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A Weekend in Zurich – Christmas Flair in the Heart of Europe

Why Zurich?

Zurich is a boutique city in central Europe. As Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich offers everything a cosmopolitan metropolis implies, albeit in a small and exquisite format. 

Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, it combines creative urban life, gourmet food, diverse museums, and countless events with stunning natural surroundings. And if you crave relaxation in the mountains, you can be in the Swiss Alps in less than an hour.

During the Holiday Season, Zurich sparks with several authentic and classic Christmas festivities and markets. With our following tips, we hope you get the most out of a beautiful weekend in Zurich during this special time of year.  

Explore from the Water

The best way to experience the beautiful city and its surroundings is by boat. After your arrival in Zurich on Friday afternoon, take a short river cruise on the Limmat River to enjoy the sight of Zurich’s old town. Start from Landesmuseum (just next to the main train station) to Bürkliplatz at the edge of Lake Zurich. 

If you have more time, pick one of the various cruises offered by the Lake Zurich shipping company. You will get a beautiful impression of the famous “golden coast” with its beautiful estates, and a view of the Alps, or you can step ashore for a visit to the Lindt – Home of Chocolate Museum in Kilchberg.

Stroll amongst Christmas Lights

Before dinner, take an evening walk amongst the Christmas lights of Zurich’s world-famous Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Europe. It stretches between the lake and the main train station. The Swiss Alpine Herbs store is a pioneer for organic teas and spices produced from authentic organic Swiss herbs.

A Gourmet’s Choice

Being a cosmopolitan city, you will have no trouble finding sophisticated delicacies from across the globe in this Swiss metropole. Whilst Zurich has one of the highest numbers of Michelin-starred restaurants per inhabitant in Europe, the city’s rustic pubs and pop-up restaurants in empty factories are also enjoying a great degree of popularity. Here are some recommendations from the endless list of dinner choices:

  • Kronenhalle: The iconic Swiss restaurant pays homage to Swiss traditions. It is known worldwide for its authentic Swiss dishes such as Züri-Gschnetzeltes or Rösti, but also for its collection of art. 

  • Tao’s offers a perfect and fresh blend of Asian cuisines in a beautiful location at the heart of the city.

  • For a magnificent view of the city in front of the Lake, head up to Restaurant Die Waid. It serves both, traditional Swiss and Asian-inspired culinary highlights

  • A fun and unconventional dinner option is the Fondue Tram. From November to February, you can hop on one of the nostalgic trams and enjoy a traditional cheese fondue whilst traveling along the city’s sights – even vegan options are available.

Saturday Favorites – Sightseeing

Start the day with a 2.5-minute ride on the historic funicular Polybahn. Since 1886, it takes people up from Zurich’s Central Square to the Polyterrasse. The terrace offers stunning views over the roofs of Zurich’s old town. The terrace is located in front of the main building of the renowned Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), which was constructed in 1864 by plans of Gottfried Semper.

Niederdorf

From the terrace, stroll back towards the river through the charming Niederdorf. Its little alleys lined with historic buildings host countless small boutiques and craft studios. The mix of architecture, style, and restaurants invites you to explore at any time of day. For local artisanal delicacies or authentic Swiss crafts, we recommend you check out the shop Berg und Tal (Niederdorfstrasse 3, 8001 Zurich).

Amidst the Niederdorf, you will also find one of Zurich’s iconic landmarks: the Grossmünster Evangelical Protestant church. Its foundations date back to 1100, and it is here where the Reformation under Zwingli and Bullinger started in the first half of the 16th century. Particularly worth seeing are the glass windows by Sigmar Polke, as well as the stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti (1932).

On the opposite bank of the Limmat River sits the Fraumünster church with its tall, slender green spire. Do not miss it for its famous stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. You will find the five windows in the southern transept. During the Christmas season, there are also numerous classical concerts held at Fraumünster. There is also a small Christmas market in the square next to Fraumünster.

A Chocolat Delight

or a break in the warmth, head by Confiserie Sprüngli at Paradeplatz for a hot chocolate or their famous “Truffes du jour”. Sprüngli has been living and breathing Swiss chocolate tradition since 1836.
If you are looking for a more innovative twist on chocolate, stop by Oro de Cacao nearby the Fraumünster. This Swiss Chocolate Revolution is spearheaded by Swiss artist and entrepreneur Dieter Meier. Due to their patented method to extract cocoa, they bring out new rich chocolate flavors. 

The World’s first Vegetarian Restaurant

For lunch, we recommend you check out Hiltl. This restaurant has been serving a delicious choice of purely vegetarian options since 1898, which makes it the world’s first-ever vegetarian restaurant. The traditional first site is located in central Zurich, and you can choose between a buffet on the ground level or reserve a table at the served restaurant on the first floor.

Art & Creativity

Zurich is avant-garde: it is the cradle of the Dada Movement, the world-renowned Helvetica typeface, and the Freitag bag. Museums such as the Kunsthaus (arthouse) Zürich, Haus Konstruktiv, and Museum für Gestaltung (museum for design) offer world-class inspiration. Especially the Kunsthaus also has a special program for adults and children during the Christmas Season.

The Museum Rietberg features important works from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. On top of its internationally renowned collections, Museum Rietberg also convinces with its architecture: imposing historic mansions harmoniously meet a modern and functional building. The site is located in a beautiful park overlooking Lake Zurich.

Christmas Markets

There are several Christmas Markets in Zurich to enjoy the season’s flair. The “Wienachtsdorf” is the eldest and most charming one located by the lake in front of the opera on Sechseläutenplatz. With 150 huts you will find loads of artisanal crafts and foods from around the world.  

Sunday – on top of Zurich’s Home Mountain

If you still have some hours before heading home, we suggest an excursion up Zurich’s home mountain named Uetliberg. To reach, you can take a train (S 10) from Zurich’s main train station. Alternatively, several hiking paths lead up from the city to the peak through a forest. On top, you can enjoy spectacular views over the city, the lake, and the Alps. During the winter months, you can further enjoy a winter wonderland, decorated for the festive season – with snow crunching underfoot, and the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in the air. From November to the end of January, the cozy fondue chalet invites you to a raclette and cheese fondue for a perfect end to a Swiss weekend.

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