Good to know
Good to Know
- The Kunsthaus Zürich is exceptionally large; allocate at least 3-4 hours for a full visit across the two connected buildings (Moser and Chipperfield).
- Most Zurich museums are closed on Mondays—plan your visits accordingly.
- The Zürich Card is excellent value for 1-3 day visits; a single museum entry (e.g., FIFA Museum) often recoups the card cost, while unlimited transport within the card zones is a significant bonus.
- Zurich's Old Town (Altstadt) is highly walkable; the main artery Niederdorfstrasse can be covered in an hour, or 3 hours if exploring side streets and lakeside areas.
- Churches (Grossmünster and Fraumünster) both charge modest CHF 5 for entry/tower climbs, but are iconic landmarks visible from multiple city vantage points.
- Wednesday free admission to Kunsthaus collection is a significant saving if timing allows.
- Swiss Travel Pass is more valuable for multi-region trips; for Zurich-only stays, the Zürich Card is more economical.
- Many museums offer free admission with the Zürich Card, but verification at entrance is necessary as some discounts apply only to adults.
Major Museums
Kunsthaus Zürich
- Type
- Art Museum
- Location
- Central location, walkable from Old Town and main railway station
- Visit Duration Hours
- 3-4
- Description
- Switzerland's largest art museum by area, housing a comprehensive collection spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, including pieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and Swiss artists like Alberto Giacometti and Ferdinand Hodler. Recently expanded with a modern David Chipperfield-designed wing.
Admission
- Collection Only
- CHF 0.00
- Note
- Collection free to all on Wednesdays; otherwise free admission to collection with paid exhibitions available for additional CHF 7
Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum Zürich)
- Type
- Cultural History Museum
- Location
- Behind main railway station (Hauptbahnhof), easily accessible
- Visit Duration Hours
- 2-3
- Description
- Primary museum of Swiss cultural history with castle-like main building and modern extension. Comprehensive collection spanning from medieval sculpture and Italian Baroque paintings to Dada artworks and contemporary pieces. Shows the development of Switzerland from early beginnings to present day.
Admission
- Adult
- CHF 13
- Children Under 16
- CHF 0.00
Museum Rietberg
- Type
- Non-European Art Museum
- Location
- Central suburb of Enge, slightly outside city center but accessible by public transport
- Visit Duration Hours
- 2-3
- Description
- Only art museum in Switzerland dedicated to non-European cultures, housed within 16 acres of serene parkland in central Enge suburb. Features Asian, African, and Oceanic art collections.
Museum Haus Konstruktiv
- Type
- Contemporary Art - Constructivism
- Location
- Central city location
- Admission
- CHF 18
- Visit Duration Hours
- 1-2
- Description
- Museum dedicated to concrete, constructive, and conceptual art, housed in a light-filled former power station in the city center. Features permanent installations including a 1964 dining room designed by Swiss artist Fritz Glarner.
Museum Für Gestaltung (Design Museum)
- Type
- Design & Applied Arts
- Location
- City center
- Visit Duration Hours
- 1.5-2
- Description
- Museum of design showcasing Swiss design icons, graphics, posters, applied art, and design-related topics. Main building at Ausstellungsstrasse; includes Museum Bellerive focusing on design with exhibitions on topics like watchmaking, fashion, and artful knitting.
Cabaret Voltaire
- Type
- Dada Movement Historic Site
- Location
- Old Town, less than 10 minutes walk from Kunsthaus
- Admission
- CHF 5.00
- Visit Duration Hours
- 1
- Description
- Birthplace of the Dada art movement (founded 1916), where Hugo Ball and Emmy Hennings initiated this radical anti-war art movement. Now a cultural hub hosting exhibitions, performances, and talks.
Migros Museum Für Gegenwartskunst
- Type
- Contemporary Art
- Location
- Löwenbräu-Areal (Zürich-West district)
- Description
- Leading institution for contemporary art located in the vibrant Löwenbräu-Areal. Features cutting-edge international exhibitions with focus on socially engaged, conceptual, and experimental practices.
Admission
- Note
- Free admission to main exhibitions
Kunsthalle Zürich
- Type
- Contemporary Art
- Location
- Löwenbräu-Areal (Zürich-West district)
- Description
- Significant institution in Zurich's art scene, established 1985. Moved to Löwenbräu-Areal in mid-90s as part of creative industrial district redevelopment.
Historic Landmarks
Grossmünster
- Details
- Features ornate bronze doors, stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti, and simple interior with historic crypt.
- Location
- Old Town, right bank of Limmat River, central
- Description
- Twin-towered Romanesque cathedral, iconic symbol of Zurich and most recognizable landmark. Built on site of Roman burial ground, opened in 1220. Key site in the Protestant Reformation under leadership of Huldrych Zwingli.
Tower Climb
- Cost
- CHF 5.00
- Steps
- 187
- Description
- Panoramic views of city and Limmat River from tower top
Fraumünster
- Type
- Historic Church
- Details
- Includes crypt tour and historical exploration
- Location
- Old Town, left bank of Limmat River, easily visible in skyline
- Admission
- CHF 5.00
- Description
- Founded in 853 by King Louis the German as a convent for noblewomen. Distinctive green copper-topped spire. Renowned for five stunning stained-glass windows created by Marc Chagall.
St. Peter Church (Peterskirche)
- Location
- Old Town, central location
- Description
- Oldest church in Zurich, boasting the largest permanent working clock face in Europe and the 19th largest in the world.
Münsterbrücke
- Type
- Historic Bridge
- Location
- Old Town, central
- Description
- Historic bridge at the heart of Zurich connecting the city across the Limmat River, linking the two iconic landmark churches (Fraumünster and Grossmünster).
Lindenhof
- Location
- Old Town, elevated position
- Visit Duration Hours
- 1-2
- Description
- Picturesque historic hilltop with panoramic views of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and surrounding areas. Archaeological remains of Roman fort and ancient city walls. Important in Zurich's history since 80 BC.
Old Town (Altstadt)
- Location
- Central Zurich
- Walking Time Main Artery
- 1 hour
- Walking Time With Side Streets
- 3 hours
- Description
- Charming medieval district with narrow, cobblestone streets, historic churches, and hidden courtyards. Heart of Zurich's guild culture with historical guild houses dating back to the Middle Ages. Niederdorf quarter particularly notable with oriel windows and picturesque architecture.
Bahnhofstrasse
- Location
- Central, easily accessible from main station
- Description
- One of the world's most exclusive shopping streets stretching from main train station to Lake Zurich shores. Lined with prestigious boutiques, luxury watchmakers, art galleries, and Swiss department stores. No cars allowed, but served by trams.
Rathaus (Town Hall)
- Location
- Central, across Limmat River from Bahnhofstrasse
- Description
- Stately riverfront building dating back to late 17th century with Gothic-style architecture and intricate carvings. Stunning piece of architecture surrounded by beautiful views.
Notable Dada History
Cabaret Voltaire, founded by Hugo Ball
- Fact
- Zurich is birthplace of Dada movement (1916), a radical anti-war art movement
Museums With Dada Collections
- Swiss National Museum
- Kunsthaus Zürich
Practical Visiting Tips
Most museums closed Mondays
- Importance
- High
Visit Kunsthaus on Wednesdays for free collection admission
- Importance
- High
Medium
- Tip
- Audio guides available at Kunsthaus for CHF 4 at counter, free with online ticket purchase
High
- Tip
- Plan 3-4 hours minimum for Kunsthaus full visit across both buildings
Children under 16 enter Swiss National Museum free
- Importance
- Medium
Low
- Tip
- Virtual navigation available online for Kunsthaus to plan route in advance
Many museum shops and cafés available on-site
- Importance
- Medium
High
- Tip
- Zurich Card purchased online requires no printing; use via app with barcode for transport and QR code for attractions
Museum Passes And Discounts
Zürich Card
- Value Assessment
- Particularly cost-effective for visitors staying 1-3 days in city only; single museum visits (e.g., FIFA Museum save CHF 26 alone) plus transport often pay for card
- Note
- Most museums closed Mondays. Digital pass delivered via app; no need to print.
Prices
24 Hours
- 24 Hours
- CHF 29
72 Hours
- 72 Hours
- CHF 56
Inclusions
- Unlimited 2nd class travel on trams, buses, trains, boats, funiculars, and cable cars in city and surrounding zones
- Free admission to majority of Zurich's museums (approximately 50 establishments linked to Zurich Museums Association)
- Mini lake cruise included
- Small river cruise included
- 50% discount on public city tours by Zurich Tourism
- 30% discount to FIFA Museum
- 10% discount at Lindt Home of Chocolate
- 50% discount at Kulturama Museum of Mankind
- 10% or more discount in selected local shops
- Culinary surprises at partner restaurants (free aperitif or chocolates)
Duration Options
- 24 hours
- 72 hours
Swiss Museum Pass
- Note
- Applicable to many Zurich museums; broader coverage than Zurich Card but for year-round travel
- Description
- Annual pass providing free admission to over 500 museums throughout Switzerland
Swiss Travel Pass
- Best For
- Multi-city trips, day excursions outside Zurich, mountain railways
- Note
- For Zurich-only stays of 1-3 days, Zurich Card is more cost-effective
- Description
- Unlimited travel on Swiss trains, buses, boats, and trams nationwide with free admission to 500+ museums included
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Zurich
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.