Zurich Highlights Private Guided Tour
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Zurich Highlights Private Guided Tour

Active
(1 reviews)
2h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your expert guide will show you the city's highlights and hidden gems. On this walking tour you will be able to see a lot of places within a short timeframe. Apart from explaining the sights, your guide can provide insight into the history and culture of the city and the country in general. The focus of this tour is to see the city through the eyes of a local. This private tour can be customized according to your personal preferences. Sightseeing points to visit can be agreed upon in advance or discussed when meeting up. Therefore, the sightseeing points listed below in the itinerary are just an example of what is possible. Your guide can suggest other sightseeing points that better suit your interests. This tour has two options for guides: a local guide or a professional tour guide. Please be aware that a local guide does not have detailed historical knowledge. If profound knowledge is important to you, you should book the tour option with a professional tour guide.

Available options

2-hour tour (with local guide)

Duration: 2 hours: Shortest tour which allows to see the main highlights. This option is with a local guide (not a professional tour guide).<br/>Pickup included

4-hour tour (with local guide)

Duration: 4 hours: See the main sights and 3-4 hidden secrets. This option is with a local guide (not a professional tour guide).<br/>Pickup included

3-hour tour (with tour guide)

Duration: 3 hours: See the main sights and 1-2 hidden secrets. This option is with a professional tour guide.<br/>Pickup included

5-hour tour (with local guide)

Duration: 5 hours: Book this option for a complete overview of the city. This option is with a local guide (not a professional tour guide).<br/>Pickup included

3-hour tour (with local guide)

Duration: 3 hours: See the main sights and 1-2 hidden secrets. This option is with a local guide (not a professional tour guide).<br/>Pickup included

2-hour tour (with tour guide)

Duration: 2 hours: Shortest tour which allows to see the main highlights. This option is with a professional tour guide.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local tour guide (Swiss or expat) or professional tour guide (depending on your choice)
Walking tour (fully customizable and private)

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

From Lindenhof Square, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the old town. It is an oasis of calm and peace in the city and worth a visit all year round.

2

The Münster bridge is one of the best spots in the city to take pictures. It connects the 2 cathedrals Grossmünster and Fraumünster and offers perfect views over the medieval guild houses and river Limmat.

3
Stop 3

Paradeplatz is one of the main squares in the city and the financial heart of Switzerland. The Swiss banks UBS and Credit Suisse have their headquarter here. Here you can also shop for excellent Swiss chocolate at Confiserie Sprüngli.

4
Stop 4

The Grossmünster is a Romanesque-style Protestant church. It is the most famous building in Zürich and the major church. Admission to the church is free but you can climb the clocktower for a small entry fee from where you have breathtaking views over the city.

5

The lakeside promenade at Bellevue is one of the best places in the city to enjoy the lake and feeding ducks. Especially in summer and spring many people come here to relax, run along the lake or swim.

6

Sechseläutenplatz, located between Bellevue and the Zurich Opera House, combines tradition and modernity and is a place of relaxation. Here, young and old alike walk, sit and play on the square, which covers an area of 16,000 square metres and is made of Vals quartzite. The many trees, places to sit and water elements lend it an urban cosiness.

7
Stop 7

The old town district of the Niederdorf with its winding, car-free alleys, its emblematic Grossmünster church and its many small boutiques, antiquarian bookshops and craft studios, is a delight to explore both by day and in the evening.

8

Predigergasse is one of the nicest alleys in the old town Niederdorf district. This alley is mostly missed by tourists because the entrance is hidden and narrow.

9

The library of the law faculty (University of Zurich) is the most impressive library in Zurich. We will take the elevator to the top floor and admire the modern architecture by star architect Santiago Calatrava.

10

The University of Zürich is the largest university in Switzerland, with its 28,000 enrolled students. It was founded in 1833 from the existing colleges of theology, law, medicine which go back to 1525, and a new faculty of philosophy. We will explore the main building which is one of the most impressive buildings in Zurich.

11

Enjoy one of the best views over Zürich from the terrace of ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich). ETH Zurich is considered the best university in Switzerland, and we will explore the main building from the inside. Founded by the Swiss federal government in 1854, it was modelled on the École polytechnique in Paris, with the stated mission to educate engineers and scientists; the school focuses primarily on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, although its 16 departments span a variety of disciplines and subjects.

12

The Zurich Polybahn is more than a symbol of nostalgia. Every year, the Polybahn transports more than two million people from Zurich Central Square to the ETH Polyterrasse and back again. The funicular railway is part of Zurich’s history.

13

This entrance hall at the police station was painted in the 1920s by Swiss painter Augusto Giacometti. It is an artwork of national importance.

14

Zürich main station (HB Zürich) is the biggest railway station in Switzerland. Check out the spotless Swiss trains and get a feeling of why Swiss public transport is the best in the world.

15
Stop 15

Stretching for 1.4 kilometres from the main railway station to the lake, the Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most famous and also most expensive shopping streets in the world. Strung along it like pearls on a necklace are department stores, boutiques and jewellery shops; the further you stroll towards the lake, the more exclusive the shops become.

16

The Schanzengraben Canal is an oasis of tranquillity in the middle of the financial district. Often overlooked by tourists, it is a place where many locals hang out for picnics during lunchbreak. Ducks and fishes are easy to see.

What's not included

Tickets for public transport (not necessary as it is a walking tour)
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
DE RU VI CMN EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

meet your guide at the meeting point at Zürich HB train station (meeting point is under the big railway clock at the ground floor of the train station)

About Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, is a vibrant blend of modern urban life and traditional Swiss charm. Nestled between the Alps and a beautiful lake, it offers a unique mix of financial hub activity and picturesque landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in Europe.

Top Attractions

Old Town (Altstadt)

The historic heart of Zurich, with medieval streets, charming squares, and beautiful architecture.

Historical 2-3 hours Free

Lake Zurich

A beautiful lake offering scenic views, water activities, and relaxing walks along its shores.

Nature Half day or more Free (activities may have costs)

Uetliberg

Zurich's local mountain, offering hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to escape the city.

Nature Half day CHF 12.80 for the train ride

Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum)

A comprehensive museum showcasing Swiss history, culture, and artifacts from prehistoric times to the present.

Museum 2-3 hours CHF 10

Kunsthaus Zurich

One of Switzerland's most important art museums, featuring works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art.

Museum 2-3 hours CHF 12

Must-Try Local Dishes

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, often served with Rösti (Swiss potato pancake).

Main Dish Contains meat and dairy.

Rösti

A Swiss potato pancake, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Side Dish Vegetarian.

Fondue

Melted cheese served in a pot, enjoyed by dipping bread into it.

Main Dish Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans.

Zürcher Trout

Fresh trout from Lake Zurich, often served with lemon and herbs.

Main Dish Contains fish.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Alps Skiing at nearby resorts Paragliding over Lake Zurich Boat cruise on Lake Zurich Visiting spas and wellness centers Picnicking in parks Exploring museums and galleries Attending concerts and festivals

Best Time to Visit

June to August, December to February

Summer is ideal for outdoor activities, lake swimming, and festivals. Winter brings Christmas markets and skiing opportunities. These are the busiest times with higher tourist volumes.

15-25°C, -2-5°C 59-77°F, 28-41°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: German
  • Widely spoken: English, French, Italian
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Zurich is generally very safe with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
  • • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas

Getting there

By air
  • Zurich Airport • 13 km from city center
By train

Zurich Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Carparkplatz Oerlikon, Carparkplatz Triemli

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are efficient, punctual, and cover most of the city's attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi 433

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Altstadt) Zurich West Kreis 5 (District 5) Kreis 4 (District 4)

Day trips

Lucerne
60 km from Zurich • Full day

A picturesque city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, the famous Chapel Bridge, and its location on the shores of Lake Lucerne.

Rapperswil
40 km from Zurich • Half day

A charming town known as the 'Town of Roses' and its historic castle, offering beautiful views of Lake Zurich.

Mount Titlis
60 km from Zurich • Full day

A popular ski and hiking destination in the Swiss Alps, offering stunning views and year-round activities.

Festivals

Zurich Christmas Market • Late November to late December Sechseläuten • Third weekend in April Zurich Film Festival • Late September to early October

Pro tips

  • Purchase a Zurich Card for unlimited public transport and discounts on attractions
  • Visit the Old Town early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the historic atmosphere
  • Take a boat cruise on Lake Zurich for stunning views and a relaxing experience
  • Explore Zurich West for a trendy and creative vibe with unique shops and restaurants
  • Try Swiss chocolate and pastries at Confiserie Sprüngli, a must-visit for chocolate lovers
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-100
1
Childs
Age 0-17
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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