Lifestyle in Zurich

You can expect a well-balanced and fun lifestyle in Zurich despite the stereotype that it’s a sedate banking capital. The city has great shopping, excellent nightlife and some superb restaurants. Its lakeside location and surrounding countryside provide a number of exciting opportunities for outdoor activities.

Shopping in Zurich

Zurich’s shopping scene ranges from high-end boutiques to lively flea markets. Bahnhofstrasse is the city’s main shopping thoroughfare, home to department stores and jewellery shops like Bucherer and Beyer, alongside luxury brands such as Bulgari, Cartier, and Gucci. It remains one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets.

For a glimpse into the city’s sweeter side, you should visit famed chocolate confectioners such as Confiserie Sprüngli or Teuscher. Well-crafted Swiss hallmarks, like Swiss Army knives, cuckoo clocks, watches and embroidery, can be found at the Schweizer Heimatwerk cooperative.

The Helvetiaplatz flea market is a worthy Tuesday and Friday morning excursion, with fresh produce, cheese, and seasonal flowers. On Saturdays, the same location transforms into the Kanzlei Flea Market, Switzerland’s largest year-round second-hand bazaar with up to 400 traders.

The Hauptbahnhof station also features ShopVille, which has numerous shops. The Niederdorf district and the narrow streets of the Old Town have eclectic offerings for those who prefer trendy boutiques and speciality shops. Don’t miss Rennweg for international clothing brands and Storchengasse for luxury designer shopping. Artwork is sold in Schipfe Street.

Entertainment and eating out in Zurich

Zurich’s food and entertainment options suit all tastes, from upscale dining to casual eateries. The food scene keeps changing, especially in Zurich-West, once an industrial zone but now filled with creative restaurants and skilled chefs. Kreis 3, 4 & 5 districts have become popular for foodies, hosting events like Kreislauf weekends, where local culinary talent takes centre stage.

Grab a table with a view at one of the lakeside restaurants and enjoy your meal while gazing across Lake Zurich. Restaurant scenes change over time, but you’ll always find excellent Swiss dishes alongside global cuisine throughout the city. When summer hits, tables spill onto pavements and terraces, letting you soak up the sunshine while you eat.

Culture vultures will appreciate Zurich’s entertainment venues. Catch world-class performances at the Zurich Opera House, international shows at Theatre 11, or the latest films at the five-screen Houdini cinema complex. Summer brings the chance to watch movies under the stars at Dolder Wave open-air cinema – just bring a blanket or sink into a beach chair for the full experience.

Nightlife in Zurich

Zurich after dark surprises many visitors with its lively atmosphere and variety of venues. The city draws all types of night owls, from banking professionals to creative types, with venues for almost every taste and music preference.

The winding streets of Niederdorf transform at night into a buzzing social scene with alternative spots and traditional bars. Clubs and bars pack the Zurich-West area, which has shed its industrial past to become a trendy nightlife hub.

The area around Paradeplatz has a good selection of upmarket lounges and hotel bars for those seeking a more sophisticated evening out. The former red-light district of Langstrasse still retains its edgy appeal and is worth checking out for something different, now home to everything from international eateries to contemporary music clubs.

Outdoor activities and sports in Zurich

Zurich’s stunning surroundings offer year-round outdoor pursuits to suit any season. If you’re active, you can hit the ski slopes at numerous resorts within 90 minutes of downtown, with areas like Hoch Ybrig easily reached by public transport. When the snow melts, hundreds of well-marked hiking trails beckon.

Lake Zurich becomes a summertime hotspot for water activities, particularly swimming. The river area around the Letten hydroelectric power plant draws crowds looking to cool off, while official bathing areas (known locally as badis) provide more structured lake access. More adventurous types can try stand-up paddling, dragon boat racing, and other water sports throughout the warmer months.

Sports enthusiasts can follow Zurich’s two major football teams: FC Zurich and Grasshopper Club Zurich (the oldest club in the city, founded in 1886). Both teams play their home matches at the Letzigrund Stadium and compete in the Swiss Football League. The city also offers numerous public sports facilities and fitness areas where locals and visitors alike can stay active year-round.

See and do in Zurich

There’s plenty to see and do in Zurich, and some of its best sights and activities are free. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, consider buying a Zurich Card, which gives you free use of local transport, admission to museums, and free drinks at several bars for up to 72 hours.

Below are some of the most popular attractions in Zurich.

Grossmünster

This iconic twin-towered Romanesque church stands as Zurich's most recognisable landmark. According to legend, Charlemagne founded the church on the spot where the city's patron saints were martyred. The Grossmünster played a pivotal role in Swiss history as the birthplace of the Swiss-German Reformation under Huldrych Zwingli. Climb the 187 steps up the south tower for spectacular panoramic views across the Old Town and lake.

Kunsthaus Zurich

Famed for its Munch, Chagall, Picasso, Monet, Rothko and Expressionist collections, the Kunsthaus holds many treasures within its attractive premises and is the perfect outing for a rainy day.

Niederdorf

The traditional heart of Zurich is home to intimate cafés, old bars and street performers. Some buildings date back to the 15th century and host fashion shops, bookshops, boutique shops and antique dealers.

Rhine Falls

Take a day trip to the little town of Schaffhausen, home to the spectacular Rhine Falls – Europe’s largest waterfall. This natural spectacle is at its most impressive after the snow melts in late spring. On the hill above it is the medieval Schloss Laufen, and it’s one of the best places to watch the fireworks on Swiss National Day.

Fraumünster Church

The distinctive blue spire of Fraumünster is one of Zurich’s most emblematic sights. Founded in 853, it stands sentinel over the old Münsterhof square. Look out for the Romanesque choir and its Chagall-designed stained-glass windows.

Swiss National Museum

The Swiss National Museum provides an illuminating study of Swiss life over the centuries. The building itself is impressive, and once inside, you will find Stone Age tools, medieval treasures and gilded weaponry. Beyond the exhibits, many visitors appreciate its spectacular modern extension alongside the castle-like historic structure.

Zurich Zoo

This eco-friendly centre is dedicated to nature conservation and protecting endangered species. The zoo houses hundreds of species and several thousand animals within authentically recreated ecosystems, such as the exotic Madagascan Rainforest and Ethiopian Highlands.

Meeting people and making friends in Zurich

Making new connections in Zurich takes a bit of effort, but the city offers plenty of ways to build your social circle. Swiss social circles may take time to break into, but understanding local customs makes a big difference. In Switzerland, newcomers typically introduce themselves rather than wait for others to make the first move. Don’t be discouraged if relationships develop more slowly than in other countries – once established, Swiss friendships tend to be deep and enduring.

The American International Club of Zurich ranks among the most established expat organisations, bringing together people with shared interests. If you’re a working woman looking for professional connections, check out the Women’s Group Zurich, where you’ll find networking opportunities and career-focused meetups.

The city has tons of Meetup groups covering every interest imaginable. There are also language exchange groups, which can serve two purposes: boosting your German skills and connecting with both locals and fellow expats.

Useful links

• Zurich Meetup Groups
• American International Club of Zurich
• Professional Women’s Group Zurich
• UZH/ETH Language Center