zurich limmat river day time

Zurich Holidays

Flight + Hotel

Zurich: culture, cuisine and creativity

Zurich holidays immerse you in a city renowned for celebrating the finer things in life.

This cosmopolitan city is one of Europe’s most attractive capitals, with a Michelin-starred restaurant or high-end boutique seemingly on every elegant street.

Jump on a tram to the Old Town and sip coffee in atmospheric cafes, before gazing at artwork by the likes of Picasso, Monet and Munch in the Kunsthaus museum.

The Limmat River and Lake Zurich offer serene waterfront wonders, while the imposing mountains nearby make the city a great base for hiking and winter sports.

Our Zurich holiday packages offer you the chance to sample everything this magical city has to offer.

lake geneva zurich

Things to do in Zurich

Culturally vibrant, naturally beautiful and boasting some of Europe’s best shopping and dining, Zurich is a true Swiss sensation.

street with flags zurich

Basslines and big beats

Time your Zurich holiday for early August to join one of Europe's biggest dance music parties.

The annual Street Parade event is a celebration of unity and peace and features the best electronic tunes from the pioneers of house and techno. 

Close to a million revellers from across the globe party from midday through to the early hours as the parade passes Lake Zurich. It’s a riot of colour and noise, and a slice of Zurich’s alternative side.

Where to stay in Zurich

Experience the old town 

If you’re on a Zurich city break for a weekend, then pack in as much as possible by staying close to the Old Town. 

This historic melting pot is packed with medieval churches, Renaissance architecture and fascinating statues that line cobbled streets.

After dark, the area is home to some vibrant nightlife with an eclectic mix of live music venues and exclusive restaurants.

zurich overlooking the river at night
boats moored on the waters of lake zurich

A luxury stay on Bahnhofstrasse

For an indulgent luxury holiday in Zurich, there's only one place to stay – the Bahnhofstrasse.

The city's most exclusive district is home to high-quality hotels such as the legendary Savoy Baur en Ville as well as some of Zurich's best designer fashion stores and independent boutiques.

There’s also a collection of amazing restaurants, including Michelin-starred eateries offering exquisite twists on classic French and Italian cuisine. 

A family retreat to the south 

The leafy residential quarters of Wollishofen and Enge are perfect spots for family holidays in Zurich, offering a quiet break to the south of the city.

You'll also have the ideal chance to discover Zurich's botanical gardens, the Rietberg Museum and the FIFA World Football Museum, which celebrates the 'Beautiful Game' with exhibits and interactive installations. 

aerial view of the zurich city skyline with the swiss flag in the foreground

All you need to know about Zurich

Local currency 

The Swiss franc (CHF) is the local currency and is accepted all over Zurich. There are plenty of ATMs, while debit and credit cards are widely accepted.

Language

The official language of Zurich is German – although most people speak a Swiss variant. Switzerland’s other national languages are Italian, French and Romansh. English is widely spoken in Zurich, especially in hotels and restaurants.

Plugs

Switzerland uses two types of plug, type C with two round pins and type J with three round pins. Supply voltage is 230V and frequency 50Hz.

Public transport 

Taxis are widely available and Zurich also has an excellent public transport system, with bus, tram and train networks interconnecting across the city. Buy an all-in-one travel ticket for the best value.

More about Zurich

Local culture 

Zurich has a cosmopolitan feel, with people from across the globe attracted to the city due to its status as a world-leading hub for banking, finance and tech. 

Cutting-edge creatives are also swept up by the city’s charm, with artists and fashion designers coming together to leave their mark on a city with a proud cultural legacy.  

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Zurich, but Swiss people take a fairly laidback approach to socialising and evenings out are normally quieter than in some of Europe’s other major cities.

colourful houses in zurich city centre
melted cheese fondue can be enjoyed in zurich

The cuisine scene 

Try the zurcher geschnetzeltes, a Swiss classic of thin veal slices cooked with mushrooms, cream, onions and wine that offers an authentic flavour of Zurich. 

Or go for the kalberwurst, a dish of veal, ground crackers and mild spiced sausage slow-cooked in a thick onion gravy.
 
Other favourites include rich and creamy fondues, melted cheese served on a bed of rosti potatoes and gherkins as well a malakoff – fried cheese balls often enjoyed as a starter.

Europe's first-ever vegetarian restaurant, Haus Hiltl, opened here back in 1898 and is still one of the city’s most popular spots.  

Back to the future 

Zurich holiday packages allow you to explore a city that has reinvented itself in exciting ways. 

Once a place where ships were built, the Schiffbau building is a major cultural centre that’s home to three theatre stages – the Schiffbauhalle, the Box and the Matchbox – as well as a jazz club and restaurant. 

Similarly, Zurich’s former Hürlimann brewery has been transformed into a boutique hotel and spa, while the one-time Puls 5 foundry has been given a new lease of life as an event space and leisure hub.

zurich church towers overlook the city

Why we love Zurich

"In Zurich, you’ll fall in love with the cosmopolitan feel of the Old Town and the stylish people. There are also plenty of quirky cafes and restaurants to discover, along with serene lakes.”

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