Zurich: The Perfect Start to Switzerland 

Zurich isn’t just Switzerland’s financial hub, it’s a city where lakeside beauty, mountain views, and charming old streets meet cosmopolitan vibes. For me, it was the ideal gateway to begin my summer adventure in August. 

Best Time to Visit: Summer for lake life, December for magical Christmas markets.

How Many Days: 2 full days are perfect to see the highlights before heading to other Swiss cities.

 The Vibe: Cosmopolitan, organized, welcoming, with a mix of cultures and languages everywhere.

Fun Tip: If you are traveling in Summer bring a swimsuit to enjoy the lake.

Download the SBB app to buy train tickets and see train schedules.

From the moment I arrived, Zurich felt clean, organized, and easy to navigate. Even though my first day was a bit rainy and cool, the city had such a calm, welcoming vibe. People were polite, helpful, and multilingual, most spoke German, Italian, French, and English, and to my surprise, I even heard a lot of Spanish! Zurich immediately felt like a place where cultures meet and blend beautifully. 

Day 1 – Arrival & First Impressions.

Take a walk by Lake Zurich: After arriving and checking into The Opera Hotel, I went for a walk along the lake. This area near the Opera House is one of the most relaxing ways to get to know the city. Locals gather here to stroll, jog, or simply sit by the water and enjoy the view.

Dinner with a view at La Muña: For dinner, I chose La Muña, a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant with a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking Lake Zurich. The food was incredible and the lake views at sunset made it an unforgettable first evening in the city.

Day 2 – Chocolate, Boats & Culture.

Start your day at the Lindt Chocolate Factory: No trip to Zurich is complete without chocolate! The Lindt Factory is more than just a shop, it’s an immersive experience where you can learn about the history of chocolate, see how it’s made, and of course, taste plenty along the way. 

Scenic walk to Rüschlikon & boat ride back to the city: After the factory, I took a 20-minute walk to Rüschlikon. From there, I boarded a boat back into central Zurich. The walk itself was peaceful, and having a snack while sailing across the lake made the journey back one of the highlights of my trip. 

Visit the FIFA Museum: Sports fans will love the FIFA Museum, a modern and interactive space that showcases the history of world football. Even if you’re not a huge soccer fan, it’s an entertaining and well-designed stop. 

Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse: In the afternoon, I explored Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s world-famous shopping street. Even if you are not in the mood to shop, it’s worth the walk-the elegant storefronts, cafes, and lively atmosphere make it one of the most beautiful boulevards in Europe.

Explore the Old Town: Afterwards, I crossed the Altstadt (Old Town). Cobblestone streets, hidden squares, and colorful buildings made it feel like stepping back in time. I finished the day with a drink and dessert at a bar-restaurant overlooking the canal — the perfect way to close my stay in Zurich.

Zurich gave me such good vibes! Everything felt so well organized, and the people were incredibly kind and welcoming. The weather in August kept me on my toes: the first day was rainy and a little chilly in the 70s, but the next day turned out really hot. So definitely be prepared for both. One fun tip: bring your swimsuit! Zurich has designated spots along the lake that they call “beaches,” where for a small fee you can enjoy swimming with access to inflatables, platforms, and bathrooms. I didn’t try it myself, but it looked like such a fun local experience. 

I stayed at The Opera Hotel, just beside Zurich’s Opera House and steps from Lake Zurich. The location made it easy to enjoy peaceful lake walks, and with Uber or a short ride I could quickly reach Old Town. Check prices and availability on Expedia:

The culinary highlight of Zurich was dinner at La Luce, a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant with incredible flavors and a rooftop overlooking Lake Zurich. Between world-class dining and sweet moments at the Lindt Factory, Zurich was a true treat for the senses. 

Best rooftop dinner: La Muña

Best sweet treat: Lindt Chocolate Factory 

Most scenic walk: Rüschlikon to Zurich by boat 

From the Airport: A taxi to the center costs about €60. Uber can be a better option, especially if you’re traveling in a group – when I compared – it wasn’t much more than the tram. 

 Getting Around: Zurich has excellent public transportation, but I mostly used Uber for convenience.

Train Tickets: If you buy a train ticket, it’s valid for 24 hours from the time you select-meaning you can use it for that route on any of the available schedules within that period.

The stores and pharmacies are closed on Sundays. The only pharmacies open are at the airport or main train station.

Zurich was the perfect start to my Swiss adventure. In just two days, I got a taste of its lakeside charm, cultural gems, and delicious food. It’s a city that blends elegance with warmth, and left me feeling both inspired and energized for the rest of my journey through Switzerland. 

If you enjoyed this story, follow me on Instagram @vistabyilse for more travel reels, hidden gems, and behind the scene adventures.

Note: these recommendations are based on my personal experiences during my trip. Prices, opening hours and conditions may change, so always check official websites or local sources before your visit. Don’t forget to stay aware of safety guidelines. Local regulations, and seasonal weather when planning your trip.
Connect with me on Instagram @vistabyilse I’d love to hear about your Zurich experience!