Unwind in Zurich: Top 6 Relaxing Activities
The Limmat River, flowing through the city center, adds another layer of picturesque charm.
When people think of Switzerland, most think about skiing or hiking up to the mountains for breathtaking nature. I started my first trip to Switzerland differently, in Zurich, opting for a chill and relaxing time there. I was traveling there solo after spending time with family in Germany. Zurich came to mind because it's a global financial center, and I was curious to experience the vibe. The city is a shopping paradise, with its prestigious Bahnhofstrasse , so I thought I could wander and shop. Zurich also has fresh, clean air and breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Therefore, it was the perfect balance of everything I wanted to experience. And the city did not disappoint!
Zurich has a relaxed atmosphere, and public transportation is excellent, making it easy to get around. I mostly walked and used trams, and the city felt very safe. Even as a woman walking at night, I felt very secure. I truly enjoyed my time there and would love to go back again in the summer to swim in Lake Zurich!
A little bit of info on Zurich, it is Switzerland's largest city and a global financial center. Major banks and financial institutions like Credit Suisse and UBS are headquartered here, contributing significantly to the Swiss economy. Zurich consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life, with efficient public services, sustainable infrastructure, and a safe environment, contributing to the overall well-being of the country. And with a large expat population and international organizations headquartered in Zurich, the city offers a multicultural experience with diverse events and festivals.
If this sounds good to you, join me on a journey to discover the 5 most relaxing activities in Zurich!
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Take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the nature
Explore The Old Town (Altstadt)
Enjoy the panoramic city view from the top ( Grossmünster Church & Linderhof Hill)
Try chocolate at the cultural icon, Confiserie Sprüngli
Discover the food scene (Zürcher Geschnetzeltes at zum Kropf & Sausage at Sternen Grill)
Go to Rimini Bar for a cool bar experience
1. Take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the nature
What makes Zurich truly special? Its postcard-perfect backdrop of Lake Zurich, where you can swim, boat, or simply relax and soak up the view. During summer, many locals would flock to the Limmat River and even Lake Zurich for refreshing dips in the heart of the city. The water is unbelievable crystal blue and it is one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever seen.
Lake Zurich is the largest lake in Switzerland entirely within its borders, with a surface area of 88 square kilometers (34 sq mi). And the Limmat River is a vital artery of Zurich, weaving its way through the city center and adding a dynamic element to its charm. Soak in a nature bliss is what I did during my time there.
I would recommend taking a stroll at Limmatquai and go to Quaibrücke bridge to sit down and watch beautiful swans having fun in the water. Besides a nice stroll, you can consider taking a fun Limmat River Cruise which operates between April and October. It is another fun way to explore the city!
2. Explore The Old Town (Altstadt)
The Old Town (Altstadt) is the heart of the city, dating back to the Middle Ages. You'll find cobbled streets, quaint squares, and beautifully preserved buildings with colorful facades. Exploring here is like stepping back in time. Besides, pretty houses and buildings, you can easily visit key attractions in the areas such as the famous Fraumünster Church, Grossmünster, Rathaus (Town Hall) and Lindenhof.
For those that love shopping, Bahnhofstrasse is also not far from here. And not far from The Old Town, you can also explore a cute neighborhood, Niederdorf which houses many upscale shops, fancy restaurants, cocktail bars, and some nightclubs around. So as you can see, The Old Town is situated right in the center, so you can explore via foot or trams. By the way, trams run frequently, typically every 6-12 minutes during peak hours, so minimal waiting time!
For the first timer, staying in The Old Town will be a nice experience. If you are unsure which hotel is good to stay in The Old Town, consider Marktgasse Hotel. The hotel features cozy rooms and suites with contemporary decor and comfortable furnishings. I stayed in this boutique hotel before and I really enjoyed my stay and yes, the breakfast was great. However, as it is Switzerland after all, the hotel rates in Zurich are higher compared to other cities. So, take your time to do your research and find the best option that suits you best.
3. Enjoy the panoramic city view from the top
If I had to choose just one activity, I would choose to do this one. Catching a city view from the top is always special whenever you are. But because the water is so blue in Zurich, it just felt unreal to me. So, I really enjoyed staring at the water and see how it flows.
And to get the best panoramic city view from the top, I would recommend these two spots.
Grossmünster Church
Located in The Old Town, Grossmünster is an iconic landmark that have stood sentinel over the city for centuries. It was constructed around the 15th century, showcase the Romanesque architectural style, characterized by their rounded arches, thick walls, and decorative elements.
The imposing twin towers, crowned with green spires, are not just a beautiful sight, but also hold a rich history. Built on the site of former Roman burial grounds, the Grossmünster church has been a place of worship for over 1,200 years. During the Swiss Reformation, the Grossmünster played a crucial role. Ulrich Zwingli, a key figure in the movement, preached here, making the church a center of Protestant faith and a symbol of the Reformation.
The church also offers a great spot for one of the best city views. A small, twisting staircase climbs 187 steps to reach the top of the towers, providing wide views of Zurich's historic Old Town, the shimmering Lake Zurich, and the snowy Alps far away. Trust me, the climb is worth it!
Linderhof Hill
This is a moraine hill and public square in the historic center. Originally a fortified settlement in Roman times, the hill later housed a Carolingian imperial palace. In the Middle Ages, it became a public square and execution ground. Today, it's a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the views.
The hill offers amazing panoramic views of the city, the Limmat River, and the surrounding mountains. It also has the remains of the ancient walls and foundations, and historic fountain. This is a great spot to chill for many locals as well.
The panoramic view from Linderhof Hill.
4. Try chocolate at the cultural icon, Confiserie Sprüngli
Chocolate makes people happy, am I right? So to enhance your relaxing day in Zurich, chocolate is a must! Switzerland is synonymous with chocolate. And when in Zurich, don’t forget to indulge in decadent treats at Confiserie Sprüngli, the legendary chocolatier that invented the iconic Luxemburgerli macarons.
Founded in 1836, this famous Swiss chocolate maker has been known for luxury and top-notch quality. Besides chocolate, they also sell delicate pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat. If you are a bit hungry, get yourself light and delicious lunch break with their selection of freshly prepared sandwiches and salads. But two things that you must try are their Chocolat Froi d Grand Cru (Cold drinking chocolate made with Swiss full-cream milk) and their signature Luxemburgerli.
Luxemburgerli are small meringue cookies dusted with powdered sugar, known as Sprungli's specialty. They are light, airy, and come in flavors such as vanilla, raspberry, and pistachio. Sprungli has several locations in the city, but I recommend you to visit the flagship store on Bahnhofstrasse because I think it has the best in-store decoration. Indulge and enjoy!
5. Discover the food scene
Traditional Swiss dishes like Fondue often comes to mind when you think of Switzerland since it is a land of cheese! But if you are a solo traveller just like me, eating cheese fondue alone is a little bit too lonely. So when I started to do a research on Swiss food, I tried to find what type of dishes that would be suitable for one person and not too heavy. And to save budget, I rotated between eating at restaurants and affordable food spots to maximize my experience without breaking the bank.
Here are my suggestion for both categories; Swiss dish in a nice restaurant & local cheap bite.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes at zum Kropf
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is a thinly sliced veal (or sometimes pork) sauteed with mushrooms, onions, and cream, served with rösti potatoes or rice. The dish is truly a Swiss dish and it is believed to have originated in Zürich in the 19th century. I love that the creamy meat and sauce is served in a hot bowl, ensuring the food stays warm. Rösti potatoes was just nice and crispy!
I chose zum Kropf because it has been in operation since 1534, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the world. The restaurant is decorated in a traditional Swiss style, with wood paneling, stained glass windows, and hanging chandeliers. And trust me, coming here is also an experience by itself because the atmosphere is warm and inviting with great service. I truly enjoyed my experience here so I highly recommend.
Sausage at Sternen Grill + Sternen Grill Restaurant im oberen Stock
This legendary street vendor has been serving up top-notch hot dogs to Zurichers since 1952. Today, it is a famous spot among locals and tourists. The grilled sausages are the star of the show, and they are made with fresh, high-quality meat.
Their claim to fame is the "St. Galler Bratwurst," a juicy grilled sausage served on a crusty baguette with mustard, onions, and pickles. Sternen Grill serves a variety of other fast food items, such as hamburgers, fries, and onion rings as well. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed and perfect for quick lunch.
6. Go to Rimini Bar for a cool bar experience
My local friend showed me this spot, and it was so cool! The Rimini Bar is a popular open-air bar known for its unique setting and atmosphere.
Zurich is famous for its "Badi Bars," which are bars that take over public swimming pools during the evening hours. The Rimini Bar is one such establishment, transforming the Schanzengraben pool into a lively hangout spot at dusk.
Because of this, the bar has a cool lakeside vibe and is perfect for unwinding and enjoying a drink with friends. I also came here for drinks after dinner. But if you're hungry, the bar serves up tasty grilled specialties.
Note that the Rimini Bar is a seasonal spot, typically open during the summer months and closed in bad weather. If you're looking for a unique and trendy bar experience in Zurich with a cool lakeside vibe, the Rimini Bar is definitely worth checking out!
Don’t forget: Bring an empty bottle with you when travel in Zurich
Thanks to strict rules and thorough treatment, Switzerland has really clean tap water that's safe to drink everywhere! That’s right, you heard me correctly. You can even drink from many public fountains that can be found throughout the city. There are 1,200 of them! This is a great way to stay hydrated and avoid buying bottled water (save the planet).
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Taste: Tap water might taste a bit different from bottled water because of the minerals it contains, which can vary by location. But most people think it's fine to drink.
Temperature: In winter, tap water can be very cold. You can make it warmer by running the tap for a short time before filling your bottle.
Environment: Choosing tap water is better for the environment than using bottled water because it reduces plastic waste and carbon footprint.
Don’t be afraid to drink tap water here. It’s super refreshing!
Zurich may not have many attractions compared to other European cities such as Paris or Berlin. But I think Zurich offers a unique blend of factors that make it a fantastic city to unwind and de-stress. Coming from Bangkok, being surrounded by nature and clean air was a wonderful feeling for me. The city has so much greenery, promenades, parks, and gardens offer peaceful green spaces to stroll, picnic, or simply soak in the scenery. With stringent noise regulations and a car-free, spending time in The Old Town create a quieter environment compared to other major cities, promoting tranquility and relaxation.
I can see why many expats want to live here. It is because the city gives you a high quality of life and there are many outdoor activities that you can do in a group such as hiking trails in nearby forests. So, there are meaningful things that you can do on the weekend. Overall, Zurich is a great city and I would love to explore more of Switzerland in the future. I hope you enjoy reading my blog about Top 5 Relaxing Things to Do in Zurich and stay tuned for more blogs about Switzerland!
