20 TOP Things To Do in Zurich 2021 – Explore like a local

Ice rink Dolder

By luzia

This open-air ice-skating rink is close to the city but it still feels like a small trip to get there. It's one of the smaller rinks, and it's quite charming due to it's location and the big tree in the middle of the ice field. It's also a popular attraction for school kids.

by luzia

Sledge run Üetliberg

Fun & Active 3 0

By luzia

Rejoice like a kid

Sledge run Üetliberg

3

It's just fun to sledge down the 3.1 km long trail. the trail can be pretty fast, depending on whether some parts are icy. In total, it's 330 meter difference in altitude that are sledged down. The top can be reached conveniently with the Üetliberg train leaving at the main station.

by luzia

Museum fur Gestaltung Schaudepot

Museums & Galleries 6 1

By Martin

Trendy Exhibition Hub

Museum fur Gestaltung Schaudepot

6

The Museum Für Gestaltung is an institution in Zürich, and the Schaudepot (roughly translates to "look-warehouse") they set up while some work is being done on the main building is no exception. They always have dope exhibitions going on, usually quite unique. It's the main museum for Visual Communication and Design in Switzerland.

by Martin

Unterer Letten

Fun & Active 6 1

By luzia

Cool down in Limmat water

Unterer Letten

6

For many people in Zurich, the public bath ("badi") culture is very important. This particular place is popular among many people. It has a family-friendly pool in the upper part, and a beautiful old wooden part extending into the river. The place offers some action, too: You can walk up, jump into the river, float down, start again..

by luzia

Polyterrasse

Things To Do 6 1

By luzia

Get a view, and catch some sun

Polyterrasse

6

This square is part of the ETH Zurich and is a popular hangout for many students before and afer lessons. It's a platform with a scenic view, perfect to: Watch fireworks, have a picnic, get some sun, read a while (for example about the architecture of Zurich), get a feeling for the size and structure of Zurich (especially the old town).

by luzia

Gemüsebrücke

Things To Do 10 3

By Felix

Is this the centre of Zurich?

Gemüsebrücke

10

On Saturday mornings from 6am to noon this bridge hosts a market where residents come to buy mostly vegetables, but also flowers, bread and some fine food delicacies. It's surrounded by cafés, so after you've done your shopping you can stay to do some people watching, too.

by Felix

Succulent Collection

Museums & Galleries 5 0

By Felix

Plants that suck (water)

Succulent Collection

5

These seven greenhouses are used to grow and foster one of the biggest and most diverse collection of succulents of the world. Since those plants are from the desert, they store water and they like it hot. A perfect place to warm up after a winter stroll.

by Felix

Rieterpark

Things To Do 4 5

By Felix

Artful garden from the 1900s

Rieterpark

4

This small park on a hill is a nice retreat from buzzing Zurich, where one can have a quiet picnic with the kids or enjoy the view on the Lake Zurich and even on the Glarner Alps. Still its very accessible from the surrounding residential area and with public transport.

by Felix

Hamam Münstergasse

Fun & Active 4 1

By luzia

Steam in the center of the old town

Hamam Münstergasse

4

Everyone needs to get spoiled once in a while, and this place in the middle of the old town lets you forget everything around. This hamam belongs to a gym, so one can combine a workout with a visit at the hamam as a reward. This hamam is gender mixed with a small section for women only.

by luzia

Flea market Kanzlei

Things To Do 5 3

By luzia

Find inspiration and unique items

Flea market Kanzlei

5

Art students love it for inspiration, students love it to get cheap clothes, and to earn a little pocket money by selling their stuff. Everyone loves it to meet friends, stroll and negotiate. The crowd is mixed, and so are the goods, with clothes and accessories dominating.

by luzia

Sihlcity

Fun & Active 1 0

By Meissoun

The mall that has it all

Sihlcity

1

I used to live very close by and called it my "village" because you can get everything you need here: all kinds of shops and services, a gym, dentist, restaurants, hotel, cinema, daycare, club even a "church" (prayer room open to all faiths). There are also seasonal activities on the square like a beach bar in Summer or a fondue hut in Winter.

by Meissoun

Sauna Seebad Enge

Fun & Active 2 0

By luzia

Heat up and cool down

Sauna Seebad Enge

2

Everyone loves the lake, but in winter it's just too freezing cold. So the only chance to dip in is to heat up first. The Sauna cabins are built with windows at the top, and the view warms your heart while your body starts sweating. There's reading material and wool blankets available, and the place feels like far away from the bustling city life.

by luzia

Foxtrail paper chase

Fun & Active 2 0

By Felix

Guided discoveries across town

Foxtrail paper chase

2

Doing a Foxtrail helps locals discover the city from a new perspective: it combines a classic paper chase with innovative riddles, cool secret messages and historic locations. Locals are on a foxtrail on their kid's birthday, on a hen's night, on a company trip or just on any Saturday, when shopping again is not an option.

by Felix

Pestalozzi Library

Fun & Active 1 0

By luzia

Read and get inspired

Pestalozzi Library

1

There are several Pestalozzi libraries in the city, all of them are family friendly places to read without the deadly silence of a university library. They have a great selection of books, cartoons, movies and games which can be borrowed for a moderate annual fee.

by luzia

Milch Bar

Fun & Active 1 1

Young, cool bar in ZH centre

Milch Bar

1

In-between a lounge and a bar, Milch Bar is a cozy, little place near the lake which I love to visit all year. During the weekends a DJ lubes the sociality of the bar goers with some techno music. Entry is completely free and drinks are more than reasonably cheap.