and displays the history of the Reformation. During the Reformation, the abbey was dissolved in 1524, marking a significant shift in its role and ownership, with control passing to the city of Zurich. The Fraumünster houses the largest organ in the Canton of Zurich, featuring 5793 pipes, and the church also hosts various concerts and events throughout the year, taking advantage of the excellent acoustics provided by its grand organ.

In the north transept, a significant stained glass window titled “The Heavenly Paradise” was created by Augusto Giacometti in 1945. Giacometti’s artistic approach was influenced by Art Nouveau and Symbolism, and he is considered a pioneer of abstract art. The church also features a cycle of frescoes by Paul Bodmer in the Romanesque choir and cloister, illustrating the legend of the monastery’s founding and the stories of Zurich’s patron saints, Felix and Regula.  

The Lindenhof

The Lindenhof offers a serene escape and panoramic views of the city you cannot miss, my friend. If you want to escape the busy streets of the old town and tip your toes into nature, this long road along the riverbank brings picture-perfect views of the Old Town, the Limmat River, Lake Zurich, and the Alps for your camera. I enjoyed walking along the shore looking at trees, architecture and people. The Lindenhof’s significance dates back to Roman times when it served as a strategic fortification around 15 BC. Subtle remnants of a Roman fortress can still be seen, including sections of the walls and a 2nd-century gravestone, a copy of which is embedded in the Lindenhof wall. In the 9th century, it was the site of a Carolingian royal palace. The hill is also associated with the legendary women’s march in 1292, where Zurich women, disguised as soldiers, are said to have defended the city.

A popular spot for both locals and tourists today, the Lindenhof has served as an inspiration for artists, with its scenic views frequently captured in paintings. You can walk under a shade of mature linden trees to stop by the Hedwig fountain of 1688 that commemorates the legendary siege of Zurich. It’s a peaceful park for many people to relax and enjoy summer.

Niederdorf & Giacometti Murals

Don’t skip the murals! Tucked away on the right bank of the Limmat River, Niederdorf has formed a charming and historically rich part of Zurich’s Old Town since the medieval times. Known affectionately by locals as “Dörfli,” it exudes a medieval charm with its oriel windows, narrow cobblestone alleyways, and picturesque courtyards. This pedestrian quarter is full of historical and cultural landmarks, with well-preserved buildings that narrate Zurich’s heritage. As a medieval trade city, Niederdorf developed organically, with buildings constructed adjacently.  

Niederdorf holds a significant place in art history as the birthplace of the Dada movement, which was founded at the Cabaret Voltaire in 1916. Today, Niederdorf continues to foster artistic expression with its numerous art galleries and unique shops, contributing to its bohemian and creative atmosphere. Half-geometric, half-organic red and ochre splashes of color, the Giacometti Murals at the Uraniastrasse Police Station are also located in Niederdorf, showcasing the work of the renowned Swiss artist. He won the competition to brighten up the space, and the murals are beautiful and worth your visit. 

Niederdorf is a popular promenade for both locals and tourists. It is known for its lively nightlife, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars. As a pedestrian zone, it offers a unique charm, blending shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Niederdorf also hosts various festivals and events, contributing to Zurich’s dynamic cultural scene.  

Cabaret Voltaire: the birthplace of the Dada art movement

Cabaret Voltaire, located in Zurich’s Niederdorf quarter at Spiegelgasse 1, holds immense historical significance as the birthplace of the Dada art movement. The building itself dates back to the 14th century. Today, it functions as a museum, bar, and cultural space, open to the public. It features a historical hall and a vaulted cellar that host exhibitions, as well as the Dada Library on the second floor.  

The Cabaret Voltaire was founded on February 5, 1916, by Hugo Ball and Emmy Hennings, serving as a meeting place for artists and writers during World War I. It became the epicenter of the Dada movement, which challenged established artistic norms through nonsensical and irrational expressions. The cabaret closed in the summer of 1916 but experienced a revival in the 21st century. Following a period of disrepair and a brief squat by neo-Dada artists, it reopened in 2004.  

St. Peter Church

St. Peter Church, located in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town next to Lindenhof hill, holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest parish church, with origins possibly dating back to the 8th century. It is also the only Baroque church in Zurich. A prominent feature is its clock tower, which boasts the largest church clock face in Europe, with a diameter of 8.7 meters. The tower was used as a fire lookout point until 1911. Five bells, dating back to 1880, reside in the tower. The church’s nave was rebuilt in the Gothic style in 1460, and the current building was consecrated in 1706.  

Artistically, this church has an unusual combination of art styles. St. Peter Church features five stained glass windows created by Augusto Giacometti in 1930. The choir contains frescoes dating back to the Middle Ages. The church also houses an organ with 53 stops, crystal chandeliers, white stucco walls and ceilings, and red stone columns.

Historically, the site of St. Peter’s Church was once a Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter. The church belonged to Holy Roman Emperor Henry III in its early years. Rudolf Brun, Zurich’s first mayor, was buried here in 1360. Leo Jud, the first reformed pastor, also served at St. Peter, as did Johann Caspar Lavater from 1778 to 1801. St. Peter church overlooks the river and you can’t pass it by without seeing its clock face and spear.

The Lindt Chocolate Factory

This is an incredibly crowded and fun place to visit if you are in Zurich. You either use a public bus or Uber to get to the Lindt chocolate factory and museum. All sold tickets are timed to get into the factory’s tour, but there’s plenty to do inside the building waiting for your entry time. My recommendation is to buy their tickets online because the get sold out quickly.

My personal opinion, the tour itself isn’t great. It was crowded and exhibits themselves were too few and in between. You basically walk through several rooms where they tell you about the history of chocolate making. They give you many chocolate samples and you can taste the chocolate right from the chocolate fountains of white, dark and milk chocolates.

 "Filled chocolates are still extremely rare. They were expensive at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, only small packages with a maximum of four pieces were available. The high-quality chocolates were sold in carefully designed boxes that could be re-used as jewelry boxes after the chocolates were eaten." Bonbonnière, Switzerland, 19th century. Lender: Lindt & Sprüngli AG, Kilchberg

I think the most exciting part is their gift shop, which is separate from their tour, of course. This is where you can experience death by chocolate, depending on the size of your pocketbook. But in all seriousness, they made it super fun with shopping carts filled with candy displays. You can really feel like a kid walking among the colorful stands with shiny wrappers of the Lindt chocolates in luxury boxes, open-stock, etc.

Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s renowned shopping boulevard, is an elegant avenue lined with high-end boutiques, prestigious Swiss banks, restaurants, and luxury jewelers. It has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive shopping destinations. It serves as a central shopping boulevard, connecting the main train station with the lake and offering a vibrant pedestrian experience. This iconic street came into existence in the mid-19th century, specifically between 1864 and 1877, following the demolition of Zurich’s city fortifications and the subsequent filling of the former moat known as Fröschengraben. Initially, it served as an access road to the city’s railway station. Over time, Bahnhofstrasse evolved into a prestigious address, attracting wealthy residents and establishing itself as a prominent center for banking and finance, with headquarters of major Swiss banks like UBS located along the street. The architecture along Bahnhofstrasse showcases a mix of styles, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century alongside more contemporary structures, including department stores and office buildings. The boulevard stretches from Zurich’s main train station to Bürkliplatz on the shores of Lake Zurich.  

While primarily known for its commercial activity, Bahnhofstrasse incorporates public art into its urban landscape. Such an example is an outcry of modernity, Max Bill’s “Pavillon-Skulptur,” a walk-in granite sculpture created in 1983, stands near Paradeplatz. The street is also home to several art galleries, including Opera Gallery Zürich and Hauser & Wirth Zurich, which showcase contemporary and modern art. Historically, the street housed Moderne Galerie, one of Switzerland’s earliest galleries specializing in modern art in the early 20th century. Throughout the year, the street features public art installations, and during the Christmas season, it is illuminated by the enchanting “Lucy” light show.

Lake Zurich

The architecture along the lake Zurich shores presents a blend of contemporary residential designs and modernist structures like the Pavillon Le Corbusier (a modern art museum). The Pavillon Le Corbusier, completed in 1967, was constructed entirely of glass and steel. Other architectural highlights include the distinct horseshoe-shaped headquarters of Swarovski and Flexhouse, a residence with an undulating design of glass and aluminum shingles.  

This lake is a major attraction for people who love nature, boats, swimming, walking, cycling, and serene views. Historically, Lake Zurich’s basin and shoreline were formed by glacial activity during the Ice Age. The lake’s shores were also the site of prehistoric pile dwellings. Today, the lake is a very popular spot among the locals to eat, sunbathe, and relax next to the beautiful blue water.

The National Museum Zurich

The National Museum Zurich resembles a fairytale castle with its pointed gables and turrets. Designed by Gustav Gull, it opened in 1898, showcasing a historicist style inspired by French Renaissance city chateaus. The building features numerous towers, courtyards, and a picturesque park. In 2016, a modern, sculptural extension was designed and added by Christ & Gantenbein. The new wing’s expressive roofline complements the original building’s character.

In my opinion, it’s not the most interesting museum I’ve visited in Europe, but it’s still worthwhile your visit because the National Museum houses the largest collection of cultural and historical artifacts in Switzerland, encompassing over 870,000 objects that span from prehistory to the present day.

Its collection is organized into 14 diverse groups, including archaeology, weaponry, textiles, fine art, and objects representing everyday life throughout Swiss history.

The museum features a rich display of Gothic art, chivalric artifacts, liturgical wooden sculptures, panel paintings, and an extensive collection of stained glass, considered the largest and most significant in the world. Visitors can also explore a dedicated Collection Gallery showcasing Swiss furnishings from different periods.  

Stoves: I found the rooms made of wood from 1566 to be unique and very interesting artistically. These rooms are made of rich wood carvings, inlays, and elegant designs. Elaborate, colorful tiled stoves decorate these rooms.

As per the museum’s description, “Wood-burning, titled stoves were not only a source of heat, but also prestigious objects that embellished the living rooms of wealthy households. The monochromatic relief tiles of the 14th and 15th centuries gradually gave way to colorful tableaux in the 16th and 18th centuries. Whites dominated the designs created after 1800.

Kunsthaus Zürich

The Kunsthaus Zürich was established in 1787 by the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft, a group of artists and art enthusiasts. The society began collecting art in 1794. The museum moved to its current location in 1910 and has expanded over the years to accommodate its growing collection.  

Kunsthaus Zürich, the largest art museum in Switzerland, offers an expansive journey through art history. The original museum building, designed by Karl Moser and Robert Curjel opened in 1910. It features well-preserved Moser interiors in the Neo-Grec Secession style. Over the years, the museum has undergone several expansions, culminating in a significant addition designed by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin, which opened in 2021. Chipperfield’s extension is a modern-era rectangular structure clad in sandstone, emphasizing urban space and creating new public areas. An underground passage connects the new building with the original Moser building.  

The Kunsthaus collection: houses one of Switzerland’s most important art collections, encompassing around 4,000 paintings and sculptures, as well as 95,000 prints and drawings, spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.

The museum houses 17th-century Dutch art by Rembrandt, Rubens, and van Ruisdael. The Italian Baroque is represented by the paintings of Claude Lorrain and Domenichino. There are some Venetian paintings (Tiepolo to Guardi). One of the most beautiful classical paintings in the museum’s collection is Cupid & Psyche by Angelica Kauffmann, 1792. The 19th-century art of Fuselli depicts the same subject. Jacob van Ruisdael’s The Bleachers of Haarlem, 1670s, is a beautiful landscape.

It boasts the most significant museum collection of works by Alberto Giacometti and the largest assembly of paintings by Edvard Munch outside of Norway. The collection also features examples of Impressionism and Modernism by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Chagall. The art museum holds the world’s largest collection of objects from the Dada movement, which was founded in Zurich in 1916. The museum also showcases Pop Art by Warhol and Lichtenstein, as well as contemporary art by artists like Fischli/Weiss, Pipilotti Rist, Cy Twombly, Joseph Beuys, and Georg Baselitz. Significant private collections, including the Emil Bührle Collection, which focuses on French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and the Gabriele and Werner Merzbacher Collection, featuring Fauvist and Expressionist works, are also housed here.  Art extends beyond the museum walls with public installations in front of the museum, such as Rodin’s “Gates of Hell” and Pipilotti Rist’s “Tastende Lichter” located nearby.  

Uetliberg

Uetliberg, often referred to as Zurich’s “very own mountain,” offers a natural contrast to the city’s urban attractions. Rising to 2,858 feet above the sea level, it provides panoramic views of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the distant Alps. Architectural elements on Uetliberg include a rebuilt lookout tower, offering enhanced perspectives, and the Uetliberg TV tower, standing at 186 meters. The Hotel Uto Kulm, located at the summit, provides accommodation and dining options with stunning views. The Uetliberg railway station makes the mountain easily accessible from the city.  

Historically, Uetliberg was the site of an important Iron Age fortification (Oppidum Uetliberg) dating back to around 500 BC. Evidence suggests a Roman presence as well. A medieval castle, Uotelenburg, once stood near the summit. The Uetliberg railway was built in 1874, opening the area for easier access.  

Uetliberg is a popular recreational area for Zurich residents and visitors, offering opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and sledding. It is particularly popular in November as its summit often rises above the city’s fog. The “Planet Trail” walk offers an educational and scenic experience.  

The Zurich Opera House

The Zurich Opera House, situated at Sechseläutenplatz, is a cultural gem renowned for its performances. Designed by Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer, it opened in 1891. Created in a neo-Baroque style, the Zurich Opera House reminds me of a white wedding cake. The ornate facade, crafted from white and grey stone, features classical busts of prominent composers like Weber, Wagner, and Mozart. The auditorium, built in the neo-rococo style, can seat approximately 1100-1200 patrons. An extension was added on Uto-Quai in 1984, and a temporary bridging structure was completed in 2024.  

As a leading institution for performing arts, the Opera House is home to the Zurich Opera, Ballett Zürich, and Philharmonia Zürich. It delights audiences with masterpieces from the worlds of opera, ballet, and classical music. The Opera House commissions posters for its performances, some of which are designed by notable artists like K. Domenic Geissbühler.  

Culturally, the Zurich Opera House is a gem and a symbol of the city’s rich artistic heritage. It is considered one of the most productive and successful opera houses in Europe, hosting numerous opera performances, ballet productions, concerts, and events for children annually. The Opera House has received international recognition, including being named “Opera Company of the Year” at the International Opera Awards.  

The Rietberg Museum of non-European art

The Rietberg Museum was founded in 1952 to showcase the renowned collection of non-European art assembled by Baron Eduard von der Heydt. Villa Wesendonck, now the museum’s main building, was once a cultural hub frequented by the composer Richard Wagner. The estate was previously owned by the Rieter family. The museum expanded with the opening of Villa Schönberg in 1978 and the “Smaragd” extension in 2007.  

The Rietberg Museum, nestled in the beautiful Rieterpark, comprises three 19th-century villas—Villa Wesendonck, Villa Schönberg, and Rieter Park-Villa—along with a coach house. A modern underground extension, known as “Smaragd,” featuring a glass pavilion, was added in 2007, designed by Alfred Grazioli and Adolf Krischanitz. Villa Wesendonck, the main building, was constructed in the neo-classical style in 1857, while Villa Schönberg exhibits an English country house style with Gothic elements.  

The Rietberg Museum’s art collection encompasses around 32,600 objects and 49,000 photographs representing the arts and cultures of Asia, Africa, the Americas, Near and Middle East, and Oceania. The collection includes both traditional and contemporary works with some Chinese porcelain, Indian miniature paintings from the Alice Boner Collection, and Himalayan Buddhist art from the Berti Aschmann collection. The museum also houses the significant Himmelheber Archive, focusing on African art.

The Near & Middle East art starts with 232 Luristan bronzes dated to 3000–1000 BC. Islamic ceramics, ancient Persian manuscript illumination, lacquer painting, and Egyptian textile collection. Japanese art is presented with woodblock prints, carved figures, and much more. The golden figure sculptures from the Himalayan region are exceptional. The examples are from Tibet, 15th c., Fire-gilt copper alloy with inlaid semi-precious stones. You can see the finest examples of this collection here.

Situated within a beautiful park, the museum offers a tranquil environment for appreciating global art and culture.  

The FIFA World Football Museum

For all football fans out there, the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich offers a modern perspective on the art and culture surrounding the world’s most popular sport. The museum occupies a renovated building in the Zürich Enge district, near the train station. The original building, “Haus zur Enge,” was an architectural icon of the 1970s, designed by Werner Stücheli. The renovation, undertaken by SAM Architekten + Partner, maintained the building’s basic form while adding necessary modern elements and an upward extension. The resulting structure features a horizontally layered design.  

The FIFA Museum provides an interactive experience for visitors of all ages, showcasing over 1,000 exclusive exhibits and memorabilia from FIFA World Cups. A highlight of the collection is the original FIFA World Cup Trophy. The museum also displays national soccer shirts from all FIFA member associations. Interactive and multimedia installations, including a giant football pinball machine, offer engaging experiences. The museum hosts special exhibitions, such as “Football: Designing the Beautiful Game” and “211 Cultures. One Game,” exploring the broader cultural context of football.  

As you can see Zurich’s attractions will depend on your interests. If you’re short on time, visit the Old Town first and then consider other places like the lake, one of the museums, or a chocolate factory to be your destination. Zurich has excellent public transportation, and Uber may be pricey, depending on the time of the day.

While you’re planning your trip, check out my art:

Further reading: