Advertisement

Best Sellers - Things To Do in Zurich

These are the things to do in Zurich that travellers actually book most often. The bestsellers are ranked by real booking volume, so you get a clear picture of what’s popular right now. You’ll see a mix of classic city tours, lake cruises, and experiences that capture a genuine slice of life here. Keep in mind, some top picks shine especially in spring and summer when the weather makes wandering the old town or relaxing by the lake even nicer.

While these options are popular with visitors, it’s good to plan ahead. For example, the boat trips on Lake Zurich tend to fill up quickly on sunny weekends, especially if you're staying near Bürkliplatz. So booking early means you won’t miss out. These best sellers reflect where the demand really is, not just flashy brochures, giving you a solid starting point to explore the city the way most travellers like to.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Local tip for travellers

If you want to avoid the busiest times for the most popular Zurich tours and lake cruises, try to schedule them mid-week. On Saturdays or during public holidays, spots get snapped up fast. Also, when booking a walking tour, check if your group size is limited; many tours cap numbers around 12 to avoid crowding, so smaller groups often get a more relaxed experience. If you’re staying in the Kreis 4 or Kreis 5 districts, it’s easy to catch public transport straight to the landing spots at Bürkliplatz for boat trips, saving you time and hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Zurich’s bestselling activities.

Walking tours of Zurich’s Old Town and guided city bus tours are among the most booked. They give a good overview and fit well into a day’s itinerary.

It’s best to book popular activities like lake cruises and guided tours a few weeks in advance, especially in late spring and summer when visitor numbers peak.

Yes, boat cruises on Lake Zurich consistently top booking charts, especially on weekends and sunny days. They offer a relaxing way to see the city from the water.

Definitely. Many city tours and experiences start near Zurich Hauptbahnhof, making it easy for travellers to join the most popular activities without extra travel.

Most top bookings are concentrated in warmer months, though some indoor experiences, like museums or food tours in central Zurich, stay popular year-round.

Many of the top-booked activities are family-friendly, particularly Lake Zurich cruises and walking tours through parks and historic areas.

Explore Things To Do Categories

City Tours (1300 places) If you’re planning to explore Zurich beyond just wandering around, city tours are a solid way to get a feel for the place,and skip getting lost. You can hop on a boat cruise along the Limmat River and see the old town’s rooftops from the water, which is especially lovely in late spring when the chestnut trees are full… Explore
Family-Friendly Experiences (1090 places) Zurich isn’t just for business travelers and art lovers; it’s seriously fun for families too. The city offers plenty of spots where kids can run around and explore without the usual stuffiness you might expect. The Zurich Zoo is a favorite – the Masoala Rainforest hall feels like a mini jungle, and the elephants… Explore
Attractions & Tickets (1076 places) If you’re planning to explore Zurich’s attractions, you’re in for more than just picturesque old towns and lake views. You’ll want to snag tickets ahead for places like Kunsthaus or the Swiss National Museum because weekends can get surprisingly busy, especially in spring and fall when locals sneak in day trips. And… Explore
Day Trips (848 places) If you’re staying in Zurich and have a day to spare, there’s plenty just outside the city that’s worth your time. Ever taken the tram to Uetliberg? It’s a local favorite for a quick nature fix and some of the best views over Zurich and the Alps beyond. But don’t stop there,just a short train ride will get you to… Explore
Multi-day Excursions (800 places) If you’re in Zurich for more than a day and craving to explore beyond the city limits, multi-day excursions offer a great way to soak in some Swiss variety without the rush. Take the train to the Engadin valley for a few nights,St. Moritz isn’t just for winter sports, it’s stunning year-round. Or head northwest to… Explore
Private Tours (766 places) If you want to see Zurich in a way that feels personal, private tours are a great bet. Instead of joining a group of strangers, you get a guide all to yourself or just your small crew. And trust me, this changes everything , your pace, where you pause, what you ask about. I’ve done a few of these around Zurich, mostly… Explore
Heritage Sites (732) • Cultural Tours (730) • Historical Landmarks (702) • Guided Walks (700) •

Top Things To Do in Zurich

See All →

Top Things To Do in Zurich

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.4M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide French RivieraMy Guide FlorenceMy Guide Slovenia

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
MorningAfternoonEvening

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel
Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again