Weekend Itinerary in Zurich, Switzerland: How to Spend 3 Days in Zurich

Looking for inspiration for a weekend in Zurich? Read our tips below on the things to do in Zurich, Switzerland plus a sample weekend itinerary, where to stay, how to get around, and the best restaurants to try!

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland both by land area and population. Zurich has long been known for being an upmarket banking city and as Swiss financial capital. Its reputation for having a luxurious lifestyle made its name as one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Not only boasting with its eye-watering high-end shops, metropolitanized districts and deluxe chocolates, Zurich is also rich in historical and cultural areas. Set alongside Lake Zurich and framed by the Alps, this city is meant for indoor and outdoor exploration.

Other articles you can read:

Things To Do in Zurich, Switzerland and Our Experience Staying in 25hours Hotels
Complete List of Recommended Best Cheap Hotels and Backpacker Hostels in Switzerland
Switzerland on a Budget: How to Save Money on Transport
List of The Best Luxury Hotels in Switzerland
Burlesque Suite of Grand Kameha Zurich – a most unique hotel room in Europe

3 Day Weekend Trip Guide to Zurich, Switzerland

Day 1 – Weekend Guide to Zurich, Switzerland

Old Town – This town has a lot to offer that you can spend the whole day. You can visit the 4 main churches of Old Town; Grossmünste, Fraumünster, Predigerkirche, St. Peterskirche. Allow yourself some time to freely wander the boutiques, cafes, shops, and restaurants that mostly found inside of wonderful traditionally painted houses. In the evening, go to the bustling nightlife at Niederdorf.

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Zurich, Switzerland

Bahnhofstrasse – This high-end street is the best in the world, so who would want to miss the opportunity to walk down its street feeling like a billionaire?

Limmat – After a pretentious shopping spree in Bahnhofstrasse, relax your mind and body here at Limmat. Swim on its clear water or take a boat ride or both.

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Zurich, Switzerland

Botanical Garden – Your last day should be a day of relaxation and tranquility. There’s no other way to do that than spending it at the Botanical Garden in Zurich. This garden features a variety of plants from all around the world. The best thing about this is it’s free of charge.

Photo by Tambako The Jaguar CC BY-ND 2.0

Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland

Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland if you’re a Backpacker

Budget Youth Hostel

Situated in Zürich, 5 km from the Swiss National Museum, 6 km from Lindenhof, 6 km from Zurich Exhibition Hall and 6 km from Kunsthaus Zurich. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, free WiF, shared bathroom with a bath, free continental breakfast.

Price: Starts at US$45 + US$3 taxes and charges, free cancellation.

City Backpacker Biber

Located in Zurich’s Old Town, just 300 m from the Grossmünster, the city’s railway station is a 10-minute walk away, and 400 m from the famous Bahnhofstrasse Shopping Street This hotel has good price considering its convenient location.

The accommodation has free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, 3 fully-equipped shared kitchens, shared bathroom facilities, and a common lounge area.

Price: Starts at US$42 + US$3 taxes and charges, free cancellation. No prepayment needed.

Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland if you’re on a Budget

Oldtown Hostel Otter

This hostel and its old-established Wüste Bar is a stylish place for the young and the young-at-heart in Zürich’s Old Town. Oldtown Hostel Otteroffers beds in dormitory rooms, as well as individually furnished private rooms with a shared lounge, a kitchenette, luggage storage, and wireless internet hotspots.

Surrounded by a wide choice of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and international galleries, this hotel is also a very convenient place to stay.

Price: Starts at US$53, taxes and charges included, partially refundable

ibis budget Zurich City West

The rooms at the ibis budget Zurich City West are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. is 9 km from the Zurich Airport. Ibis Budget Zurich City West is situated in the trendy Zurich West district, 10 minutes by public transport from the city center and Zurich Main Station.

Price: starts at US$88 + US$2 taxes and charges, Breakfast at US$12, non-refundable

Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland if you want Luxury

Park Hyatt Zurich

A contemporary 5-star hotel located in Zurich. It has a health club with a gym, steam bath, sauna and treatment rooms. Its spacious accommodation units have high-speed Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs from Bang & Olufsen. A 2-story wine library houses 3000 bottles of wine and has its own spiral staircase for access. The hotel’s lounge features comfortable lounge chairs and sofas, as well as an open fireplace. Park Hyatt Zurich will surely give you the luxurious experience you’d never forget.

Price: Starts at US$532 + US$2 taxes and charges, breakfast at US$50, free cancellation,

Savoy Baur en Ville

Savoy Baur en Ville has 2 restaurants and free wifi all throughout the property. Every room at Savoy is elegantly furnished. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar and a safe are standard amenities. The refined Savoy Bar is the perfect place for a pre- or post-dinner drink. A continental breakfast is served daily. They serve innovative haute cuisine and the Tuscan-style Orsini Restaurant offers traditional Italian dishes.

Price: Starts at US$281 + US$2 taxes and charges, breakfast at US$50, free cancellation,

List of restaurants that you can try while in Zurich, Switzerland

La Fonte

Serves Italian, Mediterranean and European cuisines. If you love pizza, then this is the place to go to. Good prices for good food.

Operating Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Wed-Sun), 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Wed-Fri), 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Sat-Sun)
Address: Duebendorfstrasse 223 | 8051 Zürich, Zurich 8051, Switzerland

Restaurant Nihao

This restaurant serves various kinds of Asian foods. If you are craving for Chinese and Japanese cuisines, then you should go ahead and try their buffet.

Operating Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Sun), 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Tue-Sun), 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Tue-Fri)
Address: Oerlikonerstrasse 43 | Oerlikon, Nähe Milchbuck und Berninaplatz, Zurich 8057, Switzerland

Restaurant Oberes Triemli

Serves Swiss and European cuisines. When you are in Switzerland, you oath to try authentic Swiss dishes hence this restaurant is here for you.

Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Sun), 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Tue-Sat), 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Address: Birmensdorferstrasse 535 | 8055 Zurich, Zurich 8055, Switzerland