Long Layover in Zurich? Here's How to Make the Most of It
While a long layover is rarely viewed as ideal, savvy travelers recognize that it provides an opportunity to explore yet another city, which can be the perfect salve on an otherwise long and boring journey. And Zürich is a perfect layover destination. Nestled amidst the Swiss Alps, Zürich’s famously efficient transportation and compact city center make it easy to explore even if you only have a few hours to spare. So if you find yourself with a layover in Zürich like I did, here’s a guide to help you maximize every minute of your time in this Swiss metropolis.
Important Layover Logistics
How much time do I need to make leaving the airport worthwhile?
5 hours between flights is probably the minimum you would need to justify exiting the airport to explore the city. Obviously, how much time you need to allow for travel, customs, and immigration depends on where you’re traveling to and from. But if you locate your flight on Zürich Airport’s live departure page, you can track the flight for updates, and check the recommended arrival time based on your circumstances (traveling with hand luggage only, etc.) to allow you to push that limit.
How do I get from the airport to the city center?
Traveling by train is the fastest way to travel to the city center. Zürich’s public transit system is incredibly efficient and easy to navigate. A quick visit to the SBB website or Google Maps will show you multiple train options leaving from Zürich Flughafen, the airport, to Zürich Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, in under 15 minutes and for under CHF5. Zürich Hauptbahnhof, or Zürich HB, is located just north of the old town in central Zürich, making it a great starting point for your city adventure.
I arrived late at night for my layover, so I took an Uber. My ride to the city center cost approximately CHF40 and took approximately 30 minutes. Traffic was fairly light at that hour, but can differ depending on the time of day, and can figure into the time and cost.
What should I do if I have luggage?
If you have carry-on luggage, deposit it in a locker for worry-free exploring (but be sure to keep important documents on your person!). Luggage lockers are available at Zürich Flughafen in several locations. Luggage lockers are available in Zürich HB on the Mezzanine level.
Do I need to go through customs and immigration on a layover?
If you’re leaving the airport, yes, you do have to go through customs and immigration.
How to Spend Your Layover in Zürich
If you only have a few hours to spare, a walk around the Limmat River to Lake Zürich is an easy way to see some of the city’s main sights. Here’s a simple walking tour starting from Zürich HB which should take approximately 3 to 4 hours:
Coffee at MAME Bahnhof
If you like to jump start all your adventures with a good cup of coffee like I do, then I recommend popping in to MAME Bahnhof for that first cup. Not only does it serve spectacular coffee, it’s also the only coffee shop I’ve visited that shares a space with a Cadillac car dealership, making for a unique caffeinating experience!
Lindenhof
From there, take a short climb to Lindenhof, a historic hilltop square situated in the heart of Zürich's Old Town (Altstadt). Dating back to Roman times, the site was once home to a Roman castle and later became a royal court during the Middle Ages. One of the primary draws of Lindenhof is its breathtaking panoramic views. Positioned on a slight elevation, the square offers stunning vistas of the Limmat River, the iconic Grossmünster Church, the Old Town's red-roofed buildings, and the distant Alps. The square is adorned with linden trees, which contribute to its name.
Alstadt (Old Town)
Augustinergasse in Zurich’s Old Town
Beautiful artistic details on oriel windows
Descend on the southern end of Lindenhof, and you’ll soon find yourself on Rennweg, one of the Old Town’s main arteries. Zürich’s Alstadt boasts well-preserved medieval buildings adorned with colorful facades, narrow cobblestone streets, and intricate details. The charming buildings, including guild houses, churches, and townhouses, create a captivating backdrop that transports you back in time.
The Old Town is a treasure trove of boutique shops, art galleries, and charming cafes nestled along its winding streets. You can explore these quaint establishments, offering everything from local crafts and souvenirs to artisanal goods, while indulging in delectable pastries. In fact, I wouldn’t fault you if you wanted to spend your entire layover here then head back to the airport. If that’s the way you decide to go, consider treating yourself to a meal at Neue Tavern, a Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant, for a taste of Zürich’s innovative culinary scene. Just don’t forget to make reservations.
Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster Church organ with almost 6,000 pipes
Marc Chagall stained glass windows
Fraumünster Church is an impressive structure dating back to the 13th century. If you have at least 30 minutes to spare, it is absolutely worth the CHF5 fee to see the interior (free with the Zürich Card), mainly for the impressive stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. The artist, who was born in 1887 into a Jewish family in Belarus, lived in St. Petersburg, Paris, Berlin, and New York, and is considered a key figure in 20th century art. However, Chagall didn’t complete his first stained glass window until 1956, when he was almost 70. Some consider it his best medium, combining his brilliant use of color with his spirituality and storytelling.
In Fraumünster Church, Chagall’s chancel windows are evocative images of well-known biblical tales in vibrant primary colors. The Rose Window was added 8 years after the completion of the chancel windows, when the artist was almost 90. Outside, don’t miss the impressive murals in the church’s cloisters. If you have additional time on your hands, Fraumünster Church offers an audio guide approximately an hour long which goes into the church’s history as well.
Bronze Model of Zürich
From Fraumünster Church, it’s just another short jaunt down to Lake Zürich. As you exit the church and head towards the western bank of the Limmat River, pause for a second to admire the bronze model of Zürich on Stadthausquai. Felix Brörken created the Zürich tactile model which covers the area of the old town between Bürkliplatz and the main train station at a scale of 1:750. The model is dedicated to the sight-impaired, allowing them to get to know Zürich's city center with their fingertips and experience it in a new way.
Another eye-catcher on Stadthausquai is the Metropol building, a neo-baroque stunner which dates back to 1893. Originally designed by architect Heinrich Ernst, it was Zürich’s first purely commercial building and highly innovative for its time. After undergoing massive restoration in 2006, it now houses a stylish restaurant, bar and event space.
Lake Zürich and Bürkliplatz
If you’re visiting Zürich between April and October, you can hop on a round trip lake cruise at Bürkliplatz for as little as 55 minutes. Otherwise, you can still wander around the area and admire the views, which include that of the stunning Opera House. There’s also a surprisingly varied bird population, which according to Birding Places, could include the Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Black-headed Gull and several species of ducks. I was lucky enough to be wandering around when the designated bird feeder popped by with a large bag of seed, sending the birds into a frenzy. And if your layover happens to extend into the evening, this is also a great spot to watch the sunset.
Hot Chocolate at Paradeplatz
From Bürkliplatz, wander up Bahnhofstrasse to Paradeplatz, Zürich’s financial epicenter. The busy transportation hub houses the headquarters of major Swiss banks and financial institutions, but when I visited, the main attraction was the Confiserie Sprüngli, which opened in 1859. The Swiss luxury confectionery manufacturer has an eye-popping retail store at this location that any chocolate lover would be dazzled by, but it also has a cafe where you can enjoy a cup of their signature hot chocolate. And when in Switzerland, enjoying Heisse Schoggi is a must! This location also offers an oat milk version for those who are vegan or dairy-free. There can be a wait, so if you're a larger party, consider making a reservation.
If hot chocolate isn’t your thing (my condolences), nearby Milchbar offers another option for a quick break. With a beautiful courtyard, sitting outside while you enjoy a cup of coffee is a thoroughly restorative experience.
Grossmünster Church
From Paradeplatz, head east towards Grossmünster Church, whose twin towers are prominent features of Zürich's skyline. Crossing the historic Münsterbrücke, pause to admire the view, which is popular with visitors and locals alike. (There was a lovely couple taking wedding photos there when I visited.)
Steeped in history, it is believed the church was founded by Charlemagne after he discovered the tombs of Zürich's patron saints, Felix and Regula, in the 9th century. And later in the 16th century, it played a significant role in the Swiss Protestant Reformation. Still an active place of worship, visitors may have the opportunity to attend organ concerts or choral performances. You can also climb the towers for panoramic views of Zürich, though I found the initial passageway too narrow and claustrophobic. It opens up later to several wooden staircases, but it’s definitely quite a steep climb and not for the faint of heart.
Giacometti Hall (Blüemlihalle)
Head back up the Limmat River and cross back to the west bank at Rudolf-Brun-Brücke towards Uraniastrasse, and make your way to Giacometti Hall. Unfortunately, beginning in October 2023, the space can only be accessed via guided tours from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Wednesday through Saturday. But if you happen to be available during those periods, it’s absolutely worth dropping by for a visit. The free tour is only approximately 15 minutes long, to allow more visitors access to the space.
Believe it or not, Giacometti Hall, or Blüemlihalle (Flower Hall) to locals, is the small arched entrance hall to the police station. If the colors strike you as unconventional when you step inside, it is entirely by design. When the city of Zürich launched a competition in 1922 to decorate the space, one of the main goals was to brighten it up. And brighten it up they did! Augusto Giacometti used a mix of floral designs and geometric patterns to enhance the architectural elements, then created images on the walls of “working residents” in complementary earthy tones.
Alternative Options If You Have More Time
Since all the stops listed above are located in a small, dense area, you should be able to visit them comfortably in 4 hours. But if you have a longer layover or would rather explore somewhere off the beaten path, there are some additional options that might be worth traveling to.
Zürich West
We’re big believers that delving into a city’s neighborhoods can yield a host of hidden gems, whether it’s a rooftop bar with killer views in NYC’s Chinatown or an immersive walk through Edo history in Tokyo’s Ueno Park. Just a few minutes from Zürich’s downtown, you can explore Zürich West, a revitalized industrial area that is now host to museums, art galleries, and trendy eateries.
From Paradeplatz, hop on the Tram 13, which takes approximately 12 minutes to travel to Löwenbräu. The Aussersihler Viaduct, which dates back to 1894, was a railway bridge with vaulted arches that was rendered defunct when the S-Bahn was created. Today, IM VIADUKT is a lively shopping and dining destination offering a wide selection of international cuisines, local fashion, and thoughtful lifestyle brands in a unique locale.
Once you’re done sampling the gastronomic delights, you can cross the street and explore cutting-edge contemporary art at Kunsthalle Zürich or the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst. The Löwenbräu complex is a former brewery which underwent a series of alterations, additions, and replacements to its structures over the years. However, the decisive shift in its purpose towards becoming an art exhibition and gallery hub in the 1990s represented a significant turning point. This successful conversion set the stage for further development, paving the way for a multifaceted and innovative project that incorporates a diverse array of functions. The repurposing of this industrial site demonstrates a remarkable fusion of history and modernity. By preserving the original architectural elements and integrating them into the contemporary transformation, the complex honors the city's past while embracing its present cultural dynamism.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to hop on local transportation and visit many of the local attractions, it might be wise to consider the Zürich Card. In this particular example, the tram travel and entrance fee to Kunsthalle Zürich would be complimentary.
Uetliberg
If you’d much rather climb a mountain than explore a city any day, then consider Uetliberg, which is often referred to as “Zürich's local mountain”. Perched at an altitude of 871 meters (2,858 feet), Uetliberg provides breathtaking panoramic views of Zürich, Lake Zürich, and the snow-capped Swiss Alps. The vista from the top is simply spectacular, especially during sunrise or sunset. At the summit, you will find Uetliberg Tower, an observation tower offering even more stunning panoramic views. Climbing to the top of the tower provides an unparalleled 360-degree perspective of the surrounding landscapes, making it an unforgettable experience.
Accessing Uetliberg is convenient, with regular train service from Zürich's main station to Uetliberg station taking just around 20 minutes. From there, a 10-minute walk leads to the summit, making it easily accessible on a long layover in Zürich.
Conclusion
Zürich stands as a compelling destination that offers a myriad of opportunities to transform a long layover into a memorable and enriching experience. Whether you’re a fan of history, nature, culture, or cuisine, Zürich presents diverse wonders to explore, ensuring that every moment spent outside the airport is an adventure.
