Switzerland, a dream destination for many. Likewise it was for us too till a few summers back. Hence after a night out, when our cab picked us up very early from our hotel, we were still excited. Barcelona looked beautiful before dawn. And this was the parting shot from a city we fell in love with. A Barcelona sunrise that we would never forget as we boarded our flight to Zürich. Check out with us what you could do on your first day in Zürich, the charming capital city.
The Vueling flight touched down in Zürich at its scheduled time of 9 AM. As the luggage formalities didn’t take much time, we were soon on our way to the airport train station. Our destination Bahnhofplatz, Zürich HB Main Station.
First Day in Zürich – Airport to City Center
Trains run daily from Zürich Airport to Zürich Main Station every 5–10 minutes between 5 am and midnight. In addition, the S-Bahn lines S2 and S16, as well as various regional trains transport guests swiftly to Zürich Main Station at the city center in just 10 minutes. Buses too are available outside the terminal and take around the same time. Moreover you could also avail a relaxed tram ride which takes around 35 minutes. Check out all the information on Zürich Airport to Zürich Main Station.
If you’d rather skip the trains and trams altogether, a private transfer is a comfortable option too. We’ve since learnt that booking a limousine service in Switzerland gets you picked up right at the terminal and driven straight to your hotel, no schedules or luggage-hauling involved. It’s a relaxed way to start your trip, especially after a long flight, and works out well if you’re traveling with family or just want a bit of comfort on arrival.
Best way to go around in Zürich
The Zürich Card allows unlimited 2nd class travel around Zürich and nearby areas for either 24 or 72 hours. One pass covers a multitude of transport options. Travel by Zürich train, tram, bus and cableway and enjoy a lake cruise as well as a Limmat river cruise. Your ride on the train from the airport to the main station is also included. Further you are also entitled to a free or reduced admission to 43 museums, a 50% discount on the Zürich Old Town Walking Tour and much more. We decided to go in for the 72 hour card for the two of us. And a Day Pass for our last day.
Our Stay- Hotel Olympia
We took the Tram 3 from the central station to reach our hotel. Hotel Olympia located on Badenerstrasse 324 is a nice small 3* property in a residential area. It is connected well to the city center. The bus and tram stop is located just outside and the reception extremely traveler friendly.
A nice continental breakfast spread for an addition payment of CHF 16.50 per person and in the evening you can enjoy your favorite drink in their bar. Furthermore the rooms are special with the best part being the windows. We were lucky to check in early at 12 noon without any additional payment as the room was available after an early check-out by a guest.
First Day in Zürich. Exploring the City Center
Paradeplatz
We took tram 2 from our hotel to reach Paradeplatz which is a square at Bahnhofstrasse. It’s considered as the most expensive real estate destination in town. The Swiss Banks UBS and Credit Suisse are headquartered here.
A walk on Bahnhofstrasse Street to Lake Zürich
Bahnhofstrasse Street is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. It is home to brands like Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada and many others. This street starts at the central train station (Hauptbahnhof) and ends near Lake Zürich. Let’s take this walk to lake.
Visit the Fraumünster Church
Visit the Bürkliplatz Flea Market
Bürkliplatz & Lake Zürich
Bürkliplatz is the town square named after Arnold Bürkli. It is one of nodal points of public transportation and of the lake shore promenades. You have enough around to spend hours relaxing by the lake. Experience a bit here.
Take a boat ride on Lake Zürich
Spend a few hours at Bürkliplatz Park
Rest a while. Freshen up
We were back at our hotel. It hardly took us 20 mins to get back using Tram 2. It had started drizzling a bit and Zurich in the night looked beautiful. But we were hoping for the weather to change as the evening progressed. For a taste of nightlife here in Zürich.
Zürich Nightlife
Zürich’s nightlife is renowned for offering the most colorful choice of parties in the whole of Switzerland. And Langstrasse, the most popular entertainment district. We are right now in the thick of action. At Mascotte Club. Our Zürich Card entitled us to a free entry. We spent a while before moving on. Get a feel.
First Day in Zürich, Switzerland
Zürich. It was the first taste of our dream destination for years. And the day turned out to be a great start. There were many dreamy days that followed. Will be back soon with some truly beautiful experiences of Zürich & Switzerland. Till then stay safe, stay happy.
If you loved the day with us in Zürich, PIN it to plan your future trip !!
Great going, keep updating further.
It seems you did the same tour we did when we were in Zurich, except that we didn’t have time to take a boat ride. We had only one day in the city, but I would have liked to stay longer. It’s a very beautiful city. I remember the first thing that amazed me was how clean Zurich really was.
Yes Anda Zurich is such a pretty city. We loved it and would love to go back to see more of Switzerland some time.
We too spent a day wandering around Zurich when we visited. But we were sad the weather was off and we did not get a chance to get out on Lake Zurich. You had a busy first day and saw a lot. Will be interested in what else you did to help plan our return visit one day.
That’s sad you couldn’t venture out into Lake Zurich. Probably next time. Some more on our second day in Zurich in tomorrow’s post Linda.
I love Switzerland and Zurich is a great place to start your trip but it’s not my favourite part of the country. In fact, in a country like Switzerland, the countryside and small towns are so much more fun to explore. I’m sure you would agree 😉 Having said that, its worth spending a day in Zurich.
Yes I completely agree. The best if Switzerland is once you venture out of Zurich.
I visited Zurich for a day too and I loved the city. I walked around mostly and when I visited it was fall season so all the parks and the trees around the lake were stunning as they had all the colours. I also had lots of chocolates during my visit. But I wish I had more time so I could go around more and especially taking the boat ride and going to the mountains.
Yes Raksha you need two days in Zurich to have a relaxed trip. And you could visit all important stops.
Zurich is a beautiful and busy city in Switzerland. We had a marvellous time here when we visited Zurich many years ago especially the tram rides and the boat trip on the lake. I love Switzerland and would like to do another trip sometime. Enjoyed your well-captured images! 🙂
Thanks Jan. So happy you liked and could make you nostalgic.
Amazed at how much you packed into your first day in Zurich! I would have been content with just the high end shopping mall or strolling along the lake. Nice to see how sleek and modern the transportation system is as well. The Zurich card is a great value!
Yes Tami had planned it well and could do a lot since we reached early in the morning.
Oh, that flea market looks interesting. I didn’t think they’d have it in Zurich. The city looks clean and busy! I look forward to more photos and updates from you of this trip.
Sure Trisha.
I’m yet to visit Zurich. Good that you had an early flight from Barcelona. Helps you save that day. Zurich Card is definitely a great option. Hotel Olympia looks good. Good that there’s a bus and tram stop just outside the hotel. The boat ride in the lake looks good. Spending the evening relaxing at Burkliplatz Park.
Yes Zurich is such a pleasant place to be in.
I really like reading the post. It has the right balance of storytelling and Information. The pictures really gels well with the content. I was totally hooked.
Happy you liked Saurabh.