When in Zurich, you can’t bypass its medieval center. And when you get there, make sure to check out these 10 gems Old Town Zurich is proud of.
Last updated: June 5, 2024
What Exactly Can You Find in Old Town Zurich?
Those who visited Zurich, Switzerland, at least once admit that the place is a prime destination for all types of travelers. And while the whole city ensures a great time for any visitor, Old Town Zurich takes the role of a main entertainer.
With its medieval charm intermixed with modern ideas, Old Town Zurich fulfills its duties to the fullest. It goes so well, that you might not even want to venture everywhere else outside of the original city limits. Ready for this? Here are 10 places in Old Town Zurich you simply can’t miss. So let’s put all our energy and focus on the old center of Zurich and see what it has to offer.
FOCUS ON OLD TOWN ZURICH: 10 OF THE BEST PLACES YOU MUST SEE
1. Bahnhofstrasse
Everything you can think of high-end shopping comes to life on Bahnhofstrasse. Extended for over a mile, the street is known as one of the world’s most expensive destinations. But even if the latest fashion trends are the last things on your mind, you can’t miss this prime location OF Old Town Zurich. With many places to enjoy art and traditional Swiss cuisine, Bahnhofstrasse truly deserves a visit or two.
2. Lindenhof
Lindenhof is one of the most sought-after places in Old Town Zurich with panoramic views of the city. Located on Lindenhof Hill, the square is a short walk up narrow stairs away from the bank of the Limmat River.
3. Augustinergasse
Of all of the places in Old Town Zurich, Augustinergasse presents that specific, unique charm and old-fashioned appeal. The medieval lane with centuries-old architecture and a handful of eateries gives you a break from the busy city and takes you back in time.
4. St. Peter’s Church
The St. Peter’s Church is one of the oldest and cherished churches in Zurich. Set on Peterhofstatt, a square adjacent to Augustinergasse, the church is the owner of the largest clock face in Europe.
5. Fraumünster
While exploring the treasures of Old Town Zurich, you simply can’t miss pointed spires of the Fraumünster Church. Famous for its windows designed by Chagall and Giacometti, the church has become the symbol and one of the most photographed places in the city.
6. Grossmünster
You don’t need to go far to see another symbol of Zurich. Located on the opposite side of the Münsterbrücke Bridge, the Grossmünster offers some of the best views not only in Old Town Zurich but the entire city. While it’s not the most beautiful church, the views from its south tower, Karlsturm, are all it takes to forget this shortcoming.
7. Münsterhof Square
As the name suggests, the Münsterhof Square is located not far from the famous “Münsters” of Zurich (the Fraumünster and the Grossmünster). Similar to these two symbols of the city, the Münsterhof with its medieval guild houses and big fountain in the middle is one of the places you can’t miss while strolling the streets of the old town.
8. Wasserkirche
The bank of the Limmat River is home to yet another attraction of Old Town Zurich. The Wasserkirche was originally built on an island in the river where it’s believed the city’s patron saints, Felix and Regula, were executed. The construction of Limmatquai ended the life of the island. Today the Wasserkirche is a riverfront church and one of the highlights of the Old Town of Zurich.
9. Bürkliplatz
Not part of the original medieval city, the Bürkliplatz got its break as one of the places not to miss in Zurich after old fortification walls were torn down. A few years of hard work that followed transformed the lakeside park area into a prominent square, as it’s known today.
10. Limmatquai
The Limmatquai is one of the most photogenic streets in Old Town Zurich thanks to its waterfront location. Add to it stunning views of the Grossmünster and Wasserkirche along with a profusion of places to eat and shop, and you found another favorite spot you want to see more of.
