Zürich HB is the main train station in Zürich city. It has frequent connections to most major destinations in Switzerland, including Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Bern, Basel, Geneva, Lugano, Chur, etc.

• See location of Zürich HB

Sample travel times & costs

Here are some travel times from Zürich HB to popular destinations. I've include a sample adult one-way fare for 2024.

• Zürich Airport (aka Zürich Flughafen): 9-13 mins / frequent direct trains / CHF 7

• Lucerne (aka Luzern): 41 mins to 1h / frequent direct trains / CHF 27

• Interlaken Ost (via Bern) : 2h / 0-1 transfers / CHF 73

• Grindelwald: 2h50 / 2-3 transfers / CHF 84.80

• Wengen: 3h / 2-3 transfers / CHF 88

• Mürren (aka Mürren BLM): 3h / 4 transfers / CHF 92.60

• Zermatt: 3h40 / 1-2 transfers / CHF 130

• Lugano: 2h / 0-1 transfer / CHF 68

• Geneva: 2h43 / direct / CHF 92

• Appenzell: 1h51 / 1 transfer / CHF 38

Tickets

These journeys are free with Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail, and Interrail passes. Discounted 50% with Swiss Half Fare Card.

Check the current train schedule and purchase individual tickets on SBB.ch and the SBB Mobile app.

Luggage

This train station has luggage lockers on the floor directly below the main hall. Look for the sign with the luggage icon.

This self-guided walking tour visits the best chocolate shops in Zürich while seeing some of the best parts of the city. The chocolate ranges from fun sweet treats to fine artisan works of art.

It's fun to eat the chocolate along the way or pack up for treats later. The route also includes a few cafes with great hot chocolate if you have time for a break.

I’ve done this walk several times with friends and family. Now it’s my go-to activity if I’m showing a visitor around the city. I hope you like it!

Chocolate walking route

Plan about 90 mins, depending on how many stops you make at various landmarks and shops. You can shorten the route as you like, visiting just the shops that match your preferences. 

I've started the route right in front of the Zürich HB main station. It ends at Paradeplatz (or Opernhaus Bellevue if you visit the last optional shop), where you can ride a tram back to next destination.

• See walking route on OutdoorActive

Full details of this tour on SwissFamilyFun.com

Guided tours

If you prefer a guided tour, here are a couple options:

• Ethical Chocolate Tour - tour of a small specialty chocolate manufactory and chocolate tasting

• Zurich Chocolate Tasting and Traditions Tour with a Local

• Zurich Chocolate E-TukTuk Tour

Chocolate shops

This route visits the following chocolate shops.

1. Confiserie Bachmann (& Lindt)

2. Globus Gourmet Grocery (basement)

3. Confiserie Honold

4. Max Chocolatier

5. Confiserie Madeline

6. Conditorei Schober Chocolaterie

7. Vittorio Vanini - Swiss Chocolate since 1871

8. Berg und Tal

9. Schwarzenbach Chocolate & Espresso Bar

10. Optional break: Cafe 1842 for hot chocolate

11. Jacot Haute Chocolaterie Zürich

12. Sprüngli at Paradeplatz

13. Chocolatier Vollenweider

Note that opening times may change and shops may close or change location without notice. I try to update this list yearly, but things can change anytime.

If members of your group have limited mobility, here are some activities that minimize the walking. Some of these may have more limited schedules in winter.

• Tuk-tuk city tour. Ride instead of walk to all the important sights and get interesting info from your driver. Book here.

• Boat tour. There are few boat cruises on Zurich lake that leave from the Bürkliplatz ferry dock in the city. This is easily reached by tram from the main train station. We suggest the Short Lake Cruise, which is a 90 min round trip.

• Guided bus tour. You start with a bus tour around Zurich city, then a boat ride on Zurich lake, then a visit to Lindt Home of Chocolate. Book here.

• Accessible museums. The Swiss National Museum has two wheelchairs that can be reserved for free

Zürich's Bahnhofstrasse is a world-famous shopping street, stretching 1.4 km from the train station to Lake Zurich.

Here, you'll find iconic luxury brands like Gucci, Hermès, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, plus watchmakers and jewelers like Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, and Bucherer, the official Rolex retailer. These luxury brands are mostly at the far end of the street, closer to the lake.

On this street, you'll also find grand department stores, fast fashion brands like Zara and H&M, as well as stylish cafes and bars.

Make sure to explore the side streets for a wide variety of small, interesting boutiques. Particularly these streets:

• Rennweg

• Augustinergasse

• Strehlgasse

• Storchengasse

Cross the Limmat river to find more shopping in the Niederdorf neighborhood along Munstergasse and Niederdorfstrasse.

Niederdorfstrasse is a pedestrian-only promenade through Zurich's Old Town, filled with charming alleys, historic buildings, and lots of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

The cobblestone lane starts near the Central tram stop and stretches all the way down to Bellevue. It takes about 15 min to walk directly, but much longer if you explore all the side alleys and linger at the window displays.

The street changes names a few times: Niederdorfstrasse, Marktgasse, Münstergasse, Oberdorfstrasse. Just wander and make sure to explore the side streets, particularly:

• Rindermarkt

• Hirschenplatz

• Predigergasse

• Froschaugasse

• Neumarkt

The Polybahn funicular is a fun ride, connecting the Zürich old town to the Polyterrasse viewpoint. Its used mostly by students, since it provides quicker access to ETH and Zürich University.

Location: Limmatquai 144, 8001 Zürich, less than 5 min walk from Zürich HB train station.

It's a short ride, traveling 176m in 100 seconds. It runs about every 2 to 5 mins, fitting 50 passengers. It's been in operation since 1889.

💡The front of the train has an open-air section where you can stand and get the best photos and videos as you ride the train. If that part is full, just wait for the next train that leaves in a few more minutes.

Tickets

The Polybahn is part of the Zürich public transport system. You do not need to buy a separate ticket if you already have a valid Zurich city day pass, Zürich Card, or Swiss Travel Pass. Otherwise, you can buy a ticket onsite or SBB Mobile app.

Polyterrasse Zurich is a large terrace with panoramic views over Zürich city. The terrace itself is not particularly attractive. But the views are great and it's a nice place to get an overview pic of Zürich city.

Since it's located directly in front of the ETH Building, it's a popular place for student to meet. They often have food trucks here at lunchtime.

Location: Leonhardstrasse 34, 8001 Zürich

You can easily reach Polyterrasse by riding the Polybahn funicular from Zurich old town. You can use regular Zurich public transport tickets to ride.

Or you can walk up the stairs on Schienhutgasse, if you don't want to pay for a ticket or want more fitness.

After your visit, you can explore nearby attractions like the Zoological Museum.

Lindenhof is a quiet park on a hill in Zurich’s old town, a must-visit stop on any walking tour of the city. The park's shaded benches and ancient linden trees make it an ideal place to take a break while exploring Zurich.

On the east side of the park, you get a fantastic view of the Limmat river, Niederdorf old town, and the alps in the distance. It's a very popular place for selfies with the Grossmünster cathedral in view.

My favorite part is the fountain statue here, which commemorate the women who, in 1292, successfully fooled the invading army by dressing up in battle armor, making it look like Zurich was well defended although most men were away fighting elsewhere.

See location on Google Maps.

Closest tram stop: Rennweg or Rudolf-Brun Brücke

The park has lots of benches, a large stone chessboard, ping pong tables and a swing set. There is a bigger playground just outside of the park - see on map.

There are public toilets near the park - see on map.

History:

Lindenhof dates back to Roman times when it served as a military stronghold. In the Middle Ages, it became the site of a royal palace. In 1798, the citizens of Zurich swore an oath to the Helvetic Republic here, marking an important moment in Swiss history. Learn more.

St. Peter's Church (aka Kirche St. Peter) is Zurich city's oldest parish church. The current building consecrated in 1706 with a Baroque architectural style.

This church is famous for its tower, with Europe's largest church clock face - 8.7 m in diameter. You can see this clock from many places all over Zurich. Historically, the tower served as a fire watch post until 1911.

Next to the to the church is a small square and park with benches, a quiet spot to relax away from the busy shopping streets.

Visitors: You can visit the interior of the church for free. You can also visit during their religious services. They also host musical performances. The tower is not open to the public and only possible to visit with a private group tour. See their website for visiting hours.

Note: This church is closed through Oct 2025 for renovations.

Location: St. Peterhofstatt 1, 8001 Zürich

Nearest tram stop: Rathaus or Paradeplatz

Learn more about its history on Wikipedia.

Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style Protestant church located along the banks of the Limmat in Zürich. The two iconic towers give the church its uniquely recognizable silhouette, often likened to two pepper dispensers.

Location: Zwingliplatz 7, 8001 Zürich

Open: daily 10:00 – 18:00

Website: grossmuenster.ch

According to legend, it was founded by Charlemagne after his horse fell to its knees over the tombs of the city’s patron saints during one such excursion.

Unlike the Fraumünster cathedral, it's free to enter this church. For a small fee, you can climb the tower for fantastic views across the city and Lake Zurich (187 steps!).

Don't miss the doors of the main entrance, which are elaborate carvings. In the Zwingliplatz square outside, there is a small model of the cathedral built so visually impaired people can also enjoy this important landmark.

Photos

Tip: The best pictures of the Grossmunster are taken from:

• the Münsterbrücke bridge

• the west side of the Limmat river, so the river is part of the picture

• the walkway near the Frauenbadi

Münsterhof is a charming town square in the heart of the Zurich old town, right next to the Fraumünster cathedral.

There are chairs scattered around the square, not owned by a cafe, where you can freely sit and watch the world go by.

The few cafes around the square have outdoor seating, a nice place enjoy a morning coffee break (ViCafe is the best here) or afternoon apero (Caffè & Bar Belpaese makes a nice spritz).

Special events

This square hosts many events, performances, markets, and festivals around the year.

The week before Easter, the church fills the fountain in this square with roses - a very popular photo spot.

In 2025, the farmer's market is temporarily located here on Tues and Friday morning, due to construction on Bürkliplatz.

This stunning church, originally founded in the 9th century, boasts a modern twist with its stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. The windows are best enjoyed in the mornings, when light streams in through the colorful glass.

You pay a small fee to tour the cathedral and crypt museum, with audio guide included. There is no tower to climb here.

Location: Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zürich

Open: Mon to Fri 10:00 – 18:00, open Sundays after services until 18:00

Website: fraumuenster.ch

Don't miss the separate atrium next to the cathedral, which has frescos illustrating the foundation of the church. Legend has it that in the mountains above Zurich, two sisters, Hildegard and Bertha, dwelled in a high fortress. Each night, a deer with glowing horns would guide them through the dark forest to the River Limmat's edge, where they prayed. Viewing this as a divine message, they convinced their father to establish a monastery. Hildegard became its first abbess, and the monastery's legacy began.

Nearby

Just outside the cathedral, the Münsterhof square is a great place to relax and watch the world go by. There are a few cafes, including excellent coffee at ViCAFE, and many chairs for lounging in the middle of the square. Caffè & Bar Belpaese is a nice place to sit for an afternoon cocktail with a view.

This large plaza in front of the Zurich opera house is the heart of the city. Many events are held here, including Christmas markets, fairs, concerts, circus, film festival, and much more.

Most notably, it's the center point for the spring Sechseläuten festival. At this plaza, they build a huge bonfire and burn snowman effigy to see how hot summer will be.

Even without an event, it’s one of the nicest places in Zürich to lounge and people watch. There are lots of chairs scattered around, with sun umbrellas on the hottest days.

See Sechseläutenplatz on map.

Picnic supplies:

If you want to picnic on the plaza, your best bets are:

• Sternen Grill for their famous bratwurst - Theaterstrasse 22, 8001 Zürich

• Napule pizza - Stadelhoferstrasse 42, 8001 Zürich

• Coop grocery - Theaterstrasse 18, 8001 Zürich (grocery in the basement)

• John Baker for gourmet sandwiches - Stadelhoferstrasse 28, 8001 Zürich

Bauschänzli is fun beer garden on a tiny island on the Limmat river in Zurich. At the self-service counter, you can order all the classics: bratwurst, roast chicken, fried fish, ribs, fries as well as pasta, Flammkuchen, and apero platters.

It's a popular place to meet friends after work and on weekends, with a good selection of local beers on tap, refreshing cocktails, and wine by the glass to quench your thirst.

The outdoor terrace has fantastic views of the city, with famous landmarks like the Grossmunster in view. You can't reserve a table on the terrace, first come first served. But you can reserve the lounge area for groups, minimum order CHF 55/per person.

Location: Stadthausquai 2, 8001 Zürich

Open: daily from 11:30

Website: bauschaenzli.com

Sternen Grill is a Zürich institution, known for serving the best bratwurst in town, with their signature hot mustard and "Bürli" rolls. They have a few other sausages like the Swiss "cervelat" and spicy links, as well as delicious roasted chicken. Our kids also like their German-style potato salad as a side.

This sausage stand is next to the Bellevue tram, with mostly takeaway business. But they have outdoor tables in the alley and an indoor dining area upstairs. We usually get our sausages to go and eat them by the lake.

Location: Theaterstrasse 22, 8001 Zürich

Open: daily 10:30 to midnight, until 11pm on Sun & Mon

Website: www.sternengrill.ch

Tip: it's much cheaper to get your drinks at the Coop grocery next door (in the basement), also more selection

The nicest way to get from Zurich to Lindt Home of Chocolate is a boat ride on Lake Zurich.

Start: Zürich Bürkliplatz (See) ferry dock

End: Kilchberg ZH (See) ferry dock • 9 min walk (600m) from the boat dock to the Lindt entrance

Travel time: 27 mins

Timetable

Use the "Short Lake Cruise" (aka "Kleine Seerundfahrt") to get from Zürich to Lindt.

It leaves leaves Zurich Bürkliplatz hourly on the XX:30. It takes 27 mins to reach Kilchberg.

On the return trip, the boat leaves Kilchberg hourly on the XX:02, going directly back to Zurich Burkliplatz.

Check current schedule on www.zsg.ch

Boat Tickets

Free with Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass, Zürich Card, and GA.

Discounted with Swiss Half Fare Card.

You can purchase tickets on the SBB Mobile App or ticket office at Bürkliplatz boat deck. If you get a return ticket, you can use it to return to Zurich by boat or bus.

Everyone was so happy Lindt finally opened a chocolate museum at its Kilchberg factory near Zürich. Their interactive museum is beautiful and very educational, with an immense amount of information both on displays and through the audio guide.

Location: Schokoladenplatz 1, 8802 Kilchberg

⚠️You must book tickets in advance as they can sell out quickly, especially for weekends and holiday periods. To avoid scams, we recommend only booking through trusted vendors. Sold out? See options below ↓

Tickets: Book via GetYourGuide, SwissActivities, or Lindt website

What to expect at Lindt

On the tour, you walk through multiple rooms with multimedia displays explaining the chocolate making process and the history of chocolate, highlighting Swiss Chocolate and Lindt in particular.

They have multiple chocolate tasting experience through the museum, including chocolate fountains and a dispenser where you have to guess the chocolate flavor.

Lindt also offers chocolate making workshops, which are particularly popular for holidays like Christmas and Easter where you make the signature bear and bunny shaped chocolates.

FYI, although Lindt has a few games and audio guide specifically for kids, it is not the most entertaining chocolate experience for kids. We much prefer Chocolarium, which is a day trip from Zurich.

ℹ️ More info on SwissFamilyFun.com

How to get there

The Lindt chocolate factory is located at Seestrasse 204, 8802 Kilchberg. The best way to get there from Zurich is by bus or boat. The closest train station is a 10 min walk.

By bus: From the Zurich Bürkliplatz bus stop, take bus 165 to Kilchberg ZH, Lindt & Sprüngli. The factory is across the street. It's a 15 min ride and buses pick up about every 15 mins.

By boat: From the Zürich Bürkliplatz dock, ride the boat to Kilchberg ZH boat dock. It takes about 27 mins, then a 10 min walk to Lindt. The boat is free with the Zürich Card. In summer, boats go about every 30 mins. See current timetable.

ℹ️ Learn more about the boat.

By train: From Zürich HB, ride the S8 or S24 train to Kilchberg ZH. Then a 10 min walk to the factory.

Tickets 🎟️

You must book tickets in advance (ideally one month or more) as they sell out quickly, especially for weekends and holidays.

➡️ Book via GetYourGuide, SwissActivities, or Lindt website

Flexible entry time: Viator offers a flexible entry ticket that is valid for the full day instead of a specific entry time. You will pay more than double for this ticket than a regular timed ticket. But it also is often available "last minute" for dates that are sold out elsewhere.

Sold out? Visit other chocolate factories that are reasonable day trips from Zurich:

• Chocolarium is our favorite, much more fun with kids (45 min by car, 1h15 by public transport)

• Aeschbach is very kid-friendly and close to Lucerne city (from Lucerne, 17 min by train. From Zürich 35 min by car, 45 min by train)

• Läderach has a factory store and chocolate museum (from Zurich 40 by car, 1h10 by public transport)

This easy walk strolls along the eastern banks of Lake Zurich, a popular promenade for both city dwellers and out-of-towners.

Along the way, you'll find cafes, food stands, benches, a playground, and grassy lawns for lounging. Our favorite is the Gelati an See gelato truck that usually appears in good weather from March to October.

We like this walk for the lovely views and people watching on weekend afternoons or any nice evening when all of Zurich comes out to stroll and enjoy city life. It's also a wonderful place to watch the sunset, with the beautiful colors reflected on the water.

How to get there

We typically start our walk at Zurich Bellevue, near the Opera house, and end at Zurihorn, about 30 mins (1.8 km). You can walk back the way you came or catch a boat, bus or tram back to the city.

• Learn more about the Zurich Gold Coast Walk

For families

The walk is stroller-friendly and car-free, so kids can run around freely (but watch out for bikes). The kids love the big playground near China Garden and the fun stepping stones hidden behind the trees. At about halfway, there is a big playground and park with large grassy areas for lounging and sports.

See my walking map to see all the stuff I’ve marked for kids on the map, like the playground, stepping stones, ice cream stand, etc.

Strandbad Mythenquai is a family-friendly swimming area along Lake Zürich. It's our favorite place to spend hot summer afternoons and evenings as a family, eating a picnic while we watch the sun fade over the mountain in the distance.

Although you can swim for free in many places along the lake, pay a small fee to visit a "badi" means you get a cafe, lifeguard, lounge chairs, changing rooms, lockers, toilets, and other services to make your visit comfortable and fun.

This is the only lake swimming area in Zurich city with a sandy beach and safe shallow swimming area for children. They also have a splash pool for little kids and small playground. They have a diving platform with 1m, 3m, and 5m.

There is a large grassy area with lots of shade. You can borrow lounge chairs and umbrellas with a coin deposit. Plus changing rooms, showers, toilets and lockers.

They have a self-service cafe run by Hiltl, a well known vegetarian restaurant in Zurich. They have a nice salad bar, hot dishes like curry and rice, and kid friendly options like "chicken" nuggets (plant-based) and fries.

Location: Mythenquai 75, 8002 Zürich. Metered parking near the entrance. Bus stop: Sukkulentensammlung.

Open: mid May through early September. Daily 9:00 - 8:00, may close in poor weather

Cost 2024: CHF 8/adult, CHF 6/youth 16-24, CHF 4/child 6-15, under 6 free

The Zeughauskeller restaurant, located in the center of Zurich, is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

The traditional eatery offers hearty casual dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Zürcher geschnetzeltes, Rösti, cordon bleu, and cheese and sausage salad, all served in a warm and friendly environment.

It's housed in a 15th century building that used to house an armory, keeping many of the original architectural features.

Location: Bahnhofstrasse 28A, 8001 Zürich

Website: www.zeughauskeller.ch

Best to reserve a week in advance.

Luigia is a casual Italian restaurant with a lively atmosphere and delicious food. We particularly love pizza, which has thick Napoli-style crust and fresh, tasty toppings. They also have a wide variety of pasta dishes and main dishes with both authentic flavors and contemporary combinations.

It's family-friendly and often filled with cheerful groups celebrating birthdays and friends meeting after work. It's a convenient location, just a couple blocks off Zürich Bahnhofstrasse, the main shopping street.

Location: Talstrasse 61, 8001 Zürich

Website: https://www.luigia.ch/

Reservations recommended.