Two days in Zurich is enough time to see the main sights without it turning into an exhausting marathon. Group the attractions by neighbourhood, allow for a bit of flexibility in case of bad weather, and don’t plan any major excursions straight after an overnight bus journey.
Check opening times, events, accessibility and tickets on Zurich’s official tourism portal: these details change more often than the attractions themselves.
Day one: getting to know the city
From the main railway station, walk along the Limmat through Lindenghof, Niederdorf and Grossmünster to the lake. Don’t overfill your day with shopping on Bahnhofstrasse — the best views are to be found on the embankments and bridges.
Day two: Zurich’s other side
Choose between the Kunsthaus or the Swiss National Museum. If the weather is clear, allow time for the Uetliberg, but check transport links and visibility: if it’s cloudy, it’s better to swap the panoramic section for a city tour.
How to set a realistic pace
Plan one main paid attraction for half a day, and spend the rest of the time exploring the streets, waterfronts and making short stops. If you need to book in advance, check not only the opening times but also the route from your previous location. After a long journey, it’s better to shorten the itinerary than to rush through unfamiliar areas.
If the bus arrives early or late
Check in advance whether you can leave your luggage at your accommodation, and check the route from the exact stop. Start your morning itinerary with open urban spaces, rather than a museum with fixed opening hours. For an evening arrival, save the transport timetable and the hotel’s contact details for offline use.
Transport and navigation
Download an offline map, mark the coach station, your accommodation and your departure point. The city centre is often convenient for walking, but a museum or hill further afield may require transport. Compare single-journey and day tickets only using the current fares from the local operator.
Budget and meals
Set aside a separate budget for transport, one or two paid attractions and unexpected travel costs. For lunch, head a few streets away from the main square and check the menu before ordering. A small supply of water and a snack will help you avoid having to change your route because of queues.
Preparing for the bus journey
Keep your ticket, passport, mobile phone and any necessary medication in your hand luggage. Make sure you allow plenty of time for your return journey: the name of the town is no substitute for the exact address and platform. It’s also worth reading our tips on offline maps and checking that your phone is set up for travel abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy a city travel card?
It isn’t automatically worth it. Work out exactly which museums and trips you’ll actually have time for, and check the terms and conditions on the official website.
What should I do if it rains?
Keep one museum as a backup option, but don’t cram all your visits into a single day: you’ll still need to travel around the city between them.