Old Town
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Also known as Alstadt, Zurich's historical center is a cool mix of old and new. It's home to iconic churches like the twin towers of Grossmunster as well as Fraumunster, which is famous for its stained glass windows. You can also climb up Lindenhof Hill for a bird's eye view of the town and walk the pedestrianized streets of Niederdorf and Limmatquai—they are lively with shops by day and packed with nightlife as the sun goes down.
Join a walking tour to explore the medieval alleyways or hop on a cruise along River Limmat for a different view of the picturesque Old Town. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Old Town
The area
Neighborhood: Hochschulen
How to get there
- Zurich Central Station • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,734 within 3 miles
Attractions
297 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,218 reviews
Excellent
3,157
Very good
1,727
Average
297
Poor
27
Terrible
11
greenwood j
Dubai, United Arab Emirates23 contributions
Dec 2022
beautiful town,beautiful buildings and very live.many shops and restaurants,lots to see.amazing photos
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
L H
Chicago, IL1,879 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Very charming. More restaurants (mostly Italian!) than shopping, but some interesting stores. People are pretty nice in general, and usually can speak decent English (if you don’t speak German). There’s an incredible upscale Christmas market with high-end chocolate, textiles, oysters & champagne.
Zürich in general has good food & shopping, but way too many smokers! Also, not being in the EU, the currency is inconvenient if visiting other European countries, and a nasty surprise trying for a tax refund at the airport if you didn’t get other European receipts stamped at customs in separate countries before flying back to the US from Switzerland (a major hassle if traveling by train throughout Europe, as the stamps apparently only done at airports).
Zürich in general has good food & shopping, but way too many smokers! Also, not being in the EU, the currency is inconvenient if visiting other European countries, and a nasty surprise trying for a tax refund at the airport if you didn’t get other European receipts stamped at customs in separate countries before flying back to the US from Switzerland (a major hassle if traveling by train throughout Europe, as the stamps apparently only done at airports).
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rui PInto
17 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
You have Switzerland and you have Zurich. Arriving by train at the Central Station is quite an experience. Just go immediately to the Bahnhof mstrasse and by the end cross one of the Bridges to the other side of the city. Incredible views and buildings everywhere.
Written January 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MKTBE
Topeka, KS2,977 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
The Old Town area of Zurich is indeed a treasure. The historic heart of Zurich lies on both sides of the Limmat River. Here beautiful churches, historic squares, Medieval houses, and hidden-away places nestle alongside each other. Highlights include Grossmunster Cathedral, St. Peters Church, Fraumunster Church, the beautiful Giacometti Murals in the lobby of the Police Station, Kunsthaus Zurich, winding Cobblestone Alleys, Parks, Fountains, Statues, all alongside of the lovely Limmat River. We spent a lovely, rainy day exploring Old Town Zurich!
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dave J
Liverpool, UK1,003 contributions
Dec 2022
Lots to see walking through the old town streets, lots of shops, bars, and restaurants, we went in December and there where lots of Christmas market stalls up and down the streets
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Faith_and_Me
Brisbane, Australia368 contributions
Dec 2022
We spent 3 day walking around and sure we still only saw half of it. Lovely buildings with plenty of decorations for Krismas. It’s also so lovely walking along the river down to the lake, great little shops and laneways to explore.
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
davidandmel
Birmingham, UK1,618 contributions
Dec 2022
nZurich has a beautiful old town with some lovely buildings and a buzzing atmosphere. Lots of shopping and refreshment options
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason S
Melbourne, Australia1,317 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Fabulous area to roam around and explore, lots of nice alley ways all steeped in history.
I would say it’s the best area to stay in for tourist close to all you need to do in Zurich.
Lots to see and do so keep camera handy as some nice photos to be taken.
Xmas market/stalls in the area a real treat in December.
I would say it’s the best area to stay in for tourist close to all you need to do in Zurich.
Lots to see and do so keep camera handy as some nice photos to be taken.
Xmas market/stalls in the area a real treat in December.
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kkschin
Dallas, TX12 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Lovely and lively old town…nice for a stroll and to sit at a sidewalk cafe and have a beer and chat with others.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
andy6999
Dona Paula, India431 contributions
Oct 2022
A walk through the old town is an absolute must-do when in Zurich. The lovely cobblestone paths and the majestic and impressive buildings and churches will take you back in time.
Such a charming city, Zurich.
Such a charming city, Zurich.
Written November 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ריקי ג
Haifa, Israel3 contributions
אני אהיה במלון romantik hotel europe
כתוב שזה במרחק 400 מטר ממרכז העיר האם הכוונה לעיר העתיקה? ואם לא כמה רחוק מלון זה מהעיר העתיקה?
Armel F
New York City, NY142 contributions
Romantik Hotel is a block south of the Opera House near the north end of Lake Zurich. You are just several blocks south of AltStadt or Old Town, often considered the city centre. However, be sure to cross the bridges and walk along Bahnhofstrasse also. That is equivalent to Manhattan's Fifth Avenue.
Chrissy61
Kennesaw, GA37 contributions
Just flew into town and leave tomorrow afternoon. Wanted to visit Old Town today. Is there a map of bars, restaurants, chocolate shops, etc?
Armel F
New York City, NY142 contributions
MySwitzerland website provides great tips and maps depending on preference, e.g., food, museums, etc.
VTHUIL27
Singapore, Singapore182 contributions
Any introduction of a nice hotel to stay for a great view of the river at night...??
As I’m gonna stay in old town with 3 others . Before heading off to Neuchatel the next day.
Suggestions for breakfast/lunch & dinner by the river around this area ..
Please advise on the transportation from the airport too , please.
Much appreciated.
Roman K
Hong Kong183 contributions
Hotel Zum Storchen is FANTASTIC if you must have river views. If you don't want to spend quite that much, Hotel Central also has river views and is across the river from the train station. Lastly, Hotel St. Gotthard is great as well, right on Bahnhofstrasse. Remember Zurich is small and everything is within easy walking distance. Enjoy!
ezervou
Athens, Greece17 contributions
My husband and I wil visit Zurich for weekend on March (by airplane). We want to visit Old Town. Where else should we go?
Where have to book a hotel?
Linda1172
Detroit, MI21 contributions
I am a single traveler and would appreciate budget hotel information for Altstadt. Thank you!
RicardoBarroso
Lisbon, Portugal130 contributions
I stayed in the hotel - Hotel du Théâtre By Fassbind
Is good ;)
Samantha M
25 contributions
Somebody needs to correct this address for old town, I've just spent an hour walking only for it to be the Crowne plaza!
shunky
Dromara, UK164 contributions
Get a free city map. Walking route on it takes u around the old town. Or use Google!
Iza_advisor
Niteroi, RJ846 contributions
Eu gostaria de visitar Zurique, mas a hospedagem na cidade é muito cara. Há boas sugestões de outras cidades próximas (de preferência entre Zurique e Lucerna)?
Iza_advisor
Niteroi, RJ846 contributions
Tenho procurado no AirBNB ;)
Você tem também recomendação da melhor localização?
anto915
Barcelona, Spain9 contributions
Hola!
Una pregunta sobre la salida y entrada del aeropuerto... es fácil y expedita? tengo una escala también en esa ciudad... y me encantó la idea de visitar el centro histórico.
Toaoa
Zurich, Switzerland317 contributions
Si, hay un tren de cercanias que sale cada 10 minutos durante el dia directamente al centro. La viaje dura approx. 15 minutos
galitdagan
Mexico City, Mexico
יש לי 8 שעות קונקשן בציריך. מה ניתן לעשות בזמן הזה מלבד להשאר בשדה?
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest an editOld Town (Zurich) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Town
- Old Town is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Old Town tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 29 Old Town tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Old Town:
- Zurich Highlights Sightseeing Tour (From $38.70)
- Zurich City Highlights Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride (From $68.26)
- Swiss Chocolate Walking Tour of Zurich (From $34.13)
- The Great Tour of Zurich (From $65.99)
- Zurich Tour: 6 hours on shore, on water, in the air! (From $95.39)
- Hotels near Old Town:
- (0.17 mi) Hotel Adler Zürich
- (0.18 mi) Hotel Alexander
- (0.14 mi) Hotel Scheuble
- (0.17 mi) Best Western Plus Hotel Zuercherhof
- (0.17 mi) Hotel St. Josef
- Restaurants near Old Town:
- (0.03 mi) Hirschberg
- (0.04 mi) Cafe Neumaert
- (0.07 mi) Rechberg 1837
- (0.08 mi) Kantorei
- (0.08 mi) New Bombay
- Attractions near Old Town:
- (0.14 mi) Zoological Museum
- (0.10 mi) Predigerkirche
- (0.09 mi) Haus zum Rech
- (0.09 mi) Musee Visionnaire Zurich
- (0.06 mi) Meinrad's Puppe - Teddybaren